C I T Y O F M E R C E D
Home Investment Partnership Program
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
(HOME-ARP)
Final - Amended
Approved by City Council on March 20, 2023
Approved by HUD on April 11, 2023
Updated February 2026 (2021 AAP – Fourth Minor Amendment) – Corrected April 2026 City of Merced Housing Division
Development Services Department
Merced, California
HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
ATTACHMENT 1
2 Table of Contents
Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 3 Consultation .................................................................................................................................... 6 Public Participation ....................................................................................................................... 11 Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis ........................................................................................... 14 HOME-ARP Activities ..................................................................................................................... 23 HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals .......................................................................................... 26 Preferences.................................................................................................................................... 27 HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines ............................................................................................... 28 Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 29
3 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Participating Jurisdiction: City of Merced Date: 3/21/2023
Amendments: HOME-ARP Minor Amendment #1, February 2026 (Processed as 2021 AAP 4th Minor Amendment) – corrected April 2026
Executive Summary
Allocation Plan Funding and Acceptance by HUD:
On April 28, 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $1,988,778 of Home Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) one- time funding to the City of Merced . Nationwide, the American Rescue Plan appropriated $5 billion to help communities provide housing, shelter, and services to the most vulnerable of communities’ populations.
To utilize the HOME-ARP allocation, the City is required to develop a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan as a Substantial Amendment to the Program Year (PY) 2021 Annual Action Plan, which describes the proposed use of the funds. After its approval by the City Council on March 20, 2023, the City received HUD’s acceptance of its HOME-ARP Allocation Plan on April 11, 2023.
Minor Amendment #1 to the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and Changes in Total Available Funding:
On April 30, 2025, HUD sent notification to the City of Merced that, after conducting internal quality control efforts, its initial calculation of HOME-ARP allocations contained an error, resulting in the City being allocated less than it was legally entitled to receive. The City should have received an additional $2,970.00, for a total HOME-ARP award of $1,991,748.00.
In accordance with its Citizen Participation Plan (CPP), the City of Merced was required by HUD to amend this HOME-ARP Allocation Plan to add the additional funds. Since the amount of new funding did not exceed 75% of available project funding, involve new activities, or change the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of the City’s HOME-ARP funding, a Substantial Amendment was not triggered. A Minor Amendment was therefore applied, involving the addition of new funds, explanatory text changes, and additional “plan maintenance” adjustments to move unused administrative HOME-ARP funds over to the available project fund balance, so that it can be used towards direct project costs. The table on Page 25 depicts these adjustments.
Utilization of HOME-ARP funding:
The HOME-ARP funds are required to be utilized to benefit individuals or families that meet the requirements for one or more “Qualifying Populations” (QPs). CPD Notice 21-10 defines the following QPs as:
4 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.
The eligible activities for HOME-ARP funds, as defined in CPD Notice 21-10, may be used to benefit qualifying populations through: Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TBRA), the development and support of affordable housing, the provision of supportive services, and the acquisition and development of non-congregate shelters
The City of Merced is in the heart of the Central Valley with a population of approximately 90,000 individuals, 555 of which are homeless. The City has experienced substantial growth over the past few years, due in part to the expanding and ever-growing 10 th U.C. campus adding students,
faculty, and many other employees to this small town. During COVID, the population was hit with high unemployment. As we pull out of the pandemic, we are experiencing increased inflation, which has impacted the housing market greatly. The typical housing vacancy rate in Merced is 1% to 0% vacancy. As soon as houses become vacant, they get multiple offers and are re-sold or rented. Increasing affordable housing has become a regular need coming before City Council.
Summary:
As a result of the Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis that was performed in preparation for this plan, the following needs and gaps will be addressed by the City of Merced with HOME-ARP funds:
• Increased affordable rental housing with supportive services for all QPs
5 HUD Guidance
• To receive its HOME-ARP allocation, a Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) must:
o Engage in consultation with at least the required organizations. o Provide for public participation including a 15-day public comment period and one public hearing, at a minimum.
o Develop a plan that meets the requirements in the HOME-ARP Notice. • To submit: a PJ must upload a Microsoft Word or PDF version of the plan in IDIS as an attachment next to the “HOME-ARP allocation plan” option on either the AD-26 screen (for PJs whose FY 2021 annual action plan is a Year 2-5 annual action plan) or the AD- 25 screen (for PJs whose FY 2021 annual action plan is a Year 1 annual action plan that is part of the 2021 consolidated plan).
• PJs must also submit an SF-424, SF-424B, and SF-424D, and the following certifications as an attachment on either the AD-26 or AD-25 screen, as applicable:
o Affirmatively Further Fair Housing;
o Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act and Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan;
o Anti-Lobbying;
o Authority of Jurisdiction;
o Section 3; and,
o HOME-ARP specific certification.
6 Consultation
In accordance with Section V.A of the Notice (page 13), before developing its HOME-ARP allocation plan, at a minimum, a PJ must consult with:
• CoC(s) serving the jurisdiction’s geographic area,
• Homeless Service Providers,
• Domestic Violence Service Providers,
• Veterans’ groups,
• Public Housing Agencies (PHAs),
• Public agencies that address the needs of the qualifying populations, and • Public or private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities.
Summary of the consultation process:
In order to best analyze the communities’ needs related to housing and assist in determining the priorities for HOME-ARP funds, thorough consultation with community partners was done in a three-pronged approach. For the first part, the City of Merced, hereafter referred to as Merced, hosted a series of community outreach and input meetings, directly related to our 2023 Annual Action Plan process, that included a discussion of HOME-ARP funding. The public and our agency partners were invited to attend these open forum public meetings. The second part was distributing survey flyers, following up with emails, and gathering results for our housing needs surveys that was sent to every housing, homeless, domestic violence service provider, and PHA contact, in order to provide input for the Qualifying Populations needs from service providers standpoint. Any organizations that were not able to respond in writing received a phone call interview. Finally, for those that did not respond or whose direct input was essential in meeting our consultation requirements, appointments were organized to meet with them in person.
Describe the consultation process including methods used and dates of consultation:
At the 2023 Annual Action Plan Public Input Meetings in December, a portion of the consulting agencies were in attendance. HOME-ARP eligible activities and funding were discussed.
Merced also conducted an agency survey that was available from December 28, 2022, to January 31, 2023. The HOME-ARP Agency and Service Provider Consultation Survey asked various organizations and local agencies to rank the four eligible uses of HOME-ARP funding by priority.
The four eligible activities include:
• Acquisition, Rehabilitation, or Construction of Rental Housing • Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter Units (NCS) • Tenant Based Rental Assistance to Qualifying Population Households (HOME-ARP TBRA) • Supportive Services
7 The survey also asked the agencies to rank the Qualifying Populations from most to least need, as well as provide us with a narrative of the unmet needs or services among those populations.
Emails inviting local agencies and organizations to take the consultant survey were sent on:
December 28, 2022
January 5, 2023
January 17, 2023
January 25, 2023
Additionally, consultation meetings were scheduled in 2023 with the following community partners on these dates:
January 24 Chris Alley Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing January 27 Anita Hellam and staff Habitat for Humanity
January 31 Maribel Baron Continuum of Care
February 1 Unable to Attend Housing Authority
List the organizations consulted:
Agency/Org
Consulted Type of Agency/Org Method of
Consultation Feedback
Merced County
Behavioral Health
and Recovery
Services
Public Agency to
address all 4 QPs
needs - Homeless &
at risk of
homelessness service
provider, assist
individuals with
disabilities
Online Survey Too many barriers with multiple
entities involved in housing.
Multiple agencies have to do
vetting for the same client,
electronic applications, procedure
put in place are not client friendly.
Homeless individuals and families
are priority.
Dignity Health
Mercy Medical
Center
Hospital and Rural
Health Clinics, assist
individuals with
disabilities (Serves
the needs of all 4
QPs)
Online Survey Need for increase in
mental/outpatient health services.
Catholic Charities
of Merced
Homeless & at risk of
homelessness service
provider (Serves QP
1 & 2)
Online Survey Individuals or families at risk of
being homeless are priority.
8 Alliance for
Community
Transformations
– Valley Crisis
Center
Domestic violence
service provider
(Serves QP 3 needs)
Online Survey Rental assistance, affordable
housing is needed for DV/SA/HT
victims. ACT states the lack of
affordable housing stock within
the City is the most significant
barrier to preventing
homelessness for their clients.
Habitat for
Humanity
Merced/Stanislaus
Counties
Organization
addressing fair
housing / affordable
housing/rehab for low
-very low-income
homeowners (Serves
QP 1, 2 & 3)
Online Survey
/ In person
meeting
Rental housing is a priority, along
with providing additional services
for rental or mortgage assistance
for individuals and families at risk
of homelessness.
Central
California
Alliance for
Health
Medi-Cal Managed
Care Provider for
Merced Co. Medi-Cal
beneficiaries (Serves
all 4 QPs)
Online Survey Community based capacity needs
to be increased to provide
supportive services to these
qualifying populations in which
there is a gap.
Merced Police
Department
Public Agency to
address all 4 QPs
needs - Homeless/at
risk of homeless/
domestic violence/
veterans service
provider
Online Survey Merced PD coordinates with
many local agencies that assist the
QPs. They note that the larger
gaps they notice are within
supportive services for people
struggling with additions and
assistance with job/income loss.
Restore Merced Homeless & at risk of
homelessness service
provider (Serves QP
1, 2 & 3)
Online Survey QP Priority: At risk of
homelessness. Need for
employment assistance and job
training
Merced County
Office of
Education
Public Agency to
address QP1 and QP2
needs - Homeless &
at risk of
homelessness service
provider
Online Survey Mainly provide/ coordinate
services for school aged
populations. Need for life skills
training and affordable childcare
Central Valley
Coalition for
Affordable
Housing
City of Merced
CHDO (Community
Housing
Development
Organization),
affordable housing
Online Survey/
In person
meeting
Need an increase in supportive
services for homeless individuals
transitioning into housing (i.e.
Housing Counseling) Providing
housing to populations at 30% or
below AMI has proven to be
harder than expected. Residents
9 services (Serves QP
1, 2 & 3)
tends to make over 30% AMI,
which increases the difficulty in
finding qualifying tenants for
units of that income category.
Multiple funding outlets on one
project can make waitlists chaotic
and lead to confusion in trying to
fill units. Need a one stop,
cohesive approach to helping the
qualifying tenants.
The Dr. Jennifer
M. Jones
Foundation
Homeless & at risk of
homelessness service
provider (Serves QP
1, 2 & 3)
Online Survey Need for increase in supportive
services, specifically education
services, life skills training, and
childcare
Sierra Saving
Grace Homeless
Project
Homeless & at risk of
homelessness service
provider (Serves QP
1, 2 & 3)
Online Survey QP priority: at risk of
homelessness. Need for more
rental assistance and affordable
housing. They struggle with
finding housing for someone
living off their social security
income.
Merced County
CoC
Continuum of Care
(Serves all 4 QPs)
In person
meeting
The immense need for affordable
housing can be seen all over the
County. With the City of Merced
leading in the highest homeless
numbers, the City sees the largest
need for units and supportive
services
Housing
Authority of
Merced County
Public Housing
Agency (PHA); Year-
Round Farm Labor;
Seasonal Migrant
Centers (Serves all 4
QPs)
Online
Survey/H.A.
was unable to
attend the
scheduled in
person meeting
There is a lack of supportive
housing counseling that follows
an individual or family from start
to finish in obtaining or receiving
their services. Agencies do not
complete the process with their
clients.
Project Sentinel Service provider for
fair housing, tenants’
rights, civil rights,
needs of persons with
disabilities (Serves all
4 QPs)
In person
meeting, email
correspondence
There is a need for legal counsel
for Merced Residents regarding
unlawful detainers due to a lack of
financial resources. Also, tenant-
landlord mediation services,
relocation assistance, rent
stabilization and broader access to
housing in general are all
10 concerns and needs for Merced
residents
Merced County
Food Bank
Food Bank; serving
low-income food
insecure residents
within Merced and
Mariposa County
(Serves all 4 QPs)
Online Survey Gaps in supportive services for
the QPs, specifically housing-
related financial assistance.
Lifeline CDC Organization
addressing the needs
of people
experiencing
homelessness, at risk
of homelessness and
people with a high
risk of housing
instability (QPs 1, 2&
3)
Online Survey There is a gap in services and lack
of housing for seniors. Feels that
building a tiny home community
for seniors would open up more
apartments for families. Lifeline
is willing to partner to assist with
resources, supportive services,
and trainings.
Merced Rescue
Mission
Homeless & at risk of
homelessness service
provider (QPs 1 & 2)
Online Survey The MRM already is a leader in
being a homeless service
provider, and states some of the
bigger gaps within the community
is in supportive services,
specifically housing search and
housing counseling services.
The Salvation
Army
Organization
addressing the needs
of people
experiencing
homelessness, at risk
of homelessness and
people with a high
risk of housing
instability; providing
food assistance for
those in need;
Veteran Service
Provider (Serves QP
1, 2 & 3)
Online Survey An increase in supportive services
is needed for the QPs, specifically
mental and outpatient health
services.
11 Summarize feedback received and results of upfront consultation with these entities:
Survey and consultation responses identified that the development of affordable housing with supportive services is the predominant need for the residents of Merced.
Merced has had a lack of available rental housing for quite some time. Rental housing has about a 1% vacancy rate, most of which is market rate. Market rate has risen drastically over the past year.
In consultation and regular conversation with service providers, lack of affordable housing is a constant concern. Furthermore, the lack of overall housing in general is a concern for all Merced residents. The population of people in need of apartments and affordable rental units has increased along with the population of U.C. Merced. Additionally, as the economy has changed, long term Merced residents are looking for more affordable housing. Some of these long-term residents are being notified of rental rate increases beyond their financial means and seek out more affordable living arrangements; often with none to be found.
Another key point of concern identified by Merced’s service providers and residents is the lack of supportive services available to the Qualifying Populations (QP). QP’s need housing counseling, mental health services, life skills training, childcare, and job search training to continue after they are placed in housing. The typical additional services they receive in a lot of cases may end in the first year. These services most times are optional to residents at their discretion once they are housed, but if they do not continue services they need, it could eventually lead to them ending up back on the streets.
A coordinated one-stop approach to services is needed. Duplication of efforts from various agencies were found to sometimes create a chaotic environment for tenant application review, leading to increased wait times for housing. One service partner recommended the idea of one case manager per applicant in an attempt to streamline processes and house people as quickly as possible.
Public Participation
PJs must provide for and encourage citizen participation in the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. Before submission of the plan, PJs must provide residents with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed HOME-ARP allocation plan of no less than 15 calendar days. The PJ must follow its adopted requirements for “reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment” for plan amendments in its current citizen participation plan. In addition, PJs must hold at least one public hearing during the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan and prior to submission.
PJs are required to make the following information available to the public:
• The amount of HOME-ARP the PJ will receive, and
• The range of activities the PJ may undertake.
12 Throughout the HOME-ARP allocation plan public participation process, the PJ must follow its applicable fair housing and civil rights requirements and procedures for effective communication, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities and providing meaningful access to participation by limited English proficient (LEP) residents that are in its current citizen participation plan as required by 24 CFR 91.105 and 91.115.
• Date of Public Notice: 3/2/2023
• Public Comment Period: Start date – 3/3/2023 End date – 3/20/2023 • Date of Public Hearing: 3/20/2023
Describe the public participation process:
2023 Annual Action Plan Public Input Meetings, including HOME-ARP discussion, were held on:
Monday, December 12, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in our Sam Pipes Conference room. Tuesday, December 13, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in our Sam Pipes Conference room. Friday, December 16, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in our Sam Pipes Conference Room.
The meetings were advertised in advance on our City Web site, via Merced’s Social Media platforms (Facebook and Instagram), and flyers distributed throughout the community. Those flyers were offered in English, Spanish and Hmong.
Each meeting was broadcast live via Microsoft Teams to allow the public to participate remotely and with social distance. The meetings were also recorded and posted afterwards on the City’s Facebook page. Spanish and Hmong translators attended each meeting to be available to our significant Spanish and Hmong speaking population. Housing Program Supervisor, Kim Nutt, gave the presentation for our 2023 Annual Action Plan, and included a discussion on HOME-ARP funding requirements. The meetings were moderated by Ms. Nutt with housing staff available to answer questions and engage in dialogue with participants. Staff included Scott McBride, Development Services Director; Leah Brown, Management Analyst; Dawn Mendonca, Housing Specialist; and Laura Ivancich, Housing Program Specialist. Merced County Continuum of Care representatives were well engaged attending every meeting, as well. Several other service providers and members of the public attended and participated in robust conversation on housing needs and opportunities.
Staff created a HOME-ARP Resident Survey that was provided in three languages (English, Spanish, Hmong), posted on the City’s Housing webpage with QR Codes that pointed to the survey.
The QR codes were also included in the December 2022 and January 2023 utility bill newsletters to reach as many residents as possible. Survey flyers were distributed at the Merced County Library, Boys and Girls Club, local DMV, and emailed to student services offices for Merced College and UC Merced. The survey included questions directly related to prioritizing the eligible activities for HOME-ARP and prioritizing the Qualifying Populations.
13 Describe efforts to broaden public participation:
Merced took several steps to broaden public participation in the development of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. Merced conducted a Resident Survey that was available to the public on the City’s website and multiple social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram) to allow citizens to submit their comments on the use of HOME-ARP funds. Merced translated the survey into Spanish and Hmong to encourage citizen participation for all Merced residents. Survey flyers were also translated in Spanish and Hmong and distributed throughout the community, and survey QR codes were included in December 2022 and January 2023 utility bill newsletters.
The Public Hearing/Public Comment and Review Period Notice was published in two local newspapers, The Merced Sun-Star and The Merced County Times, on Thursday March 2 nd, 2023.
The notices were published in English, Spanish, and Hmong and provided the information and directions on how to participate in the 15-day comment period, as well as opportunities to comment during the City Council Public Hearing. In an effort to broaden participation, the notice encouraged comments via email, mail or delivered directly to the Merced Housing office.
An amended notice was published in the Merced Sun-Star on March 8, 2023, and in the Merced County Times on March 9, 2023. The amended notice was published to include directions to the public on how to request the HOME-ARP draft plan in Spanish or Hmong, if needed.
For City Council meetings and Public Hearings, Merced residents are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours prior to when services are needed to assure that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility or service.
Summarize the comments and recommendations received through the public participation process either in writing, or orally at a public hearing:
Merced received 116 resident responses on our HOME-ARP resident survey. The residents prioritized QP3 first, Fleeing or those Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence, with QP1, Homeless population, as a close second. At Risk of Homelessness and the Other Populations were tied in final prioritization. Residents have voiced their concern about the lack of affordable housing numerous times during City Council meetings and Town Hall Meetings. This concern was substantiated through the Resident Survey, as the number one activity residents want to see the funding used for is affordable rental housing.
During the 18-day public review period, Merced did not receive any comments from residents or community members. There were no comments received at the Public Hearing on March 20, 2023.
Summarize any comments or recommendations not accepted and state the reasons why:
All public comments are accepted.
14 Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis
Merced utilized numerous resources in order to compile the data necessary to complete the Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis. Sources included the 2022 Point in Time Count (PIT), the 2022 Housing Inventory Count (HIC), the American Community Survey (ACS) 2021 5-year estimates, the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data set from 2015-2019, and in addition consulted with our Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), and other vital community partners and agencies.
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 169 0 169 0 0
Transitional
Housing 109 0 109 0 0
Permanent
Supportive
Housing
0 14 0 40 30
Sheltered
Homeless 0 331 0 12
Unsheltered
Homeless 2 222 10 19
Current Gap 0 0 223 223
Data Sources: 1. 2022 Point in Time Count (PIT); 2. Continuum of Care 2022 Housing Inventory Count (HIC); 3. Consultations
Housing Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table
Non-Homeless
Current Inventory Level of Need Gap Analysis
# of Units # of Households # of Households
Total Rental Units 18,657
Rental Units Affordable to HH at 30% AMI
(At-Risk of Homelessness) 120
Rental Units Affordable to HH at 50% AMI
(Other Populations) 149
Rental Units Affordable to HH at 60% AMI 321
0%-30% AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or more
severe housing problems
(At-Risk of Homelessness)
3965
30%-50% AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or more
severe housing problems
(Other Populations)
2530
Current Gaps 6210
15 Data Sources: 1. American Community Survey (ACS); 2. 2015-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) 3. Consultation
Describe the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within the PJ’s boundaries:
Homeless Populations
One of the primary methods of assessing the homeless population is the annual Point in Time Count (PIT). The most recent PIT was conducted on Thursday night, January 27, 2022, for those unsheltered. The sheltered count was conducted overnight on January 26, 2022. The PIT for 2023 was delayed due to the State of Emergency in the City of Merced due to flooding in January 2023.
The 2023 PIT report will not be completed in time for the City to add that data into this report; therefore, the 2022 data is what was utilized.
There was an overall 2% increase in Merced County for the homeless population from 2021 to 2022.
The data collected from the 2022 PIT count recorded that over 60% of Merced County’s homeless population resides within the city limits of Merced. 40% of the City of Merced’s homeless population remains unsheltered, while the other 60% is categorized as sheltered. While the unsheltered population did not see an increase, the City’s sheltered population saw an increase of 28% from the 2021 PIT count to the 2022 PIT count.
The 2022 PIT City of Merced demographics are as follows: ages 18-24 are 3.6% pf the population, ages 25-61 is 92.8% of the population, and ages 62 and above are 3.6% of the population. Out of the unsheltered count, two households contained children under 5, and one household had youth aged 18-24. 73.1% of the unsheltered population identifies as male, while 26.4% identifies as female, and 0.5% identifies as transgender. The race demographics are reflected as: White is 69.6% of the population, multi-racial is 17% of the population, African American is 9.4% of the population, American Indian or Alaska Native is 2.2% of the population, Asian is 0.9% of the population, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander is 0.9% of the population.
According to the 2022 PIT, the reasons for being homeless were reported overall as unemployment, chronic health conditions for 29% of the population, mental health problems for 34.8% of the population, physical disability for 37.8% of the population, and substance abuse problems for 60% of the population. 21% of the unsheltered population experiences chronic homelessness, while
24.2% just became homeless for the first time within the last 12 months of when the PIT count was conducted.
At Risk of Homelessness
In 24 CFR 91.5, HUD defines those “At Risk of Homelessness” as individuals or families who have an annual income at or below 30% of the area median income level, do not have sufficient resources or support networks immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or into homelessness, and meets one of the following conditions:
16 (A) Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance;
(B) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship;
(C) Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance;
(D) Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals;
(E) Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than
1.5 people per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau;
(F) Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care (such as a health-care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution); or
(G) Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of
Also defined under this Qualifying Population is, a child or youth who does not qualify as “homeless” under this section, but qualifies as “homeless” under section 387(3) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a(3)), section 637(11) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832(11)), section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)), section 330(h)(5)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(h)(5)(A)), section 3(l) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(l)), or section 17(b)(15) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b)(15)); or a child or youth who does not qualify as “homeless” under this section but qualifies as “homeless” under section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 6 U.S.C. 11434a(2)), and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that child or youth if living with her or him.
According to HUD’s 2015-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, families that are at or below 30% of the HUD Area Median Family Income (HAMFI) make up 21% of the City of Merced owner and renter population. Out of the overall housing distribution, 18% of that 30% HAMFI population have 1 out of the 4 Housing Problems. The four Housing Problems are, incomplete kitchen facilities, incomplete plumbing facilities, more than 1 person per room, and a cost burden greater than 30%. 31% of the total renter population for Merced are at or below 30% AMI. 83% of those households are also experiencing 1 out the 4 housing problems as well.
17 Income Distribution Overview (HAMFI) Owner Renter Total Percentages Household Income less-than or= 30%
790
4,685
5,475 21%
Household Income >30% to less-than or= 50%
835
3,050
3,885 15%
Household Income >50% to less-than or= 80%
1,850
2,635
4,485 18%
Household Income >80% to less-than
or=100%
1,185
1,310
2,495 10%
Household Income >100%
5,870
3,280
9,150 36%
Total
10,530
14,960
25,490 100%
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Income by Housing Problems (Owners
and Renters)
Household
with at least
1 of 4
Housing
Problems
Household
has None of
the 4
Housing
Problems
Percentage of
Households
with at least
1 of 4
Housing
Problems
Percentage of
Housing
Problems
Overall
Households
Household Income less-than or= 30%
4,525
950
39%
18%
Household Income >30% to less-than or=
50%
3,085
800
27%
12%
Household Income >50% to less-than or=
80%
2,500
1,985
22%
10%
Household Income >80% to less-than
or=100%
825
1,670
7%
3%
Household Income >100%
690
8,460
6%
3%
Total 11,625 13,865
Data Source: 2015-2019 CHAS
Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking, as defined by HUD in the Notice
The HOME-ARP definition for this population includes any individual or family who is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. This population includes cases where an individual or family reasonably believes that there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence due to dangerous or life-threatening conditions that relate to violence against the individual or a family member, including a child, that has either taken place within the individual’s or family’s primary nighttime residence or has made the individual or family afraid to return or remain within the same dwelling unit. In the case of sexual assault, this also includes cases where an individual reasonably believes there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence if the individual remains within the same dwelling unit that
18 the individual is currently occupying, or the sexual assault occurred on the premises during the 90- day period preceding the date of the request for transfer.
According to our Point in Time Count for 2022, 19 of the 224 (8%) unsheltered homeless were categorized as experiencing homelessness because of fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. City Police Records reported in 2022 Merced had 497 domestic violence cases, 16 stalking cases, 2 human trafficking cases, and 254 cases of sexual assault.
Merced’s domestic violence service provider (Alliance for Community Transformations) reported that in 2022, 542 individuals were assisted due to domestic violence, 250 individuals assisted due to sexual assault, and 13 for human trafficking. The race demographics for those reported clients are as follows: 20% identified as White, 8% identified as African American, 51% identified as Hispanic/Latino, 6% identified as Asian, 9% identified as Unknown, 4% identified as multi-Racial, 1% identified as Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 1% identified as American Indian/Native Alaskan.
The age demographics are as follows: Ages 0-12 are 4% of the population, ages 13-17 are 9% of the population, ages 18-24 are 20% of the population, ages 25-59 are 63% of the population, ages 60 and above are 2% of the population, and 2% were an unknown age.
Other Populations at Greatest Risk of Housing Instability HUD defines these populations as individuals and households who do not qualify under any of the populations above but meet one of the following criteria:
1) Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness is defined as households (i.e., individuals and families) who have previously been qualified as “homeless” as defined in 24 CFR 91.5, are currently housed due to temporary or emergency assistance, including financial assistance, services, temporary rental assistance or some type of other assistance to allow the household to be housed, and who need additional housing assistance or supportive services to avoid a return to homelessness.
2) At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability is defined as household who meets either paragraph (i) or (ii) below:
(i) has annual income that is less than or equal to 30% of the area median income, as determined by HUD and is experiencing severe cost burden (i.e., is paying more than 50% of monthly household income toward housing costs);
(ii) has annual income that is less than or equal to 50% of the area median income, as determined by HUD, AND meets one of the following conditions from paragraph (iii) of the “At risk of homelessness” definition established at 24 CFR 91.5:
(A) Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance; (B) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship;
19 (C) Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance; (D) Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by Federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals;
(E) Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than
1.5 persons reside per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau; (F) Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care (such as a health-care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution); or
(G) Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient's approved consolidated plan
Per the 2015-2019 CHAS, Merced has 7,770 households that are at or below 30% AMI and experiencing severe cost burden. 4,210 households in Merced have income between 30% - 50% AMI. The total households at 50% AMI or below are 11,980. Most of the City of Merced is in a Census Tract that is considered a Disadvantaged Community. Merced’s population that is At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability are those that have been receiving temporary rental assistance and upon expiration of benefits, those populations will be severely cost burdened and unable to afford housing. Service providers that provide temporary rental assistance to the Qualifying Population, indicated this population is need of permanent supportive affordable rental housing.
Income by Cost Burden (Owners and Renters)
Cost Burden
>30%
Cost Burden
>50%
Household Income less-than or= 30% 4,350 3,420 Household Income >30% to less-than or= 50% 2,865 1,345 Household Income >50% to less-than or= 80% 2,230 405 Household Income >80% to less-than or=100% 615 95 Household Income >100% 385 30 Total 10,445 5,295
Data Source: 2015-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS)
Describe the unmet housing and service needs of qualifying populations:
Sheltered and Unsheltered Homeless Populations
Merced’s shelters are at capacity on a daily basis, and some even over capacity. Due to this, Merced’s homeless population does not have a place to go, leading to them having to stay on the streets. The 2022 Point in Time count reported that 331 people out of the total 487 reported for shelter residents were located in the City of Merced. The total number of sheltered persons increased from 258 in 2021 to 331 in 2022, representing an increase of 73 persons or 28%. With Merced sheltered utilizing 67% of the available shelter space, it is clear there is a need for
20 additional housing and shelters. The PIT Count and Housing Inventory Count (HIC) provided us with the inventory breakdown for shelters and permanent supportive housing beds. Along with agency consultations, it was determined that the gap for emergency shelters or transitional housing is about 223 units or beds.
At Risk of Homelessness
HUD’s definition for those at risk of homelessness are households whose annual income is at or below 30% Area Median
Income (AMI), do not have enough sufficient resources to keep them from becoming unhoused, and have economic hardships or housing instabilities that would lead them to losing their housing. According to the 2015-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) report for Merced, 4,525 households are at an income at or below 30% AMI and are experiencing at least 1 housing problem. As mentioned, due to the severe gap in affordable housing inventory, most of these households struggle to remain housed or find a place to live. The gap for affordable rental units is over 6,000, due to the immense need for more unit production, as well as the unfortunate economic downturn that was seen by Merced residents due to the pandemic.
Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking
Housing and services needs for those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, are the same of those at greatest risk of housing instability and homelessness. Part of Merced’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service funding does go toward a domestic violence service provider to assist those under this qualifying population; however, these funds are minimal.
Victims of abuse are at an increased risk of homelessness. Many of the families that Valley Crisis Center assists are homeless simply because they spoke out or reported the abuse. In many situations, a victim of domestic violence finally reports the abuse and gets a restraining order that includes a kick-out order. The person who caused harm is ordered to leave the home and now the survivor needs to make ends meet without the additional income that their partner was bringing into the household. Many times, the clients that are seen are severely behind on their rent, a lot of the times due to the financial abuse they have experienced. Many of them have small children with no childcare, and minimal child support, making it extremely difficult to find more income and/or employment in order to keep their home.
Domestic violence service providers have found that it is nearly impossible to get clients into new housing. There is a severe lack of affordable housing inventory in Merced. This creates a situation where many of our clients must make the difficult choice of continuing to live in a household with ongoing abuse or move on to an extremely at-risk temporary housing situation.
Other Populations at Greatest Risk of Housing Instability The programs that Merced funds with CDBG Public Service funds provide an immense amount of assistance to residents that are at greatest risk of housing instability, however due to the funding cap on Public Service dollars, and the amount of need, those funds tend to run out quickly. Our most recent 2022-23 Annual Plan funding year, provided one of our homeless service providers with
21 funding for emergency rental assistance. About approximately 6 months into the service year, they had already expended all their funding. These households fall under the same needs as QP2 (At Risk of Homelessness) and see the same difficulties with affordable housing and the lack of available units.
Identify and consider the current resources available to assist qualifying populations, including congregate and non-congregate shelter units, supportive services, TBRA, and affordable and permanent supportive rental housing:
• Supportive Services: There are multiple non-profit organizations and local agencies that offer supportive services for all the Qualifying Populations.
Merced currently funds a handful of
Programs that assist the Qualifying Populations with the use of CDBG Public Service funds.
o Supportive service programs for those at risk of homelessness and greatest risk of housing instability by providing emergency subsistence payments of up to 3 consecutive months of rental arrears, electric and gas utility arrears, or deposit assistance
o Supportive service programs for individuals fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking by providing case management services, housing navigation assistance, transportation assistance, economic stability and job cost assistance, life skills training, and security/utility deposits
• Permanent Supportive Housing: Merced currently partners with two local non-profit organizations with a CDBG funded program to acquire and rehabilitate local housing in order to rent these properties to low-income qualifying individuals or families. Our Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) currently operates different multi-family housing projects within Merced, that range from Permanent Supportive Housing to affordable housing in general.
• Non-Congregate/Congregate Shelters: Merced’s local shelters are regularly at capacity and are available to all Qualifying Populations. Merced Rescue Mission operates a Navigation Center for homeless households, which is located in Merced County, but is surrounded by the City limits, making it readily available for Merced’s homeless population.
When this data was recorded, our local domestic violence shelter was at a 67% utilization rate.
This data can fluctuate as the organization that runs the shelter also provides Housing Navigation as available to provide more permanent housing solutions. (See table below for most recent bed inventory data)
22 2022 Housing Inventory Count (HIC) – Local Shelter Count
ES: Emergency Shelter PSH: Permanent Supportive Housing TH: Transitional Housing RRH: Rapid Rehousing
• Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): Merced currently does not fund any TBRA programs, however programs like these would currently be underutilized due to the severe lack of affordable housing units available
Identify any gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system:
A lack of affordable units and overall single-family housing in general has created an impacted environment for housing. UC Merced has also increased our population greatly, which has in turn affected the lack of housing inventory greatly. Merced has multiple affordable housing and permanent supportive housing projects that are currently in various stages of development, which once finalized will add approximately 500 units to the housing inventory. The Covid pandemic has added to the shortage of affordable housing due to rent increasing, making less units available for the Qualifying Populations.
While there is a large collaborative effort amongst developers, service organizations, and the City and County of Merced, the need for housing and services is still very significant and coordinated one-stop approach to services is desired to streamline efforts in housing our most vulnerable populations. Duplication of efforts from various agencies were found to sometimes create a chaotic environment for tenant application review, leading to increased wait times for housing.
Proj.
Type Organization Name Project Name Veteran Beds
HH w/ Children
Youth Beds HH
w/ Children
CH Beds HH
w/o Children
Year-Round
Beds
PIT
Count
Total
Beds
Utilization
Rate
ES Community Action Agency D Street Shel ter 50 28 50 56% PSH Housing Authority of the County of Merced Shel ter Pl us Care 0 0 8 8 8 8 100% PSH Housing Authority of the County of Merced VASH 42 0 0 85 85 85 100% PSH Merced County Human Services Agency Housing Support Program 0 4 33 33 33 100% ES Merced County Human Services Agency Motel Vouchers 8 0 216 216 216 100% PSH Merced County Mental Heal th Project Home Start 0 4 4 4 100% ES Merced County Rescue Mi ssi on B Street Navi gati on Center 67 44 67 66% TH Merced County Rescue Mi ssi on Bri dge Housi ng - Merced 21 22 21 105% TH Merced County Rescue Mi ssi on Bri dge To Hope - Merced 0 0 11 11 TH Merced County Rescue Mi ssi on Hope for Men 0 0 25 25 25 100% TH Merced County Rescue Mi ssi on Hope for Women 11 11 11 100% ES Merced County Rescue Mi ssi on Hope Respi te Care 20 12 20 60% TH Merced County Rescue Mi ssi on Transition to Hope 0 0 31 32 31 103% ES Merced County Rescue Mi ssi on Warmi ng Center 0 0 0 15 RRH Si erra Savi ng Grace Homel ess Project, Inc. H2H Navigation - RRH 0 0 46 46 46 100% PSH Si erra Savi ng Grace Homel ess Project, Inc. Sierra Saving Grace Project I 0 0 0 6 6 6 100% PSH Si erra Savi ng Grace Homel ess Project, Inc.
II 0 8 8 8 100%
TH Symple Equazion A im High 10 5 10 50%
ES Valle y Crisis Ce nte r Domesti c Vi ol ence Shel ter 0 0 12 10 15 67% ES Valle y Crisis Ce nte r DV Transitional 2 2 2 100%
Sum : 50 Sum : 4 Sum : 8 Sum : 764
684
23 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.
Other populations with characteristics that are commonly linked with housing instability and an increased risk of homelessness include prior periods of homelessness; living in hazardous housing; difficulty paying utilities; bad credit history; criminal history; mental illness; and/or extremely low- income households.
Identify priority needs for qualifying populations:
The priority needs for the Qualifying Populations overlap for all 4 QPs. Through the consultation process, analysis of data, and survey results, affordable housing with supportive services is the greatest need for the Qualifying Populations.
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 determination of the level of needs and gaps within our shelter and housing inventory, and service delivery systems, was based on the data collected throughout a collaborative consultation process, resident survey results, census data collection, public hearing input, and detailed conversations with service providers. The need for affordable housing with supportive services was determined as the priority need from evaluation of the above referenced sources.
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:
Merced has a proven method of selecting housing partners, whether it be developers, consultants or contractors. Merced goes out to bid by advertising its needs as a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or Request for Proposals (RFP). Merced uses a format to comprehensively explain the details of the project, the scope of work, the desired results, the services that need to be provided or the development that needs to occur, along with the qualities of the candidate applying for the work. For example, in 2021 the City put out an RFP for Affordable Housing Development Opportunities to attract affordable housing developers using our Housing Successor Agency owned properties. The RFP clearly stated:
“The City seeks to engage a prospective community partner and assess their development qualifications based on selected criteria, including, but not limited to:
• Expertise and experience of the development entity and team in designing and constructing high quality affordable housing projects;
24 • Vision and design for a market-feasible affordable housing project that implements the City’s vision for the community and promotes the community character of Merced; • Economic viability and financial strength of the proposed project, including marketability and feasibility; and
• Financial and organizational capacity of the team to successfully complete the project in a timely manner, including the ability to secure financing and leverage other funding sources to build the highest quality housing project.”
Merced concluded this process by engaging four separate affordable housing developers to purchase and develop the parcels for affordable housing. Currently one of the sites has closed escrow and is about to break ground on a 21-unit container home project for veterans. This is a partnership that includes the use of Veterans Vouchers and permanent supportive services for homeless veterans. It is slated to be completed by Summer 2023. Five of the parcels are in pre-development for an affordable housing apartment complex of 54 units. Four of them have an approved Disposition and Development Agreement and are in escrow with a Non-Profit developer that will build four to five single family homes for extremely low-income families.
For services, Merced uses a similar process, using a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) similar to a grant application, explaining the funds available, the services desired, the qualifications of the applicant, and the terms of the agreement. The NOFAs are publicly posted on the City’s website and in the local newspapers. It is possible that Merced’s Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), the Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing (CVCAH), may be able to assist with development and/or supportive services.
Merced just selected a consultant for a Downtown Housing Feasibility Study, in which this project is slated to be awarded in April 2023 and completed within four months. The Study aims to provide an analysis of the housing needs in the downtown area specifically related to the development of the High-Speed Rail (HSR) Station with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The study will compare, and contrast two City owned parking areas and provide a recommendation on best developable area. The result will be a concept site plan with building elevations, various sized floor plans, and drawings to include mixed use with the focus on housing while not sacrificing current parking spaces. This conceptual plan will include financial pro-forma that involves various funding source options and opportunities for affordable housing financing. Merced then envisions taking the next steps to find an affordable housing developer, possibly one that can include supportive services since that is a priority need within the community as identified in the Needs and Gaps Analysis of this plan.
Describe whether the PJ will administer eligible activities directly:
If the activity is purely construction and development of affordable housing, the City will administer the eligible activities directly. For supportive services, the City will most likely utilize our core group of service providers. Ideally the project funded by HOME-ARP will be a
25 combination of affordable housing that includes supportive services; the amount of the funding will most likely be used in development.
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:
Merced does not plan to provide administrative funds to a subrecipient or contractor for the administration of the entire HOME-ARP grant.
Use of HOME-ARP Funding (after 2021 Annual Action Plan – Minor Amendment)
Funding
Amount
(Original
Plan)
Corrected
Funding
Applied to
Project Type
and
Adjustments
New Project
Type Totals
and Total
Funding
Percent
of the
Grant
Statutory
Limit
Supportive Services $ 0 - 0
Acquisition and
Development of Non-
Congregate Shelters
$ 0 - 0
Tenant Based Rental
Assistance (TBRA) $ 0 - 0
Development of
Affordable Rental
Housing
$ 1,690,461.30 $ 283,316.70 +
$ 2,970.00 * $ 1,976,748.00 ~ 99.2 % n/a
Non-Profit
Operating $ 0 - 0 0 % 5%
Non-Profit Capacity
Building $ 0 - 0 0 % 5%
Administration and
Planning $ 298,316.70 <$ 283,316.70> $ 15,000.00 ~ 0.8 % 15% Total HOME ARP
Allocation $ 1,988,778.00 $ 2,970.00 $ 1,991,748.00 100 % * Includes reservation of approximately $15,500 towards direct staff-hour activity delivery costs (ADC) incurred by City of Merced staff to assist in the development of specific affordable rental housing project(s). This includes such activities as environmental review preparation and the writing and processing of necessary development, deed, and regulatory agreements. The remaining balance of $1,961,248 can be made available directly to eligible development(s).
26 Describe how the PJ will distribute HOME-ARP funds in accordance with its priority needs identified in its needs assessment and gap analysis:
Merced places an overall priority on housing needs of our community and seeks to leverage the HOME-ARP funds along with other affordable housing grants to encourage and support the development of as many units as possible of affordable housing with supportive services.
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:
The consultation process and needs assessment identified the need for affordable rental housing as the top priority for the qualifying population. Supportive services were also attributed to a high need. As a result, Merced has selected to utilize HOME-ARP funds for the development of affordable rental housing with supportive services for all Qualifying Populations. Merced will support organizations that will develop affordable rental housing, in conjunction with providing supportive services to help eligible qualifying population participants maintain long-term housing stability.
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:
Costs of construction have dramatically risen over the past few years, and the cost of producing affordable housing can range from $300,000 to $350,000 per unit. Based on current financial proformas of affordable housing developers in Merced, we believe the HOME-ARP funding could be used to subsidize approximately 5 units of a larger development of 20 units or less.
Describe the specific affordable rental housing production goal that the PJ hopes to achieve and describe how the production goal will address the PJ’s priority needs:
The HOME-ARP Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis data confirms that the priority need is the development of additional affordable rental housing or permanent supportive housing for the QPs.
Merced intends to use the HOME-ARP funding to help achieve our Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the 2023- 2032 Cycle 6 Housing Element. Merced has a total RHNA production value of 10,517 units, of that total 2,543 should be for very low-income households and 1,742 are for low-income households, that is 40.7% of our RHNA.
Merced has enacted Pro-Housing Policies to help achieve these RHNA goals. For example, on projects meeting a specific criterion, 12.5% of the development should be for affordable housing.
Merced is currently evaluating these numbers via a Housing Feasibility Study expected to be complete by September 2023. Merced places an overall priority on housing needs of our
27 community and seeks to leverage the HOME ARP funds along with other affordable housing grants to encourage and support the development of as many units as possible of affordable housing with supportive services.
Preferences
Identify whether the PJ intends to give preference to one or more qualifying populations or a subpopulation within one or more qualifying populations for any eligible activity or project:
Merced will support all qualifying populations chronologically through the Merced County Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry system (CE) as one referral method, with no preference, using CE only to refer clients for placement on HOME-ARP project waiting lists. Other referral agencies will also be utilized, and the eligible qualifying population households will be picked in chronological order off the project or activity wait list.
The funded project will, to the greatest extent possible, choose eligible households from the applications and waitlist in chronological order, with no preferences being utilized.
If a preference was identified, explain how the use of a preference or method of prioritization will address the unmet need or gap in benefits and services received by individuals and families in the qualifying population or subpopulation of qualifying population, consistent with the PJ’s needs assessment and gap analysis:
Merced does not intend to give a preference to 1 or more of the qualifying populations. Upon implementation of the HOME-ARP project, the housing development will support all four of the qualifying populations.
Referral Methods
Identify the referral methods that the PJ intends to use for its HOME-ARP projects and activities.
PJ’s may use multiple referral methods in its HOME-ARP program.
Merced intends to utilize the Merced County Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CoC CE) as well as other agencies referrals to the intended HOME-ARP project. Such project will have a waitlist that select eligible qualifying populations in chronologic order.
If the PJ intends to use both a CE process established by the CoC and another referral method for a project or activity, describe any method of prioritization between the two referral methods, if any.
Merced will not prioritize any Qualifying Population over another for the HOME-ARP project. The eligible Qualifying Population applicant will be chosen in chronological order once placed on the project waitlist.
28 HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines
Merced does not intend to use HOME-ARP funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily rental housing or insured by any federal program, including CDBG.
29 Appendices
1. HUD/City HOME-ARP Grant Agreements
2. SF-424’s and Certifications
3. HUD HOME-ARP Funding Communications
4. City Council Resolutions
5. City Council Admin Reports and Public Hearing Presentation
6. Public Notices
7. Agency Consultation Survey
8. Resident Survey and Public Outreach
1. HUD/City HOME-ARP Grant Agreements
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Community Planning and Development
1. 6.
7. 8.
9. 11.
Grantee Name and Address 2. Grant Number (Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN) Merced M21-MP060227
678 West 18th Street 3a Tax Identification Number 3b. Unique Entity Identifier (formerly DUNS) Merced, CA 95340-4708
94-6000371 169211554
4. Appropriation Number 5. Budget Period Start and End Date 861/50205 FY 2021 - 09/30/2030
Previous Obligation (Enter "O" for initial FY allocation) $0 a. Formula Funds $
Current Transaction (+ or-) $1,988,778.00
a. Administrative and Planning Funds Available on Federal Award Date $99,438.90 b. Balance of Administrative and Planning Funds
C. Balance of Formula Funds
Revised Obligation
a. Formula Funds
Special Conditions (check applicable box)
� Not applicable
Indirect Cost Rate*
Administering Agenc�/DeQt.
D Attached
Indirect Cost Rate
_%
_%
_%
_%
Direct Cost Base
$198,877.80
$1,690,461.30
$
$
10. Federal Award Date (HUD Official's Signature Date)
09/20/2021
12. Period of Performance
Date in Box #1 O - 09/30/2030
• If funding assistance will be used for payment of indirect costs pursuant to 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, provide the name of the department/agency, its indirect cost rate (including if the de minim is rate is charged per 2 § CFR 200.414), and the direct cost base to which the rate will be applied. Do not include cost rates for subrecipients.
The HOME-ARP Grant Agreement (the "Agreement") between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Grantee is made pursuant to the authority of the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (42 U.S.C. 12701 et seq.) and Section 3205 of the American Rescue Plan (P.L. 117-2) (ARP). HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 92 (as may be amended from time to time), the CPD Notice entitied "Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program" (HOME-ARP Implementation Notice), the Grantee's HOME-ARP allocation plan (as of the date of HU D's approval), and this HOME-ARP Grant Agreement, form HUD-40093a, including any special conditions (in accordance with 2 CFR 200.208), constitute part of this Agreement. HU D's payment of funds under this Agreement is subject to the Grantee's compliance with HU D's electronic funds transfer and information reporting procedures issued pursuant to 24 CFR 92.502 and the HOME-ARP Implementation Notice. To the extent authorized by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 92, HUD may, by its execution of an amendment, deobligate funds previously awarded to the Grantee without the Grantee's execution of the amendment or other consent. The Grantee agrees that funds invested in HOME-ARP activities under the HOME-ARP Implementation Notice are repayable in accordance with the requirements of the HOME-ARP Implementation Notice. The Grantee agrees to assume all of the responsibility for environmental review, decision making, and actions, as specified and required in regulation at 24 CFR 92.352 and 24 CFR Part 58, as well as the HOME-ARP Implementation Notice.
The Grantee must comply with the applicable requirements at 2 CFR part 200, as amended, that are incorporated by the program regulations and the HOME-ARP Implementation Notice, as may be amended from time to time. Where any previous or future amendments to 2 CFR part 200 replace or renumber sections of part 200 that are cited specifically in the program regulations or HOME-ARP Implementation Notice, activities carried out under the grant after the effective date of the 2 CFR part 200 amendments will be governed by the 2 CFR part 200 requirements, as replaced or renumbered by the part 200 amendments.
The Grantee shall comply with requirements established by the Office of Management and Budget (0MB) concerning the Universal Numbering System and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements in Appendix I to 2 CFR part 200, and the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) in Appendix A to 2 CFR part 170.
Funds remaining in the grantee's Treasury account after the end of the budget period will be cancelled and thereafter not available for obligation or expenditure for any purpose.
Per 31 U.S.C. 1552, the Grantee shall not incur any obli ations to be aid with such assistance after the end of the Budget Period.
13. For the U.S. Department of HUD (Name and Tille of Authorized Official) 14. Signature 15. Date Kimberly Y. Nash, CPD Director KIMBERLY NASH
16. 19.
20. Funding Information: HOME ARP
Source of Funds AQQroQriation Code
2021 861/50205
PAS Code
HMX
Amount
$1,988,778.00
!
I
i
HOME ARP Grant Agreement
Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act Assistance Listings #14.239- HOME Investment Partnerships Program
21. Additional Requirements: These additional requirements are attached and incorporated into this Agreement. The Grantee agrees to these additional requirements on the use of the funds in 7., as may be amended from time to time by the Secretary.
a) As of the Federal Award Date, the Grantee may use up to the amount identified in 7.a. of this Agreement for eligible administrative and planning costs in accordance with the HOME-ARP Implementation Notice. b) Until the date of HUD's acceptance of the Grantee's HOME-ARP allocation plan, the Grantee agrees that it will not obligate or expend any funds for non-administrative and planning costs, in accordance with the HOME-ARP Implementation Notice.
c) In accordance with the HOME-ARP Implementation Notice, as of the date of acceptance by HUD of the Grantee's HOME-ARP allocation plan, HUD shall make the amount identified in line 7. of this Agreement available to the Grantee.
d) If the Grantee does not submit a HOME-ARP allocation plan or if the Grantee's HOME-ARP allocation plan is not accepted within a reasonable period of time, as determined by HUD, the Grantee agrees that all costs incurred and HOME-ARP funds expended by the Grantee will be ineligible costs and will be repaid with non-Federal funds.
22. Special Conditions
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
* 1. Type of Submission: * 2. Type of Application: * If Revision, select appropriate letter(s):
D Preapplication IXJNew I
IXJ Application D Continuation * Other (Specify):
D Changed/Corrected Application D Revision I
* 3. Date Received: 4. Applicant Identifier:
103/22/2023
I ICA62250 MERCED
5a. Federal Entity Identifier: 5b. Federal Award Identifier:
I I IM21-MP060227
State Use Only:
6. Date Received by State: I I , 7. State Application Identifier: I
8. APPLICANT INFORMATION:
* a. Legal Name: lei ty of Merced
* b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN): *c. UEI:
194-6000371 I IL6YVDNJHHSQ7 I
d. Address:
* Street1: 1678 w. 18th Street
Street2: I
* City: !Merced I
County/Parish: I I
* State: ICA: California
Province: I I
* Country: lusA: UNITED STATES
* Zip / Postal Code: 195340-4700 I
e. Organizational Unit:
Department Name: Division Name:
IDevelopment Services Dept. I !Housing Division
f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application:
Prefix: I I * First Name: lscott
Middle Name: I
* Last Name: McBride
Suffix: I I
Title: IDevelopment Services Director
Organizational Affiliation:
!<same)
* Telephone Number: 1209-385-6818 I Fax Number: I
* Email: [email protected]
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0MB Number: 4040-0004
Expiration Date: 12/31/2022
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2. SF 424 Application and Certifications
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
* 9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type:
le= City or Township Government I
Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type:
Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type:
• Other (specify):
I
* 10. Name of Federal Agency:
U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development I
11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:
114.239 I
CFDA Title:
IHOME Investment Partnership Program
I
* 12. Funding Opportunity Number:
IM2 l-MP060227 I
* Title:
HOME Investment Partnerships - American Rescue Plan
13. Competition Identification Number:
n/a I
Title:
14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.):
I I Add Attachment 11 Delete Attachment 11 View Attachment I * 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project:
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan detailing the use of funds to include rental housing projects made available to all Qualifying Populations, with supportive services.
Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions.
I Add Attachments 11 Delete /\ttachments 11 View Attachments I Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
16. Congressional Districts Of:
* a. Applicant lcA-013 I * b. Program/Project lcA-013 I Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts if needed.
I I I Add Attachment 11 Delete Attachment 11 View Attachment I
17. Proposed Project:
* a. Start Date: 11010112021 I * b. End Date: 109/30/2030 1
18. Estimated Funding($):
*a.Federal I 1,988,778.0ol
* b. Applicant I o. ool
* c. State I o. ool
* d. Local I o. ool
* e. Other I o. ool
* f. Program Income I o. ool
* g. TOTAL I 1,988,778.001
* 19. ls Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? □ a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review on I I-□ b. Program is subject to E.0. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review. � c. Program is not covered by E.0. 12372.
* 20. ls the Applicant Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If "Yes," provide explanation in attachment.) OYes �No
If "Yes", provide explanation and attach
I I I Add Attachment 11 l)elctc Attachment 11 View Attachment I
21. *By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications- and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances** and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001) �**I AGREE
** The list of certifications and assurances, or an internet site where you may obtain this list, is contained in the announcement or agency specific instructions.
Authorized Representative:
Prefix: I
Middle Name: IR.
* Last Name: loietz
Suffix: I
* Title: lcity Manager
* Telephone Number: 1209-38 5-6834
* Email: [email protected]
I * First Name: lstephanie I I
I I
I
I
Fax Number: I
I
* Signature of Authorized Representative:
vfnnhAnlL� IL.
* Date Signed: 103 /21/2023
✓ , - I
()
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HOME-ARP CERTIFICATIONS - ( 'it) of Merced. California
In accordance with the applicable statutes and the regulations governing the consolidated plan regulations, the participating jurisdiction certifies that:
Affirmatively Further Fair Housing --The jurisdiction will affirmatively further fair housing pursuant to 24 CFR 5.151 and 5.152.
Uniform Relocation Act and Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan --It will comply with the acquisition and relocation requirements of the Unifonn Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, ( 42 U.S.C. 4601-4655) and implementing regulations at 49 CFR Part 24. It will comply with the acquisition and relocation requirements contained in the HOME-ARP Notice, including the revised one-for-one replacement requirements. It has in effect and is following a residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan required under 24 CFR Part 42, which incorporates the requirements of the HOME-ARP Notice. It will follow its residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan in connection with any activity assisted with funding under the HOME-ARP program.
Anti-Lobbying --To the best of the jurisdiction's knowledge and belief:
I. No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of it, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement;
2. If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, it will complete and submit Standard Fom1-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Repmt Lobbying," in accordance with its instmctions; and
3. It will require that the language of paragraph 1 and 2 of this anti-lobbying certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose
accordingly.
Authority of Jurisdiction --The consolidated plan is authorized under State and local law ( as applicable) and the jurisdiction possesses the legal authority to carry out the programs for which it is seeking funding, in accordance with applicable HUD regulations and program requirements.
Section 3 --It will comply with section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701 u) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 75.
HOME-ARP Certification --It will use HOME-ARP funds consistent with Section 3205 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2) and the CPD Notice: Requirements.for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program, as may be amended by HUD, for eligible activities and costs, including the HOME-ARP Notice requirements that activities are consistent with its accepted HOME-ARP allocation plan and that HOME-ARP funds will not be used for prohibited activities or costs, as described in the HOME-ARP Notice.
City Manager
Title
March 21. 2023
Date
ASSURANCES - CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS 0MB Number: 4040-0009 Expiration Date: 02/28/2025
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0042), Washington, DC 20503.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.
NOTE: Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program. If you have questions, please contact the Awarding Agency. Further, certain Federal assistance awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances. If such is the case, you will be notified.
As the duly authorized representative of the applicant:, I certify that the applicant:
1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non-Federal share of project costs) to ensure proper planning,
management and completion of project described in
this application.
2. Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States and, if appropriate, the State,
the right to examine all records, books, papers, or
documents related to the assistance; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with
generally accepted accounting standards or agency
directives.
3. Will not dispose of, modify the use of, or change the terms of the real property title or other interest in the site and facilities without permission and instructions from the awarding agency. Will record the Federal
awarding agency directives and will include a covenant
in the title of real property acquired in whole or in part with Federal assistance funds to assure non
discrimination during the useful life of the project.
4. Will comply with the requirements of the assistance
awarding agency with regard to the drafting, review and approval of construction plans and specifications.
5. Will provide and maintain competent and adequate
engineering supervision at the construction site to
ensure that the complete work conforms with the
approved plans and specifications and will furnish
progressive reports and such other information as may be required by the assistance awarding agency or State.
6. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency.
7. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational
conflict of interest, or personal gain.
8. Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. §§4728-4763) relating to prescribed
standards of merit systems for programs funded
under one of the 19 statutes or regulations specified in Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of
Personnel Administration (5 C.F.R. 900, Subpart F).
9. Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning
Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. §§4801 et seq.) which
prohibits the use of lead-based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures.
10. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to non discrimination. These include but are not limited to: (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P .L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. §§1681
1683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination
on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29) U.S.C.
§794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of
handicaps; (d) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as
amended (42 U.S.C. §§6101-6107), which prohibits
discrimination on the basis of age; (e) the Drug Abuse
Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as
amended relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of
drug abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation
Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to
nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or
alcoholism; (g) §§523 and 527 of the Public Health
Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. §§290 dd-3 and 290 ee
3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol
and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. §§3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale,
rental or financing of housing; (i) any other
nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statue(s)
under which application for Federal assistance is being made; and (j) the requirements of any other
nondiscrimination statue(s) which may apply to the
application.
Previous Edition Usable Authorized for Local Reproduction Standard Form 424D (Rev. 7-97} Prescribed by 0MB Circular A-102
11. Will comply, or has already complied, with the
requirements of Titles II and Ill of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is
acquired as a result of Federal and federally-assisted
programs. These requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of
Federal participation in purchases.
12. Will comply with the provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 1501-1508 and 7324-7328) which limit the political
activities of employees whose principal employment
activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds.
13. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. §§276a to 276a-7), the Copeland Act (40 U.S.C. §276c and 18 U.S.C. §874), and the Contract
Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. §§327-
333) regarding labor standards for federally-assisted
construction subagreements.
14. Will comply with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102( a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more.
15. Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-
190) and Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification
of violating facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c)
protection of wetlands pursuant to EO 11990; (d)
evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of project consistency
with the approved State management program
developed under the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972 (16 U.S.C. §§1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICIAL
City of Merced
Federal actions to State (Clean Air) implementation
Plans under Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of
1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§7401 et seq.); (g)
protection of underground sources of drinking water
under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 197 4, as
amended (P.L. 93-523); and, (h) protection of
endangered species under the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93-205).
16. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of
1968 (16 U.S.C. §§1271 et seq.) related to protecting
components or potential components of the national
wild and scenic rivers system.
17. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. §470), EO 11593
(identification and protection of historic properties), and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of
1974 (16 U.S.C. §§469a-1 et seq).
18. Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit
Act Amendments of 1996 and 0MB Circular No. A-133,
"Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations."
19. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing this program.
20. Will comply with the requirements of Section 106(g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended (22 U.S.C. 7104) which prohibits grant award
recipients or a sub-recipient from (1) Engaging in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of time that the award is in effect (2) Procuring a commercial
sex act during the period of time that the award is in
effect or (3) Using forced labor in the performance of the award or subawards under the award.
TITLE
!city Manager
DATE SUBMITTED
03/21/2023
SF-424D (Rev. 7-97) Back
0MB Number: 4040-0007
Expiration Date: 02/28/2025
ASSURANCES - NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0040), Washington, DC 20503.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.
NOTE: Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program. If you have questions, please contact the awarding agency. Further, certain Federal awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances.
If such is the case, you will be notified.
As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify that the applicant:
1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non-Federal share of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management
and completion of the project described in this
application.
2. Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States and, if appropriate, the State,
through any authorized representative, access to and
the right to examine all records, books, papers, or
documents related to the award; and will establish a
proper accounting system in accordance with generally
accepted accounting standards or agency directives.
3. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational
conflict of interest, or personal gain.
4. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding
agency.
5. Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. §§4728-4763) relating to prescribed
standards for merit systems for programs funded under
one of the 19 statutes or regulations specified in
Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of
Personnel Administration (5 C.F.R. 900, Subpart F).
6. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to
nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to:
(a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C.§§1681-
1683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Previous Edition Usable
Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §794), which
prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; ( d) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.
S.C. §§6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination on
the basis of age; ( e) the Drug Abuse Office and
Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended,
relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug
abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation
Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to
nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or
alcoholism; (g) §§523 and 527 of the Public Health
Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. §§290 dd-3 and 290
ee- 3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. §§3601 et seq.), as
amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale,
rental or financing of housing; (i) any other
nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statute(s) under which application for Federal assistance is being made; and, G) the requirements of any other
nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the
application.
7. Will comply, or has already complied, with the
requirements of Titles II and Ill of the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for
fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or
whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or
federally-assisted programs. These requirements
apply to all interests in real property acquired for
project purposes regardless of Federal participation in purchases.
8. Will comply, as applicable, with provisions of the
Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§1501-1508 and 7324-7328)
which limit the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole
or in part with Federal funds.
Authorized for Local Reproduction
Standard Form 424B (Rev. 7-97)
Prescribed by 0MB Circular A-102
9. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. §§276a to 276a-7), the Copeland Act (40 U.S.C. §276c and 18 U.S.C. §874), and the Contract
Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. §§327-
333), regarding labor standards for federally-assisted
construction subagreements.
1 O. Will comply, if applicable, with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires
recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more.
11. Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P .L. 91-190) and
Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetlands pursuant to EO 11990; ( d) evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; ( e) assurance of project consistency with the approved State management
program developed under the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. §§1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of Federal actions to State (Clean Air) Implementation Plans under Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as
amended (42 U.S.C. §§7401 et seq.); (g) protection of
underground sources of drinking water under the Safe
Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-523);
and, (h) protection of endangered species under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93-
205).
12. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of
1968 (16 U.S.C. §§1271 et seq.) related to protecting
components or potential components of the national
wild and scenic rivers system.
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICIAL
13. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. §470), EO 11593
(identification and protection of historic properties), and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of
1974 (16 U.S.C. §§469a-1 et seq.).
14. Will comply with P.L. 93-348 regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research, development, and
related activities supported by this award of assistance.
15. Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-544, as amended, 7 U.S.C. §§2131 et
seq.) pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held for research, teaching, or
other activities supported by this award of assistance.
16. Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning
Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. §§4801 et seq.) which
prohibits the use of lead-based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures.
17. Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit
Act Amendments of 1996 and 0MB Circular No. A-133,
"Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations."
18. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing this program.
19. Will comply with the requirements of Section 106(g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended (22 U.S.C. 7104) which prohibits grant award
recipients or a sub-recipient from (1) Engaging in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of time that the award is in effect (2) Procuring a commercial
sex act during the period of time that the award is in
effect or (3) Using forced labor in the performance of the award or subawards under the award.
TITLE
!city Manager
DATE SUBMITTED
03/21/2023
Standard Form 424B (Rev. 7-97) Back
Apri
l 30, 2025
The H
onorable Matthew Serratto
Mayor of Merced
City of Merced
678 W 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Dear
Mayor Serratto:
In 2021, th
e Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD or the Department) Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) allocated $5 billion appropriated by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) of 2021 to HOME Investment Partnerships Program participating jurisdictions. These funds, known as “HOME-ARP,” are intended to give you the financial tools to assist your most vulnerable citizens by providing housing, shelter, tenant-based rental assistance, and supportive services for persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness, fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, and other populations at greatest risk of housing instability.
Whil
e conducting recent quality control efforts, the Department discovered an administrative error in the allocations of the HOME-ARP funds. This error resulted in your jurisdiction inadvertently being allocated less HOME-ARP funds than it was legally entitled to receive. Specifically, the Department determined that your jurisdiction received $2,970.00 less in its HOME-ARP allocation than it should have. This letter notifies you of the corrected amount of your HOME-ARP award.
Original HOME-ARP
Award
Additional Allocation
Amount
Revised HOME-ARP
Award
$1,988,778.00 $2,970.00 $1,991,748.00
Att
ached is an amended HOME-ARP grant agreement for your agency’s signature, indicating the additional amount you are entitled to and your final corrected amount. Please sign this agreement and return it to your CPD Representative. Please note: Build America, Buy America provisions continue to be waived for HOME-ARP.
Addit
ionally, you must amend your HOME-ARP allocation plan to include the correct amount of HOME-ARP funds in accordance with HUD Notice CPD-21-10 and your citizen participation plan.
Depending upon the criteria for substantial amendments established in your citizen participation plan, you may be required to develop a substantial amendment to the HOME-ARP allocation plan.
3. HUD HOME-ARP Funding Communications
2 The requirements for substantial amendments can be found in section V.C.6 of HUD Notice CPD-21-10. The Department can assist you in determining what may be required to be included in a substantial amendment.
The Department regrets this error and apologizes for any inconvenience it may cause.
We are working hard to make this process as seamless as possible for all affected recipients. If you or your staff wish to discuss this correction or have any questions about HOME-ARP, please contact your local HUD Field Office or HUD’s Office of Affordable Housing Programs at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Claudette Fernandez
General Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Community Planning and Development
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
San Francisco Regional Office – Region IX
One Sansome Street, Suite 1200
San Francisco, CA 94104-4430
www.hud.gov
espanol.hud.gov
The Honorable Matthew Serratto
Mayor of Merced
678 West 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340-4708
Dear Mayor Serratto:
SUBJECT: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program
Merced, California
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $5 billion to provide housing, services, and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations, to be allocated by formula to jurisdictions that qualified for HOME Investment Partnerships Program allocations in Fiscal Year 2021. On September 13, 2021, the Department published CPD Notice 21-10, titled: Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program (the Notice), which you are encouraged to review to assist in developing your program. As the participating jurisdiction (PJ), you are responsible for ensuring that all grant funds are used in accordance with all program requirements.
In accordance with the Notice, and the HOME ARP Grant Agreement, a PJ, as of the Federal Award Date, may use up to five percent of its total award for administrative and planning costs before HUD accepts its HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. Your HOME-ARP Allocation Plan has been accepted by HUD and the remaining award will be made available.
HOME-ARP Funds (5% for administration and planning) $99,438.90 HOME-ARP Remaining Funds (95% of allocation) $1,889,339.10 Total HOME-ARP Award $1,988,778.00
HUD congratulates the City of Merced on its grant award, and we look forward to assisting you in accomplishing your programs goals. If you have any questions or need further information or assistance, please contact Ray Webster, Community Planning and Development Representative, at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Alice Walkup
Acting Director
Community Planning and
Development Division
Digitally signed by: ALICE WALKUP
DN: CN = ALICE WALKUP C = US O = U.
S. Government OU = Department of
Housing and Urban Development, Office
of Community Planning and Development
Date: 2023.04.11 11:40:54 -07'00'
ALICE
WALKUP
April 11, 2023
2 cc:
Stephanie R. Dietz, City Manager
Scott McBride, Director of Development Services
Kim Nutt, Housing Program Supervisor
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, DC 20410-7000
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PLANNING
AND DEVELOPMENT
www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov
April 28, 2021
The Honorable Matthew Serratto
Mayor of Merced
678 W 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Dear Mayor Serratto:
I am pleased to inform you of your jurisdiction’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 allocation for HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program – American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funding.
The American Rescue Plan appropriated $5 billion to help communities provide housing, shelter, and services for people experiencing and other qualifying populations. These HOME-ARP funds are in addition to your regular FY 2021 HOME formula allocation. This one-time funding creates a significant opportunity for you to meet the housing and service needs of your community’s most vulnerable populations.
Your jurisdiction’s FY 2021 HOME-ARP allocation is $1,988,778.
HOME-ARP funding gives jurisdictions significant new resources to address their homeless assistance needs by creating affordable housing or non-congregate shelter units and providing tenant-based rental assistance or supportive services. Later this year, the Department will issue an implementing notice providing guidance on HOME-ARP, including instructions and requirements for developing a substantial amendment to your jurisdiction’s FY 2021 Annual Action Plan describing your proposed use of the funds. HOME-ARP funds are available for expenditure until September, 2030.
HOME-ARP funds are allocated through the HOME formula to all participating jurisdictions that qualified for an annual HOME Program allocation for FY 2021. HOME-ARP funds must be used for individuals or families from the following qualifying populations: homeless; at-risk of homelessness; fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; other populations where providing assistance would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability; and veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet one of the preceding criteria.
HOME-ARP funds can be used for four eligible activities including the production or preservation of affordable housing; tenant-based rental assistance; supportive services, including homeless prevention services and housing counseling; and the purchase or development of non- congregate shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Additionally, HOME- ARP provides up to 15 percent of the allocation for administrative and planning costs of the participating jurisdiction and for subrecipients administering all or a portion of the grant. HOME- ARP can provide up to 5 percent of the grant for operating costs of Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and other non-profit organizations, including homeless providers. Additional funding is available to these organizations for capacity building. Like other formula grant funds, HOME-ARP funds will be administered in the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).
While your jurisdiction will not have access to HOME-ARP funds until HUD has issued an implementing notice and subsequently reviewed and accepted a substantial amendment to your FY 2021 Annual Action Plan, I urge you to begin consulting with homeless service providers, domestic violence service organizations, public housing agencies, and other organizations and agencies that assist qualifying populations in your area. Early identification of the unmet needs among these populations and consideration of potential uses of HOME-ARP funds will position your jurisdiction to design and implement its HOME-ARP Program expeditiously.
The Office of Community Planning and Development looks forward to working with you to ensure the success of this critical program. If you or any member of your staff have questions, please contact your local CPD Office Director.
Sincerely,
James Arthur Jemison II
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Community Planning and Development
Page Reserved for 5-4-2026
City Council Resolution
4. City Council Resolutions
�
�MERCED�-�--�����-�
CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
I, STEPHANIE DIETZ, City Clerk of the City of Merced, California, do hereby certify that the attached document, entitled:
RESOLUTION 2023-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MERCED, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SUBSTANTIAL
AMENDMENT # 1 TO THE PROGRAM YEAR 2021-2022
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND THE HOME-ARP ALLOCATION
PLAN FOR THE ADDITIONAL HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) FUNDS MADE
AVAILABLE THROUGH THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
OF 2021; ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING THE HOME-ARP
FUNDS A WARDED TO THE CITY BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER OR DEPUTY CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN
Y
RELATED DOCUMENTS, CERTIFICATIONS,
AND/OR AGREEMENTS RESULTING FROM THIS
ALLOCATION; AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT ALL
APPROVED DOCUMENTS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
is a true and correct copy of the original on file in the Office of the Merced City Clerk, Merced, California.
DA TED: MARCH 22, 2023 STEPHANIE DIETZ,
CITY CLERK
BY:��
JANDRA MEDINA
Deputy City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 2023- 21--
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF MERCED, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT #1
TO THE PROGRAM YEAR 2021-2022 ANNUAL
ACTION PLAN AND THE HOME-ARP
ALLOCATION PLAN FOR THE ADDITIONAL
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
(HOME) FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH
THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021;
ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING THE
HOME-ARP FUNDS A WARDED TO THE CITY BY
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMENT; AUTHORlZING THE
CITY MANAGER OR DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS,
CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR AGREEMENTS
RESULTING FROM THIS ALLOCATION; AND
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT ALL
APPROVED DOCUMENTS TO THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT
WHEREAS, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 appropriated $5 billion to provide housing and services to people experiencing homelessness as well as other vulnerable populations, to be allocated to jurisdictions that qualified for HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program funding for Fiscal Year 2021-22, and on April 28, 2021, the City of Merced was notified that it would receive an allocation of this funding; and,
WHEREAS, on September 13, 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published its Implementing Notice, Notice CPD-21- 10, entitled "Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program" which established requirements for the HOME-ARP funding appropriated through the ARP; and,
WHEREAS, on September 20, 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the City of Merced HOME-ARP funds in the U:\SLO DOCS\03369\00\\RES\SLOI 4737.JJOCX
amount of One Million Nine Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Eight Dollars ($1,988,778); and,
WHEREAS, in order to use HOME-ARP funding, Notice CPD-21-10 requires the City of Merced to engage in consultation and public participation processes and develop a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan (Plan), to be submitted to HUD for review and approval as a Substantial Amendment to the 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan; and,
WHEREAS, on September 8, 2021, for purposes of the Plan, HUD issued a Memorandum waiving the public participation requirements of the City's adopted Citizen Participation Plan regarding plan amendments and replaces them with Alternative Public Participation Requirements, which include that the City: l) provide residents with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment of no less than 15 calendar days; 2) follow its adopted requirements for providing reasonable notice and opportunity to comment on plan amendments; and, 3) hold at least one public hearing prior to submitting the Plan to HUD; and, WHEREAS, in compliance with Notice CPD-21-10 and the HOME-ARP waivers Memorandum, the City held three resident input meetings during the month of December 2022 to explain the amount and eligible uses of HOME-ARP funding and to gather citizen input; published information in local newspapers, the December 2022 and January 2023 monthly utility newsletters, and on the City's official social media platforms; conducted an online HOME-ARP Resident Survey from November 18, 2022, to January 31, 2022; consulted with the required agencies and service providers; published Public Hearing and Opportunity to Comment Notices in multiple languages in local newspapers, on the City's website, at City Hall, and on social media; provided an 18-day public review and comment period from March 3, 2023, to March 20, 2023; and held a Public Hearing at the City Council meeting of March 20, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERCED
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE, FIND, AND ORDER AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Merced hereby approves Substantial Amendment# 1 to the City of Merced 2021-22 HUD Annual Action Plan and the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan to be included as the amendment and directs the City Manager and Deputy City Manager to review and consider all public comment provided. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute all lJ :\SLO _ DOCS\03360\00 I \RES\SLO 14737. rxx:x
2 documents related thereto, and staff is authorized to submit all documents to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby accepts HOME-ARP grant funds in the amount of One Million Nine Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Eight Dollars ($1,988,778) awarded by HUD to the City of Merced; and SECTION 3. The City Council hereby resolves that not more than fifteen percent (15%) or Two Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Sixteen Dollars and Seventy Cents ($298,316.70) of the HOME-ARP funds shall be used to cover administration and planning costs attributable to the HOME-ARP funding, including preparation of the Plan and planned activities, as authorized under HUD Notice CPD-21-1 O; and
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby directs the Finance Officer to appropriate alJ HOME-ARP funds as necessary and to projects as to be determined; and
SECTION 5. The City Counci I hereby authorizes the City Manager and the Deputy City Manager to award and execute agreement(s) to any third-party contractors and subrecipients to be determined, for eligible projects and activities as set forth in the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and included in the First Substantial Amendment to the 2021-22 Annual Action Plan, subject to compliance with applicable HOME-ARP and City requirements; and
SECTION 6. The City Council hereby directs that prior to execution, all agreements sha11 be reviewed and approved as to form and legality by the City Attorney.
U:\Sl,O_IXXS\03360\001\RES\Sl.014737.DOCX
3 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Merced at a regular meeting held on the 20th day of March 2023, by the following vote:
AYES: 7 Council Members: BOYLE, DEANDA, ORNELAS, PEREZ,
SERRATTO, SMITH, XIONG
NOES: o Council Members: NONE
ABSENT: o Council Members: NONE
ABSTAIN:O Council Members: NONE
ATTEST:
STEPHANIE R. DIETZ, CITY CLERK
BY: �k��
As 1:ant/Deputy City Clerk
(SEAL)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
L . DigitaUy signed by: Laurie
au fie Avedisian-Favini
D'6: CN "' Lautie Avedlsian-Favini
A ved is ia n- .,bmaif = ttavini@lozanosmlth com
/ C f US O = Lozano Smith
Favini
' Date: 2 023.02,28 15:45:33-0S'OIQ/28/23
City Attorney Date
U:\SI.O_DOCS\03360\00I\RES\SL0l4737.DOCX
APPROVED:
5.. . City Council Admin Reports and Public Hearing Presentation Page Reserved for 5-4-2026 City Council
Admin Report
CITY OF MERCED
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Merced Civic Center
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
File #: 23-038 Meeting Date: 3/20/2023
Report Prepared by: Leah Brown, Management Analyst, Development Services SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Home Investment Partnership Program - American Rescue Plan Act (HOME-ARP) Draft Allocation Plan and Adopt a Resolution Approving a Substantial Amendment to the 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan to Allocate Additional Home Investment Partnerships Program Funds Appropriated Through the American Rescue Plan of 2021
REPORT IN BRIEF
Hold a Public Hearing to take comments on the HOME-ARP Draft Allocation Plan and to Adopt a Resolution Approving a Substantial Amendment to the 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan, to allocate additional Home Investment Partnerships Program funds made available through the American Rescue Plan of 2021 and Approve the HOME-ARP Draft Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by March 30, 2023.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Holding a Public Hearing and Approve the HOME-ARP Draft Allocation Plan; and, B. Adopting Resolution 2023-21, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Substantial Amendment # 1 to the Program Year 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan and the HOME-ARP allocation plan for the additional Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021; Accepting and Appropriating the HOME-ARP funds awarded to the City by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ; Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute any all related documents, certifications, and/or agreements resulting from this allocation; and authorizing staff to submit all approved documents to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; by the March 30, 2023 deadline; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make any necessary budget adjustments.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the Draft HOME-ARP Plan; or,
2. Approve the Draft HOME-ARP Plan with the inclusion of Public and Council comments; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200; et. seq.; and, Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
91.105, requiring that Participating Jurisdictions involve citizens in the development of the HOME- CITY OF MERCED Printed on 3/15/2023Page 1 of 4
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File #: 23-038 Meeting Date: 3/20/2023
ARP Allocation Plan in accordance with the City’s Adopted Citizen Participation Plan.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2022-23 Adopted Budget, under the Council Priorities for Housing and Homelessness, and the City Council’s Prohousing Policies.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced has been awarded $1,988,778 of HOME-ARP funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To receive the HOME-ARP allocation, the City must develop a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan as a Substantial Amendment to the Program Year (PY) 2021 Annual Action Plan.
The HOME-ARP funds are required to be utilized to benefit individuals or families that meet the requirements for one or more “Qualifying Populations” (QPs). CPD Notice 21-10, “Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program” defines the following QPs as:
1. Homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; and,
2. At Risk of Homelessness, as defined in section 401 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; and,
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.
The eligible activities for HOME-ARP funds, as defined in CPD Notice 21-10, may be used to benefit qualifying populations through: Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TBRA), the development and support of affordable housing, the provision of supportive services, and the acquisition and development of non-congregate shelters.
As part of the HUD guidance for completing the plan, before developing its HOME-ARP allocation plan, the City needed to consult with:
· CoC(s) serving the jurisdiction’s geographic area,
· Homeless Service Providers,
· Domestic Violence Service Providers,
· Veterans’ groups,
· Public Housing Agencies (PHAs),
· Public agencies that address the needs of the qualifying populations, and · Public or private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons CITY OF MERCED Printed on 3/15/2023Page 2 of 4
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File #: 23-038 Meeting Date: 3/20/2023
with disabilities.
The City received feedback and consultation from these Service Providers in a variety of ways. All of the Service Providers were invited to a series of community outreach and input meetings related to the 2023 Annual Action Plan that included discussion on HOME-ARP funding. The City also sent them a Service Provider Consultation Survey, fliers, and various email communications to garner their input. Any that were not able to reply in writing were called on the phone. In addition, more direct input was needed from certain Service Providers, so consultation discussions were held via MS Teams meetings and/or in person meetings. The details of the outreach and various responses can be found within the attached Draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.
The Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis that was performed in preparation for this plan utilized a variety of data resources, Continuum of Care collaboration, service provider data, census data, and it identified the following needs and gaps that may be addressed using HOME-ARP funds:
· Increased affordable rental housing with supportive services for all QPs HUD’s issued Memorandum entitled “Waivers and Alternative Requirements for Implementation of the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program”, allows a minimum 15-day public comment period and requires only one public hearing. The public comment period began on March 3 rd and concludes on March 20th. A public hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2023. Notices of the public hearing and public review/opportunity to comment were published in the local papers on March 2, 2023; March 8, 2023; and March 9, 2023. Notices were published in English, Spanish, and Hmong, outlined instructions on how to review the draft plan and submit public comment, and directed the public on how to request translation services if needed, as well as for the public hearing.
In addition to the minimal required outreach, in December 2022, the City held three Public Input Meetings for the concurrent Annual Action Plan process that included HOME-ARP discussions.
Those meetings were advertised on the City Website, on Flyers, in newspaper ads, and via the City’s social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram). Each meeting was broadcast live via Microsoft Teams to allow the public to participate remotely and with social distancing. The meetings were also recorded and posted afterwards on the City’s Facebook page. Spanish and Hmong translators attended each meeting to be available to our significant Spanish and Hmong speaking population.
Several Service Providers also attended and robust discussion was held.
Staff created a HOME-ARP Resident Survey that was provided in three languages (English, Spanish, and Hmong), posted on the City’s Housing webpage with QR Codes and weblinks that pointed to the survey. The HOME-ARP QR codes and links were also included in the December 2022 and January 2023 utility bill newsletters to reach as many residents as possible. Survey flyers were distributed at the Merced County Library, Boys and Girls Club, local DMV, and emailed to student services offices for Merced College and UC Merced. The survey included questions directly related to determining which of the eligible activities HOME-ARP funds should be used for and prioritizing the Qualifying Populations.
The City looks forward to incorporating the comments and needs expressed by the public into the plan prior to submission. To receive the allocated funding of $1,988,778.00 the City must submit its CITY OF MERCED Printed on 3/15/2023Page 3 of 4
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File #: 23-038 Meeting Date: 3/20/2023
adopted plan and Resolution to HUD by March 30, 2023.
The City places an overall priority on the housing needs of our community and seeks to leverage the HOME-ARP funds along with other affordable housing grants to encourage and support the development of as many units as possible of affordable housing with supportive services. Each of the four qualifying populations seemed equally in need of affordable housing opportunities and therefore no preference was noted in the plan.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed at this time. Appropriations to a specific project will be necessary at a later time when a suitable housing project has been determined and related agreements approved by Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
2. HOME-ARP Resolution 2023-21
3. Presentation
CITY OF MERCED Printed on 3/15/2023Page 4 of 4
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HOME-American
Rescue Plan
ALLOCATION PLAN
Public Hearing – March 20,
2023
MERCED
HOME-ARP
Overview
• Home Investment Partnership Program –
American R
escue Plan (HOME-ARP)
• ALLOCATION: $1,988,778
• Special allocation due to the long-term impa ct from
the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Qualifying Populations – “QP’s”
1. Hom
eless
2. At Risk of Homelessness
3. Fleeing/Attempting to flee Domestic
Violence,
Dating Violence, Sexual
Assault, Stalking, or Human
Trafficking
4. Other Populations at greatest risk of
housing instabili
ty
5. Veterans and families with veterans of
Qualifyi
ng Populations described
above
HOME-ARP
Eligible Activities
* Eligible Activities
1. Affordable Rental Housing
2. Tenant Based Rental
Assistance
3. Supportive Services
4. A
cquisition or Construction of
Non-congregate Shelters
5. Nonprofit Operating
and
Capacity Building Assistance
* Analysis & Consultation Needed
HOME-ARP Timeline
Community &
Consultant Survey
Closed on January
31, 2023
Community
Meetings
December 12,
13, 16 (2022)
18 Day Public
Comment
Period
March 3, 2023 -
March 20, 2023
We are here!
Public Hearing
March 20, 2023
Deadline to
Submit Pla
n to
HUD
March 30, 2023
Community Outreach
• Community Survey – 116 responses
• S
ervice Provider Survey – 18 responses
• Mult
iple in person/virtual meetings with
agencies wer
e held
• Consultations with Service Providers
• Public Input Meetings – December 2 022
• Posted Draft Plan to Website
• Public Comment Period – open 18 d ays
Conclusions
• Needs Assessment & Gaps Analysis
• Not enough affordable rental housing in Merced
• Supportive Services needed with affordable housing
• Need for Affordable Housing with Supportive Services
• Each of the QP’s need Equal Access to
Affordable H
ousing
• No preferred QP, as all have a similar housing need
PERSPECTIVE
Actions Needed
• Hold the Public Hearing
• Take Comments & Discuss
• Approve the Plan for Submission
6. Public Notices
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
Account # Order Number Identification Order PO Amount Cols Depth 36818 390456 Print Legal Ad-IPL01119190 - IPL0111919 $860.45 5 88 L Kim NuttAttention:
CITY OF MERCED HOUSING DIVISION
678 W. 18TH ST,
MERCED, CA 95340
Declaration of Publication
2015.5 C.C.P.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss.
County of Merced )
I am a citizen of the United States; I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above entitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer of the Merced Sun Star, a newspaper of general
circulation, printed and published in the city of Merced, County of Merced, and which newspaper has been
adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the
Superior Court of the County of Merced, State of
California, under the date of July 14, 1964 Case Number 33224 that the notice, of which the annexed is a printed copy, has been published in each regular and entire
issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement
thereof on the following dates, to wit:
1 insertion(s) published on:
03/02/23
I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct and that this declaration was executed at Dallas, Texas on:
Date: 3rd, day of March, 2023
Notary Public in and for the state of Texas, residing in Dallas County
Extra charge for lost or duplicate affidavits.
Legal document please do not destroy!
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
Account # Order Number Identification Order PO Amount Cols Depth 36818 393175 Print Legal Ad-IPL01128970 - IPL0112897 $587.14 3 97 L Kim NuttAttention:
CITY OF MERCED HOUSING DIVISION
678 W. 18TH ST,
MERCED, CA 95340
Declaration of Publication
2015.5 C.C.P.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss.
County of Merced )
I am a citizen of the United States; I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above entitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer of the Merced Sun Star, a newspaper of general
circulation, printed and published in the city of Merced, County of Merced, and which newspaper has been
adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the
Superior Court of the County of Merced, State of
California, under the date of July 14, 1964 Case Number 33224 that the notice, of which the annexed is a printed copy, has been published in each regular and entire
issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement
thereof on the following dates, to wit:
1 insertion(s) published on:
03/08/23
I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct and that this declaration was executed at Dallas, Texas on:
Date: 8th, day of March, 2023
Notary Public in and for the state of Texas, residing in Dallas County
Extra charge for lost or duplicate affidavits.
Legal document please do not destroy!
HOME-ARP Agency and Service Provider Consultation
Survey
1. For questions 1 through 4, please provide information regarding your organization.
Enter: ORGANIZATION NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, PHYSICAL LOCATION, and WEBSITE ADDRESS 18 Responses
Latest Responses
"The Salvation Army Merced Corps P .O. Box 191, Merced, CA 95340 14… "Alliance for Community Transformations P .O. Box 2075, Mariposa, CA … "Merced Rescue Mission PO Box 3319, Merced. CA. 95344"
2. Contact Information
Enter: CONTACT NAME, PHONE NUMBER, and EMAIL ADDRESS
18 Responses
Latest Responses
"Evadne Wright (Major) 209) 383-4225 (Office) 907) 738-5853 (Cell ev… "Lupe Garcia, Program Director for Valley Crisis Center lupe@alliance4… "Bruce Metcalf 209-480-3899. [email protected]"
18 Responses
32:11
Average time to complete
Closed
Status
7. Agency Consultation Survey
3. Which type of organization(s) best describes the agency or service group with which you are affiliated? Select all that apply.
4. Please provide any additional narrative about the populations and services your agency or service provides to City and area residents that perhaps was not easily explained by the previous question or was not listed as one of the choices.
14 Responses
Latest Responses
"The Rescue Mission help people experiencing homelessness throughou… Homeless Service provider 3
Domestic Violence service provi… 3
Veterans’ services provider or a… 1
Public Housing Agency (PHA) 1
Continuum of Care serving the … 1
Organization addressing fair ho… 1
Organization addressing civil rig… 0
Organization serving needs of p… 0
Other Organization addressing t… 8
Other 9
5. QUALIFYING POPULATIONS PRIORITY: HUD requires that the activities be made available to each of the four Qualifying Populations (QP’s) described in the introduction. However, HUD allows the City to establish reasonable “preferences” among the QP’s based on the varying levels of need in the community.
From your organization’s perspective, please rank which of the four QP’s you feel is the most underserved. This will help us to determine which of the specific QP groups should receive preference, if any. Note: Veterans, or families that include a veteran family member, may fall into one of the categories below
Please rank the following, from most to least in need:
6. ELIGIBLE USE PRIORITY: As previously stated, HOME-ARP funds can be used towards four main eligible uses. Please rank from greatest need to least need, from your agency or organization’s perspective, which type of project should be funded with HOME-ARP allocation, if we were to choose just one
Rank
Options
1 Individuals or families at risk of …
2 Homeless individuals or families
3 Other Populations: Other familie…
4 Those who are fleeing or attem…
First choice
Last choice
Rank Options
1 Supportive services – three cat…
2 Tenant-based rental assistanc…
3 The acquisition, rehabilitation…
4 The acquisition and developm…
First choice
Last choice
7. Homeless Priority Groups – From the list below, please select the most important homeless population group the City should try to focus on. (Please note: homeless veterans are not included in the list, because a separate housing project is expected to be able to house most homeless veterans currently living within the City limits, once completed)
8. SUPPORTIVE SERVICE PRIORITY: HOME-ARP funds can be used to provide supportive services to address the special needs of the four QP groups, and these services would be made available to all groups. Supportive services can be used as a combination with another HOME-ARP funded activity, or as a separate activity - for example: combining rental housing construction with on-site childcare or job training services.
Please rank the following service needs from most to least, in which you see the largest gap, housing barrier, or need in supportive services for the four QP’s Single adults and/or two-adult … 3
Families with children and youth 9
Individuals/family members wit… 1
Those with chronic physical or … 2
Those with substance addictions… 1
Those with histories of domestic… 2
Those with two or more of the f… 0
Rank Options
1 Employment assistance and jo…
2 Housing search and counselin…
3 Life skills training – examples: …
4 Mental and/or Outpatient hea…
5 Housing-related financial assi…
6 Licensed childcare - for childre…
7 Education services – examples:…
8 Legal services – examples: assis…
9 Food delivery services – provi…
10 Transportation – examples: cos…
First choice
Last choice
9. Rental Housing Mix: According to yearly needs assessment surveys the City has undertaken in recent years, the number one community-wide need has consistently been the production of more affordable rental housing units. As previously stated, HOME-ARP funds can be used to build new units or purchase an existing structure and convert it to rental units. These units are required to be made available to all QP groups, but a maximum of 30% of the units can also be made available to low- to moderate-income residents who do not meet the QP criteria.
If the City were to use its HOME-ARP funds for rental housing, would you advise the City to dedicate all units towards housing the four Qualifying Populations (QP)? Or, would you like to see the City make at least 70% available to the QPs, then allow the rest available to low- to moderate- income renters?
10. For tenant based rental assistance (TBRA) what specific needs do you see in our community?
11. In your opinion, do housing counseling services such as housing search, landlord/tenant rights, budgeting, credit education/repair have a significant impact on our community? Make 100% of all units available… 1
Make at least the minimum 70%… 17
Rental Assistance (1-2 years) 7
Security deposit assistance 11
Utility deposit assistance 0
No Impact 0
Little Impact 3
Not Sure 1
Some Impact 10
High Impact 4
12. In your opinion, does Homeless prevention have a significant impact on our community?
13. In your opinion, does job readiness and/or life skills training have a significant impact on our community?
14. Are there any additional unmet needs or services you see among the Qualifying Populations (homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence, or otherwise at high risk of housing instability), or any additional remarks you wish to add to any of the questions?
11 Responses
Latest Responses
"The lack of affordable housing options for the clients we see if the mos… No Impact 0
Little Impact 1
Not Sure 1
Some Impact 9
High Impact 7
No Impact 0
Little Impact 0
Not Sure 3
Some Impact 6
High Impact 9
15. Finally, does your agency or service organization have the current capacity and be willing and able to provide any of the mentioned eligible uses (rental housing, supportive services, non-congregate shelter, TBRA) and make the project/service available to all of the four QP groups, either separately or in combination with another eligible use provided by either your or in partnership with another agency or organization?
Please provide your response narrative here, including the specific services your organization has the current capacity to provide:
16 Responses
Latest Responses
"We have the capacity to continue to provide supportive services to sur… "The Rescue Mission is providing many of these services and will make … City of Merced HOME-ARP Resident Survey
1. Which best describes your living situation?
2. What is the primary language your speak or read?
116
Responses
28:17
Average time to complete
Closed
Status
Own and live in your own home 93
Rent 13
Rent with Public Assistance (Sec… 1
Rent in an income-qualified affo… 0
Student living with parents or o… 0
Live and share housing expense… 2
Temporarily stay with others (e.… 0
Live in an assisted living facility … 0
Shelter or transitional housing 1
Live on the street, in a car, or in … 4
Other 2
English 108
Spanish 3
Hmong 2
Chinese 0
Punjabi 0
Other 2
8. Resident Survey and Public Outreach
3. What is your individual yearly income level? This helps us understand the populations we are reaching with this survey. (AMI = Area Median Income)
4. HUD requires that the activities funded by HOME-ARP be made available to all four Qualifying Populations. Note: Veterans, and families that include a veteran family member, may fall into one of the categories below
Please rank the below Qualifying Populations in which you feel are most in need from most need to least need.
5. Please rank the following housing needs in our community from highest priority to lowest priority.
Less than $16,350 per year (30%… 11
$16,351 - $27,300 per year (50%… 6
$27,301 - $32,760 per year (60%… 7
$32,761 - $43,650 per year (80%… 17
Greater than $43,650 for one pe… 74
Rank Options
1 Fleeing or attempting to flee do…
2 At Risk of Homelessness; as defi…
3 Homeless; as defined in 24 CFR …
4 Other Populations: Other familie…
First choice
Last choice
Rank Options
1 Development of new affordable …
2 Rental assistance to prevent ho…
3 Supportive Services: homeless p…
4 Acquisition/development of no…
First choice
Last choice
6. Homeless Priority Groups: Please select the most important homeless population group the City should focus on. Please Note: Homeless veterans are not included in the list due to a separate housing project currently in progress that will house most homeless veterans within the city limits
7. Supportive Services: HOME-ARP funds can be used to provide supportive services to address the special needs of people where they live. They can be used as a combination with another HOME-ARP funded activity, or as a separate activity. (For example: combining rental housing construction with on-site supportive services)
Please rank the areas in which you see the largest gap in supportive services from largest gap to smallest gap.
8. Rental Housing Mix: According to previous needs assessment surveys, the number one need in the City has been the production of more affordable rental housing units. HOME-ARP funds can be used to build new units, or purchase an existing structure and convert it to rental units.
Would you prefer the option of all units being made available to all of the Qualifying Populations (QP), or making at least 70% available to the QPs, and making the rest available to low- to moderate-income or higher renters?
Single adults and/or two adult h… 6
Families with children and youth 74
Individuals/family members wit… 7
Those with chronic physical or … 18
Those with substance addictions… 3
Those with histories of domestic… 4
Those with two or more of the f… 3
Rank Options
1 Supportive services for homeles…
2 Supportive services for househo…
3 Supportive services for those fle…
4 Supportive services for those wi…
5 Supportive services for veterans
6 Supportive services for those wi…
First choice
Last choice
Make all units available to Quali… 44
Make a minimum of 70% availa… 70
9. Would you prefer the city to acquire and rehabilitate new affordable housing units or construct new ones?
10. Are there any additional unmet needs/services you see among the Qualifying Populations (homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence, or otherwise at high risk of housing instability), or any additional remarks you wish to add? 26 Responses
Latest Responses
"We need more housing. There are no vacancies in this town" "Homeless should be expedition"
"Have rent control, ensure landlords maintain housing in good condition. M… Acquire/Rehabilitate 83
New Construction 32
Public Hearings
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR CITY OF MERCED, “UNIVERSITY VISTA” PROJECT
MERCED VISION 2030 GENERAL PLAN PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE UC MERCED
ANNEXATION PROJECT
Public Hearings
City Council April 3, 2023
City Council March 20, 2023
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE & NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW/OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT
AMENDED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE & NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW/OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT
DAIM NTAWV CEEB TOOM ROOJ SIB HAIS THIAB DAIM NTAWV CEEB TOOM MUAB RAU PEJ XEEM KEV TSHUAJ
XYUAS/ LUB SIJHAWM TAWM TSWV YIM
HLOOV KHO - DAIM NTAWV CEEB TOOM NTAWM 15-HNUB PEJ XEEM KEV NTSUAM XYUAS THIAB LUB
SIJHAWM LOS TAWM TSWV YIM
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA Y AVISO DE REVISIÓN PÚBLICA/OPORTUNIDAD PARA COMENTAR ENMIENDA - AVISO DE REVISIÓN PÚBLICA DE 15 DÍAS CON OPORTUNIDAD DE COMENTAR Planning Commission March 22, 2023
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #1270 AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT TO
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTIONS
Planning Commission April 5, 2023
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR VESTING TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP #1322 AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION PER CEQA SECTION 15183
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT #22-03 AND NOTICE OF AN ADDENDUM TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE MERCED VISION 2030 GENERAL PLAN (SCH#2008071069) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT #22-05, FAHRENS CREEK SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT #5, ZONE CHANGE #432, VESTING TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP #1326, AND NOTICE OF INTENT
TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLERATION
Housing Division
HOUSING DIVISION NEWS
..............................................
Home Investment Partnership Program-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP)
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan - 15-Day Public Review and Comment Period (March 3, 2023 - March 20,2023) Public Review draft:
UPDATE: 3-10-2023 - Updated Draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan A new updated draft is now available for public view. Sections that were updated were the Agency Consultation Table, Public Participation and the Housing Inventory Table. The most recent draft can be viewed: HERE (link updated 3-10-2023). 3-2-2023 - Draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
The First Draft of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan is available for public view and comment: HERE (link updated 3-2-2023).
The draft plan can be downloaded from the link provided. Please inform staff if you need Spanish or Hmong translation services. The draft can also be translated and emailed to you by request, email: [email protected].
We will re-post a new draft as updates are made and will include a description of what sections were updated.
How to comment:
Please refer to the Public Notice posted on 3-2-2023 for instructions on how to provide your comments: English Spanish Hmong Comments can be emailed to: [email protected], or delivered in person to the Housing Division, 2nd Floor Merced Civic Center, 678 W 18th Street, Merced.
Please call 209-385-6863 for any questions.
Thank you for your interest in the Housing Program and the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.
2023 Annual Action Plan
This section will be updated with information regarding the 2023 Annual Action Plan process. A Public Review and Comment Period for the Draft Plan is anticipated from 3/31/2023 to 5/1/2023. The public draft will be posted here when ready to view.
2-16-2022 - The 2023-24 NOFA period is now closed. Thank you to the organizations who applied! 12-1-2022 - 2023 NOFA posted! The City of Merced Housing Division participates in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which distributes federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each year. Established non-profit organizations that are registered on the U.S. Government's Sam.gov website are invited to apply for 2023 CDBG project funding that will help the City of Merced address our most urgent community needs.
Please use the link below for more information.
Thank you in advance for your interest!
OTHER CURRENT NEWS:
9-22-2022 - After approval by City Council on 9-19-2022, the 2021 CAPER report has been submitted to HUD for their approval. Until it is approved by HUD, a Council-approved draft will be posted to the "Housing Reports & Plan" link on the navigation menu on the left side of your screen. Once approved by HUD, the link will be updated with the fully approved report. Thank you.
5-2-2022: The City has been awarded new funding for First Time Homebuyer Assistance and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Assistance! Read about it here!
_______________________
Housing Division Meeting Calendar
Please note: When virtual meeting attendance options are offered below (not including City Council meetings), we use Microsoft Teams online conferencing software. Here are your access options:
Download the Teams app here. Then, enter the meeting using the direct link provided below.
Join on the web at this link, here. Then, enter the corresponding meeting id and passcode provided below.
By phone (audio only) - to attend by phone, the corresponding call-in phone numbers and meeting id's will be provide below. When attending by phone, please remember to keep all background noise at a minimum.
~ HOUSING DIVISION - UPCOMING MEETINGS ~
Date/Time Meeting Description/Other Info
Monday
12/12/2022
6:00 p.m.
2023 Annual Action Plan Community Input and Non-Profit
Funding Information Meeting #1
We invite interested residents and area service
organizations to come together for conversation and
discussion and to help us determine which community
needs to address during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
We will also provide an overview of the upcoming HOME-
ARP Allocation Plan Process.
During the second half of the meeting, we will present
important information to attending non-profit
organizations interested in applying for 2023-24 project funding.
Where: 1st Floor Merced City Hall, Sam
Pipes Room, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced
Virtual attendance:
Teams app direct link, here
Join on the web - ID# 239766954698, and
Passcode DZCNco
Call in (audio only): Ph#: 1-209-888-0720
Conference id# 154789678#
Spanish and Hmong language
interpretation is available at the in-person
meeting only. Please kindly give us 48
hours advanced notice.
Tuesday
12/13/2022
6:00 p.m.
2023 Annual Action Plan Community Input and Non-Profit
Funding Information Meeting #2
This is the second of three community meetings for the
2023 Annual Action Plan.
Meeting format will be the same as explained for Meeting #1 above.
Where: 1st Floor Merced City Hall/Civic
Center, Sam Pipes Room, 678 W. 18th
Street, Merced
Virtual attendance:
Teams app direct link, here
Join on the web - ID# 212998126978, and
Passcode Dk8wqw
Call in (audio only): Ph# 1-209-888-0720
Conference id# 506997145#
Spanish and Hmong language
interpretation is available at the in-person
meeting only. Please kindly give us 48
hours advanced notice.
Friday
12/16/2022
3:00 p.m.
2023 Annual Action Plan Community Input and Non-Profit
Funding Information Meeting #3
This is the third of three community meetings being held for the 2023 Annual Action Plan.
Meeting format will be the same as explained for Meeting #1 above.
Where: 1st Floor Merced City Hall/Civic
Center, Sam Pipes Room, 678 W. 18th
Street, Merced
Virtual attendance:
Teams app direct link, here
Join on the web - ID# 213837513131, and
Passcode V8dppf
Call in (audio only): Ph# 1-209-888-0720
Conference id# 213705677#
Spanish and Hmong language
interpretation is available at the in-person
meeting only. Please kindly give us 48
hours advanced notice.
Monday
3/20/2023
6 p.m.
We will have two public hearing items on this meeting
agenda:
1. Public Hearing (1st) - 2023 Annual Action Plan
We will present the preliminary budget and tentative
projects for the 2023-24 program year. Resident
participation and public comment is invited during the
Public Hearing portion of this item.
2. Public Hearing (Final) - Approval of the HOME-ARP
Allocation Plan
We will present the Final Draft of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan to Council and invite public comment from residents during the Public Hearing portion of this item.
Please see the City Clerks' webpage for the
City Council Agendas, Staff Reports, and
Minutes
Monday
May 1
6:00 p.m.
Public Hearing (Final) - 2023 Annual Action Plan
We will present the Final Draft of the 2023 Annual Action Plan and final project funding proposals to Council for approval and award of funding. We invite public comment from residents during the Public Hearing portion of this item.
Please see the City Clerks' webpage for the
City Council Agendas, Staff Reports, and
Minutes
All meeting are ADA accessible. For Spanish and Hmong translation, please provide staff with 48 hours notice prior to each meeting, in order to provide City staff sufficient time to arrange for a translator. Thank you.
Todas las reuniones son accesibles según la ADA. Para la traducción al español y al hmong, informe al personal con 48 horas de anticipación antes de cada reunión, para que el personal de la ciudad tenga tiempo suficiente para contratar un traductor. Gracias.
Txhua lub rooj sib tham yog siv tau ADA. Rau kev txhais lus Mev thiab lus Hmoob, thov qhia cov neeg ua haujlwm nrog 48 teev ua ntej txhua lub rooj sib tham, txhawm rau muab sijhawm rau cov neeg ua haujlwm hauv nroog txaus los npaj tus neeg txhais lus. Ua tsaug.
_________________________________
Other Important Information and Links:
CORONAVIRUS RELATED ASSISTANCE IS STILL AVAILABLE: For updates and information regarding special HUD allocations to the City of CARES Act CDBG-CV funds to address immediate community needs related to the local effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, please navigate to the "CDBG Coronavirus Response Supplement" page under "Housing Division" Navigation Menu on the left side of your screen..
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER): For updates and information regarding the yearly Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), please use this link, or navigate to the CAPER page under the "Housing Reports and Plans" tab in the Navigation Menu on the left side of your screen.
CHILDS & B STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT - For updates and information regarding the Childs & B Street Affordable Housing Project, please navigate to the project page under the "Housing Division Projects" tab in the Navigation Menu on the left side of your screen.
About the City of Merced Housing Program
The City of Merced Housing Division oversees several grants to help improve the housing quality within the City of Merced.
In addition, mini-grants are provided annually to those non-profit organizations that provide programs furthering the Housing Division's Annual Goals and Priorities, as determined by the 5-year Strategic Plan/Consolidated Plan and each year's Annual Action Plan.
Our primary sources of funding are Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds issued and administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The primary use of CDBG funds is to give maximum feasible priority to activities which will carry out one of the national objectives of benefit to low- and moderate-income families or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight. The intent of the HOME program is to provide and increase the supply of decent, affordable housing to lower-income households and work with non-profit housing providers, the State, and private-sector participation to accomplish that goal.
The Housing Division is also involved in community development and neighborhood revitalization. HOME funds can only be used for housing activities, while CDBG can be used for broader community development purposes within established guidelines. Community Activities selected are designed to reflect Annual Plan Goals and may include public services, public facilities and infrastructure improvements, and residential rehabilitation projects.
Public Services are programs and services provided by local non-profit community organizations that improve quality of life for primarily low-income citizens of Merced.
____________________________________________________________________________ U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Resources:
Information for Home Buyers
Home Owner Help and Resources
Disaster Distress Helpline - 24/7, 365-days-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters - available to all residents in the United States and its territories:
1-800-985-5990 (toll-free, multilingual, and confidential), or text: TalkWithUs to 66746.
Housing Division Budget
Development Services and Housing
Lub Nroog Merced Housing Department yuav tau txais ib qho kev faib tshwj xeeb ntawm Txoj Haujlwm Pabcuam Hauv Tsev-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) cov nyiaj los ntawm US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Peb xav tau cov tswv yim los ntawm cov neeg nyob hauv nroog hais txog yuav ua li cas zoo tshaj plaws los siv cov nyiaj no rau peb cov neeg tsis muaj zog tshaj plaws.
Koj qhov kev tawm tswv yim yuav raug txiav txim siab thiab suav nrog hauv kev npaj cov phiaj xwm xa mus rau HUD hauv lub Peb Hlis 2023.
Thov ua peb daim ntawv ntsuam xyuas luv luv kom peb thiaj li txiav txim siab txog qhov xav tau thiab qhov tsis sib xws hauv vaj tse thiab kev pabcuam rau cov neeg tsim nyog.
Tag nrho cov lus teb yuav raug khaws cia tsis qhia npe thiab yog rau cov ntaub ntawv nkaus xwb.
Kev soj ntsuam kaw thaum Lub Ib Hlis 31, 2023
Koj tuaj yeem nkag mus rau
daim ntawv ntsuam xyuas
los ntawm kev luam theej
duab QR Code lossis nkag
mus rau qhov txuas hauv koj
lub browser hauv internet.
https://tinyurl.com/yckea9sw
Yog xav paub ntxiv
Xov tooj: 209-385-6863
Email: [email protected]
Lub vev xaib: www.cityofmerced/housing
Cov ntawv luam tawm
los ntawm tes tuaj yeem
ua tau los ntawm kev hu
rau 209-385-6863.
Thov rov qab mus rau:
Lub Nroog Merced Housing
Division 2nd Floor City Hall
678 W 18th St. Merced
Ua tsaug rau koj lub tswv yim!
El Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Merced recibirá una asig- nación especial de fondos del Programa de Asociación de Inversión en el Hogar—Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (HOME-ARP) del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los EE. UU. (HUD). Necesitamos la opinión de los residentes de la ciudad sobre la mejor manera de utilizar estos fon- dos para nuestras poblaciones más vulnerables.
Complete nuestra breve encuesta para que podamos determinar las nece- sidades y las brechas en vivienda y servicios para las poblaciones que califi- can.
Todas las respuestas se mantendrán anónimas y son solo para fines informativos.
La encuesta cierra el 31 de enero de 2023
Puede acceder a la encuesta
escaneando el código QR o
ingresando el enlace
proporcionado en su
navegador de Internet.
https://tinyurl.com/42tx4vhw
Para más información
Teléfono: 209-385-6863
Correo electrónico: [email protected]
Sitio web: www.cityofmerced/housing
Las copias en papel para
completar sin conexión
están disponibles llaman-
do al 209-385-6863.
Por favor regresa a:
División de Vivienda de la
Ciudad de Merced
2do piso Ayuntamiento
678 W 18th St. Merced
¡Gracias por su entrada!
The City of Merced Housing Department will be receiving a special alloca- tion of Home Investment Partnership Program—American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel- opment (HUD). We need input from City residents regarding how best to utilize this funding for our most vulnerable populations.
Your input will be considered and included in the preparation of a plan to be submitted to HUD in March 2023.
Please take our short survey so we can determine the needs and gaps in housing and services for the qualifying populations.
All responses will be kept anonymous and are for data purposes only.
Survey closes on January 31, 2023
You can access the survey
by scanning the QR Code
or by entering the
provided link in your
internet browser.
https://tinyurl.com/33r93jef
For More Information
Phone: 209-385-6863
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cityofmerced/housing
Paper copies to fill out
offline can be made
available by calling 209-
385-6863.
Please return to:
City of Merced Housing
Division 2nd Floor City Hall
678 W 18th St. Merced
Thank you for your input!