HOME Investment
Partnerships Program
American Rescue Plan
Substantial Amendment to
2021 Annual Action Plan
HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN—REVISED
APRIL 2024
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Substantial Amendment to
2021 Annual Action Plan
HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
REVISED
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program
American Rescue Plan
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CITY COUNCIL
ALEX VARGAS
Mayor
ANGIE REYES ENGLISH
Mayor Pro Tem
KATRINA MANNING
Councilmember
ALEX MONTEIRO
Councilmember
DAVID PATTERSON
Councilmember
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CONTENTS
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... 1
Fleeing or Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault,
Other Populations: At greatest risk of housing instability – Households with incomes
Other Populations: At greatest risk of housing instability – Households with incomes
Introduction................................................................................................................... 2
HOME-ARP Eligible Qualifying Populations and Activities............................................ 2
Stakeholder Consultation and Public Participation ......................................................... 4
Stakeholder Consultation – Organizations Consulted by Type and Method ................. 4
Summary of Feedback Received from Consulted Organizations.................................. 4
Public Participation .................................................................................................... 6
Efforts to Broaden Public Participation........................................................................ 8
Public Comments and Recommendations Received ................................................... 8
Public Comments and Recommendations Not Accepted and Reasons Why................ 8
Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis............................................................................ 9
Housing Inventory Count............................................................................................ 9
Size and Demographic Composition of Qualifying Populations .................................. 10
Sheltered Homeless Populations .............................................................................. 10
Unsheltered Homeless Populations .......................................................................... 10
At-risk of Homelessness........................................................................................... 10
Stalking or Human Trafficking................................................................................... 11
Other Populations: Currently housed and at risk of repeat homelessness...................... 11
<30% AMI and experiencing severe housing cost burden......................................... 12
30-50% AMI that meet HUD’s §91.5 definition of at risk of homelessness ................. 12
Unmet Housing and Service Needs of Qualifying Populations ................................... 12
Current Resources Available to Assist Qualifying Populations ....................................... 13
Current Resources: Congregate Beds and Non-congregate Shelter Units................. 14
Current Resources: Supportive Services .................................................................. 14
Current Resources: Tenant-based Rental Assistance ............................................... 14
Current Resources: Affordable and Permanent Supportive Rental Housing ............... 15
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - i - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
Current Resorces: Housing Voucher ........................................................................ 15
Shelter, Housing and Service Delivery System Gaps ................................................... 15
Shelter Gap ............................................................................................................. 15
Tenant-based Rental Assistance Gap....................................................................... 15
Affordable and Permanent Supportive Rental Housing Gap ...................................... 15
Service Delivery System Gaps.................................................................................. 16
Characteristics of Housing Associated with Increased Risk of Homelessness for Other
Populations.............................................................................................................. 17
Priority Needs for Qualifying Populations .................................................................. 17
HOME-ARP Activities .................................................................................................. 20
Uses of HOME-ARP Funding.................................................................................... 20
Rationale for Uses of HOME-ARP Funding................................................................ 21
HOME-ARP Housing Production Goals........................................................................ 21
Preferences ................................................................................................................ 21
HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines............................................................................. 21
Appendices
Citizen Participation...........................................................................................Appendix A
Grantee SF-424s and Certifications ...................................................................Appendix B
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - ii - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
VERSION HISTORY
No. Summary of Changes
1 Published Draft for Public Comment: 4/24/22 Sent to HUD for Approval: 7/20/22 Conducted Public Hearing: 5/24/22 Approved by HUD: 9/19/22 Original HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.
2 Published Draft for Public Comment: 3/21/24 Sent to HUD for Approval: 5/15/24 Conducted Public Hearing: 4/23/24 Approved by HUD: TBD
Amendment 1 (Substantial): The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was amended to revise the following three (3) activities:
HOME-ARP TBRA (cancelled and reduced from $814,012 to $0) HOME-ARP Nonprofit Capacity Building and Operating Assistance (cancelled and reduced from $213,670 to $0)
HOME-ARP Supportive Services (increased from $814,012 by $1,027,682 to $1,841,694)
Public Contact Information
City of Hawthorne
Housing Department
Attn: Kimberly Mack, Housing Director
4455 W 126th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 349-1603
www.cityofhawthorne.org
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - iii - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
Executive Summary
The City of Hawthorne has been allocated $2,166,698 of HOME-American Rescue Plan Act (HOME-ARP funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In order to receive the HOME-ARP allocation, the City developed a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan as part of the City’s PY2021 HUD Annual Action Plan by substantial amendment.
To ensure broad input into the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan from stakeholders and the public, the City engaged in consultation with stakeholders and the public, including a virtual consultation session, a survey of stakeholders, a 30-day public comment period, and a public hearing. The needs assessment and gap analysis identified the following needs and gaps within the City:
In January 2020, the annual Point in Time (PIT) count revealed that 11 people were residing in emergency housing, either in shelter or transitional housing. Another 197 people were unsheltered on the streets, in tents or makeshift shelters, or in cars, vans, RVs or campers.
2014-2018 CHAS Data from HUD reported 4,850 households with incomes at or below 30% AMI are at risk of homelessness in the City.
The 2014-2019 HUD CHAS data indicated there are 5,525 renter households with an annual income at or below 30% AMI with a cost burden that are at greatest risk of housing instability.
The greatest need for supportive services was in the areas of were mental health services, landlord/tenant liaison, housing search/counseling services, childcare assistance and financial assistance.
The City recently issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) with the aim of identifying capable subrecipients to implement the TBRA program and provide supportive services to qualifying populations within the City. Regrettably, the response to the NOFA did not yield any subrecipients interested in delivering the TBRA program. However, it attracted a surplus of applicants willing to provide supportive services, surpassing the funding allocation.
In light of these outcomes, the City has decided to reevaluate its allocation strategy for the HOME-ARP program. Consequently, the revised allocation will now prioritize funding for supportive services alongside administration and planning activities for the HOME-ARP program. This adjustment ensures that the City’s resources are efficiently allocated to meet the pressing needs of the community, focusing on providing essential supportive services to those in need while streamlining administrative efforts for effective program implementation.
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 1 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
Introduction
The City of Hawthorne has been allocated $2,166,698 of HOME-American Rescue Plan Act (HOME-ARP) funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
To receive the HOME-ARP allocation the City of Hawthorne must develop a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan that will become a part of the City’s PY2021 HUD Annual Action Plan by substantial amendment. The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan must include the following:
1. A summary of the consultation process and the results of consultation;
2. A summary of comments received through the public participation process and a summary of any comments or recommendations not accepted and the reason why;
3. A description of HOME-ARP qualifying populations within the jurisdiction;
4. An assessment of unmet needs of each qualifying population;
5. An assessment of gaps in housing and shelter inventory, homeless assistance and services, and homelessness prevention service delivery system;
6. A summary of planned use of HOME-ARP funds for eligible activities based on the unmet needs of the qualifying populations;
7. An estimate of the number of housing units for qualifying populations the City will produce or preserve with its HOME-ARP allocation;
8. A description of any preferences for individuals and families in a particular qualifying population or a segment of a qualifying population;
9. HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines; and
10.Certifications and SF-424, SF-424B, and SF-424D Forms.
The following entities are responsible for preparing the Allocation Plan and those responsible for administration of the HOME-ARP grant.
Agency Role
Responsible Agency
Name Department/Agency
HOME Administrator City of Hawthorne Housing Department HOME-ARP Eligible Qualifying Populations and Activities HUD’s CPD Notice 21-10 Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program establishes the requirements for funds appropriated under section 3205 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to provide homelessness assistance and supportive services.
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 2 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) defines qualifying individuals or families, including Veterans, that are:
1. Homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act;
2. At risk of homelessness, as defined in section 401 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act;
3. Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as defined by HUD in 24 CFR 5.2003) or human trafficking (as outlined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 as amended [22 USC 7102]); and
4. Part of other populations, where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of the National Affordable Housing Act 42 USC 12472(a) would:
a. Prevent a family’s homelessness;
b. Serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability.
HOME-ARP funds may be used benefit qualifying populations through:
1. Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TBRA);
2. Development and support of affordable housing;
3. Provision of supportive services;
4. Acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter;
5. Nonprofit capacity building and operating assistance; and
6. Program planning and administration.
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Stakeholder Consultation and Public Participation
HUD requires each HOME-ARP Participating Jurisdiction to consult with agencies and service providers whose clientele include the HOME-ARP qualifying populations. Agencies that must, at a minimum, be consulted include the Continuum of Care serving the jurisdiction’s geographic area, homeless and domestic violence service providers, veterans’ groups, public housing agencies (PHAs), public agencies that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs or persons with disabilities.
HUD also requires that each Participating Jurisdiction provide opportunities for the public to comment on the proposed Allocation Plan, including the amount of HOME-ARP funds that will be received and the range of activities that the City may undertake.
To ensure broad input into the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan from stakeholders and the public, the City engaged in consultation with stakeholders and the public, including a virtual consultation session, a survey of stakeholders, a 30-day public comment period, and a public hearing.
Stakeholder Consultation
The City of Hawthorne consulted with representatives from multiple agencies, groups, and organizations involved in the development of affordable housing, addressing homelessness, and the provision of services to qualifying populations in preparing this HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.
A virtual session was held March 29. 2022. Representatives from multiple agencies, groups, and organizations were invited via email to attend. Those unable to attend were invited to submit written comments via emails or schedule a phone call to share their thoughts.
The virtual consultation session included and overview of the HOME-ARP notice to inform attendees of the qualifying populations and eligible activities, an opportunity to ask clarifying questions, a request for input into needs and gaps, and priority populations and activities, and an overview of the Allocation Plan timeline and process.
A survey instrument was designed and available online and invited representatives from multiple agencies, groups, and organizations to rank the qualifying populations and eligible activities and services in order of perceived need, and the best approach for carrying out those activities for the community.
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 4 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the lead agency for the Los Angeles Continuum of Care (CoC), held a virtual session to provide their recommendations to jurisdictions being allocated funds. That session was held February 6, 2022, and attended by staff and representatives of the City. LAHSA also provided a written memorandum outlining their HOME-ARP funding recommendations
The City’s virtual session was attended by 11 representatives of 10 agencies. The survey was completed by 10 representatives of 8 agencies. All HUD-required agency types were represented in either the virtual session or the online survey or by email.
Organizations Consulted by Type and Method
Organizations Consulted by Type and Method
Organization Consulted Type of Organization Method of
Consultation
Resident Advisory
Board
Public, addresses needs of qualifying
populations, serves as public housing authority
Virtual Session
Survey
Family Promise of the
South Bay
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including homeless
Virtual Session
Survey
Free at Last
Deliverance Ministries
LLC
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including homeless Survey
Hawthorne Homeless
Coordination Program
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including homeless
Virtual Session
Survey
Hawthorne Housing
Authority
Public, addresses needs of qualifying
populations, serves as public housing authority Virtual Session Homeless Outreach
Program Integrated
Care System (HOPICS)
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including homeless Virtual Session
Housing Rights Center
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including disabled, provider of fair
housing services to the City
Email response
Los Angeles Homeless
Services Authority
(LAHSA)
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including homeless
Agency-Sponsored
Virtual Session
Mychals Learning Place Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying populations including homeless Survey
New Start Family
Justice Center
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including civil rights Virtual Session
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South Bay Cities
Council of
Governments
Public, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including homeless
Virtual Session
Survey
South Bay Workforce
Investment Board
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations Virtual Session
St. Margaret's Center, a
program of Catholic
Charities
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including the disabled
Virtual Session
Survey
Wounded Heroes of
America
Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including veterans Virtual Session
Valley Oasis Nonprofit, addresses needs of qualifying
populations including the homeless Survey
Summary of Feedback Received from Consulted Organizations Consultation revealed strong support for the following:
Development and support of affordable housing. Participants in the virtual session were united in the need for additional affordable housing, specifically permanent supportive housing. Those replying to the survey also all agreed the there was “high need” for this housing. There was discussion of various populations, represented by the agencies assembled, in need of both stable housing and services including case management.
Provision of supportive services. Many examples of supportive services were mentioned in the virtual session including case management, fair housing, mental health services, credit repair services, housing counseling, substance abuse services, and eviction defense. Survey respondents were asked to rank what they believed is the current need for various services eligible under HOME-ARP. The activities with the most rankings for “high need” were mental health services (88%), landlord/tenant liaison (86%), housing search/counseling services (78%), childcare assistance and financial assistance (75%).
Rating Current Need for Supportive Services
Supportive Services High Need Moderate
Need Low Need No Need
Case management services 50% 50% 0% 0%
Child Care Assistance 75% 25% 0% 0%
Credit repair services 50% 25% 25% 0%
Education Services 38% 38% 25% 0%
Financial assistance costs 75% 25% 0% 0%
Food assistance 38% 38% 25% 0%
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Housing search and
counseling services 78% 22% 0% 0%
Job training and employment
services 67% 33% 0% 0%
Landlord/tenant liaison
services 86% 14% 0% 0%
Legal services 38% 63% 0% 0%
Mediation services 0% 63% 38% 0%
Mental health services 88% 13% 0% 0%
Outpatient health services 38% 63% 0% 0%
Outreach services 50% 38% 13% 0%
Services for special
populations 38% 50% 13% 0%
Substance abuse treatment 50% 38% 13% 0%
Transportation assistance 63% 38% 0% 0%
Acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter. Many participants mention the need for shelter in general and for specific populations including families, those fleeing domestic violence and other situations, people with service animals, the elderly and single people.
Currently there are no emergency shelter beds in the City.
Tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA). In conjunction with affordable housing, many attendees mentioned the need to increase availability of the TBRA program and as a companion to the development of affordable housing.
Nonprofit capacity building and operating assistance. In the survey, respondents were asked if they believed there was a need for nonprofit capacity building and operating assistance.
Of the responses received, all responded affirmatively that there was a need in the nonprofit sector for operating assistance and 85% believed there was a need for capacity building.
In their memorandum and their agency sponsored virtual session, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) provided recommendations for the use of HOME-ARP funds within Los Angeles County. They advocated that a “balance of resources to within the homeless services system is critical to ensure effective operations” and recommend a ration of five permanent housing resources for every interim housing bed. That balance informs their recommendations:
1. Acquisition of permanent housing resources if other funds are available to leverage for the purchase of multi-unit buildings, scattered sites properties, or individual units.
2. Master leasing, which is not outlined in the HOME-ARP guidance but is being explored through conversations between LAHSA and HUD.
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 7 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
3. Supportive services that support emergency housing vouchers and services based in problem solving, prevention and diversion to prevent the need for interim housing or accessing the homeless services system.
Public Participation
To provide opportunities for public participation, the City of Hawthorne sent an email to all agencies and individuals on its email list notifying them of the opportunity to participate in the virtual consultation session to be held on March 29, 2022. In addition to attending the virtual consultation session, they were asked to complete an online survey regarding their views of the level of need for the eligible activities and qualifying populations as described by the CPD Notice 21-10. Those unable to attend, or who had further comments after the virtual session were invited to email them directly to City staff.
A combined notice of public comment period and public hearing was published in Hawthorne Press Tribune on April 28, 2022, May 5, 2022, May 12, 2022, and May 19, 2022. The Hawthorne Press Tribune qualifies as a newspaper of general circulation. The notice was published in both English and Spanish.
Efforts to Broaden Public Participation
To broaden public participation, members of the public who are on the City’s email list were also invited via email to attend the virtual consultation session held in the formulation of the Allocation Plan.
Public Comments and Recommendations Received
There were no public comments during the public comment period or at the public hearing.
Public Comments and Recommendations Not Accepted and Reasons Why There were no public comments during the public comment period or at the public hearing and therefore no public comments that were not accepted.
City Council Recommendations
After consideration by City Council, it voted to eliminate the allocation for non-congregate shelter that was proposed and increased the allocations for the other eligible activities.
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Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis
The needs assessment and gap analysis must evaluate the size and demographic composition of HOME-ARP qualifying populations, and unmet needs of HOME-ARP qualifying populations. In addition, the needs assessment and gap analysis must identify any gaps within its current shelter and housing inventory, and service delivery system. This needs assessment and gap analysis focuses on the following:
1. Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations;
2. Currently housed populations at risk of homelessness;
3. Other families requiring services or housing to prevent homelessness; and
4. Those at greatest risk of housing instability or unstable housing situations.
Housing Inventory Count
The annual Housing Inventory Count (HIC) provides useful context regarding the number and type of beds and units that are available for individuals and families experiencing on any given night. The following tables summarize beds and units available as of January 2021 in the City by bed type.
Emergency housing beds include emergency shelter and transitional housing; emergency shelter generally allows for short-term or nightly stays, while transitional housing generally allows for a stay up to 24 months. Both types of emergency housing may include supportive services designed to facilitate movement to independent living.
Emergency
Shelter
Transitional
Housing
Emergency Housing Beds Available January 2021
Family Units Family Beds Adult-Only
Beds
Child-Only
Beds
0 0 0 0
0 0 14 0
Total YearRound Beds
0 14
Total
Emergency
Housing Beds
0 0 14 0 14
Rapid rehousing provides security and utility deposits and/or monthly rental and utility assistance for rental units that rent for less than the fair market rent. Assistance is generally CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 9 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
provided for the shortest period of time necessary for a household to gain stable housing and can range from 3 to 24 months. Permanent supportive housing provides for an unlimited lease term; residents receive services necessary to promote continued housing stability.
Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing Available January 2021 Family Units Family Beds Adult-Only
Beds
Child-Only
Beds
Total YearRound Beds
Rapid Rehousing 0 0 0 0 0
Permanent
Supportive Housing 0 0 1 0 1
Total Year-Round
Beds 0 0 1 0 1
Size and Demographic Composition of Qualifying Populations Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was no street count conducted in 2021 to identify unsheltered homeless populations. The January 2020 point-in-time (PIT) count of both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness published by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the lead Continuum of Care agency, is used for this analysis.
Sheltered Homeless Populations
The 2020 sheltered point-in-time count identified 11 people experiencing sheltered homelessness in the City on January 22, 2020. People are considered sheltered when they are residing in emergency shelter or transitional housing, but not when they are receiving rapid rehousing assistance or residing in permanent supportive housing. Among individuals experiencing sheltered homelessness:
11 (100%) were in transitional housing
LAHSA does the “official” PIT count in Los Angeles County and does not report demographics or family status.
Unsheltered Homeless Populations
The 2020 unsheltered point-in-time count identified 197 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness on January 22, 2020. Among individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness:
77 (39.9%) were on the street
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 10 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
16.9 (8.76%) were in makeshift shelters
51.2 (26.56%) were in cars
39.7 (20.57%) were in vans
6.6 (3.42%) were in RVs/campers
At-risk of Homelessness
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 hardship, 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) 2014-2018 data Table 10 provides information on overcrowding among households that include more than one family, by household income level. This CHAS data indicates that there are approximately 4,850 households with incomes at or below 30% AMI that are at risk of homelessness in the City.
Fleeing or Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking or Human Trafficking
The State of California Department of Justice maintains statistics on domestic violence statewide by jurisdiction. In 2020, the local law enforcement agencies responded to a total of 320 calls related to domestic violence. Of these calls:
18 of these domestic incidents did not involve a weapon
302 calls involved a weapon
o 14 domestic incidents involved a firearm
o 23 domestic incidents involved a knife or cutting instruments o 34 domestic incidents involved other dangerous weapon o 231 domestic incidents involved personal weapons (i.e. feet or hands, etc.) 81 calls involved strangulation and suffocation
o 77 domestic incidents involved strangulation
o 4 domestic incidents involved suffocation
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 11 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
Therefore, if each one of these calls represented a household with member(s) who required housing assistance, it can be estimated that there were up to 320 households in 2020 who were in need of some form of housing assistance. The form of housing assistance required may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
Other Populations
Other populations, as defined by HOME-ARP, include those who:
1. Are currently housed and at risk of repeat homelessness;
2. Have incomes at or below 30% AMI and are experiencing severe housing cost burden; and
3. Otherwise meet the definition of at risk of homelessness and have incomes of more than 30% and at or below 50% AMI.
Other Populations: Currently housed and at risk of repeat homelessness The LAHSA PIT indicates the approximately 11% of individuals exiting emergency shelter, or transitional or permanent housing in any given year will return to homelessness within 12 months.
Other Populations: At greatest risk of housing instability – Households with incomes <30% AMI and experiencing severe housing cost burden The 2014-2019 HUD CHAS data indicates there are 4,850 renter households with an annual income at or below 30% AMI that are at greatest risk of housing instability.
These renter households include:
Two-person households, one or both of whom are age 62 or older: 30 People living alone or with non-relatives who are age 62 or older: 100 Other Populations: At greatest risk of housing instability – Households with incomes 30-50% AMI that meet HUD’s §91.5 definition of at risk of homelessness
Households in this category are those with incomes more than 30% and at or below 50% 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 CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 12 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
Are doubled up with another household due to economic hardship, 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 HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) 2014-2018 data Table 10 provides information on households that include more than one family, household income level and overcrowding. The CHAS data indicates that there are approximately 4,695 renter households with incomes between 30 and 50 % AMI that are at risk of homelessness in the City because of at least one of the housing problems as defined by HUD. In addition, 230 are living in renter households with more than one family.
Unmet Housing Needs of Qualifying Populations
The greatest unmet housing need of qualifying populations is the availability of affordable rental housing. As the table below shows, only 4.5% of the more than 21,000 rental units in the City are available to households with incomes at or below 50% AMI. The level of need for affordable rental units for households with incomes at or below 50% AMI is more than 22 times the available units, according to HUD CHAS data for 2014-2018.
Total Rental Units
<=30% AMI
>30% to <=50% AMI
Housing Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis
Available
Units
Level of
Need
HH with at
least 1 Housing
Problem
21,545
320 4,850 4,380
110 4,695 4,605
GAP
(units-level of need)
(4,530)
(4,585)
Total <=50% AMI 430 9,545 8,985 (9,115)
Unmet Service Needs of Qualifying Populations
Based on consultation with service providers in the City, the greatest unmet service needs of qualifying populations, including sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations, currently housed populations at risk of homelessness, other families requiring services or assistance to prevent homelessness, and those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations are:
mental health services
landlord/tenant liaison services
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housing search/counseling services
childcare assistance
financial assistance
Additional unmet service needs of qualifying populations, including sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations, currently housed populations at risk of homelessness, other families requiring services or assistance to prevent homelessness, and those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations include the following as described in HUD CPD Notice 2021-10, as may be amended:
Case management services
Credit repair services
Education Services
Food assistance
Job training and employment services
Legal services
Mediation services
Outpatient health services
Outreach services
Substance abuse treatment
Services for special populations
Current Resources Available to Assist Qualifying Populations Current available resources considered include:
1. Congregate beds and non-congregate shelter units;
2. Supportive services;
3. Tenant-base rental assistance; and
4. Affordable and permanent supportive housing
Current Resources: Congregate Beds and Non-congregate Shelter Units In January 2020, there were 11 congregate beds and no beds in non-congregate shelter units. Congregate beds include emergency, safe haven, and transitional housing beds and units. Non-congregate shelter includes permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing.
Current Resources: Supportive Services
The City is served by many local and regional organizations offering supportive services to the residents. The 2022-23 CDBG allocation will fund public service activities serving teens, domestic violence victims, and families experiencing homelessness.
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Current Resources: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
Currently the City does not fund Tenant-Based Rental Assistance in the City. There are housing vouchers available through the Housing Choice Voucher Program and other programs offered in the region.
Current Resources: Affordable and Permanent Supportive Rental Housing The City sponsors 38 affordable housing units owned and managed by the City. Currently there is no permanent supportive housing in the City.
Current Resources: Housing Choice Vouchers
The City sponsors 1,160 Housing Choice Vouchers according to their website. Staff reports that there are currently 409 names on the waiting list, which dates back 15 years. The City recently purged 348 names from the list. Those purged can appeal and may be returned to the waiting list before July 30, 2022.
The Los Angeles County Development Authority sponsors more than 100,000 Housing Choice Vouchers. The waiting list is currently closed. Information about the size and age of the waiting list was not available via telephone or email to staff and is not available through their website or other public sources on the internet.
Shelter, Housing and Service Delivery System Gaps
Shelter Gap
There is an estimated need for 197 additional shelter beds based on the 2020 PIT count. The PIT count found that there were 11 persons in emergency shelter in the City but 197 unsheltered persons in a variety of situations, including on the street, in makeshift shelters, or in cars, vans or RVs/campers.
The 2020 PIT count does not define how many were individuals, in family units, or children.
Tenant-based Rental Assistance Gap
There is an estimated gap of 890 tenant-based rental assistance vouchers for households with income at or below 50% AMI and paying more than 50% of household income for rent, including utilities.
CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 15 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
The number of tenant-based rental assistance vouchers was calculated using HUD CHAS data Table 7 and is equal to the number of renter households with income at or below 50% AMI and paying more than 50% of household income for rent, including utilities.
Tenant-based Rental Assistance Gap
Renter Households with Income at or below 50% AMI paying more than 50% of income for rent, including utilities
890
TBRA vouchers available 0
TBRA gap 890
Affordable and Permanent Supportive Rental Housing Gap
There is an estimated gap of 3,860 rental units affordable to renter households with income at or below 30% AMI and an estimated gap of 1,775 rental units affordable to renter households with income more than 30% and at or below 50% AMI.
The number of Affordable Rental Units was calculated using HUD CHAS Data Table 7 and is equal to the number of renter households paying more than 50% of household income for rent, including utilities.
Affordable Rental Unit Gap
Renter Households with Income at or below 30% AMI paying more than 50% of income for rent, including utilities
495
Renter Households with Income 30% to 50% AMI paying more than 50% of income for rent, including utilities
395
Total Affordable Rental Unit Need 890
According to the Southern California Association of Government’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for the 2021-2029 planning period, there is a need for 1,374 units of housing after adjustments for units just completed or being completed. That unit need includes 419 extremely-/very low-income units, 204 low-income units, and 232 moderateincome units.
Permanent supportive rental housing is a subset of the affordable rental housing gap, primarily for households with income at or below 30% AMI. In addition to affordable rent, permanent supportive housing provides an array of services necessary to help people with CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 16 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
disabilities and/or experiencing chronic homelessness to retain housing stability. There is an estimated gap of 280 permanent supportive housing units in the City.
The number of Permanent Supportive Rental Housing Units needed was calculated by multiplying the current population of the City, according to the California Census 2020, by the per capita need (.003182) as calculated by the Corporation for Supportive Housing.
Permanent Supportive Housing Gap
Population of Hawthorne Census 2020 88,083
Per capita estimate of permanent supportive housing need .003183 Estimated need for Permanent Supportive Housing 280
Permanent Supportive Housing Available 0
Total Permanent Supportive Housing Gap 280
Housing Voucher Gap
The City has 409 names on their waiting list with 348 possible names being returned to the list after a purge. It is reasonable to expect that the Los Angeles County Development Authority has those same names, and possible more. The gap in housing vouchers is at least 757 for the City, Service Delivery System Gap
To identify gaps in the service delivery system, the City relied on its consultation with stakeholders and experience working with the organizations working in the City. The stakeholders believe that the most critical service gaps are in the areas landlord/tenant liaison services, mental health services, financial assistance, transportation assistance, housing search/counseling services, and childcare assistance. The stakeholders also believed there was a need for assistance with general administrative costs and capacity building among the service providers serving the City’s qualifying populations.
Characteristics of Housing Associated with Increased Risk of Homelessness for Other Populations
For other populations, severe housing cost burden, or paying more than 50% of household income for rent and utilities is the primary characteristic of housing associated with the risk of homelessness in the City. The HUD CHAS Data Table 7 indicates there are 890 households at or below 50% AMI who are spending more than 50% of their household income on rent and utilities.
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Priority Needs for Qualifying Populations
Homeless. An article on the website policyadvice.net , The State of Homelessness in the US2022, uses PBS as a source for the following statistics:
25% of homeless people have a mental illness
38% have an alcohol abuse issue
26% have a drug abuse issue
That information, and other research, indicates that there is a need for mental health services and substance abuse services for the homeless in the City. Participants in the consultation process believed that homelessness was best served by the development of additional shelter beds, affordable housing, and TBRA assistance for housing. The priority needs for supportive services included housing search, mental health services, financial assistance, and case management.
At risk of homelessness. One of the indicators of risk of homelessness is housing cost burden. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in their State of Homelessness: 2021 Edition, households experiencing a severe housing cost burden and households “doubling up” or sharing housing are both at a greater risk of homelessness than they were in 2007. They used numbers from 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic and project that reduced work hours and elevated unemployment will have increased those at risk.
Participants in the consultation process believed those at risk of homelessness in the City would benefit from additional affordable housing, TBRA assistance for housing, and supportive services offering housing counseling, fair housing, credit repair services, and eviction defense.
Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking. The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence reports that domestic violence is frequently an immediate cause or precursor to homelessness and housing instability and that more than a third of domestic violence survivors report becoming homeless immediately after separating from their partners. The national Institute of Justice reports that one homeless woman in four is homeless mainly because of her experiences with violence. That violence can include categories of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.
Participants in the consultation process believed those dealing with fleeing unsafe relationships or living situations, would benefit from supportive services offering housing CITY OF HAWTHORNE - 18 - HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
counseling, mental health services, fair housing, case management services affordable housing and TBRA assistance.
Housing instability and homelessness prevention. Housing instability encompasses a number of challenges, such as having trouble paying rent, overcrowding, moving frequently, staying with friends or family, or rent burden. Those populations affected by housing instability can include children and people who have spent time in prison. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, those affected by housing instability may live in substandard housing subjecting them to health and safety risks, live in overcrowded units, or forced moves that may result in homelessness.
Participants in the consultation process believed that housing instability, often caused by rent burden, and preventing homelessness was best addressed with affordable rental housing, TBRA assistance, and supportive services including fair housing, housing counseling, credit repair services, and eviction defense.
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HOME-ARP Activities
The City actively solicited applications from developers, service providers, and nonprofit organizations to administer eligible activities. To facilitate this process, the City issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), outlining the eligible activities, applicant criteria, funding parameters, and application guidelines. Despite these efforts, the City did not receive a response from any qualified subrecipients interested in implementing the TBRA program.
However, there were numerous qualified subrecipients proposing to provide supportive services tailored to the qualifying populations.
Regrettably, due to budget constraints, the City was unable to award funds to all deserving agencies. Additionally, it became apparent that the funds budgeted for nonprofit capacity building and operating assistance activities were not necessary for these well-established organizations. In light of these circumstances, the City recognizes the urgency of directing resources where they are most needed. Therefore, the City is proposing to revise its HOMEARP Allocation Plan to ensure that funds are effectively distributed to provide supportive services that benefit qualified populations in our community.
The City will not directly administer HOME-ARP activities beyond program administration and planning and no developers, service providers, and/or nonprofits are responsible for program administration and planning on behalf of the City.
Uses of HOME-ARP Funding
Activity Funding Amount Percent of
Allocation
Statutory
Limit
Non-congregate Shelter $0
Affordable Rental Housing $0
Tenant-based Rental Assistance $0
Supportive Services $1,841,694
Nonprofit Operating Assistance $0
Nonprofit Capacity Building $0
Administration and Planning $325,004 15% 15%
Total HOME-ARP Allocation $2,166,698
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Rationale for Uses of HOME-ARP Funding
Provision of supportive services. Many examples of supportive services were called out in the consultation process, both in the virtual session and in the survey where a prepared list was considered. This amended allocation plan allocates $1,841,694 towards supportive services. Providers have been identified through a NOFA process.
Admin and Planning. This plan allocates $325,004 towards the administration and planning functions of the HOME-ARP funds at the statutory limit.
HOME-ARP Housing Production Goals
The City does not plan to develop housing units with the funds allocated by this plan.
Preferences
The City of Hawthorne will not provide preferences to any population or subpopulation.
HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines
The City of Hawthorne does not plan to use HOME-ARP funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds. Therefore, refinancing guidelines pursuant to 24 CFR 92.206(b) are not applicable to this HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.
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APPENDIX A
Citizen Participation
Summary of Citizen Participation Comments
April 24 - May 24, 2022 Allocation Plan Public Review and Comment Period There were no public comments during the public comment period or at the public hearing.
Public Hearing before City Council on May 24, 2022
There were no public comments during the public comment period or at the public hearing and therefore no public comments that were not accepted.
March 21 – April 23, 2024 Allocation Plan Public Review and Comment Period In compliance with the City’s approved Citizen Participation Plan and implementing regulation 24 CFR 91.105, a public notice was published to solicit public comments from interested residents regarding the draft 2024-2025 Action Plan. The draft Action Plan was made available to the public for a period of 30 days to provide an opportunity for the public to review the document.
The public hearing to solicit public input and comment on the housing and community development needs, proposed projects, and activities in the Action Plan, as well as proposed strategies for affirmatively furthering fair housing was held at the Hawthorne City Council Chambers at 4455 W. 126th Street, Hawthorne, 90250 on April 23, 2024.
The following is a summary of Citizen Participation comments:
• Comments received will be entered here prior to submission to HUD.
APPENDIX B
SF-424 Grant Applications,
SF-424D Assurances, and
Allocation Plan Certifications