Attachment No. 1
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) &
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
DRAFT
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
PROGRAM YEAR 2024-2025
(July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025)
Public Review Period
March 25, 2024 – April 25, 2024
Community Development Department
Housing & Neighborhood Development
Annual Action Plan
2024
Annual Action Plan
2024
2 Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The City of Norwalk is required to prepare and submit an Annual Action Plan (Action Plan) as an application to receive federal funds form the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 AAP represents the fifth year of the City’s 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan. The purpose of this Action Plan is to provide details on how funds will be allocated to specific programming with the expected outcomes.
For 2024-2025, the City of Norwalk is expected to receive approximately $1,622,410 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $541,694 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds. The Community Development Department, specifically the Housing and Neighborhood Division, is the responsible agency who will prepare all HUD-required reports. This Action Plan will cover activities beginning July 1, 2024 and ending on June 30, 2025.
2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan This could be a restatement of items, or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to another location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs assessment, the housing market analysis or the strategic plan.
Objectives and outcomes identified in the Action Plan reflect the goals and strategies established in the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan (ConPlan). The ConPlan represent high priority needs for the City of Norwalk, which were determined through detailed data collection and analysis of affordable housing, homelessness, and non-housing community development as well as community meetings and stakeholder interviews. The City has identified the following ConPlan goals listed below:
•Provide decent affordable housing;
•Maintain and promote neighborhood preservation;
•Support special needs programs and services;
•Construct or upgrade public facilities and infrastructure; and •Attract and retain job generating businesses.
Annual Action Plan
2024
3 In short, the following findings illustrate how the City determined priority needs:
•Homeowners making between 30 to 80 percent area median income (AMI) was found to experience the greatest number of issues with severe housing problems. •54 percent of households were considered to be cost burdened households, or households who spent more than 30 and 50 percent of their total income on housing costs.
•35.5 percent of individuals who are 65 years of age or older were reported to have one or more disability.
The City will continue to utilize CDBG and HOME funds to provide services for Norwalk residents that reflect the priorities of the ConPlan to guide which activities serves the greater need of the area.
3. Evaluation of past performance
This is an evaluation of past performance that helped lead the grantee to choose its goals or projects.
The City of Norwalk prepares the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) that outlines how objectives listed in the previous Action Plan were met. The City successfully implemented the FY 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan. The following lists a few of the City’s great accomplishments:
•Assisted 4 households through the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Security Deposit Assistance.
•Rehabilitated 12 units.
•Served 20 individuals through the Emergency Assistance Program. •Provide 588 individuals with residential treatment and transitional housing with services for residents experiencing homelessness with substance abuse and behavioral health needs.
•Provided resources, such as shelter, food, counseling, and case management, to 38 unsheltered persons and victims of domestic violence.
The City recognizes and will continue to evaluate past performances to ensure the City and its subrecipients are implementing activities effectively. Despite the spread of an infectious disease, the City will continue to work with its partnerships to ensure gaps in services are addressed.
Annual Action Plan
2024
4 4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process Summary from citizen participation section of plan.
Residents and serving organizations were encouraged to participate during the Annual Action Plan review process. Opportunities to comment included the ability to email public comments or mailing written comments.
The first public hearing in the Action Plan process will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 6:00 PM. This hearing informed Norwalk City Council of the Annual Action Plan and solicited public comments prior to the kickoff of the 30-day review period. A draft Action Plan is being made available for public review beginning March 25, 2024 and ending April 25, 2024. The Plan is also made available at the following physical and virtual locations:
•City of Norwalk, Community Development, Room #12, 12700 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA; •City of Norwalk, Social Services Center, 11929 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA; •Norwalk Regional Library, 12350 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA; and • www.norwalk.org/city-hall/departments/community-development/housing- neighborhood-development.
The second public hearing will be held on or before Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM. This hearing will solicit public comments and request approval from Norwalk City Council to adopt the Action Plan.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City will provide accessibility services and assisted hearing devices for both public hearings.
5. Summary of public comments
This could be a brief narrative summary or reference an attached document from the Citizen Participation section of the Con Plan.
All public comments received will be addressed and incorporated into the final Action Plan.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them TBD
7. Summary
The City of Norwalk ensured all citizens were provided reasonable notice and opportunity to comment during the Annual Action Plan as set forth in its Citizen Participation Plan. The CDBG Annual Action Plan
2024
5 and HOME programs were designed to address housing, non-housing, and community development needs for the low- and moderate-income population. Therefore, the City ensured to address all public comments received.
Annual Action Plan
2024
6 PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies – 91.200(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan Describe the agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
CDBG Administrator NORWALK Community Development
HOME Administrator NORWALK Community Development
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative (optional)
The Community Development Department is responsible for overseeing the administration of both the CDBG and HOME program.
Administration includes preparation of HUD-required reporting, implementation of HUD-funded programs, and review compliance of all subrecipients of HUD funds. Lastly, the Community Development Department also administers the Norwalk Housing Authority.
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Bethani Cardenas, Housing Manager
Housing and Neighborhood Development Division
12700 Norwalk Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 929-5951
[email protected]
Annual Action Plan
2024
7 AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
In preparation of the Annual Action Plan, the City consulted with public and private agencies, including local and regional based organizations, to understand the community’s needs and available resources. The City also met with several department representatives to provide information about the Action Plan and its processes. Lastly, City staff met with City Councilmembers to review the proposed Action Plan and gain insight of programs that would best serve their constituents. As illustrated in the Citizen Participation Plan, the City of Norwalk Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l))
The City of Norwalk will continue to enhance coordination between service providers and internal departments by working closely with Norwalk residents and funding public service agencies, such as Fair Housing Services. The Norwalk Housing Authority also administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, Emergency Voucher Program, and Mainstream Vouchers. Every year, residents are encouraged to contribute and participate in the Housing Authority’s One-Year Plan. By encouraging public participation and providing information on the availability of various programs, the City will continue to accurately access the direct needs of the community.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness.
The City of Norwalk is located in the County of Los Angeles and coordinates with the Los Angeles Homeless Services authority (LAHSA) Continuum of Care (CoC). The City is served by Service Planning area 7 (SPA 7). LAHSA provides essential data, such as the Point-In-Time Count, which can be used to calculate need for people experiencing homelessness.
The City is also participating in the County of Los Angeles’ initiative to combat homelessness and is working to identify ways the City can contribute to the County’s strategies identified in a Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative report dated February 2016. In addition, the City has been providing funds to Kingdom Causes Bellflower for Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing services.
Annual Action Plan
2024
8 The City of Norwalk is a member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG), which is leading an effort to address homelessness within our region. By action of the Board of Directors, policy direction was given to seek funding and collaboration in developing a plan to advance individuals from homelessness to a stabilized and productive life. The Gateway Cities COG partnered with the County of Los Angeles in making the homeless initiative a reality.
CDBG funding is provided to the Social Services Department for an Emergency Assistance Program, which provides assistance with utility and rental arrears and temporary motel vouchers.
The program is open to low-income Norwalk resident in need of emergency assistance, but principally benefits families with children. HOME funding is provided to the Norwalk Housing Authority for TBRA – Security Deposit Assistance, which provides assistance to homeless and Section 8 applicants for security deposit assistance of new lease-ups to the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The City collaborates with Kingdom Causes to provide security deposit assistance to homeless individuals and families seeking permanent housing in Norwalk. This program is funded through the City’s Housing Successor Agency funds and administered by the Housing Authority.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS The City does not receive ESG funds and does not submit any ESG-related reports to HUD.
However, the City continues to work closely with LAHSA to obtain Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data for housing and services to individuals and families at-risk or currently experiencing homelessness. The City will continue to support the network of homeless service providers existing in and serving Norwalk.
2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdiction’s consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities
Annual Action Plan
2024
9 Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated Agency/Group/Organization Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Education
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
1 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Con Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-homeless
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homelessness Needs - Veterans
Homelessness Strategy
2 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Con Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization San Antonio Gardens
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-Elderly Persons
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment 3 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Con Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Annual Action Plan
2024
10 Agency/Group/Organization Center Pointe Villas
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-Elderly Persons
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment 4 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Con Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization Kingdom Causes Bellflower
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children
Homelessness Needs - Veterans
Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
Homelessness Strategy
5 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Con Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Persons with Disabilities What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Non-Homeless Special Needs 6 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Con Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Annual Action Plan
2024
11 Agency/Group/Organization Su Casa - Ending Domestic Violence Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Victims of Domestic Violence What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Non-Homeless Special Needs 7 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Con Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization Fair Housing Foundation
Agency/Group/Organization Type Service-Fair Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Non-Homeless Special Needs
8 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization The Whole Child
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Families with children 9 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization LOS ANGELES CENTERS FOR ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE10 Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-homeless
Services-Health
Annual Action Plan
2024
12 What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homelessness Strategy Non-Homeless Special Needs
Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was
consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization Homes for Life
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-homeless
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless 11 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization HOME OWNERSHIP FOR PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT (HOPE) Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment 12 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization Partnership Housing Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
13 What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Market Analysis
Annual Action Plan
2024
13 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization Norwalk Housing Authority
Agency/Group/Organization Type PHA
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Public Housing Needs
14 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
Agency/Group/Organization JOVENES, INC.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-homeless
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
15 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
Agency was invited to participate in public hearings and 30-day review of the Plan. The anticipated outcome of the consultation is improved data and planning within the selected sections above.
The Community Development Department received the following applications for the NOFA of CDBG public services funding availability:
•Community Legal Aid SoCal
•L.A. CADA
•Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District Adult School Annual Action Plan
2024
14 •Jovenes, Inc.
•The Whole Child
Social Service Commissioners then ranked each application based on the experience of the agency, proposed services to be provided, and available grant funds. Activities were awarded the grant amount after complete review by the Social Service Commissioners and Director of Social Services to ensure the funded programs aligned with the needs of the community.
Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting No public agencies were intentionally left out of the consultation process. Norwalk, to the best of its ability, was in contact with all known local organizations and agencies that are relevant to the CDBG and HOME activities.
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Name of Plan Lead
Organization
How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Continuum of
Care LAHSA
The County of Los Angeles is a Continuum of Care applicant and conducts homeless counts, surveys of the homeless population, and strategic planning to end homelessness. Consistent with the goals of the CoC, the City of Norwalk's Strategic Plan will provide support to nonprofits that meet the social service needs of residents with an emphasis on homeless prevention and rapid rehousing Housing Element City of Norwalk
Based on the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) set forth by the State of California, the Housing Element is the City's chief policy document for the development of affordable and market rate housing. Consistent with this policy document, the City will maintain and enhance the quality of existing residential neighborhoods and promote and encourage fair housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community, regardless of age, sex, ethnic background, physical condition, or family size.
Annual Action Plan
2024
15 Name of Plan Lead
Organization
How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Homelessness
Plan City of Norwalk
On April 10, 2018, the City Council adopted a Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness. The City's strategic plan includes utilization of CDBG public services for homeless and residents at risk of homelessness. The City released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Preparation of a Plan to Reduce Homelessness. A Strategic Action Plan to Address Homelessness in the City of Norwalk was adopted on December 2023. The Strategic Action Plan identifies five goals.
1. Increase inventory of supportive housing.
2. Strengthen outreach efforts to provide a swift and targeted response.
3. Advance prevention programs to stop at –risk residents from falling into homelessness.
4. Improve data racking capabilities and report progress against performance measurements.
5. Drive better outcomes through communication efforts, legislative action, and funding optimization.
Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Annual Action Plan
2024
16 AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting The City of Norwalk provided a detailed Citizen Participation Plan which outlined numerous opportunities residents and interested organizations could participation in the ConPlan and Action Plan process. In compliance with HUD regulation and the City’s Citizen Participation Plan, the City provided many opportunities for participation and public commenting throughout the Action Plan process.
The first public hearing was held before City Council on March 19, 2024. The draft Action Plan was made available from March 25, 2024 to April 25, 2024. The second public hearing to be held on May 7, 2024.
The City also published notice of the public hearings and the start of the 30-day public review and commenting period in its official newspaper, The Norwalk Patriot. The hearing was held at Norwalk City Hall Council Chambers but also allowed public comments through email, call-in, and written comments.
Annual Action Plan
2024
17 Citizen Participation Outreach
Sort Order Mode of Outreach Target of Outreach Summary of response/attendance
Summary of
comments received
Summary of comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applicable)
1 Newspaper Ad
Non-
targeted/broad
community
General Circulation
The Norwalk Patriot Not applicable Not applicable
2 Public Hearing
Non-
targeted/broad
community
TBD TBD Not applicable City Agenda
webpage
3 Newspaper Ad
Non-
targeted/broad
community
General circulation
The Norwalk Patriot Not applicable Not applicable
4 Newspaper Ad
Non-
targeted/broad
community
General Circulation
LA OPINION Not applicable Not applicable
5 Public Hearing
Non-
targeted/broad
community
TBD TBD Not applicable City Agenda
webpage
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
Annual Action Plan
2024
18 Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City is expected to receive an estimate of $1,622,410 in CDBG funds and $541,694 in HOME funds. However, like many participating jurisdictions, the City of Norwalk is expecting a great decrease from previous allocations form HUD due to the fluctuating federal and state resources made available. The City will adjust this figure accordingly and will prepare the Action Plan to reflect its funding reality. Program income and carryover monies from previous years will be allocated to Housing Rehabilitation, Affordable Housing, and/or Capital Improvement Projects.
Anticipated Resources
Expected Amount Available Year 1Program Source
of Funds
Uses of Funds
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
CDBG public -
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services $1,042,410 130,000 450,00 1,622,410 0
In Year 5, the City will receive an
estimated $1,622,410 in CDBG
Entitlement funds. Any unencumbered
funds from prior year(s) resources will
be allocated to capital improvement
projects or economic development
activity.
Annual Action Plan
2024
19 Expected Amount Available Year 1Program Source
of Funds
Uses of Funds
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
HOME public -
federal
Acquisition
Homebuyer
assistance
Homeowner
rehab
Multifamily
rental new
construction
Multifamily
rental rehab
New
construction for
ownership
TBRA 313,110 130,000 98,584 541,694 0
In Year 5, the City will receive an
estimated $541,694 in HOME
Entitlement Funds. Any unencumbered
funds from prior year(s) resources will
be allocated to an affordable housing
project.
Table 5 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied
Entitlement Funds
City is expected to receive an estimate of $1,622,410 in CDBG funds and $541,694 in HOME funds. The City does not receive ESG or HOPWA funds and does not report on these grants.
Annual Action Plan
2024
20 Housing Bond Funds
The City will allocate funds from the former Successor Redevelopment Agency – Housing Set-Aside for Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing. The HOME matching requirement may be satisfied through the City’s Housing Bond funds, private developers, or City- owned land dedicated to affordable housing.
HOME-ARP Funds
The City submitted its HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan as an application to receive additional funding to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability throughout Norwalk. Norwalk secured $1,231,940 of HOME ARP funds to design, construct, and operate a permanent affordable housing development in the Norwalk Entertainment District with an experienced housing development organization. These funds will be allocated to support the development of affordable units specifically for veterans experiencing homelessness and individuals within 30 to 80 percent of the AMI. Mental health and homeless services will also be provided at the housing development site.
Annual Action Plan
2024
21 If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan Discussion
The City currently does not own land that could be used to address the needs identified in the ConPlan.
However, the City aims to leverage HOME-ARP funds to provide affordable units to veterans experiencing homelessness and individuals within 30 to 80 percent of the AMI.
Annual Action Plan
2024
22 Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Increase affordable
housing
opportunities
2020 2025 Affordable
Housing
City Wide Provide decent
affordable housing
HOME:
$30,000 Tenant-based rental assistance /
Rapid Rehousing: 15 Households
Assisted
2 Preserve,
rehabilitate and
enhance existing
public infrastructure
2020 2025 Non-Housing
Community
Development
City Wide Construct or
upgrade public
facilities and
infrastructure
CDBG:
$777,597
Public Facility or Infrastructure
Activities other than
Low/Moderate Income Housing
Benefit
3 Provide vital support
services
2020 2025 Public Service City Wide Support special
needs programs
and services
CDBG:
$156,361
Public service activities other than
Low/Moderate Income Housing
Benefit: 425 Persons Assisted
4 Enhance economic
development
opportunities
2020 2025 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Qualified
Census
Tracts
Construct or
upgrade public
facilities and
infrastructure
CDBG:
$200,000
Facade improvement/business
building rehabilitation/business
retention/business outreach and
attraction: 2 Businesses
Annual Action Plan
2024
23 Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
5 Planning and grant
administration
2020 2025 Planning City Wide Provide decent
affordable housing
Maintain and
promote
neighborhood
preservation
Support special
needs programs
and services
Create public
awareness of fair
housing
CDBG:
$208,482
HOME:
$31,311
Other
Table 6 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
Goal Name Increase affordable housing opportunities1
Goal
Description
Addresses the need to provide decent affordable housing.
Norwalk seeks to increase the affordable housing stock by supporting: the planning, design, and construction of new housing units; homeownership through new or existing home buyer and rental assistance programs; new multifamily rental unit construction; the building or converting existing buildings for homeless housing; housing construction vocational and skills training programs, CHDO agencies and project work, security deposit assistance and tenant-based rental assistance, and education and community outreach.
Annual Action Plan
2024
24 Goal Name Preserve, rehabilitate and enhance neighborhoods2 Goal
Description
Addresses need to maintain and promote Neighborhood Revitalization.
Norwalk supports enhancing existing housing stock by improving housing conditions, decreasing vacancy, and creating decent and livable homes, which will ultimately increase housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income and homeless families through the following types of activities: housing acquisition and/or rehabilitation; and homebuyer and rental assistance programs.
Goal Name Provide vital support services3
Goal
Description
Addresses the need to support special needs programs and services.
Norwalk will continue to support innovative services that address outstanding needs that provide a benefit to wide sectors of the community.
Goal Name Enhance economic development opportunities4
Goal
Description
Construct or upgrade public facilities and infrastructure.
Norwalk shall establish a stable, healthy, and balanced economic base, which is compatible with the community’s needs.
Norwalk shall promote businesses that provide a variety of goods and services and employment opportunities by assisting commercial property owners with business operations and expansion loan programs, façade improvement grant and loan programs, and workforce training and development programs.
Annual Action Plan
2024
25 Goal Name Planning and grant administration5
Goal
Description
Planning and Administration.
Norwalk will continue to provide planning and administration services required to manage and operate the City’s CDBG and HOME programs. Such funds will assist in managing community development, housing, and economic development programs. Funds will also be used for other planning initiatives such as strategies to further fair housing and infrastructure planning.
Annual Action Plan
2024
26 Projects
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
For FY 2024-2025, the City will use entitlement funds to address its priority housing and community activity needs by undertaking the following projects listed below. Previous year(s) resources and program income will be allocated towards economic development projects, affordable housing, and/or capital improvement projects.
Projects
# Project Name
1 Program Administration - CDBG
2 HOME - Program Administration
3 Fair Housing Services
4 Emergency Services Social Services Center
5 Community Legal Aid So Cal
6 Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District
7 Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol & Drug Abuse
8 Jovenes, Inc.
9 Capital Improvement Project- CDBG
10 Economic Development Activities
11 CHDO Set-Aside
12 TBRA Security Deposit Assistance
13 Affordable Housing Project
Table 7 - Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
The City allocated CDBG and HOME funds to benefit vulnerable populations as they are at higher risk of homelessness due to limited income and other crucial issues that require supportive services. These activities address the priority needs described in the ConPlan.
Annual Action Plan
2024
27 AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
Annual Action Plan
2024
28 Project Name Program Administration - CDBG
Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Planning and administration
Needs Addressed Provide decent affordable housing
Maintain and promote neighborhood preservation
Support special needs programs and services
Funding CDBG: $195,482
Description Norwalk will continue to provide planning and administration services required to manage and operate the City’s CDBG program. Such funds will assist in managing community development, housing, and economic development programs. Funds will also be used for other planning initiatives such as strategies for affordable housing and infrastructure planning.
Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Other
Location Description CDBG Program Administration is located at Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Room 12, Norwalk, CA 90650
1 Planned Activities Program administrative costs of CDBG and Fair Housing operations.
Project Name Program Administration - HOME
Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Planning and administration
Needs Addressed Support special needs programs and services Funding HOME: $31,311
Description Norwalk will continue to provide planning and administration services required to manage and operate the City's HOME program. Such funds will assist in managing housing initiatives, rehabilitation, and new affordable housing development.
2 Target Date 6/30/2025
Annual Action Plan
2024
29 Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Other
Location Description HOME Program Administration is located at Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Room 12, Norwalk, CA 90650
Planned Activities Program administrative costs for HOME operations. Fair Housing program is listed separately but is funded out of CDBG program administration.
Project Name Fair Housing Services
Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Planning and administration
Needs Addressed Create public awareness of fair housing Funding CDBG: $13,000
Description Funding for Fair Housing Services
Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Approximately 100 residents
Location Description The Fair Housing Foundation is located at 3605 Long Beach Blvd., #302, Long Beach, CA provides Norwalk residents with fair housing services.
3 Planned Activities Fund the Fair Housing Foundation services for City of Norwalk to provide training, outreach, and legal services to ensure that all housing is available without discrimination.
Project Name Emergency Services Social Services Center
Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Provide vital support services
Needs Addressed Support special needs programs and services Funding CDBG: $75,000
4 Description Provide rental assistance for homeless individuals and families to prevent eviction, for utility assistance, and for temporary lodging vouchers.
Annual Action Plan
2024
30 Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
25 low- to moderate- income households
Location Description Program will be located at the Social Services Center, 11929 Alondra Blvd. in Norwalk.
Planned Activities Provide homeless prevention services, such as utility assistance, emergency rental assistance and motel vouchers, for low- to moderate- income residents.
Project Name Community Legal Aid
Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Provide vital support services
Needs Addressed Support special needs programs and services Funding CDBG: $21,331
Description Fund services and operations in connection with legal counseling & services to victims of domestic abuse and evictions of tenants.
Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
50 Location Description Legal aid office location 12501 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk 90650 5 Planned Activities Provide legal counseling at the Social Services Center and legal assistance to DV victims; tenant rights and debt collection legal assistance.
Project Name Norwalk La Mirada Adult School Job Training Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Enhance economic development opportunities Needs Addressed Create job generating businesses and job training Funding CDBG: $20,000
6 Description Provide job training to assist residents with obtaining skills necessary to obtain jobs in fields that are in demand.
Annual Action Plan
2024
31 Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Approximately 12 low to moderate income residents.
Location Description Training will be provided by the Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School at three campuses located at 12940 East Foster Road in Norwalk, 15920 Barbata Rd., in La Mirada or 13520 Adelfa Dr. in La Mirada.
Planned Activities Provide scholarships to low- and moderate- income residents participating in certificated occupational training through the Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School.
Project Name Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Provide vital support services
Needs Addressed Support special needs programs and services Funding CDBG: $20,000
Description Drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
150 low-to-moderate income individuals.
Location Description Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (LA-CADA) is located at 11015 Bloomfield Ave. in Santa Fe Springs.
7 Planned Activities Provide funding for outreach to Norwalk residents, coordination with homeless service providers, dedicated counselors to accept direct referrals, and provide residential substance abuse treatment.
Project Name Jovenes, Inc.
Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Provide vital support services
Needs Addressed Support special needs programs and services Funding CDBG: $20,000
8 Description Funds services and operations in connection with transitional housing for homeless transitional age youth (18 to 24years old).
Annual Action Plan
2024
32 Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
15 homeless youth
Location Description Jovenes office location is 12106 Front St in Norwalk Planned Activities Provide financial assistance to Jovenes, Inc. to operate transitional housing with services for homeless transitional age youth (ages 18- 24).
Project Name Capital Improvement Project - CDBG
Target Area CDBG eligible Census tracts
Goals Supported Preserve, rehabilitate, and enhance existing public infrastructure Needs Addressed Construct or upgrade public facilities and infrastructure Funding CDBG: $777,597
Description Undertake street rehabilitation and improvements to sidewalks, curbs, gutters and ADA accessible ramps in CDBG eligible census tracts.
Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Approximately 2,625 low to moderate income residents will benefit.
Location Description CDBG eligible census tracts
9 Planned Activities Street rehabilitation and improvements to sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and ADA accessible ramps.
Project Name Economic Development Activities
Target Area Qualified Census Tracts
Goals Supported Enhance economic development opportunities Needs Addressed Create job generating businesses and job training Funding CDBG: $200,000
10 Description Provide financial assistance to local businesses for expansion, building improvements, new employee salaries and or equipment creating more sustainable neighborhoods, business outreach and/or retention Annual Action Plan
2024
33 Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
One business to be assisted for building improvement and equipment.
Location Description Commercial areas within the City of Norwalk CDBG eligible census tracts.
Planned Activities Provide assistance to commercial property owners to make building improvements, business outreach and/or retention
Project Name CHDO Set-Aside
Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Increase affordable housing opportunities Needs Addressed Provide decent affordable housing
Funding HOME: $46,966
Description Assistance to Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) to provide affordable housing.
Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
To be determined
Location Description To be determined
11 Planned Activities Provide assistance to a CHDO to provide affordable housing.
Project Name TBRA Security Deposit Assistance
Target Area City Wide
Goals Supported Increase affordable housing opportunities Needs Addressed Provide decent affordable housing
Funding HOME: $30,000
Description Provide one-time grant to Section 8 voucher holders and the homeless to assist with security deposits.
12 Target Date 6/30/2025
Annual Action Plan
2024
34 Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
15 very low-income households
Location Description Administrative services will be provided at the Housing Authority, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Room 12, Norwalk CA 90650
Planned Activities Provide grants for security deposits to new Section 8 voucher holders and homeless individuals.
Project Name Affordable Housing Project
Target Area Qualified Census Tracts
Goals Supported Increase affordable housing opportunities Needs Addressed Provide decent affordable housing
Funding HOME: $386,451
Description Provide financial assistance to a developer for development of affordable housing units.
Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
To be determined
Location Description To be determined
13 Planned Activities Provide assistance to a developer for development of affordable housing project. The City may utilize additional HOME funds in order to complete a more substantial project or provide additional assistance for the HOME ARP project.
Annual Action Plan
2024
35 AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed The City ensures to provide services funded through entitlement funds to be made available citywide to service Norwalk residents. However, for specific CDBG programs such as capital improvement and business incentive programs, assistance will be provided to census tracts tat qualify on an “area benefit” basis. As determined by HUD, an area benefit activity is one that benefits all residents of an area in which it is primarily residential and whereas 51 percent of the population is low- and moderate-income. The City utilized American Census Survey data to prepare a map that illustrates qualified census tracts and block groups that may qualify under area benefit.
Annual Action Plan
2024
36 Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
City Wide 100
Table 8 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically The City will make CDBG and HOME funded activities available citywide. For example, social services, economic development, job training efforts, residential rehabilitation, and homeless prevention efforts will be taken as citywide initiatives.
For infrastructure, roads, and/or sidewalk improvements, the City will provide ensure qualified census tracts will be assisted.
Discussion
Overall, the City of Norwalk will make CDBG and HOME programs available citywide to continue providing services to the low- and moderate-income individuals and households. This direction and overall goals support the priorities established in the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan and will greatly benefit Norwalk residents.
Annual Action Plan
2024
37 Affordable Housing
AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
Introduction
The AAP must specify goals for the number of homeless, non-homeless, and special needs households to be provided affordable housing within the program year. The AAP must also indicate the number of affordable housing units that will be provided by program type, including rental assistance, production of new units, rehabilitation of existing units, or acquisition of existing units. For the purpose of this section, the term “affordable housing” is defined in the HOME regulations at 24 CFR 92.252 for rental housing and 24 CFR 92.254 for homeownership.
One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported Homeless 10
Non-Homeless 15
Special-Needs 0
Total 25
Table 9 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through Rental Assistance 15
The Production of New Units
Rehab of Existing Units
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 15
Table 10 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type Discussion
There is a lack of decent affordable units across the board in the City of Norwalk, resulting in much of the housing stock being out of the affordable range. For low-income renters, access to decent affordable units is even more daunting. According to 2017-2021 ACS data, 60% of renters were cost burdened or paying more than 30% of their income on housing (census.gov). In 2023, Fair Market rents were considerably higher than HOME Rents.
Of the residents living below the poverty level, 65.9% are renters (census.gov). This data coupled with the City’s 2023 rental vacancy rate of (3.5%) points to the difficulty of accessing quality affordable units for lower income residents.
The lack of affordable housing in Norwalk’s housing market will be addressed in FY 2024/25 with several City initiatives including: Security Deposit Assistance Program, , Emergency Services Program, and through Annual Action Plan
2024
38 job training efforts to increase household incomes. TBRA, operated by the Norwalk Housing Authority, will provide $30,000 in HOME funding to assist Housing Choice voucher holders and the homeless with security deposit.
The City is actively engaging with developers for affordable housing projects. The City is collaborating with Primestor for affordable housing development on two sites:
1. The Walk - This proposed project includes the construction of mixed use development with residential, commercial, and open space uses on the location of the current City Hall Lawn and surface parking lot. Up to 350 residential units with associated amenities and up to 110,000 square feet of commercial uses will be development.
2. Firestone and Clarkdale - This proposed project is bounded by the Firestone Blvd., Clarkdale Ave., Front St., and San Antonio Dr. The project proposes a residential unit development with approximately 76-units. The building will be comprised of studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms. The project is targeting a 2024 ground-breaking. The proposed development will be an important project in helping supply new housing needs within the area and help in the revitalization of the Front Street corridor.
Annual Action Plan
2024
39 AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
Introduction
The Norwalk Housing Authority administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Mainstream Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers and the FSS Program. The Authority allocates 712 Housing Choice Vouchers, 15 Mainstream Vouchers, 46 Emergency Housing Vouchers, and 4 FSS slots. The Authority does not have any public housing units. The Authority's goals are to maximize voucher utilization, maintain "high performer" status, promote economic self-sufficiency, apply for new rental vouchers, if available, and undertake affirmative measures to provide a suitable living environment for families living in assisted housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.
Like many cities in the county, homelessness continues to be a prominent issue for the city of Norwalk.
According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), 75,518 individuals were experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County in 2023. According to LAHSA there were approximately 161 homeless individuals in the City of Norwalk in 2023 (-LAHSA conducted their most recent count in January 2024).
This data represents a decrease from the prior year, however, homelessness and the attendant problems of mental illness and substance abuse are continue to be prominent issues across the city.
Los Angeles County resources to assist the homeless, including treatment for mental illness and addiction, as well as food, clothing and other day-to-day needs are stretched thin. Crime, unhealthy accommodations, panhandling, and other problems are constants. These are dealt with by Norwalk’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Department of Social Services (DSS), the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LADMH). In addition, non-profit organizations assist with services and outreach (e.g., the National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI).
Norwalk has bifurcated its approach to overall safety by contracting with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and by establishing a civilian-based Department of Public Safety. LASD responds to calls for service through its Norwalk Station. LASD responds to calls for service that involve potential felony-related activity (disturbances, shootings, etc.), traffic, or special assignments (narcotics and vice).
Norwalk’s Department of Public Safety is responsible for quality-of-life issues, enforcing municipal codes, assisting at traffic accidents, enforcing parking restrictions, administering to the homeless, overseeing emergency management concerns, and other public safety matters.
Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing The Authority does not have public housing. However, due to the limited supply of rental housing in Norwalk, the HOME program will be providing security deposit assistance to new Housing Choice Voucher Annual Action Plan
2024
40 holders to help voucher holders be more successful in securing rental housing.
Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership
The Authority does not own or maintain public housing at this time. However, the Authority encourages homeownership among its voucher program recipients through its Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance
The Authority is not designated as troubled. The Authority has received a standard performance designation by HUD.
Discussion
See above.
Annual Action Plan
2024
41 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i) Introduction
This section describes the City’s one-year goals and the specific action steps it will undertake in the program year to carry out the homeless strategy outlined in SP-60 Homelessness Strategy. It will also describe the jurisdiction’s one-year goals and specify the activities it will undertake to serve the housing and supportive service needs of non-homeless populations who require supportive housing.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs
On December 2023, the City of Norwalk adopted a new Strategic Action Plan to Address Homelessness in the City of Norwalk. The City of Norwalk aspires to provide housing and supportive services to the 150+ people currently experiencing homelessness in Norwalk, and codify processes to better address homelessness in the future. The city’s mission is to treat everyone with dignity and compassion. The Strategic Plan serves as the City’s comprehensive roadmap, outlining how the City intends to allocate and advocate for resources to ensure that experiences of homelessness are rare, brief and nonrecurring by seeking necessary resources from the county, state and within our community. The City had been making tremendous progress addressing homelessness before the pandemic. The number of people experiencing homelessness had declined by nearly half from 2017 to 2020, due to the Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness adopted by the City in 2018. The plan led to the creation of the Homeless Operation Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) team. The HOPE team, with other city social services and Community Development teams, non-profit organizations, and community groups yielded significant results: nearly 50% reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness (down to 168 from 317) between 2017 and 2020. A significant setback occurred during the COVID pandemic. There was a surge in the homelessness count due to the termination of the emergency shelter program, Project RoomKey.
However, as the most recent Point-in Time count held in January 2023 the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Norwalk was slightly lower than the pre-pandemic level. The City of Norwalk’s new Strategic Plan is reinforced by several guiding principles: to respond with urgency; maintain open channels of communication; foster cross-sector collaboration; adopt and promote best practices; and data driven decision-making. These principles will direct the 5 specific goals identified in the Plan:
1. Increase inventory of supportive housing.
2. Strengthen outreach efforts to provide a swift and targeted response.
3. Advance prevention programs to stop at –risk residents from falling into homelessness.
4. Improve data racking capabilities and report progress against performance measurements.
5. Drive better outcomes through communication efforts, legislative action, and funding Annual Action Plan
2024
42 optimization.
Each person experiencing homelessness will be assessed to identify their level of need to provide effective resources to assist them with appropriate treatment services, and housing including transitional shelter, residential treatment for the most vulnerable, to permanent supportive housing.
During the Program Year, the City plans to coordinate outreach with LAHSA, Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol, People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), Jovenes Inc., and The Whole Child. Coordination with such entities promotes communication about where homeless encampments are forming and progress the teams have made in assessing homeless individuals. The City uses the Los Angeles County Homeless Portal to refer homeless residents to the LAHSA outreach team.
The City will continue to support programs and strategies, which addresses the Priority Needs of Homeless Persons and Families in the following ways:
Provide CDBG funding to support programs and services for the homeless and those in need of housing assistance through its CDBG Public Service Funding, including the Emergency Assistance Program Use HOME funds to assist homeless individuals and families with security deposits.
Provide other funds to support homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services offered by The Whole Child and Kingdom Causes Bellflower.
The City will support the Homeless Operation Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) team. The HOPE team consists of two Public Safety Office II (PSO II) - one full time/ one part time, two Public Safety Officers I (PSO I)- one full time/one part time, two maintenance worker III (full time), two maintenance worker I (full time), and a code compliance staff/ commercial inspector that works with the team. The HOPE team has two teams that operate Monday- Friday from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and a night and weekend team that works Wednesday- Sunday from 12:30 PM- 8:30 PM. HOPE conducts outreach educates the homeless on available services, addresses resident and business concerns, conducts clean-ups of encampments and assists in enforcement of violations such as trespassing and public intoxication. LASD communicates with the HOPE team regarding those who are involved in felony-related activity or those whom LASD encounters outside of HOPE’s hours of operation. HOPE uses this approach to identify key areas of need and provide useful information to social services regarding homeless individuals in Norwalk.
The Housing Authority has a contract with the County of Los Angeles to receive Homeless Incentive Program (HIP) funds through Measure H. These funds help individuals experiencing homelessness who have received an HCV voucher through the Authority with security deposits, utility deposits and furniture.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons The City will continue to support the following emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of Annual Action Plan
2024
43 homeless persons through The City of Norwalk Social Services Department (SSD) and agencies funded under Public Services:
The SSD offers public assistance programs and services designed to assist homeless and low- income Norwalk residents and those in need of transitional services, emergency shelter or food. The SSD provides motel vouchers for up to three (3) nights, depending on the circumstance, for emergency lodging for persons in need of temporary shelter. Client must be working homeless provider agency or plan in place.
Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (LA-CADA) provides residential treatment and transitional housing with services for homeless residents with substance abuse and behavioral health needs. CDBG funds will be used to increase substance abuse treatment outreach and coordination with the homeless outreach team.
Jovenes, Inc. provides transitional age youth between 18-24 years old experiencing homelessness with short-term temporary housing while they work on long term permanent housing goals. They assist youth with long-term housing placement, enrollment in benefits, and employment/mental health counseling.
CDBG funds will be used to continue assisting youth in transitioning to long-term housing.
Su Casa provides emergency and transitional housing for domestic violence survivors.
Additionally, the City will support the County's CoC funding application which includes transitional shelter programs and permanent supportive housing.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again
The HOPE team works with Norwalk’s Social Services Department to help the homeless population obtain specialized assistance. PSOs assist Social Services with their general understanding of the homelessness problem in Norwalk as well as maintaining information about clients. For example, HOPE maintains a working list of homelessness hot spots in the city based on census tracts.
City Net provides homeless navigation and outreach. Works with LAHSA and the Social Services Annual Action Plan
2024
44 Department to connect the unsheltered to permanent supportive housing and services.
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program;
Security Deposit Assistance Program;
Housing Choice Voucher Limited Homeless Preference and 46 Emergency Housing Vouchers; Emergency Assistance Program;
The Social Services Department (SSD) is the lead department in the City in coordination with the LAHSA and Gateway Cities and implementing homeless count efforts. CDBG funding is provided to SSD for an Emergency Assistance Program, which aids with utilities and temporary housing. The program is open to any low-income Norwalk resident in need of emergency assistance, but principally benefits families with children. The City will financially support programs and services for the homeless through its CDBG Public Service Funding. In addition, the City will use HOME funds to assist homeless individuals and families with security deposits.
Kingdom Causes Bellflower is able to help prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless by paying rental arrears, utility assistance, move-in cost of homeless neighbors from Norwalk. KCB also provides landlord mediation, referrals to other providers, case management, and budget counseling for households, all things that contribute to household stability.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs.
SSD offers public assistance programs and services designed to assist low-income Norwalk residents and those in need of emergency shelter. According to SSD, motel vouchers are issued for up to three (3) nights, depending on the circumstance, for emergency lodging for persons in need of temporary shelter. Often times, persons seek this service because they need a place to sleep while they wait to be admitted into a homeless shelter, are unable to afford shelter for short period of time, need of a place to get cleaned up and rest or may have been displaced due to fire / home emergency.
Many of the constituents who seek assistance from SSD are low-income households at risk of homelessness or homeless. They come in for food assistance, dispute resolutions regarding complaints about the living conditions at motels and rental units, advocacy assistance for services through other agencies, and referrals to drug/alcohol rehabilitation facilities, homeless shelters, medical treatment Annual Action Plan
2024
45 facilities and other agencies.
The City has taken additional efforts to address homelessness by collaborating with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Gateway Connections Program, to offer housing and services to persons who are homeless. This program, along with the Social Services and Community Development Departments and the Authority, serves as a bridge between those who are in need and resources that are available.
The SSD is currently working with LAHSA on the annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count and refers families to The Whole Child Family Solutions Center and People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), which provide homeless services for SPA 7.
Discussion
See above.
Annual Action Plan
2024
46 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)
Introduction:
With the absence of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, Low and Moderate Housing Set-Aside Funds and reduced CDBG and HOME Program funds, the City actively seeks replacement funding sources to recover lost funding in efforts to continue facilitating affordable housing. It is unlikely that the City will be able to recover 100% of funding that was lost. Despite this, the City will make attempts to seek replacement funding assistance for affordable housing and continue to implement initiatives outlined in the City's Housing Element.
Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment
Favorable land use zoning codes for affordable housing include:
Studying the need to reduce current development standards or policies related to parking for the construction of affordable, multi-family housing. The general commercial zone allows mixed-use development by permitting apartments in upper floors.
Review development standards periodically to ensure that they do not constrain development of affordable housing and housing for special needs groups, such as individuals with disabilities. Revise development regulations and processes where it is needed and appropriate to address any identified constraints. Further evaluate adequate cross-referencing within the land use matrix to facilitate the development of housing.
Special land use districts include special needs populations housing at high density (up to 70 dwelling unit/acre)
Provide housing opportunities to meet the needs of special needs residents- including seniors, residents with disabilities and developmental disabilities, large families, extremely low-income households, and those experiencing homelessness- by giving priority to development projects that include a component for special needs groups in addition to other lower-income households.
Planned Unit Development and Specific Plans permit higher density for condominium units, which may bring housing ownership at an affordable cost.
Expand Density Bonus Ordinance and Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance to create the opportunity Annual Action Plan
2024
47 for the construction of affordable housing
Transitional and supportive housing and single room occupancy units allowed, by right or with a conditional use permit, within residential zones throughout the City.
Review the Zoning Ordinance and other pertinent documents such as Specific Plans to make any necessary changes to ensure compliance with the Supportive Housing Streamlining Act (AB 2162) and AB 101 (Low- Barrier Navigation Centers).
City adopted separate regulations for Reasonable Accommodation Procedures (Section 17.02.202) that establish procedures for disabled persons or their representatives to request a reasonable accommodation from the City’s zoning laws, codes and land use regulations, policies, practices, and procedures to provide disabled persons with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. The City will promote these new amendments to private and nonprofit housing developers to assist in removing barriers to affordable housing, especially housing for special needs populations.
The City adopted a new Housing Element for the planning period 2021-2029, the update incorporated additional policies for the creation of housing units at various levels with supportive programs for Affordable Housing and programs to further fair housing. The Housing Element Plan was certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development in November 2023.
Discussion:
See above.
Annual Action Plan
2024
48 AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
Introduction:
•The City has planned actions to address needs. See discussions below.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs The City of Norwalk’s FY 2024/25 AAP proposes projects and activities to meet the priorities described in the Con Plan. It describes eligible programs, projects, and activities to be undertaken with anticipated funds and their relationship to identified needs for housing, homelessness, and community and economic development. Overall, Norwalk has the following specific actions it plans to undertake to address the obstacles to meeting underserved needs over the 2024 program year:
•Fund projects that enhance economic opportunities such a job training and commercial improvements;
•Continued support of area nonprofit agencies, particularly those programs that provide services to homeless, at-risk youth, and residents facing housing insecurity; •Continued support of programs that improve the living environment of low- and moderate- income families residing in substandard housing and overcrowded living conditions; •Fund capital projects that enhance public facilities and or street improvements; •Continued support of Programs that expand the stock of affordable housing within the City; and •Continued support of Programs that promote fair housing, especially targeting extremely low- and low-income households.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing The City’s CHDO set-aside funds will be used to support future efforts for the acquisition of existing housing to provide affordable housing.
The City continues to provide grants and rebates to owners of 1–4-unit rental housing to make repairs and improvements to the rental housing stock. At least 51% of the units must be occupied by low-income households, the rent must be affordable, and the rent must not be increased for two years following project completion. Affordable rent is defined as the Fair Market Rent less the Authority's Maximum Utility Allowance effective on July 1 of each program year.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
Throughout Norwalk, 92% of all owner-occupied housing units and 75% of all renter-occupied units were built prior to 1980. That means 16,729 owner units and 7,031 renter units are at risk for lead-based paint hazards. Furthermore, children are most at risk for experiencing Lead-Based Paint related illnesses.
Annual Action Plan
2024
49 Housing built before 1978 is considered at risk for lead-based paint hazards.
Therefore, special attention should be paid to homes built prior to 1978 where children are present. Two percent of owner-occupied (315 units) homes and 4% of renter occupied homes (385), built prior to 1980, have children living in the home. Lead poisoning education and abatement efforts in Norwalk are provided through the cooperative efforts of the County Public Health Department. All housing rehabilitation projects utilizing CDBG or HOME funds are assessed for lead-based paint and lead based paint abatements are performed by licensed contractors.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families In 2019 and 2020 the City completed an Analysis of Impediment to Fair Housing Choice (AI). The AI provided goals and actions related to increasing household earning capacity. The following goal and action steps were included:
Goal: Increase training and employment opportunities (a new goal in the 2020-2025 Con Plan) Actions/Activities:
•Work with community colleges and high schools to establish or further carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical skills training. The construction industry is projected to increase. •Create mentoring programs with local skilled trades companies. •Improve education and provide skills training for education, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction jobs.
•Create partnerships with California’s Employment Development Department, Workforce Development Board, Workforce Development Aging & Community Services, California Building Industry Association, Southern California Building Association, Cerritos Community College, Cypress College, Rio Hondo Community College, and workforce readiness programs available in local vocational and technical schools and programs. Such programs exist in the Junior Achievement of Southern California and the L.A. Opportunity Youth Collaborative. •Continue coordination with the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board, Department of Public Social Services, Employment Development Department, Adult Schools, YouthBuild, and Department of Rehabilitation through the America's Job Center of California System Management Team.
•Increase training opportunities that target “Second Chance”, persons with disabilities, at-risk homeless individuals, and job retraining program.
•Continue to create successes in the Norwalk La Mirada Adult School’s cost-effective occupational training program for high demand jobs. In FY 2025/24, funds will be used to pay for occupational training for ten low-to-moderate income residents. The training will help residents who are unemployed or under-employed be successful in medical and welding careers.
The City will continue to support the Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency program, which helps Housing Annual Action Plan
2024
50 Choice voucher recipients become economically self-reliant.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The City’s Community Development Department will administer CDBG and HOME funds and most of the activities identified in the AAP with the exception of public service programs. The City works closely with other housing-related organizations and service providers in the County to ensure that the housing needs of City residents are addressed given available resources.
The Department works in conjunction with its Authority to ensure quality housing for all low-income City residents. The working relationships between these organizations are strong and facilitative. Due to the City's relatively small size, communication is typically direct and immediate. As a result, gaps in program or service delivery are not the result of poor institutional structure or lack of intergovernmental cooperation, but rather due to shortcomings in available resources.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies
The City’s Community Development Department maintains primary management and coordination of the various organizations involved in these processes. The staff within the Department work closely with other City departments and the community to develop programs and activities that improve low- and moderate- income neighborhoods throughout Norwalk. The administration of program activities includes housing, public facility and infrastructure improvements, public and social service activities, and economic development activities. The City collaborates with public agencies, for-profit agencies, and non-profit organizations in order to provide the aforementioned services.
In chapter 8 of the Fair Housing Action Plan of the AI report, it details the importance of regional collaboration. Many issues, such as homelessness, affordable housing, jobs-housing balance, and access to services are issues that require the collaboration between cities, the County, and nonprofit agencies throughout the region. In recent years, the County and the City of Los Angeles have undertaken multiple initiatives that address housing-related issues including first-time homebuyer programs, supportive and transitional housing, rental rehabilitation, and new construction of affordable housing. The City continues to rely on local and County social services to administer and provide valuable programs. The City collaborates annually with the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) to conduct and react to any complaints surrounding housing discrimination and fair housing education and promotion.
Continuing these planning efforts and implementation would bridge the gap of disparities among communities. A majority of the Action Steps noted in the AI report require collaboration. The Public Engagement planning process for the AI and 5-Year Con Plan was based upon positive community-wide and agency support and participation. The City has created a solid foundation to continue work with its Annual Action Plan
2024
51 area partners to create a path that initiates and completes the Plan’s action steps.
Discussion:
See above.
Annual Action Plan
2024
52 Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction:
The City will receive HOME Grant funding of $541,694 and CDBG Grant funding of $1,622,410 for program year 2024.
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 130,000
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan 0
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0
Total Program Income: 130,000
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00% Annual Action Plan
2024
53 HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(2)
1. A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section 92.205 is as follows:
The City of Norwalk is leveraging other forms of investments outside of those identified in section
92.205. The City uses program income from the repayment of deferred and amortized rehabilitation loans. Norwalk uses repayment for the First Time Homebuyer Program for loans obligated in 2001.
The First Time Homebuyer program approved in PY2020 utilizes the resale and recapture of funds.
2. A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used for homebuyer activities as required in 92.254, is as follows:
The guidelines for the First Time Homebuyer program are contained in the City of Norwalk HOME Homebuyer Manual. The sales price may not exceed the median price for the area as approved by HUD. A portion of the HOME assistance will carry-over into a silent second or third Trust Deed loan for the homebuyer.
There is a 15-year resale restriction. After which, the homeowner will receive a 100% loan forgiveness. Prior to the completion of the 15-year period if the home is sold, transferred, refinanced or no longer owner-occupied, the City will recapture the remaining loan balance where there are sufficient funds from the net proceeds of the sale. The homeowner's down payment, principal payments, and capital improvements will be recovered by the homeowner first before the City recovers the remaining balance of the deferred loan. If the net proceeds are not sufficient to recapture the full HOME investment plus enable the homeowner to recover the amount of the homeowner's investment, the City will reduce the amount of HOME investment. Examples of the recapture provision are provided in the HOME Program Homebuyer Manual, 2020-2021.
3. A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired with HOME funds. See 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4) are as follows:
The property will have a 15-year resale restriction requiring that the home be resold to another low- income buyer (Below 80% AMI). Homeowners can expect to receive a fair return on investment upon resale during the affordability period. Fair return on investment is based on the percentage change in the area median income over the period of home ownership. Included in the calculation of fair return on investment is the homeowner’s original investment (down payment, closing costs, and principal payments) and increase in market value attributable to major upgrades. Major upgrades include the addition of square footage, full remodel of kitchen and/or bathroom(s) and/or installation of solar panels. The value of the upgrade will be determined by the building permit valuation.
The City’s loan and covenant will be assumed by any future buyers and the loan will remain in place Annual Action Plan
2024
54 indefinitely. During the 15-year resale restriction, recapture of the homebuyer assistance will be triggered if the homeowner no longer occupies the home, or the home is sold or transferred without approval of the City. After the resale restriction has expired, the homebuyer assistance will be recaptured upon sale, transfer, or refinance.
The City intends to utilize their HOME Homebuyer Manual as an alternate method to presumption of affordability. This manual was included as an attachment in Norwalk’s 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan.
4. Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that will be used under 24 CFR 92.206(b), are as follows:
Not applicable.