HOME Investment
Partnerships
Program
American Rescue
Plan
Substantial Amendment to
2021 Annual Action Plan
HOME-ARP ALLOCATION
PLAN
March 2023
2 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program
American Rescue Plan
3 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 4 CONSULTATION ......................................................................................... 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .......................................................................... 14 NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND GAP ANALYSIS ......................................... 16 HOME-ARP ACTIVITIES ........................................................................... 30 HOME ARP PRODUCTION HOUSING GOALS ....................................... 31 PREFERENCES ........................................................................................ 31 HOME- ARP REFINANCING GUIDELINES .............................................. 31 REFERRAL METHODS ............................................................................. 32 APPENDIX A: Public Participation Comments .......................................... 40 APPENDIX B: HOME-ARP Certifications & SF 424 Form ........................ 51
4 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The City of Orange’s HOME-American Rescue (ARP) Allocation Plan describes how the City of Orange engaged in the consultation and public participation process as part of the Plan’s development and requirements. It outlines how the City will use HOME-ARP funds to address the needs of qualifying populations who are defined as persons who are: (1) homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended (42 U.S.C.11302(a)) (“McKinney-Vento”); (2) at risk of homelessness, as defined in section 401 of McKinney-Vento; (3) fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; (4) part of other populations where providing supportive services or assistance would prevent a family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability; or (5) veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet the criteria in one of (1)-(4) above.
The City will receive $1,655,186 in HOME-ARP funding to be used in accordance with the HOME-ARP Guidelines and as described in this Allocation Plan.
The eligible activities for HOME-ARP activities are as follows:
1. Administration and Planning Costs;
2. Development of Rental Housing (Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Construction);
3. Development of Non-Congregate Shelter (Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Construction);
4. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA);
5. Supportive Services; and
6. Nonprofit Operating and Capacity Building Assistance.
The contents of this plan will address how the City of Orange proposes to use its HOME-ARP Funds in accordance with the eligible activity proposed in this HOME- ARP Allocation Plan.
The following are the major components addressed in the plan:
1. Consultation;
2. Public Participation;
3. Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis;
4. Identification of HOME-ARP Activities;
5. HOME-ARP Production Goals;
CONSULTATION
The City of Orange undertook an extensive consultation process to encourage public participation in the development of its HOME ARP-Allocation Plan. The consultation meetings helped inform this HOME ARP-Allocation Plan by providing additional information and data on the four qualifying populations. The 5 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
consultations also included one-on-one interviews with the qualifying population to assess needs and determine the gaps in services. Through the consultations, the City was able to identify gaps in shelter, housing, and other service delivery systems. Most importantly, the City identified potential collaborations for administering HOME-ARP eligible activities.
In accordance with the HOME-ARP Guidelines, the City consulted with the following agencies before developing its HOME-ARP allocation plan:
Continuum of Care (CoC) agencies 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.
Stakeholder Consultation
The consultation meetings were held as follows:
Consultation Meeting #1 – Virtual meeting
October 13, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Consultation Meeting #2 – Virtual meeting
October 18, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Consultation Meeting #3 – Weimer Room, 300 E. Chapman Avenue October 25, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Consultation Meeting #4 – Virtual Meeting
October 27, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Consultation Meeting #5 – Virtual Meeting
November 1, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
Consultation Meeting #6 – Handy Park, 2143 E. Oakmont Avenue November 3, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Consultation Meeting #7 – El Camino Park, 400 N. Main Street November 10, 2022, 7 p.m.
The consultation meetings were coordinated to include public noticing and email invitations to all required participants under the HOME-ARP guidelines. 6 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
The meetings included:
1. Overview of the funding available to the City under the HOME-ARP program;
2. PowerPoint Presentation by City staff describing the funding source, HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Process, and the eligible activities the City considered for inclusion in the HOME-ARP Allocation plan;
3. Solicitation of feedback for the needs of the Orange qualifying population.
The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was developed following an extensive consultation and outreach effort. The City of Orange conducted extensive outreach activities beginning October 13, 2022. The City held over seven (7) consultation meetings to engage stakeholder groups in the process of its engagement efforts. In addition, fourteen (14) one-on-one interviews were held with homeless advocates, service providers, internal/external stakeholders including City staff, continuum of care partners, fair housing agencies, individuals from the qualifying populations beginning November 2022. The consultation meetings with stakeholders were held virtually and in person. Community Development staff also offered one-on-one consultations to accommodate individuals unable to attend the consultation meetings. For a complete list, please refer to table below.
The interviews were conducted by staff from the City’s Community Development Department and Community Services Department.
The consultations provided attendees with the HOME-ARP Program background, funding availability, eligible uses of funds, and the range of eligible activities to address the needs of the qualifying populations. The consultations were an essential part of assessing the needs of all the qualifying populations because it provided an opportunity to gather data maintained by other organizations.
Through the consultations, the City of Orange:
Gathered data to understand the needs of the four qualifying populations; Identified gaps in shelter, housing, or service delivery systems; Determined eligible activities currently occurring within the City of Orange; and
Identified potential collaborations for administering HOME-ARP eligible activities.
The consultation meetings with the stakeholders were advertised consistent with the City of Orange’s Citizen Participation Plan. Email communication was also sent to stakeholders. The outreach effort included advertisement via the City’s website and social media, flyers at City Hall Department counters and the Main Library, and on City monitors in at the City Clerk’s Office and Community Services Department. Meetings were also advertised on the City’s channel 3 station. 7 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
Method of Outreach
Method of Outreach Date Target of Outreach
Flyers at:
Community
Development
Department
City Clerk Office
Orange Main Library
Friends Church
Youth Centers of
Orange
October 13,
2022 –
November 10,
2022
City Residents
Community
Stakeholders
Elected Officials
City of Orange Official
Website
October 11,
2022 - January
10, 2023
City Residents
Community
Stakeholders
Elected Officials
Social media platforms:
City of Orange
The HUB OC
October 13,
2022-November
10, 2022
City residents
Community
Stakeholders
Elected officials
Advertisement Monitors:
Community Services
City Clerk
October 13,
2022- November
10, 2022
City Residents
Community
Stakeholders
Elected Officials
Direct email meeting
invitation
Starting October
1, 2022
Continuum of Care
Service Providers
Homeless Services
Providers
Local Hospitals
Fair Housing Agencies
Food Service
Providers
Local Partners (ie.
Starbucks, Full Circle,
City of Orange
Community Services
Department).
CDBG Committee P
Planning Commission
Members
Elected Officials
8 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
City’s Channel 3 Station Starting October
13, 2022 –
November 10,
2022
City Residents
Community
Stakeholders
Elected Officials
One-on-One Interviews Starting October
1, 2022
Targeted recipients
Providers
Public Notice Starting
December 1,
2022
Community at Large
Push Notifications of
Meetings
Starting October
1, 2022
Subscribers
The HUB OC newsletter October,
November
Subscribers
Organizations Consulted by Type and Method
The following table includes a list of outreach methods, the date of the meeting and the targeted audience.
Agency/Org Consulted Type of Agency/Org Method of
Consultation
CONTINUUM OF CARE AGENCIES (COC)
Coalition of OC
Community Health
Supports needs of
vulnerable populations
through service, education,
advocacy, and resources
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
Orange County Health
Care Agency - County
of Orange Social
Services
Planning, implementing,
operating social services
One-on-one in-
person consultation
on 11/9/22
Orange County Health
OC Outreach and
Engagement (OC O&E)
Care coordinator, case
management, and
assistance to physical
health, behavioral health,
housing, and other
supportive services
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
One-on-one in-person
consultation on
11/9/22
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HOMELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS
The HUB – Homeless
Resource Center (HRC)
Administrator
Local non-profit; homeless
services provider, clothing
provider through their thrift
store, and youth services
through the Youth Centers
of Orange
Virtual stakeholder
meetings 10/13/22,
10/18/22, 10/27/22,
11/1/22
In-person stakeholder
meeting 10/25/22,
11/10/22
Abound Food Prepare and deliver meals
to the HRC
Virtual stakeholder
meeting 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
HomeAid Family care and emergency
shelter
Virtual stakeholder
meetings 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Feeding Freedom Homeless food service
provider
Virtual stakeholder
meeting 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
Helping Hands Homeless service provider Virtual stakeholder meeting 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
Helping Homeless
Companions
Homeless pet service
provider
Invited to virtual
stakeholder meetings
10/13/22, 10/18/22
One-on-one in-person
interview on 11/9/22
Hospital Association of
S. California
Homeless service provider Invited to virtual
stakeholder meeting
10/13/22, 10/18/22
Did not participate.
10 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Hurtt Family Clinic Homeless health service
provider
Invited to virtual
stakeholder meeting
10/13/22, 10/18/22
Did not participate.
Lestonacc Medical care and vision
services
Invited to virtual
stakeholder meeting
10/13/22, 10/18/22
Phone consultation on
11/17/22
Love Orange Community Service
Provider
Invited to virtual
stakeholder meeting
10/13/22, 10/18/22
Trellis Homeless Service Provider Virtual stakeholder
meeting 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
Clothing the Homeless Clothing provider for the
homeless
Virtual stakeholder
meeting 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate
Sisters of St. Josephs Homeless Service Provider Virtual meeting on 10/27/22
Assurance and
American Assistance
Provide free mobile devices
to homeless individuals
One-on-one in-person
interview on 11/15/22
Stay Connect.us Provide free mobile devices
to homeless individuals
One-on-one in-person
interview on 11/9/22
Full Circle Provides clothing assistance
to the homeless through the
HRC
Virtual stakeholder
meeting 10/18/22
Youth Centers of
Orange
Provide child-care
assistance for homeless
families through HRC
Virtual stakeholder
meeting on 10/18/22
11 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE PROVIDERS
HomeAid Family care and emergency
shelter
Virtual stakeholder
meeting 10/18/22
Coalition of OC
Community Health
County of Orange
Continuum of Care
Virtual stakeholder
meeting 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
Volunteers of America Offers programs for
vulnerable populations
including domestic violence
victims and veterans and
their families
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
One-on-one in-person
consultation on
11/15/22
VETERANS’ GROUPS
Veterans of OC Veteran’s Advocacy Group Invited to virtual stakeholder meetings
on 10/13/22, 10/18/22
Did not participate.
FAIR HOUSING SERVICE AGENCIES
Fair Housing
Foundation
Housing Advocacy Virtual stakeholder
meetings on
10/13/22, 10/18/22
Phone consultation on
11/17/22
PUBLIC AGENCIES THAT ADDRESS NEEDS OF QUALIFYING
POPULATIONS
CDBG Program
Committee
City of Orange Federal
Funding Board of Review
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
12 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Orange Police
Department (HEART
Team, Bike Team,
Homeless Outreach
Specialists)
Referrals and assistance to
homeless individuals in the
City of Orange
Virtual Stakeholder
Meeting 10/13/22,
10/18/22, 11/1/22
City of Orange
Community Services
Department
Oversee operations and
services to homeless
community in the city
Virtual stakeholder
Meeting 10/13/22,
10/18/22, 11/1/22
In-person stakeholder
meetings on 11/3/22
and 11/10/22
OC Housing and
Community
Development
Oversee grants for housing
and homeless services
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22, 12/9/22
Orange County Health
Care Agency - County
of Orange Social
Services
Planning, implementing,
operating social services
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
One-on-one in-person
consultation on
11/9/22
Orange County Health
OC Outreach and
Engagement (OC O&E)
Care coordinator, case
management, and
assistance to physical
health, behavioral health,
housing, and other
supportive services
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
One-on-one in-person
consultation on
11/9/22
AFFORDABLE AND SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING PROVIDERS
Orange Housing
Development
Corporation (OHDC)
CHDO Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
C&C Development Affordable housing
developer
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
13 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Acacia Housing
Advisors
Affordable housing
developer
Virtual stakeholder
meeting on 10/18/22
Mercy Housing Affordable housing
developer
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Did not participate.
OC Housing Authority Housing choice voucher
administrator
Virtual stakeholder
meetings on 10/13/22,
10/18/22
Direct request for
interview on 11/28/22
Summary of Feedback Received from Consulted Organizations Through its consultation process with agencies that serve the qualifying populations in the City of Orange and region, an overwhelming support was voiced for supportive services, for the four HOME-ARP qualifying populationsin the City of Orange.
A great need was also expressed for non-congregate shelters to house the four qualifying vulnerable populations immediately.
Development of affordable housing was also referenced as the most significant issue facing the unsheltered population. There is lack of affordable housing in the County of Orange, as well with a trend of rising rents over the past few years. The lack of affordable housing options creates an obstacle to move those at risk or experiencing homelessness from shelter to permanent housing. Long waiting periods for shelters and affordable housing compound the situation. The issues are further compounded by an individual’s credit worthiness and stability.
Another recurring theme is that most landlords are not accepting Section 8 vouchers as they do not reflect current ‘market’ value of their units and landlords also do not want to deal with the red tape of the program when there are tenants willing to pay the higher rents. Historically, the Section 8 program has assisted in securing long-term affordable housing and is not keeping pace with rising rents or inventory. Tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) was also discussed as a program that could compliment the development of affordable rental housing next to the HRC as an additional resource.
Additional feedback received is found in Appendix #A.
14 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
In accordance with the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Guidelines, the City of Orange provided for and encouraged citizen participation in the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. Before submission of the plan, the City provided residents with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed Draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan of no less than 15 calendar days as follows:
Public comment period: From February 23, 2023 through March 27, 2023
Public Hearing: March 28, 2023
To allow for additional comment and feedback, the City provided residents the opportunity to comment on two separate occasions from December 1, 2022 through December 19, 2022 and held a second Public hearing on January 10, 2023 during the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. In order to include accessibility accommodation language in the noticing, the City re-noticed the HOME-ARP Public Review Period, for 30-days from February 9, 2023 – March 11, 2023 to allow more opportunity for public review and comment.
Furthermore, the City held a Public Hearing on February 14, 2023, but continued the hearing to March 28, 2023 for the Substantial Amendment to the 2021-2022 Action Plan in order to add accessibility language to the notice. The first review period of the Substantial Amendment to integrate the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was held from January 12, 2023 – February 11, 2023. The second review period for the Substantial Amendment to the 2021 Annual Action Plan was held from February 23, 2023 – March 27, 2023 and the public hearing was held on March 28, 2023.
In compliance with HOME-ARP guidelines, the City made the following information available to the public:
The amount of HOME-ARP the City will receive, and
The range of eligible activities the City will undertake.
Throughout the HOME-ARP allocation plan public participation process, the City followed 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.
Additional comments and recommendations received through the public participation process either in writing, or orally at a public hearing or otherwise are summarized and included in Appendix #A.
15 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Efforts to Broaden Public Participation
To broaden the public participation process, the City developed an extensive mailing list of the appropriate agencies required for consultation and the consultation meetings were coordinated to include public noticing, email invitations and telephone calls to all required participants under the HOME-ARP guidelines. For those unable to attend a meeting, telephone conferences and one- on-one opportunities were made available. Special accommodations and translation services were offered.
The City also provided opportunities for an extended review and comment period of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan to allow for additional public participation.
In compliance with the HOME-ARP guidelines, all notices were published in the Orange City News which is a newspaper of general circulation. The public participation process included noticing via direct email to stakeholders, advertisement on all City Hall tv monitors (City Clerk, Community Services), flyers at public counters (City Clerk, Community Services, Community Development, Youth Centers of Orange, Friends Church); advertisement on the City of Orange Official Website and City of Orange social media platforms including Facebook, City push notifications to subscribers of news items, and Channel 3. Notification of the Public Hearing was also communicated via email to the mailing list of stakeholders and to attendees at all the consultation meetings.
A hard copy of the Plan was made available at the Community Development Department Counter, City Clerk’s Office, Orange Main Library, and a digital copy was made available on the City’s website.
City staff also placed individual and personal calls to groups that were unable to attend the consultation meetings. Special accommodations were made available for anyone needing them to ensure every opportunity was used to pursue additional feedback to inform the Allocation Plan.
All comments or views were considered orally and in writing and incorporated herein in the process of preparing the HOME-ARP allocation plan.
Summary of Public Comments
December 1, 2022 to December 19, 2022 – First Allocation Plan Public Review and Comment Period:
There were no public comments during the public comment period.
January 10, 2023 – Public Hearing on HOME ARP Plan
See Appendix A for a summary of comments received.
16 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN February 9, 2023 to March 11, 2023 – Second HOME ARP Plan Public Review and Comment Period:
There were no public comments during the public comment period.
March 14, 2023 – Public Hearing to consider HOME-ARP Plan There were no public comments during the public hearing.
March 28, 2023 – Public Hearing on Substantial Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Action Plan to integrate the HOME-ARP Plan
Pending public hearing
Public Comments and Recommendations Not Accepted and Reasons Email comment received October 18, 2022 (Appendix A) addressed directly with developer.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND GAP ANALYSIS
The City of Orange evaluated the size and demographic composition of the qualifying populations within its boundaries and assessed the unmet needs of each of the qualifying populations to identify gaps and needs within its current shelter and housing inventory, as well as the service delivery system. The City used current data, including point in time count, housing inventories, and other data available through CoCs, and consultations with service providers to quantify the qualifying populations.
HOME- ARP Eligible Qualifying Populations
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) defines qualifying individuals or families, including Veterans, that are:
Homeless as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 (1)
Chronically homeless means:
1. A “homeless individual with a disability,” as defined in section 401(9) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360(9)), who:
Lives in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter; and
Has been homeless and living as described in paragraph (1)(i) of this definition continuously for at least 12 months or on at least 4 separate occasions in the last 3 years, as long as the combined occasions equal at least 12 months and each break in homelessness separating the occasions included at least 7 consecutive nights of not living as described in paragraph (1)(i). Stays in institutional care facilities for 17 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN fewer than 90 days will not constitute as a break in homelessness, but rather such stays are included in the 12-month total, as long as the individual was living or residing in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or an emergency shelter immediately before entering the institutional care facility;
2. An individual who has been residing in an institutional care facility, including a jail, substance abuse or mental health treatment facility,hospital, or other similar facility, for fewer than 90 days and met all of the criteria in paragraph (1) of this definition, before entering that facility; or
3. A family with an adult head of household (or if there is no adult in the family, a minor head of household) who meets all of the criteria in paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition, including a family whose composition has fluctuated while the head of household has been homeless.
At Risk of Homelessness- as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 (2)
The number of individuals at risk of homelessness is difficult to assess given an individual’s circumstances can change overnight. An individual at risk of homelessness is defined in 24 CFR 91.5 as those that have an annual income below 30 percent of median family income for the area at the greatest risk of homelessness, especially those that do not have family, friends, or other social networks to rely on. An individual at risk of homelessness is best described in meeting one of the following conditions:
1. Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance;
2. Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. 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;
6. 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
7. Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient's approved
18 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking, as defined by HUD in the Notice (3) Any individual or family who:
1. Is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other 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 to their primary nighttime residence;
2. Has no other residence; and
3. Lacks the resources or support networks, e.g., family, friends, faith-based or other social networks, to obtain other permanent housing.
Other populations requiring services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness and other populations at greatest risk of housing instability, as defined by HUD in the Notice (4)
A youth (17 years or younger) not accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) or an adult without children, who is homeless (not imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an Act of Congress or a State law), including the following:
1. An individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and
2. An individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is:
A supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill); An institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or
A public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
Size and Demographic Composition of Qualifying Populations within the City’s Boundaries
Homeless Population - as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 (1)
All data charts listed below are based on the Orange County 2022 Point in Time Summary. All reported data are reflective of the County as a whole and demographic data is not broken down to the city level.
Every two years, the Point in Time count is conducted by the Orange County CoC to assess the population of individuals experiencing homelessness. The 2022 Orange County Point in Time count indicated that the county has a total of 4,510 homeless individuals with 2,806 unsheltered persons and 1,704 sheltered 19 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN persons. There is a total of 1,201 homeless individuals in household with at least one child under the age of 18 and 950 are sheltered and 251 are unsheltered.
Between the count in 2019 to 2022, the county overall saw a decrease in total homeless population for both adults and household with at least one child under the age of 18. In 2019 there were a total of 5,296 homeless individuals and it decreased by 768 individuals in 2022, which is a 14% decrease. For households with children, there were 1550 persons in 2019 and it decreased by 349 individuals, which is a 16% decrease.
The Orange County Coc is broken down into various planning areas, the City of Orange is within the North Service Planning area. The detailed breakdown of demographic information of homeless individuals is not available down to the city.
In 2022, the Orange County CoC North Service Planning area has a total of 1,115 unsheltered individuals and 1,306 sheltered individuals. Out of those individuals, the City of Orange makes up 134 unsheltered individuals and 116 sheltered individuals bringing the city’s total homeless count to 250.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, point in time counts were not conducted in 2020 or 2021. In 2019, the city’s number of homeless individuals was 341 individuals and the 2022 point in time count suggest that the number decreased by 27% to 250. The number of sheltered individuals decreased by 22% from 148 in 2019 to 116 in 2022. The number of unsheltered in individuals decreased by 30% from 193 individuals to 134 in 2022.
Homeless by Household Status
Summary of Persons in Each Household
Type Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Persons in households without children 1704 2806 4510
Persons in households with at least one
adult and one child 950 251 389
Children under age 18 594 121 715
Persons over age 18 356 0 486
Persons in households with only children 0 7 7
Data Source: County of Orange 2022 Point in Time Summary. Data references the County level and includes City of Orange. Demographic data down to the City of Orange level is not available.
20 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Demographic Summary by Race
Race Sheltered Unsheltered Total
American Indian or Alaska Native 93 118 211
Asian 99 96 195
Black or African American 293 190 483
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 26 31 57
White 2056 2000 4056
Multiple Races or Other 94 622 716
Data Source: County of Orange 2022 Point in Time Summary. Data references the County level and includes City of Orange. Demographic data down to the City of Orange level is not available.
Summary of other Populations Reported
Homeless Population Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Adults 2,060 2,936 4,996
Veterans 135 145 280
Victims of Domestic Violence 226 289 515
Chronic Homelessness 791 1,617 2,408
Substance Use Issues 416 1217 1,633
Physical Disability 512 945 1,457
Mental Health Issues 578 867 1,445
Developmental Disability 39 419 458
HIV/AIDS 77 52 129
Data Source: County of Orange 2022 Point in Time Summary. Data references the County level and includes City of Orange. Demographic data down to the City of Orange level is not available.
Sheltered Homeless Population (1)
The 2022 sheltered point-in time count identified 2661 people experiencing sheltered homelessness in Orange County, there were 1,306 in the North Service Planning area and 116 of people were in the City of Orange. Among the individuals experiencing sheltered homelessness in Orange County:
64% (1,704) were in households with adults only; 35.7% (950) were in households with at least one adult and one child, which is further broken down to 13.4% (356) adults in family units and 22.3% (594) children in family units; unaccompanied youth made up 0.003% (7)
72.7% (1,934) were over the age of 24; 4.7% (126) were between the age 18-24; and 22.6% (601) were under the age of 18
51.5% (1,370) identified as male; 48.1% (1,280) identified as female; 0.15% (4) identified as transgender; 0.2% (6) identified as gender not singularly male or female; 0.04% (1) person identified as questioning. 21 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN 54.7% (1,455) identified as Hispanic or Latino; 45.32% identified as Non- Hispanic or Non-Latino
3.49% (93) identified as American Indian or Alaska Native; 3.72% (99) identified as Asian; 11.01% (293) identified as Black or African American;
0.98% identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; 77.26% (2,056) identified as White; 3.53% (94) identified as multiple races or other. 0.05% (135) were veterans
38.40% (791) meet the definition of experiencing chronic homelessness 20.19% (416) were adults with substance use issues
24.85% (512) were adults with physical disability
28.06% (578) were adults with mental health issues
1.89% (39) were adults with developmental disability
10.97% (226) were adults that survived domestic violence 3.74% (77) were adults with HIV/AIDS
Unsheltered Homeless Population (1)
The 2022 unsheltered point-in-time count identified 3,057 unsheltered homelessness in Orange County, there were 1,113 in the North Service Planning area and 134 were in the City of Orange. Among the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Orange County:
91.7% (2,806) were in households with adults only; 0.08% (251) were in households with at least one adult and one child, which is further broken down to 0.04% (130) adults in family units and 0.04% (121) children in family units.
92.4% (2,827) were over 24; 3.57% (109) were between the age 18-24;
3.96% (121) were under 18
73.50% (2,247) identified as male, 25.81% (789) identified as female;
0.43% (13) identified as transgender; 0.13% (4) identified as gender not singularly female or male, and 0.13% (4) identified as questioning 34.22% (1,046) identified as Hispanic or Latino; 65.78% (2,011) identified as Non-Hispanic or Non-Latino
3.6% (118) identified as American Indian or Alaska Native; 3.14% (96) identified as Asian; 6.22% (190) identified as Black or African American;
1.01% (31) identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; 65.42% (2,000) identified as White; 20.35% identified as multiple races or other 0.05% (145) were veterans
55.07% (1,617) meet the definition of experiencing chronic homelessness 41.45% (1,217) were adults with substance use issues
32.19% (945) were adults with physical disability
29.53% (867) were adults with mental health issues
14.27% (419) were adults with developmental disability 9.84% (289) were adults that survived domestic violence 22 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN 1.77% (52) were adults with HIV/AIDS
At-Risk of Homelessness- as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 (2)
The definition of those who are at risk of homelessness includes individuals and families who have an annual income below the 30% of the median family income for the area as defined as HUD. They do not have sufficient resources or support networks, immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or place not meant for habitation and experience risk factors of homelessness including recent housing instability or exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care.
HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) 2014-2018 data Table 10 provides information on overcrowding among households that include more than one family, by household income level. This CHAS data indicates there are approximately 6,715 households with incomes below 30% AMI that are at risk of homelessness in Orange.
Other Population: At greatest risk of housing instability – Households with incomes < 30% AMI and experiencing severe housing cost burden (4) Households who are at greatest risk of housing instability are households with incomes below 30% AMI. HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) 2014-2018 data Table 10 provides information on households that include more than one family, household income level and overcrowding. This CHAS data indicates there are approximately 6,715 households with incomes less than 30% AMI with approximately 4,625 renters and 2,090 owners who have household income below 30% AMI. Households who have severe housing problem makes up a total of 10,625 with 3,750 owners and 6,875 renters.
City of Orange CHAS Data
Owner Renter
<=30% AMI 2,090 4,625
Household has at least 1 of 4 housing
problems 1,575 3,720
Household with severe housing
problems 3,750 6,875
23 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Unmet Housing and Service Needs of Qualifying Populations Unmet Housing Needs of Qualifying Populations
For households with the greatest risk of housing instability, there is a lack of affordable rental housing in the city. The table below highlights, there are only
6.8% (1,196) rental units available to households below 30% AMI and 11.6% (2,054) rental units available to households between 30%-50% AMI. The level of need for rental units for households with less than 50% AMI is more than two times the available units with a total gap of 4,370 units.
Housing Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis
Available
Units
Level of
Need
HH with at
least 1
Housing
Problem
GAP
(Units-
Level of
Need
Total Rental Units 17,679
<=30% AMI 1,196 4,625 3,720 -3,429
>30% to <=50% AMI 2,054 2,995 2,730 -941
Total <=50% AMI 3,250 7,620 6,450 -4,370
Data Source: ACS 2021 and HUD 2015-2019 CHAS
Based on the collected data in the Orange County PIT and CoC Housing Inventory Count, the number of shelter beds are limited at the County level. There is a gap of 456 beds for the adult homeless population. There are currently 4,996 homeless adults in the county, while the total number of beds available across emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and other permanent supportive housing is 4,531.
Unmet Service Needs of Qualifying Populations
Following consultation with the required agencies and data collection, it was determined that the unmet service needs for the qualifying populations in the city are supportive services to include:
Food/Water
Shower and Laundry facilities
Clothing
Electronic charging stations
Hygiene supplies
Mail services
Centralized location for CoC providers
Outreach services
Case management
24 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Substance Abuse Treatment
Job training and resources to employment
Case management services
Life skill training
The following data was compiled by the local Homeless Resource Center (HRC) who serves all four qualifying populations in the City of Orange:
Individuals: 150 daily
Families: 2-3 weekly
Veterans: 30 daily
Youth: 10 weekly
At Risk: 115 weekly
Fleeing Domestic Violence: Approximately 30 daily
Stalking: 50 daily, based on PTSD, mental health, addiction and trauma.
Many believe they are being stalked.
Human Trafficking: 3 women a day
Populations where supportive services would prevent a family’s homelessness: 25-50 a week
Those with the greatest risk of housing instability: 150 daily Victim services hotline call volumes: 50 calls a day on behalf of our patrons. Only: 2-5 individuals will benefit from the hotline calls. It all depends on who answers the phone on the other end.
Staff at the HRC familiar with the Orange clientele provided the following information of the needs for each of the qualifying populations they serve:
Homeless: Being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs and financial relief Individuals: Being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs and financial relief Families: Safe environments/ low stress environments, being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs and financial relief
Veterans: Being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs and financial relief Youth: Safe environments/ low stress environments. Being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs and financial relief
25 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN At Risk: Safe environments/ low stress environments. Low barrier and quick responsive resources. Being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs and financial relief
Fleeing Domestic Violence: Safe environments/ low stress environments.
Low barrier and quick responsive resources. Being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs and financial relief
Stalking: Safe environments/ low stress environments. Low barrier and quick responsive resources. Being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs, and financial relief
Human Trafficking: Safe environments/ low stress environments. Low barrier and quick responsive resources. Being advocated for, meals, basic hygiene needs, emotional, mental health care, sheltering or housing, jobs and financial relief
All of the feedback was also considered in addition to local data collected at the HRC to determine unmet service needs of the qualifying population.
Current Resources Available to Assist Qualifying Populations Current Homeless Housing Inventory
Family
Beds
Family
Units
Adult
Beds
Adult
Units Vet Beds
Emergency
Shelter 634 176 1,875 N/A 0
Transitional
Housing 711 234 157 N/A 81
Permanent
Supportive
Housing
1,279 391 1,514 N/A 1,178
Other
Permanent
Housing
622 229 985 N/A 0
Data Source: HUD 2022 Continuum of Care Housing Inventory Count. Data references the County level and includes City of Orange. Demographic data down to the City of Orange level is not available.
According to the 2022 Orange County Housing Inventory Count Report, and the data collected at the local level, there are several resources available at the County level to assist qualifying populations as follows:
26 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
1. Emergency shelter allows for short term stays. Currently there are 634 family beds, 176 family units, 1,875 adult beds, and 0 bed available for veterans.
2. Transitional housing generally allows for a stay of up to 24 months. In the county there are 711 beds and 234 family units, 1,514 adult beds, and 81 are reserved specifically for vets. Family beds and units are for household with one adult and at least one child under age 18.
3. Permanent supportive housing is housing assistance (long-term leasing or rental assistance) with supportive services provided with households to achieve housing stability. There are 1,279 beds and 391 units for families, 1,514 beds for adults, and 1,178 for veterans.
4. Other permanent housing includes housing with services that does not require disability required for entry. There are 622 beds and 229 units for families, 985 beds for adults, and 0 for veterans.
5. Congregate and non-congregate shelter units is (1) Congregate housing is for displaced, elderly and handicapped persons or families in which some or all of the individual dwelling units do not contain kitchen facilities, and which has a central dining facility to provide nutritious and economical meals for the residents. (2) Non-congregate shelter is the term used for emergency shelters that provide accommodations in a way that provides private space for guests. Non-congregate shelter is generally provided via motel rooms and is a proven way to limit the spread of COVID 19 among people experiencing houselessness.
Both congregate and non-congregate shelter units are available in North Service Planning Area, with shelters in Buena Park and Placentia, however the shelters are not administered by the city. The cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Villa Park, Stanton, and Yorba Linda through the North SPA Partnership collaborated with funding to create two full-service Navigation Centers to provide help to the region’s homeless. The local HRC provides services to connect individuals to these shelters, provide continuum of care services while individuals are waiting to be placed in the shelter, and services for those who declined shelter services. Additionally, the City’s HEART Team, and the Orange County Health OC&OE also provide the resources individuals need to seek shelter where beds are available.
6. Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) There are many different types of TBRA programs, but the most common type provides payments to make up the difference between the amount a household can afford to pay for 27 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN housing and the local rent standards. Other TBRA programs help tenant pay for costs associated with their housing, such as security and utility deposits. Currently, the City of Orange does not have a TBRA program.
However, the City is launching its TBRA with HOME funding in Fiscal Year 2023-24 to assist those the qualifying population.
7. Affordable and Permanent Rental Housing. Over the past 2.5 years, the City has committed HOME funding to four separate affordable housing developments. A total of 352 affordable units will be created in the community. One of the projects, is currently under construction. The city will be using its HOME funds to establish a TBRA program that will provide for additional housing support.
Other resources available to qualifying populations in the city include Local/State and Federal Funds in the form of:
8. CDBG Funding. The city received an allocation of $1,119,937 that can be used for public service organizations that serve the qualifying populations.
9. HOME Funding. The City received an allocation of $486,812 in HOME funds that is used for affordable housing development programs.
10. PLHA/Successor Agency Funds. Orange has joined with the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Villa Park, Stanton, and Yorba Linda in an unprecedented partnership called the North Service Planning Area (SPA). The North SPA Partnership is a joint collaboration that includes two full-service Navigation Centers to provide help to the region’s homeless. The HRC provides services to connect individuals to these shelters, provide continuum of care services while individuals are waiting to be placed in the shelter, and services for those who declined shelter services.
Gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system
Based on the data gathered, the current shelter and housing inventory is not sufficient to meet the current needs in the City, County. or Region to house the unsheltered population.
28 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Shelter Gap
Shelter Gap - Beds in Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing Existing Bed Capacity (Emergency Shelter + Transitional Housing) 3,122
Total Homeless 5,711
Total Adult HH Homeless population 4,510
Total Family HH Homeless population 1,201
GAP
(Existing bed capacity -total homeless population) -2,589 The shelter gap methodology used to determine the shelter gap included the January 2022 PIT count of homeless individuals in Orange County and the CoC Housing Inventory Count. The data revealed the existing number of beds is not enough to assist the homeless population. There is a deficit of 2,589 beds in shelters and transitional housing.
The 2022 PIT does not break down the number of homeless populations by household type in the city. The PIT stated that there were 148 unsheltered homeless population in the City of Orange, but does not define how many were individuals, in family units, or children.
Affordable and Permanent Supportive Rental Housing Gap
There is an estimated gap of 3,200 rental units affordable to renter households with income less than 30% AMI. In addition, there are a total of 1,145 rental units affordable to household with 30%-50% AMI.
Affordable Rental Unit Gap
Renter Households with income at or below 30% AMI paying more than 50% of income for rent 3,200
Renter Households with income 30% to 50% AMI paying more than 50% of income for rent 1,145
Total Affordable Rental Unit Need 4,345
Housing Voucher Gap
Based on the input gathered from the Orange County Authority, there are 363 Section 8 housing vouchers that are held in the City of Orange. Furthermore, there are approximately 2,900 individuals placed on the waiting list for the voucher. One of the challenges with locating units for voucher holders is the limited affordable housing supply in the city. The city has a shortage of 4,370 affordable rental housing units.
29 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Service Delivery System Gap
Data collected at the HRC and through consultation with the stakeholders and those experienced with working with the qualifying population, also helped inform the HOME-ARP Plan to identify the gaps in the service delivery system. The following are the service delivery gaps identified by the HUB OC at the HRC since working with the qualifying population since April 2022:
Homeless: There are not enough beds available when an individual needs it most.
Families: There are not enough places where there are beds for couples and often these families get split up.
Veterans: Mental health services, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), available beds in shelters with wrap around services.
Youth: Parents are not always placed in the same housing opportunity with their child and shelter is needed to accommodate them.
At Risk: The need for PTSD, mental health, addiction, and trauma care in the moment of emergency.
Fleeing Domestic Violence: Not enough Safe home bed availability. Stalking: The need for PTSD, mental health, addiction and trauma care in the moment of emergency.
Human Trafficking: The need for PTSD, mental health, addiction and trauma care in the moment of emergency. The need for PTSD, mental health, addiction, and trauma care in the moment of emergency Populations where supportive services would prevent a family’s homelessness: Availability and space in all the programs they have access to are limited.
Populations at greatest risk of housing instability: Not enough beds available when an individual needs it most. Availability and space in all the programs they have access to is limited.
The HRC has created an extended network of agencies and housing providers to assist in cases where shelter is an option for those willing to pursue it. Since it started operating in April 2022, together with all the partners, the HRC has successfully helped house over 100 individuals.
The families that are at risk or experiencing homelessness do not frequent the HRC at the same consistent rate as its regular clientele, but there are cases where families go the HRC out of desperation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Through its partnerships, temporary shelter is facilitated through the HRC along with services to assist the family. For example, if the family has minors, the HRC 30 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN will work with the Youth Centers of Orange to provide child-care so that the parent(s) are able to seek supportive services which can include crisis intervention or job search assistance.
For the homeless subpopulations served in Orange, many are chronically homeless because they suffer from severe mental illness, chronic substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, disabilities, and are veterans. The greatest challenge is they do not wish to seek shelter based on actual testimony from our interviews.
The greatest service delivery need for the qualifying population is meals, showers, laundry facility, hygiene kits, access to closing/socks, mail services, and a one- stop location connection to the Continuum of Care services offered. These services are not offered in the adjacent communities and the dire need is evidenced by the homeless clientele that the HRC serves and personal interviews with them in the process of developing this plan.
Priority Needs for Qualifying Populations:
The priority needs for the City of Orange’s qualifying population is supportive services with the greatest emphasis on the provision of meals, showers, laundry, mail service, access to clothing and the connection to CoC resources.
HOME-ARP ACTIVITIES
Administration of Eligible Activities
The City of Orange does not have the capacity to administer HOME-ARP eligible activities directly making it necessary to contract with a service provider to administer the activities on the City’s behalf. The City’s does not plan to directly administer HOME-ARP activities aside from program administration and planning.
Use of HOME-ARP Funding
The City of Orange will use its HOME-ARP allocation of $1,655,186 to provide supportive services which is an eligible HOME-ARP activity. The planned funding for supportive services is $1,571,427. The administration and planning costs will be within HOME-ARP limits as reflected in the table below.
Use of HOME-ARP Funding
Funding
Amount
Percent of
the Grant
Statutory
Limit
Supportive Services $ 1,571,427
Acquisition and Development of
Non-Congregate Shelters $ 0
Tenant Based Rental Assistance
(TBRA) $ 0
31 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Development of Affordable Rental
Housing $ 0
Non-Profit Operating $ 0 0 % 5%
Non-Profit Capacity Building $ 0 0 % 5%
Administration and Planning $ 83,759 5 % 15%
Total HOME ARP Allocation $ 1,655,186
HOME-ARP Funds Distribution Plan
Rationale for Use of HOME-ARP Funds
The rationale for the use of HOME-ARP funds to provide supportive services was through the consultation process with local stakeholders, COC participants, agencies that represent the qualifying populations and the one-on-one interviews.
The data collected over the last year at the local level factored into the rationale for use of the HOME-ARP Funds.
HOME ARP PRODUCTION HOUSING GOALS
The city does not plan to produce affordable rental housing units with its HOME- ARP allocation.
The city does support affordable rental housing. Over the past 2.5 years in planning the production of affordable housing, the city has committed HOME entitlement funds to four affordable housing developers to develop affordable housing, including senior housing, a group that is also at risk of homelessness due to the fixed nature of their incomes and the potential for unseen circumstances that make them vulnerable. The total number of units that will be produced by the four developments financed with HOME funds is 186.
The city also uses program income from its HOME entitlement grant and from its successor agency (former Redevelopment Agency) to assist with the development of affordable housing.
The city will also launch a Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA) with its regular HOME fund allocation as part of the 2023-24 Annual Action Plan process to compliment the affordable housing developments that are currently under construction and those that are in the pipeline .
PREFERENCES
The City of Orange does not intend to give preferences to any population or subpopulations.
32 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
HOME-ARP REFINANCING GUIDELINES
The City of Orange does not intend to use HOME-ARP funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME-ARP funds.
Therefore, refinancing guidelines pursuant to 24 CFR 92.l206(b) do not apply.
REFERRAL METHODS
The City does not intend to use a coordinated entry (CE) process for referrals to a HOME-ARP project or activity. Homeless individuals who seek permanent housing solutions will enter the CE process after receiving services through the COC or housing case managers at The HRC. The referrals will be for a non- HOME-ARP project.
33 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
APPENDIX A
Public Participation Comments
34 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
CONTINUUM OF CARE AGENCIES (COC)
Orange County Health OC Outreach and Engagement (OC O&E) Conduct outreach efforts to provide resources to get individuals off the street.
Regularly goes to the HRC to provide services.
Gaps: Need more office working space.
Comments on HRC: pleased with the HRC as it provides a “hub” for individuals to receive assistance. Coordinated effort is making a visible difference.
OC Health County of Orange Social Services
Services include speaking to clients on a weekly basis to determine if they need assistance.
Focus is mental health wellness, appointments, and substance use treatment (behavioral health).
Provides weekly visits from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the HRC by appointment or outreach.
Have had many successes.
Work with the county clinic.
Full-service partnership program contracted by the County to assist with mental health, housing, education opportunities and employment. Gaps identified: lack of shelter beds.
Comments on HRC: The HRC provides a structure in its operation. Staff is welcoming and provides tangible solutions. It is important to keep services centralized. The One-Stop shop idea needs to stay in effect. This is a great and effective program.
HOMELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Hub - Homeless Resource Center (HRC) Administrator
Partners have made a difference. Finding Partners in the community to come in and bring their services to the site such as medical and other services to people is great. Also, seeing the community donations, investment and show up is wonderful.
HRC Partners with Abound Food, which is a fantastic partner. Mike and his team make sure there are balanced food meals. Protein, fruit, and vegetable in every meal. Served for breakfast and lunch, hot meals brought in twice a day. Temperature is right where it needs to be for health codes.
Found there was a transition from the food they were receiving at Mary’s.
Patrons say how they feel good and give thanks for the meals. They also know the meals are not expired and are well made and they will be receiving a balanced meal. Each week go over what is being given and approve. 35 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Also, non-perishables available when they leave, which are also balanced meals which contain vegetable, protein and the right items they need. To- go bags are also health conscious.
Amazing work done. Impressed with all the hard work and teamwork.
HomeAid
Gaps in service: availability of shelter beds.
Comments on HRC: Supportive of continuing the work of the HRC.
Helping Homeless Companions
Many clients own pets who have needs too.
Provides assistance to healthcare, vaccinations, and spaying and neutering for pet companions of those experiencing homelessness at the HRC. Food and other needs for pets are also provided
Comments on HRC: Supportive of work being done at HRC.
Lestonnac
Provides medical services to clients at the HRC, insurance does not matter. Comes once a week. Assists 7-8 clients per visit.
Provides glasses for homeless individuals on-site.
Gap: Does not see a gap in services.
Comments on HRC: Effective – interacts with homeless in the correct way.
Clients treated with respect and dignity. Efficient and ticket system is effective. Excited to be at HRC. Loves the HRC set up – just needs to be off the street. Effective because it is centralized and not at a shelter, so it doesn’t exclude those that don’t want to be in shelters – HRC has broad reach.
Love Orange
Comments on the HRC: Supportive of services being provided.
Sisters of St. Josephs
Requested to partner with the HRC in some capacity since helping the homeless community is part of their mission.
Assurance and American Assistance
Provides cell phone and iPads for individuals who receive any type of State government assistance at HRC.
Helps teach clients how to use communication devices. Devices free from government for once year. Brand new devices. Different plan options.
Comes twice a week to HRC and helps 0-9 people a visit. Gaps identified: none.
36 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Comments on HRC: Feels HRC is an improvement and way it is managed is effective. Good Structure.
Stay Connect.us
Provide activated phones to qualifying populations that are subsidized by government programs.
T-Mobile contract provides life line services, and they are the master agent Cell phones are not sold
Program helps connect homeless individuals to services Happy to have the HRC to continue service delivery
Full Circle
Supportive of operations at HRC.
Comments on HRC: Effective.
Youth Centers of Orange
Has seen success stories at HRC.
Comments on HRC: Effective. Great set-up.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE PROVIDERS
HomeAid
Gaps in service: availability of shelter beds.
Comments on HRC: Supportive of continuing the work of the HRC.
Volunteers of America
Connects vets to SSVF to get permanent housing.
Assists vulnerable populations, including victims of domestic violence. Operates similar to city.net.
Services provided include outreach, connection to shelters, appointments, buses, drug and alcohol rehab.
Ultimate goal is long-term housing and getting resources for security deposits.
Comes once a week to HRC, started in July. Will see bout 5-10 people a day.
Gaps identified: Does not see major gaps. Would like to see more outreach organizations, maybe city.net. Would like to see more coordinated efforts with community-based policing where they can come to establish rapport.
Would be good to have medical come more often (ie Lestonnac), maybe twice a week (all medical, dental, vision). Feels very effective and accomplishes what it is supposed to. Applauds City for doing it.
Centralization is effective.
37 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Comments on HRC: Has seen some results. HRC set-up effective.
Structure makes it easy to locate individuals, provide basic needs, and assist in finding jobs.
VETERANS’ GROUPS
Volunteers of America
Connects vets to SSVF to get permanent housing.
Assists vulnerable populations, including victims of domestic violence. Operates similar to city.net.
Services provided include outreach, connection to shelters, appointments, buses, drug and alcohol rehab.
Ultimate goal is long-term housing and getting resources for security deposits.
Comes once a week to HRC, started in July. Will see bout 5-10 people a day.
Gaps identified: Does not see major gaps. Would like to see more outreach organizations, maybe city.net. Would like to see more coordinated efforts with community-based policing where they can come to establish rapport.
Would be good to have medical come more often (ie Lestonnac), maybe twice a week (all medical, dental, vision). Feels very effective and accomplishes what it is supposed to. Applauds City for doing it.
Centralization is effective.
Comments on HRC: Has seen some results. HRC set-up effective.
Structure makes it easy to locate individuals, provide basic needs, and assist in finding jobs.
FAIR HOUSING
Fair Housing Foundation
Assists with people looking to rent, at-risk for homelessness. Biggest issues are initial rental assistance. First month and deposits for housing are needed because most people live paycheck to paycheck and don’t have enough. For some, need up to three months’ rent (security deposit is double months’ rent and then first month).
Gap identified: When clients have unforeseen circumstances, they have no money to pay. Would be good to provide for one time assistance for unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, would be good to provide assistance with security deposits and first month’s rent. Feels need for more 38 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN landlord/tenant info for those at risk, without that tenants make bad decisions.
Comments on HRC: Asked to reach out to HRC to partner. Stated that the program sounded effective and something they would like to be involved with.
PUBLIC AGENCIES THAT ADDRESS NEEDS OF QUALIFYING POPULATIONS Orange Police Department (HEART Team, Bike Team, Homeless Outreach Specialist)
The Police Department through its HEART Team has assisted approximately 100 individuals with a shelter placement. The City of Orange is part of the North Orange County SPA agreement that contributed to funding shelters located in Buena Park, Placentia, and at Bridges in Anaheim. Some individuals are successful once sheltered, while others do come and go.
Gradual process to get people off the streets.
Gap identified: There is a demand for more housing and most people do have to wait as they have already surpassed last year’s numbers. Comments on HRC: What is great about the HRC is that they give the Police Department structure to help those in need and get contacts that may have not been available in the past. They are taking giant steps moving forward with the help of the HRC. While the numbers do fluctuate depending on weather, funding, spaces, they are consistent, and they are on the move in the right direction.
They’re very pleased with how the HRC is centralizing services for all qualifying populations
City of Orange Community Services Department
The HRC partners with 50+ local organizations including non-profits, the City, the County, Orange Police Department, churches, heath/dental/vision providers and food services to provide daily hot meals, laundry, shower, clothing, mail, and social services to the unhoused.
The HRC provides a safe space for the unhoused to come to be connected to housing and jobs and access other services that will assist them in getting out of homelessness.
The HRC also provides preventative services to those who may be on the verge of becoming homeless, allowing them to focus their resources on maintaining their housing.
Comments on HRC: Great plan. Supportive of operation.
OC Health County of Orange Social Services
39 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Services include speaking to clients on a weekly basis to determine if they need assistance.
Focus is mental health wellness, appointments, and substance use treatment (behavioral health).
They’re very pleased with how the HRC is centralizing services for all qualifying populations
Orange County Health OC Outreach and Engagement (OC O&E) Conduct outreach efforts to provide resources to get individuals off the street.
Regularly goes to the HRC to provide services.
Gaps: Need more office working space.
Comments on HRC: pleased with the HRC as it provides a “hub” for individuals to receive assistance. Coordinated effort is making a visible difference.
AFFORDABLE AND SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING PROVIDERS
Acacia Housing
Appreciates seeing details of what he heard about in concept for use of HOME Funds.
Big advocate of providing bricks and mort to permanently house the homeless.
Advocate of integrating homeless into a larger community of similar demographic for seniors 62+.
Currently working with the City of Orange to develop 74 affordable senior apartment units – Katella Terrace. Projects require financial support from the City.
Please see Attachment A for prepared statement.
Gap identified: We can’t deny the need for affordable housing. Comments on HRC: Sounds effective.
COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS
Day Porter
Clients at HRC are shown interest.
Stated that clients speak to her and that they like HRC; clients ask her for prayers.
Gaps identified: More bus voucher access and food variety. Comments on HRC: Effective because noticed people’s demeanor change after going to HRC. At Mary’s Kitchen, they were drunk or high. 40 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Employee from Starbucks
Local business owners, specifically Starbucks coffee, very supportive of the HRC.
Noticeable decrease in loitering outside of their business and less disruptive behavior since the establishment of the HRC.
Due to the cost of coffee and the supplies associated with a cup of coffee, it is not an item that is served at the HRC. During the consultation process, the HRC announced a partnership with Starbucks to offer coffee a couple days per week.
Comments on HRC: Effective and support operations.
Resident/Community Member
Great replacement program. This is being implemented by people that know how to handle the situation.
Very consistent and respectable way people are being treated. Proud of the City has pulled it together so quickly. A great example of what the city can do.
As someone who has volunteered, witnessed a lot of food coming in for people to take with them such as frosted cake. The food given at Mary’s made you think about the nutrition that people need and the right food service. Whatever food was coming in was just being put in a bag and distributed out. Nice to know there is now a method to the way the meals are served, and how the food is being organized.
QUALIFYING POPULATION INTERVIEWS
Through the interviews with the qualifying population, staff was made aware of limitations related to those seeking shelter services, including restrictions placed on families and pets. The restrictions prevent families and those with pets from being sheltered in some cases because the shelter places limitations on who they will accept.
While some individuals indicated they have some form of a plan to get into housing, most individuals interviewed stated a preference for independent living arrangements, so their only option is to be homeless or live in a car. Many described bad experiences in the shelter system that has left them with no desire to seek any type of temporary shelter. For those who do seek a temporary shelter, the shelter beds near the City of Orange are at capacity.
The comments from the one-on-one interviews from the HRC clientele and general comments are as follows:
41 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Client A
Client F travels six days a week to the HRC using several buses and spends up to two hours each way from Los Angeles to reach Orange where he has been receiving meals and services for nearly two decades. When asked about his housing status, he said it took him a while to become sober, but with his sobriety he is hopeful of finding a job so that he can afford an apartment and live independently.
Indicated he travels from Los Angeles to Orange to receive two hot meals, get a warm shower, do laundry, charge his phone, receive mail, and talk to his social workers who are helping him navigate through homeless services.
Client B
He used to own a home and had a family but lost it all to addiction. Went to Mary’s Kitchen for 10 years, now goes to the HRC. Uses all the services at HRC.
The showers are clean.
The laundry service is great.
He applied for housing and is on a waiting list.
Doesn’t like shelters.
Has a case worker at the HRC that is helping him find permanent housing. Works as a day laborer at Home Depot.
Receives social security income.
Uses the mail services at the HRC for housing communication. He likes the HRC and depends on it at the moment.
He’s trying to fight addiction to get back on his feet. Gap identified: He would like to see more variety with food and no coffee is offered.
Client C
Employed full-time but uses the HRC as a stepping stone. Not housed.
Uses a bike/bus/car for transportation.
Was affected by COVID and it set him back.
Likes everything about the HRC.
Uses the mail service.
Client D
Started at HRC September 1, 2022
Originally was at Riverbed five years ago then moved to Florida. Was staying in Orange in a car with his girlfriend and two dogs until breakup. Used Mary’s kitchen before, felt that clothes more easily accessible then. 42 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Has own health insurance.
Trying to get into Bridges Shelter.
Uses food/shower/laundry services.
Had all possessions stolen; HRC provided clothing and items for him. Has not tried to use services for employment.
Likes that he has somewhere to go where he can get what he needs. Receives $355 a month GR and asks for donations on street. States he will look for a job once he is in a shelter.
Gaps identified: feels that there needs to be a better facility and more access to clothing. Stated Orange should have little, tiny homes for the homeless.
Comments on HRC: Feels HRC has been helpful and effective.
Client E
Has been coming to HRC since it opened.
Has been in and out of places but gets robbed and beat up so she prefers to stay close to the Police Department. Likes that HRC is close to PD. Has been trying to get into a shelter.
Been dealing with a divorce for 8 years.
Likes the HEART team.
No income.
Has been trying to come daily to use shower, laundry, and breakfast. Does not get lunch because needs to go to court.
Gaps identified: coffee, but effective in that it gives her what she needs.
Client F
Homeless since 2016.
Stays in Anaheim in her car.
Receives Social Security.
Has housing vouchers Section 8 from Mercy Housing.
Uses showers, laundry, and food services. Also uses mail services. Has own health insurance.
Gaps identified: More parking. Coffee and snacks such as donuts. More clothing accessibility. Would like it open on Sundays.
Comments on HRC: Believes it is effective and efficient. Feels comfortable going to HRC and to approach workers. Feels it is great to have everything in once place.
Client G
Been using services for a week.
Feels safe at HRC. Stays in Orange on the street.
43 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Has been coming every day.
Receives help from a friend and SSI $1347 a month.
Dealing with a name change issues after identify theft. Raised by a single mother.
History of working as a security guard.
Permanently disabled.
Put name down for housing.
Uses shower/laundry/food services and VOA.
Gaps identified: Feels some clients should be banned and have Wi-Fi on- site.
Comments on HRC: States volunteers are great, asked for a rain jacket and was given one along with a blanket.
Client H
Sleeping in car since September 1. Used to stay on Riverbed. Has health insurance. Trying to get back into Hurtt.
Receives $898 a month. Pays for car, insurance, and helps mom. Cannot work because would not qualify for assistance.
Multiple health issues/mental issues.
Comes every day. Won’t go to a shelter because had bad experiences.
Stated she was sexually harassed, had stuff stolen.
Uses mail services/showers/food services.
Gaps identified: more food variety; coffee; more people to just listen; more clothing sizing options.
QUA
COMMENTS RECEIVED AT PUBLIC HEARING ON JANUARY 10, 2023
YING POPULATION INTERVIEWSQUALIFYING POPULATION INTERVIEWS Summary
Twelve comments were received from members of the public and HRC staff in favor of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.
Comments from Councilmember Barrios
Had frank discussion on what was going on at Struck with Kisela when she took office. They are now seeing something completely different. City Manager said it is night and day.
Connectivity at the site. Connecting with others in the City is key element that was missing before.
Comments from Chief of Police Dan Adams
Havent had one violent crime since this group took over. Orange PD was at Mary’s Kitchen a lot.
44 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Had resouces desginated for fighting crime there. Now the resources are used to see how they can help. Crime has been great.
Structure, leadership, true care is what we get from this group. Truly believe in what they are doing and that is why it is successful.
PREPARED STATEMENTS RECEIVED
ON INTERVIEWSQUALIFYING POPULATION INTERVIEWS
45 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
46 SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENDMENT - HOME ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
APPENDIX B
HOME-ARP Certifications & SF 424 Form
To be attached at time of submission to HUD