2017 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) DRAFT

Home Browse Search

The Regional Planning Council (formerly the Continuum of Care),which includes the Cities of South Bend and Mishawaka, continued to meet monthly to discuss program status and funding opportunities, and to address the broader issues of homelessness and service in the community. In 2015, on behalf of efforts related to the St.Joseph County CoC, the City of South Bend contracted ' with the Corporation for Supportive Housing's (CSH) National Consulting Team to explore the action steps needed to bring the CoC into compliance with current federal guidance and regulations, and ' consider the option of merging with the Balance of State (BOS). After review and consultation with CSH, the St.Joseph County CoC unanimously approved reaching out and pursing the process to join the Balance of State.The merger was completed in 2017. Actions taken to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service ' agencies. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) 1.The St.Joseph County Continuum of Care merged with the IN Balance of State (BoS) in 2017. Efforts to formalize the current structure of the Regional Planning Council (formerly the Continuum of Care) are ongoing. Monthly, as well as special topic Regional Planning Council meetings, were held throughout ' the year. 2.The Public Housing Authority Is a member of the CoC. Identify actions taken to overcome the effects of any impediments identified in the jurisdictions analysis of impediments to fair housing choice. 91.520(a) • Racial & Ethnic Minority Concentrations—there is minimal racial and ethnic integration across St.Joseph County, South Bend and Mishawaka.The presence of racial/ethnic segregation presents challenges to fair housing as segregation is linked to economic and service disparities. • Individuals with Limited English Proficiency—languages spoken across the county show significant diversity. More than half of non-native English speakers report speaking English less than very well. Limited capacity to communicate hinders access to housing and public services that promote fair housing. • Protected Class Status& Unemployment—significant variation exists in the unemployment rate of the county and cities across gender, race, and ethnicity. Unemployment has severe ' implications for fair housing as it effects disposable income for household expenses. • Housing Rental Costs—disparity exists between the salary earned by minimum wage laborers and the fair market rent (FMR) established by HUD.The FMR for a 2-BR apartment is$792. A minimum wage laborer must work 85 hours a week to afford the rent. • Housing Affordability-disparity exists in the affordability of housing. Median housing values have increased while median income has decreased.There is a disparity in the affordability of a ' house across race/ethnicity with the housing prices of the area. • Protected Class Status& Household Size -the majority of minority families have three or more persons within their households; however, rentals are primarily 1-BR and 2-BR units. Lower CAPER 23 ' OMB Control No:2506-0117(exp.06/30/2018)