11-A
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
FROM: Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME- ARP) Allocation Plan and adopt Resolution No. 23-10 – A Resolution approving the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan; authorizing the City Manager to submit the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
DATE: March 27, 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) appropriated $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funds for homelessness assistance and supportive services to be administered through the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME-ARP). The City of Bellflower has been allocated $1,301,749 in HOME-ARP funding, which must be used for eligible activities benefiting qualifying populations. To receive the funds, the City must submit an allocation plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by March 31, 2023, which must include a consultation and public participation process.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Open the public hearing; take documentary and testimonial evidence; and after considering the evidence, adopt Resolution No. 23-10 – A Resolution approving the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan; authorizing the City Manager to submit the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City received $1,301,749 in HOME-ARP funding to be spent on eligible activities.
- Page 1 of 21 -
Staff Report – HOME-ARP Allocation Plan March 27, 2023
DISCUSSION
HOME-ARP funding must be used for activities that must primarily benefit qualifying individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations. These activities can include: (1) development and support of affordable housing; (2) tenant-based rental assistance; (3) provision of supportive services; and (4) acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units.
ARP defines qualifying individuals or families as those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking, and veterans and their families who meet certain criteria. ARP also qualifies those who may not fit into these categories, but who need supportive services to prevent homelessness or to address the risk of housing instability.
The City must engage in a consultation and public participation process, develop a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, and submit it to HUD as a substantial amendment to its Fiscal Year 2021 annual action plan by no later than March 31, 2023. The complete HOME-ARP plan is submitted to HUD as a substantial amendment to the FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan. Failure to submit a Plan by the deadline will result in the automatic loss of HOME-ARP funding.
To prepare the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, the City of Bellflower consulted with public and private entities who provided relevant knowledge about the needs, service gaps, and potential activities for the qualifying populations. Public outreach began in December 2022 and included surveys for residents and agencies. The City created an inventory of required agencies and contacted them via email or phone to participate in the survey. The survey asked for input on the preferred use of HOME-ARP funds and needs gaps. The survey was also posted on the City's website and social media.
The City received feedback from service providers indicating that affordable housing development and preservation is the top priority to address homelessness. Other identified priorities were tenant based rental assistance and supportive services for qualifying populations.
According to the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan’s needs assessment and gap analysis, affordable rental housing is found to be the highest priority need for qualifying populations in the area. Based on this finding and public input, staff recommends allocating HOME-ARP funds to administration/planning and the development of affordable rental housing. 15% ($195,262) of the funds would go to administration and planning, while 85% ($1,106,487) would be used to develop affordable rental housing.
This approach would help prevent families from becoming homeless and preserve emergency shelter and transitional housing for those who need it most.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 23-10....................................................................................................... 3 Draft City of Bellflower HOME-ARP Allocation Plan ........................................................ 6
- Page 2 of 21 -
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
RESOLUTION NO. 23-10
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE HOME-ARP ALLOCATION
PLAN; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE
HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)
THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law, providing over $1.9 trillion in relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, public health, State and local governments, individuals, and businesses.
B. Congress appropriated $5 billion in ARP funds to be administered through HOME to perform four activities that must primarily benefit qualifying individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations, including: (1) development and support of affordable housing, (2) tenant-based rental assistance, (3) provision of supportive services; and (4) acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units.
C. The program for the use of the $5 billion in ARP funds is the HOME- American Rescue Plan or “HOME-ARP.”
D. On April 8, 2021, HUD allocated HOME-ARP funds to 651 grantees, including the City of Bellflower, which was allocated $1,301,749 for HOME- ARP.
E. Pursuant to Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the City is required to amend its Fiscal Year (FY) Annual Action Plan to include HOME-ARP Activities.
F. The City Council must find that under the Federal guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the proposed HOME-ARP activities will benefit “qualified populations.”
G. The City prepared a draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and provided opportunities to receive public comments through a noticed public hearing held on March 27, 2023, and during this period provided for public review and comment of the draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.
SECTION 2. Approval. The City Council approves the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, attached as Attachment "A," and directs any necessary budgetary adjustments be incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget. - Page 3 of 21 -
City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 23-10
SECTION 3. Adoption. The City Council adopts the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, attached as Attachment "A," and incorporated by reference.
SECTION 4. Authorizations. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take reasonable action needed to implement this Resolution, including submittal of the Action Plan to the appropriate HUD office on behalf of the City. The City Manager, or designee, is further authorized to promulgate and implement administrative policies and procedures needed to effectuate the Action Plan.
SECTION 5. If any part of this Resolution or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Resolution are severable.
SECTION 6. Electronic Signatures. This Resolution may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
SECTION 7. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is hereby authorized to affix his signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed deputy, is directed to attest thereto.
SECTION 8. This Resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER THIS 27th DAY OF MARCH 2023 .
ATTEST: Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: Karl H. Berger, City Attorney Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
ATTACHMENT:
- Page 4 of 21 -
City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 23-10
Attachment A: HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan - Page 5 of 21 -
Substantial Amendment
Fiscal Year 2021-2022
Annual Action Plan
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
DRAFT
March 27, 2023
Submitted By:
CITY OF BELLFLOWER, CALIFORNIA
Economic Development Department
Housing and Grants Division
City of Bellflower
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, California 90706
- Page 6 of 21 -
Page | 1
Page intentionally left blank
- Page 7 of 21 -
Page | 2
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Consultation ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Summary of Consultation Process ............................................................................................................. 5 List of Organizations Consulted ................................................................................................................ 5 Summary of Feedback Received ................................................................................................................ 7 Public participation ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Describe the public participation process: ................................................................................................ 7 Describe efforts to broaden public participation: ..................................................................................... 8 Summarize the comments and recommendations received throughout the public participation process either in writing, or orally at a public hearing: ......................................................................................... 8 Summarize any comments or recommendations not accepted and stat the reason why: ....................... 8 Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis ......................................................................................................... 8 Describe the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within the PJ’s boundaries: . 9 Homeless as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 ...................................................................................................... 9 At Risk of Homelessness as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 ............................................................................. 10 Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking, as defined by HUD in the Notice .......................................................................... 10 Other populations requiring services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness and other populations at greatest risk of housing instability, as defined by HUD in the Notice ......................... 10 Identify any gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system: .................................................................................................................................................... 11 Under Section IV.4.2.ii.G of the HOME‐ARP Notice, a PJ may provide additional characteristics associated with instability and increased risk of homelessness in their HOME‐ARP allocation plan.
These characteristics will further refine the definition of “other populations” that are “At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability,” as established in the HOME‐ARP Notice............................................................ 11 Identify priority needs for qualifying populations: .................................................................................. 12 Explain how the PJ determined the level of need and gaps in the PJ’s shelter and housing inventory and service delivery systems based on the data presented in the plan: ........................................................ 12 HOME‐ARP Activities .................................................................................................................................. 13 Describe the method(s)that will be used for soliciting applications for funding and/or selecting developers, service providers, subrecipients and/or contractors: .......................................................... 13 - Page 8 of 21 -
Page | 3
Describe whether the PJ will administer eligible activities directly: ........................................................ 13 If any portion of the PJ’s HOME‐ARP administrative funds are provided to a subrecipient or contractor prior to HUD’s acceptance of the HOME‐ARP allocation plan because the subrecipient or contractor is responsible for the administration of the PJ’s entire HOME‐ARP grant, identify the subrecipient or contractor and describe its role and responsibilities in administering all of the PJ’s HOME‐ARP program: ................................................................................................................................................. 13 Use of HOME‐ARP Funding ..................................................................................................................... 14 Describe how the PJ will distribute HOME‐ARP funds in accordance with its priority needs identified in its needs assessment and gap analysis: .................................................................................................. 14 Describe how the characteristics of the shelter and housing inventory, service delivery system, and the needs identified in the gap analysis provided a rationale for the plan to fund eligible activities: ......... 14 HOME‐ARP Production Housing Goals ...................................................................................................... 15 Estimate the number of affordable rental housing units for qualifying populations that the PJ will produce or support with its HOME‐ARP allocation: ................................................................................ 15 Preferences, Prioritization, & Limitations ................................................................................................. 15 HOME‐ARP Refinancing Guidelines ........................................................................................................... 15
- Page 9 of 21 -
Page | 4
City of Bellflower
HOME‐ARP
Allocation Plan
Introduction
As part of Section 3205 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Congress appropriated $5 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for homelessness assistance and supportive services administered through the existing Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). HOME‐ARP funds must be used for one or any of the established eligible activities which include (1) Administration and Planning (subject to 15% cap of allocation), (2) Acquisition, Rehabilitation, & Construction of Affordable Rental Housing, (3) Tenant‐Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), (4) Supportive Services, (5) Acquisition and Development of Non‐Congregate Shelter, and (6) Nonprofit Operating and Capacity Building Assistance (subject to 10% allocation, among others).
HOME‐ARP funds must be used on eligible activities that will benefit individuals or families of specific “qualifying populations” (QP’s). Qualifying populations, as defined by HOME‐ARP, are (1) homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney‐Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)) ("McKinney‐Vento"); (2) at risk of homelessness, as defined in section 401 of McKinney‐Vento; (3) fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; (4) part of other populations where providing supportive services or assistance would prevent a family's homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability; or (5) veterans and families that include a veteran family member who also meet one of the criteria (1) to (4) above.
To receive HOME‐ARP funds, the City of Bellflower must submit an allocation plan to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As part of the plan, the City must engage in consultation and public participation processes to develop the allocation plan. The complete HOME‐ARP plan will be submitted as a substantial amendment to the FY 2021‐2022 Annual Action Plan.
The City was allocated $1,301,749 in HOME‐ARP funding to be used in accordance with this Allocation Plan.
HOME‐ARP Eligible Activities:
1. Administration and Planning Costs;
2. Development of Rental Housing (Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Construction)
3. Development of Non‐Congregate Shelter (Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Construction);
4. Tenant‐Based Rental Assistance (TBRA);
- Page 10 of 21 -
Page | 5
5. Supportive Services; and
6. Nonprofit Operating and Capacity Building Assistance
Consultation
Before developing its plan, a PJ must consult with the Continuum of Cares (CoCs) serving the jurisdiction’s geographic area, homeless and domestic violence service providers, veterans’ groups, public housing agencies (PHAs), and public or private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities. Local PJs must consult with all PHAs (including statewide or regional PHAs) and CoCs servicing the jurisdiction.
Summary of Consultation Process
Prior to the development of the HOME‐ARP plan, the City of Bellflower consulted with public and private entities to gather the data necessary for the preparation of this Plan. These stakeholders have relevant knowledge that can speak to the needs, service gaps, and potential activities that would best benefit the qualifying populations. The City conducted public outreach beginning December 2022. The engagement efforts included resident and agency surveys.
To solicit feedback, the City of Bellflower created an inventory of all required agencies that needed to be consulted along with points of contact. The City then reached out to all identified organizations and provided them with a link to a survey where they could provide their feedback and input. The survey consisted of questions intended to quantify the perspectives of the consulted agencies and residents regarding the preferred use of the HOME‐ARP funds and the gaps in the needs of residents. The below public agencies were contacted via email or phone and were asked to participate in the survey. The City followed up with emails and calls to agencies that did not provide feedback. The City also posted the survey link on their website and social media requesting public input. The City received survey responses from December 7, 2022 until February 3, 2023.
List of Organizations Consulted
Agency/Org
Consulted Type of Agency Methods of
Consultation Feedback Received
Los Angeles
Homeless Services
Authority (LAHSA)
Continuum of Care
Lead Agency
Agency Sponsored
Virtual Session
Online Survey
Acquisitions of affordable
housing, master leasing
options and supportive
services.
Kingdom Causes Employment/Homeless Online Survey Affordable housing is most needed in the community.
- Page 11 of 21 -
Page | 6
Bellflower service provider Tenant Based Rental
Assistance (TBRA) needs to be
expanded. Homeless
individuals are most at need.
Fair Housing
Foundation
Fair housing and civil
right service provider
Online Survey Tenant Based Rental
Assistance (TBRA) needs to be
expanded. Supportive services
and the development of
affordable housing is most
needed.
Transforming Life
Center
Domestic violence
support services
Online Survey Affordable housing is most
needed in the community as
well as supportive services.
Los Angeles County
Developmental
Authority (LACDA)
Public housing agency Online Survey Affordable housing is most needed in the community.
Supportive services are
needed. Individuals who are
homeless and those at‐risk of
homelessness are most at
need.
People Assisting
The Homeless
(PATH)
Homelessness Online Survey Affordable housing is most
needed in the community as
well as supportive services.
Veterans are most at need.
Mercy House: New
Hope Shelter
Homelessness/housing Online Survey Production of affordable housing, TBRA, and supportive
services are most needed in
the City.
JVS ‐SOCAL Veteran service
provider
Online Survey Creation of family shelters and
providing additional family
supportive services.
U.S. Vets –
Patriotic Hall
Veteran service
provider
Online Survey Affordable housing is most
needed in the community as
well as supportive services.
- Page 12 of 21 -
Page | 7
Veteran Peer
Access Network –
LA County
Veterans service
provider including
homeless prevention
Online Survey Affordable housing is most
needed in the community. As
well as Supportive services.
Department of
Mental Health
Homeless, outreach,
veteran, disability
service provider
Online Survey Affordable housing is most
needed in the community.
Table 1: Agencies/Organization Consulted
Summary of Feedback Received
The feedback received from service providers concluded that development and preservation of affordable housing is a top priority need to address the homeless population in the City. Other identified priorities that followed included Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), and Supportive Services to address the needs for the qualifying populations. Feedback provided from each organization consulted is shown above in Table 1: Agencies/Organization Consulted.
The Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) hosted a virtual session as part of the consultation process and developed a memo where they identified their recommendations for the use of funding. LAHSA noted the top three priorities for use of funds are acquisition of affordable housing, master leasing options, and supportive services.
Public participation
Date of public notice: March 10, 2023
Public comment period: March 13, 2023 ‐ March 27, 2023
Date of public hearing: March 27, 2023
Describe the public participation process:
The City of Bellflower outreached local service providers currently working with qualifying populations in the City and provided them a survey link to provide their input and feedback on use of HOME‐ARP funds. The City followed up via email and phone calls to ensure responses were obtained.
The draft HOME‐ARP plan was made available for a 15‐day review and comment period starting March 13, 2023 to March 27, 2023 via the City’s website and made available in person with the City Clerk’s office.
The City held a public hearing to hear public comments on the HOME‐ARP Allocation plan on March 27, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
- Page 13 of 21 -
Page | 8
The City published a notice of public comment and hearing in the local newspaper, Los Cerritos Community newspaper. Public notice was also posted at various City locations, City website, and on City social media outlets.
Describe efforts to broaden public participation:
To broaden public participation, the City created a survey to gain input and feedback from residents in the community. The City made the public aware of HOME‐ARP funds and its available uses. Staff published the link on the City’s website and made multiple social media posts inviting the public to provide their input. The City also reached out to individual agencies to give them an opportunity to participate in the consultation process.
Summarize the comments and recommendations received throughout the public participation process either in writing, or orally at a public hearing:
Public comments will be updated after the meeting.
Summarize any comments or recommendations not accepted and state the reason why:
Public comments will be updated after the meeting.
Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis
The Homeless Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table below was compiled using data from LAHSA’s 2022 Point In Time Homeless Count for the City of Bellflower and City data from the Continuum of Care (CoC) Housing Inventory Count. In addition, direct consultation with local community partners such as, Kingdom Causes Bellflower and the New Hope Temporary Shelter were conducted. The table demonstrates the City’s need for housing for both families and individuals. Due to the limited availability of data at the City level, homeless population data was broken down using ratios based on the City’s overall homeless count of 175 and LAHSA homeless data for Service Planning Area (SPA) 7, of which Bellflower is a part.
- Page 14 of 21 -
Page | 9
Homeless Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table
Homeless
Current Inventory Homeless Population Gap Analysis
Family Adults Only Vets Family
HH (at
least 1
child)
Adult
HH
(w/o
child)
Vets Victims
of DV
Family Adults Only
# of
Beds
# of
Units
# of
Beds
# of
Units
# of
Beds
# of
Beds
# of
Units
# of
Beds
# of
Units
Emergency
Shelter 0 0 50 0 0
Transitional
Housing 0 3 23 0 0
Permanent
Supportive
Housing
0 0 0 0 0
Other Permanent
Housing 0 0 43 0 0
Sheltered
Homeless 9 24 2 2
Unsheltered
Homeless 1 124 4 9
Current Gap 7 -- 49 --
Suggested Data Sources: 1. Point in Time Count (PIT); 2. Continuum of Care Housing Inventory Count (HIC); 3. Consultation
Describe the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within the PJ’s boundaries:
Homeless as defined in 24 CFR 91.5
The lead agency of the Los Angeles Continuum of Care (CoC) is the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). LAHSA is responsible for conducting annual Point in Time (PIT) counts which counts the number of people experiencing homelessness throughout Los Angeles County on a certain night.
Information is provided at different levels including Countywide, Supervisory Districts, Service Planning Areas (SPA), and City. The annual 2022 PIT determined there were 175 persons experiencing homelessness in the City of Bellflower.
The majority of the 175 people experiencing homelessness are categorized as unsheltered (109 persons), with 66 persons categorized as sheltered. Of the 66 persons sheltered, 45 persons are in Emergency Shelters and 21 persons in Transitional Housing. Of the 109 persons categorized as unsheltered, 75% or 82 persons are on the streets, 8 (7.3%) in cars, 3 (2.3%) in vans, 11 (9.7%) in RVs, and 6 (5.7%) in makeshift shelters.
- Page 15 of 21 -
Page | 10
At Risk of Homelessness as defined in 24 CFR 91.5
Households at risk of homelessness are those with incomes at or below 30% AMI that lack sufficient resources or support networks to prevent homelessness, and
Have moved more than two times due to economic reasons in the past 60 days, or Are doubled up with another household due to economic hardships, or Will be evicted within 21 days, or
Live in a hotel or motel without financial assistance from a nonprofit or government entity, or Live in an efficiency apartment and are overcrowded, or Are exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care.
The HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) 2015‐2019 data provides information on overcrowding among households that include more than one family, by household income level. The CHAS data indicated that there are approximately 4,315 renter households and 1,005 owner households with incomes at or below 30% AMI; this means that there is a total of 5,320 households at risk of homelessness in the City.
Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking, as defined by HUD in the Notice
Information breakdown about persons experiencing or fleeing domestic violence was not available at the City level, therefore the City is using rations based on the City’s homeless count of 175 and LAHSA homeless data for SPA 7, which Bellflower is part of to determine demographics of this population.
Bellflower’s homeless population accounts for about 3.7% of SPA 7’s homeless populations of 4,781. In SPA 7 there are about 1,497 (sheltered and unsheltered) persons who have experienced domestic or intimate partner violence. Using the 3.7% ratio this means that in Bellflower, there are about 55 people who have experienced domestic or intimate partner violence.
Other populations requiring services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness and other populations at greatest risk of housing instability, as defined by HUD in the Notice Other populations, as defined by HOME‐ARP, include those who:
Are currently housed and at risk of repeat homelessness; Have incomes below 30% AMI and are experiencing severe housing cost burden; and Otherwise meet the definition of at risk of homelessness and have incomes between 30% and 50% AMI
The LAHSA PIT indicated that about 11% of individuals exiting emergency shelters, or transitional or permanent housing, will return to homelessness within 12 months of any given year.
The 2015‐2019 CHAS data indicates that there are 4,315 renter households with an annual income at or - Page 16 of 21 -
Page | 11
below 30% AMI, which are at greater risk of housing instability.
Identify any gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system:
The City of Bellflower does have a local homeless shelter, New Hope Temporary Shelter, which provides beds for up to 50 adults, however, there is still an estimated need for an additional 49 beds in the City.
Although the City does have an estimated 7 families in need of housing, it does not currently have an inventory of housing options readily available to offer for families. This is a significant gap in the City, and therefore the City has to outsource housing services to County‐wide services. This poses another potential barrier for families, as they would then need to travel outside of the City to seek housing services.
Overall, the City has an unmet need of 56 beds for persons experiencing homelessness.
Under Section IV.4.2.ii.G of the HOME‐ARP Notice, a PJ may provide additional characteristics associated with instability and increased risk of homelessness in their HOME‐ARP allocation plan. These characteristics will further refine the definition of “other populations” that are “At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability,” as established in the HOME‐ARP Notice.
To assess affordability and other types of housing needs, HUD defines four housing problems:
1. Cost burden: A household has a cost burden if its monthly housing costs (including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utilities for owners and rent and utilities for renters) exceeds 30% of monthly income.
2. Overcrowding: A household is overcrowded if there is more than one person per room, not including kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Lack of complete kitchen facilities: A household lacks complete kitchen facilities if it lacks one or more of the following: cooking facilities, refrigerator, or a sink with piped water.
4. Lack of complete plumbing facilities: A household lacks complete plumbing facilities if it lacks one or more of the following: hot and cold piped running water, a flush toilet, or a bathtub or shower.
HUD also defines four severe housing problems including:
1. Severe cost burden: more than 50% of monthly household income is spent on housing costs.
2. Severe overcrowding: more than 1.5 people per room, not including kitchens or bathrooms.
3. Lack of complete kitchen facilities as previously described above
4. Lack of complete plumbing facilities.
- Page 17 of 21 -
Page | 12
Identify priority needs for qualifying populations:
The highest priority need for the qualifying populations is the availability of affordable rental housing options in the City of Bellflower. As noted in earlier sections, the City has a bed gap of 56, as they currently have 119 beds available but a homeless population of 175. About one third of the available beds are emergency shelter beds. Increasing the availability of affordable rental housing options in the City would provide long‐term housing options to the qualifying populations.
Additionally, according to the most recent 2015‐2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, there are 9,870 low‐income households, below 80% AMI, that experience cost burdens in the City of Bellflower. Increased cost burdens along with rising inflation costs can put low‐income renters at higher risk of homelessness. Other housing issues may increase the risk of people becoming homeless include being low‐or‐extremely low income, earning 50% or 30% or less AMI, and/or living in substandard or overcrowded conditions. In Bellflower there are 8,300 households earning 50% of AMI or below, have severe housing problems, which may include lacking a kitchen or complete plumbing, severe overcrowding, or severe cost burden. By developing affordable rental housing in the City, the City also expands on the availability of affordable housing options for those who are at risk of homelessness because of their current cost‐burdens or other severe housing problems. Providing housing of this type prevents at‐risk families in unstable housing situations from becoming homeless, and thus preserves available emergency shelter and transitional housing options for the homeless households who most need them.
Explain how the PJ determined the level of need and gaps in the PJ’s shelter and housing inventory and service delivery systems based on the data presented in the plan:
The City used multiple data sources to determine the housing and service needs of the qualifying populations. Below is a list of the sources along with a summary of how that data source was used as part of the plan:
Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority 2022 Point in Time Homeless Count o Information was used to determine the homeless population in the City and their current living situations.
o Information was also used from the Service Planning Area 7 (SPA 7) to determine ratios for categorized data.
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Data o CHAS data was used to review housing problems and needs for low‐income populations. Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Assistance Programs Housing Inventory Count Report o This data was used to review the availability of beds and units available in the City. Consultation with Stakeholders and Service providers
- Page 18 of 21 -
Page | 13
o A key piece of data that informed the identification of priority need for the qualifying populations included the consultations with key stakeholders and service providers already working with qualifying populations. Via the consultation process stakeholders, including LAHSA, identified development and preservation of affordable housing as a top priority need to address homelessness.
HOME‐ARP Activities
Describe the method(s)that will be used for soliciting applications for funding and/or selecting developers, service providers, subrecipients and/or contractors:
The City has been in talks with a local CHDO who is interested in working with the City to develop permanent supportive affordable housing. The City may solicit applications from developers for the development of affordable rental housing. If needed, a Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) or a Request for Proposals (RFP) may be issued. The NOFA and RFP, at a minimum, will specify eligible activities, eligible applicants, minimum and maximum funding amounts, application thresholds, and will provide instructions on how to submit a proposal.
Describe whether the PJ will administer eligible activities directly:
The City will administer its HOME‐ARP funds directly, maintaining responsibility for project selection and compliance with all HOME‐ARP guidelines.
If any portion of the PJ’s HOME‐ARP administrative funds are provided to a subrecipient or contractor prior to HUD’s acceptance of the HOME‐ARP allocation plan because the subrecipient or contractor is responsible for the administration of the PJ’s entire HOME‐ ARP grant, identify the subrecipient or contractor and describe its role and responsibilities in administering all of the PJ’s HOME‐ARP program:
Not applicable. The City will not allocate funds to a subrecipient or contractor to administer the entire HOME‐ARP grant.
- Page 19 of 21 -
Page | 14
Use of HOME‐ARP Funding
Funding Amount Percent of the
Grant
Statutory
Limit
Supportive Services $ 0
Acquisition and Development of Non‐
Congregate Shelters $ 0
Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) $ 0
Development of Affordable Rental Housing $ 1,106,487
Non‐Profit Operating $ 0 0 % 5%
Non‐Profit Capacity Building $ 0 0 % 5%
Administration and Planning $ 195,262 15 % 15%
Total HOME ARP Allocation $ 1,301,749
Describe how the PJ will distribute HOME‐ARP funds in accordance with its priority needs identified in its needs assessment and gap analysis:
Bases on the analysis completed as part of the development of its HOME‐ARP plan, the City will distribute its funds to two activities: administration and planning, and the development of affordable rental housing. The City will use the allowable 15% (195,262) limit for administration and planning of the HOME‐ARP plan and activities and will allocate the remining 85% (1,106,487) towards the development of affordable rental housing.
Describe how the characteristics of the shelter and housing inventory, service delivery system, and the needs identified in the gap analysis provided a rationale for the plan to fund eligible activities:
Analysis of Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data and input from stakeholders say that availability of affordable housing is a great need in the City of Bellflower. A total of 9,870 low‐ income households (below 80% AMI) in Bellflower experience cost burdens, spending more than 30% of their incomes on housing costs. In Bellflower there are also 8,300 households earning 50% of AMI or below who have severe housing problems, which may include lacking a kitchen or complete plumbing, severe overcrowding, or severe cost burdens. By developing Permanent Supportive Housing in the City, - Page 20 of 21 -
Page | 15
the City also expands on the availability of affordable housing options for those who are at risk of homelessness because of their current cost‐burdens or other sever housing problems.
Comparison of LAHSA’s PIT count from 2020 to 2022 shows that the homeless population in the City has decreased drastically from 242 in 2020, to 175 in 2022. This increase of more people becoming sheltered can be an outcome of the newly opened temporary homeless shelter in the City. The City, however, still has a housing gap of 56 beds in the number of emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing beds available to homeless adults. However, because the data shows that the existing homeless services are making an impact to the homeless population in the City, the City is focusing on long‐term options that will help continue to increase housing stability for City residents.
HOME‐ARP Production Housing Goals
Estimate the number of affordable rental housing units for qualifying populations that the PJ will produce or support with its HOME‐ARP allocation:
Based on the needs assessment and analysis of gaps with the current system for meeting homeless and supportive service needs, the City is looking to allocate its HOME‐ARP funds towards the development of affordable rental housing. The City is still in the planning phases of the project and looking for possible locations, but based on the HUD Housing Production Goal Calculation Worksheet it is estimated that at least 7 affordable units will be produced.
Preferences, Prioritization, & Limitations
The city of Bellflower does not intend to provide preferences prioritizations or limitations to any population or subpopulation.
HOME‐ARP Refinancing Guidelines
The City of Bellflower will not use HOME‐ARP funds to refinance existing debt and therefore will not establish any HOME‐ARP refinancing guidelines in this plan.
- Page 21 of 21 -