PISMO BEACH COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item #11.A
SUBJECT/TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMUNITY INPUT AND REQUESTS FOR USE OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Conduct a public hearing to receive input on the disbursement of the City’s allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds for the 2023 Action Plan Year;
2. Adopt a Resolution identifying draft recommendations to the County of San Luis Obispo for inclusion in the 2023 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Pismo Beach and other cities in San Luis Obispo County are part of the San Luis Obispo Urban County group to receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Fiscal Years 2021–2023 (Cooperation Agreement with County of San Luis Obispo). A total of $34,922 in CDBG funds is estimated to be allocated to the City for low-income housing and community service needs. These funds include $4,540 for County administrative costs and $2,444 for City administrative costs. The net amount available after excluding the County administrative costs is estimated to be $30,382 (including the City’s administrative costs). Pursuant to the agreement between the City and the County, the County acts as the applicant for CDBG funds and is responsible for administering the CDBG funding awarded by HUD. It is estimated that funds would be available for project work in the second half of 2023.
Two valid applications for CDBG funds have been received during the public review period, including applications from 5 Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) and Community Action Partnership San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO) for Minor Home Repair. 5CHC has requested for the entirety of the City’s Public Services funds, which are capped at 15% of the City’s total CDBG allocations, or $5,238. CAPSLO has requested funds ($22,700) to support CDBG Housing funds, which are not capped. Tonight’s action is focused on a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors regarding the two applications received.
5 Cities Homeless Coalition
The 5CHC Rapid Re-Housing program connects families and individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent housing through a tailored package of time-limited financial assistance and targeted supportive services. The Rapid Re-Housing program involves intensive and specialized case management targeted at identifying displaced clients’ most pertinent needs and connecting them to community resources.
Homeless Prevention Services will be provided to those at imminent risk of homelessness based on need and qualification. Clients receive targeted case management services per their individual circumstance, in addition to direct financial assistance to enable them to
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remain in their housing, or deposit assistance needed to re-house them to prevent homelessness. Services may include financial literacy, job and income counseling, benefits advocacy (for unearned income support, as appropriate), and housing search support.
The 5CHC proposal is requesting a total of $5,238 from the City’s allocation. The program is intended to be augmented by other services also provided by 5CHC. 5CHC is requesting a combined total of $92,333 from Pismo Beach and other County jurisdictions.
The summary of the proposal, provided as Attachment 2, would assist participants to secure long-term stable housing that they can afford and retain. As noted in the application:
“Rapid rehousing is a primary solution for ending homelessness. It has been demonstrated to be effective in getting people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing and keeping them there. By connecting people with a home, they are in a better position to address other challenges that may have led to their homelessness, such as obtaining employment or addressing substance abuse issues. Rapid re-housing is also less expensive than other homeless interventions, such as shelter or transitional housing. The program also provides immediate assistance to participants who are homeless or at risk. Program outcomes track length of time homeless; length of time homeless from program enrollment; income changes and housing retention rates.”
CAPSLO
By way of background, CAPSLO contracted with the Pismo Beach Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and operated a Home Improvement Program from 2008–2012 for minor home improvements and other more major repairs like new roofs and plumbing replacement. 140 very-low- to moderate-income Pismo Beach households, primarily in the city’s three mobile home parks, were served until early 2012 when the City’s RDA was disbanded by state mandate. Typical costs for improvements per coach with severe deficiencies and structural problems ran $7,000–$18,000.
Since 2012, CAPSLO has operated smaller programs with other funding sources to continue to serve the City’s low-income homeowners. CAPSLO’s Senior Home Repair Program has assisted families with improvements like installation of grab bars, fixing leaking faucets, and other minor repairs. CAPSLO’s Weatherization Program served 69 Pismo Beach households with 12 water heater replacements, 10 furnace replacements and assistance to 163 elderly and/or disabled households with utility assistance (once-a year payment for a gas or electric bill).
For the upcoming 2023 CDBG Action Plan cycle, CAPSLO is requesting $22,700 to support the Minor Home Repair program. The program provides a variety of repairs and removal of architectural barriers that restrict accessibility; an individuals’ ability to move in, around, and remain in their home. The goal of the program is to increase self-
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sufficiency and prevent homelessness or placing individuals in the difficult position of deciding to move into a facility because their home is no longer accessible.
The summary of the proposal (Attachment 3) would enable a variety of home repairs for lower income families, seniors, and disabled individuals. As noted in the application:
“Minor Home Repair provides necessary home repair and access-improvement services for low- and very low-income, elderly and disabled individuals residing in single-family homes, mobile homes, and multi-family units to allow them to remain independent and in permanent, stable housing.”
Discussion
CDBG funds designated for Pismo Beach are for low-income housing and community service needs. Following multiple public hearings by the County over the past several months, seeking public input on use of the CDBG funds, the application period for funding concluded in November 2022. Participating agencies have been asked to forward recommendations from their legislative bodies regarding disbursement of the funds. Once the recommendations are made, the County will develop a Draft 2023 Action Plan (required by HUD) that identifies how CDBG funds will be used. Staff will return to Council in spring 2023 with the Draft 2023 Action Plan for review.
5CHC is requesting Public Services funds only, which are capped at 15% of the Urban County’s total CDBG allocations. The County advises against individual cities recommending greater than 15% for their respective allocations to Public Services applications to ensure jurisdictions are not recommending cumulative allocations greater than this limit. 5CHC has come to rely on the City’s Public Services funds for its programs.
As such, staff recommends the full 15% allocation of Public Services funds ($5,238) be recommended for 5CHC. While the amount the City can contribute to 5CHC does not meet the minimum $8,000 required by the 2021–2023 Cooperative Agreement, 5CHC has been successful in obtaining additional funds from the urban county group as homelessness services is a priority to meet this threshold.
CAPSLO is requesting Housing funds, which are not capped by the CDBG allocations.
Similar to 5CHC, CAPSLO has become reliant upon the City’s CDBG funding for its services. Staff recommends the remaining CDBG funds, including the City’s administrative funds, be allocated to CAPSLO, for a total allocation of $29,684. This is above the amount requested by CAPSLO, but is consistent with previous Council action.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council develop a recommendation on the use of CDBG funds that will be forwarded to the County for use in development of the Draft 2023 Action Plan.
For the last five years, the City Council recommended that the City’s administration portion of the grant be applied to the programs. The primary reason was that other than the cost to prepare and advertise this item, there are no direct City costs associated with the administration of the program.
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Staff recommends that the Council discuss the two requests received, as well as any additional requests for funds brought to the Council during this public hearing, and develop its recommendation.
Attachment 1 to this report is a Resolution that, if adopted, will identify the City Council’s recommendation for use of Pismo Beach’s allocation of 2023 CDBG funds.
Recommended allocation amounts are included in the Resolution; however, the Council may choose to modify the funding amounts and the Resolution will be finalized accordingly.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is a zero-dollar net fiscal impact to the General Fund. Since revenues and expenditures would be equal, there would be a net zero impact to the General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Revis staff’s recommended funding amounts, then adopt the Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. 5CHC application for funding (summary only; detailed exhibits available upon request from the City Clerk’s Office)
3. CAPSLO application for funding (summary only; detailed exhibits available upon request from the City Clerk’s Office)
Prepared by: Meeting Date: December 6, 2022
Megan Martin, Planning Manager
Submitted by: Matthew Downing, Community Development Director City Manager Approval:
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RESOLUTION NO. R-2022-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH,
CALIFORNIA IDENTIFYING DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2023 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT ACTION PLAN
WHEREAS, on July 7, 2020, the City of Pismo Beach entered into a Cooperative Agreement with San Luis Obispo County to implement the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 federal legislation relating to housing and community development activities administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
WHEREAS, on December 6, 2022, the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach in a duly- noticed public hearing considered testimony for the allocation of Community Development Block Grant Funds for inclusion in the San Luis Obispo County Draft 2023 Action Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach hereby recommends the County of San Luis Obispo include the following program(s) for funding in the Draft 2023 Action Plan:
1. 5 Cities Homeless Coalition Subsistence Payments Program: $5,238
2. Community Action Partnership San Luis Obispo: $29,684 UPON MOTION OF Council Member , seconded by Council Member , the foregoing resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach this 6 th day of December 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
Approved: Attest:
________________________ ________________________
Ed Waage, Mayor Erica Inderlied, City Clerk
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Attachment 1
Application A: Community/Supportive Services and Infrastructure Activities Funding sources available: CDBG, ESG, PLHA, GFS
1.APPLICANT INFORMATION
•Entity Name 5Cities Homeless Coalition
•Ultimate Borrower, if applicable Click or tap here to enter text. •Application Contact (Name and Title) Janna Nichols, Executive Director •Contact Phone Number 805-471-7404 Cell; 805-574-1638 Office •Entity Address, City and Zip Code 100 S. 4th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 •Mailing Address (if different from above) P.O. Box 558, Grover Beach, CA 93483 •Applicant’s Website 5chc.org
•Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number KR8JGGKBKEP9 •Type of Agency (501(c)(3), For Profit, Gov’t/Public, CHDO, Other) 501(c)(3) •Date of Incorporation March 3, 2009
•Project Management
o Project Lead Name Janna Nichols
o Title Executive Director
o Phone 805-471-7404 C, 805-574-1638
o Email [email protected]
2.PROJECT SUMMARY
•Project Title San Luis Obispo County Rapid Re-Housing/Homeless Prevention •Project Address 100 S. 4th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 •APN #, if applicable Click or tap here to enter text.
•Description of the Project
Provide a project description that captures the maximum anticipated scope of the application. It should include all contemplated actions which logically are, either geographically or functionally, a composite part of the project, regardless of the source of funding. Describe all physical aspects of the project, such as plans for multiple phases of development, size and number of buildings, and activities to be undertaken. Include details of the physical impacts of the project, including whether there will be ground disturbance. If applicable, indicate whether the project site will require acquisition or if the sponsor already has ownership. 5CHC seeks funds from multiple sources through this application to continue its countywide Rapid Re-Housing and Homeless Prevention program, serving communities throughout San Luis Obispo County – with the exception of Grover Beach (served through other funding sources). 5CHC's Housing Program braids available funding sources and with multiple sources of funds, 5CHC is able to target funds with differing eligibility criteria in order to maximize their use to serve those with the highest needs and greatest number possible. 5CHC’s housing and stabilization services including landlord cultivation, case management support, and subsistence payments for rent, application fees and deposits to individuals and families based on income and anticipated need, following a coordinated entry assessment and progressive engagement model. With these activities we will work to ensure services are low- barrier and easily accessible; help participants quickly identify and resolve barriers to obtaining and maintaining housing; assist to resolve the housing crisis before focusing on other non- housing related services; allow participants to choose the services and housing that meets their needs; connect participants to appropriate support and services available in the community that foster long-term housing stability; and offer financial assistance and supportive services in a manner which offers a minimum amount of assistance initially, adding more assistance over
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Attachment 2
time if needed to quickly resolve the housing crisis by either ending homelessness, or avoiding an immediate return to literal homelessness or the imminent risk of literal homelessness
3. BUDGET
• Funds Requested (Amount and Source) ESG $151,945; PLHA $149,978; CBBG – AG $13,095, Atas $$4,667, MB $3,500, PR, $16,333, PB $5,238, SLO $20,333, County $29,167
• Total Project/ Program Cost (Identify funding to be used to support the project throughout affordability period, if applicable) $394.256 • Identify leveraged funds (Committed, Match, Not Yet Committed) 5CHC Match $151,945; $48,055 Additional Local Grants & Contributions • Identify additional rental assistance in project, if applicable $177,600 in direct financial assistance included in total.
• Indicate how the match requirement will be met (include sources and source documentation), if applicable. Private Contributions & Grants $200,000
4. PURPOSE & NEED
• Purpose of the Proposed Project. Describe the project by addressing each of the following:
o What activities will be undertaken? Rapid re-housing connects families and individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent housing through a tailored package of time- limited financial assistance and targeted supportive services. Rapid Re-Housing involves intensive and specialized case management targeted at identifying displaced clients’ most pertinent needs; connect them to community resources. The case manager then works with the household to create a budget; identify income opportunities; determine eligibility for entitlement programs (such as SSI and SSDI); research housing options, and create and carryout case plans. All activities are on-going throughout the year, based on referral and prioritization protocols, following each participant’s case plan. Homeless Prevention – Services will be provided to those at imminent risk of homelessness based on need and qualification. Clients receive targeted case management services per their individual circumstance, in addition to direct financial assistance to enable them to remain in their housing, or deposit assistance needed to re-house them to prevent homelessness.
Services may include financial literacy, job and income counseling, benefits advocacy (for unearned income support as appropriate), housing search supports. o What are the project goals and objectives? The goal of the program is to assist participants to secure long-term stable housing that they can afford to retain. Rapid re- housing is a primary solution for ending homelessness. It has been demonstrated to be effective in getting people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing and keeping them there. By connecting people with a home, they are in a better position to address other challenges that may have led to their homelessness, such as obtaining employment or addressing substance abuse issues. The intervention has also been effective for people traditionally perceived to be more difficult to serve, including people with limited or no income and survivors of domestic violence. Research demonstrates that those who receive rapid re-housing assistance are homeless for shorter periods of time than those assisted with shelter or transitional housing. Rapid re-housing is also less expensive than other homeless interventions, such as shelter or transitional housing. The program also provides immediate assistance to participants who are homeless or at risk.
Program outcomes track length of time homeless; length of time homeless from program enrollment; income changes and housing retention rates. o Explain the need being addressed by this project. Housing costs continue to rise year over year here in San Luis Obispo County, with more than a 20% increase in just the past year. Given the tight housing market, most available units comes from private landlords,
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with an increasing trend to charge double-deposits, 5CHC is spending an average of $4,500 to move families into housing (deposit and first month’s rent). Just since July 1, 2022 we’ve seen rents increase on average by $200-$400 per month, with a high amount of property turnover. This has affected those living in the units who are often displaced due to income limits, or those who struggle to retain housing and find themselves at imminent risk of homeelessness. These continued increases in deposits and monthly rents has had a direct effect on the number of households projected to be served by this grant, and why we are requesting expanded funds through additional funding sources. o Explain how the need was identified. The County’s recently adopted Strategic Plan to address homelessness calls for a need assist an additional 160 persons to find housing by adding resources for Rapid Re-Housing activities (Line of Effort 1.d) and to prevent homelessness for an additional 50 people each year through HP and Diversion (Line of Effort 2.d)
o Who are the beneficiaries? How will eligibility be determined? 5CHC's Housing Program targets financial assistance and services to individuals and families based on income and anticipated need, following a coordinated entry assessment and progressive engagement model. Those who receive emergency grants for subsistence payments (rental assistance, 05Q) or for deposit assistance (05T Assistance will be provided to benefit a clientele who are generally presumed by HUD to be principally L/M income persons - those who are homeless. This population is among those who are currently presumed by HUD to be made up principally of L/M income persons: Reference:
§570.208(a)(2)(i)(A). Additionally, as some assistance will be provided to those of imminent threat of homelessness, 5CHC's program additionally requires information on family size and income so that it is evident that at least 51% of the clientele are persons whose family income does not exceed the L/M income limit. Reference: §570.208(a)(2)(i)(B) and (C) o Is there community and/or political support? Explain. 5CHC receives financial support for this program with each of its local government parnters annually, in addition to the recent augmentation of funds through ARPA and other local means. 5CHC is recognized for its RRP and HP work; and is currently receiving strong support to expand services in other areas on the continuum (including shelter). In addition, individual community members and local businesses continue to support 5CHC (mostly with unrestricted dollars) with more than $400,000 in contributions annually.
o Describe how the impact will be sustained once this round of funding ends. The RRH and HP program has on-going needs that have only increased in recent years, and housing prices continue to skyrocket. Without this continued funding this program will not be sustained. In the current fiscal year (2022-23) 5CHC is on track to serve more than 500 families through RRH and an additional 500 families through Homeless Prevention efforts. In 2021-22 5CHC expended more than $500,000 in direct financial assistance this program; and is currently on pace to spend more than $900,000 in this fiscal year in direct financial assistance. Funding awards from annual grant funds for ESG and CDBG have been reduced each of the last several years. Currently nearly all of the funds being dedicated to Rapid Re-Housing and Homeless Prevention activities in the county, are through CARES Act CV ESG and CDBG Funds - most of which will be exhausted within the first quarter of this grant application’s funding cycle. Other one-time monies that have come available (such as ARPA) have not been targeted to RRH or HP activities, but instead expanded area shelter activities. Thus, without these funds for 2023- 24, the program will be severely reduced.
• Organizational Capacity. Summarize the organization's background/capacity to carry out the proposed project. Address the following points:
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Attachment 2
o Has the organization carried out this type of project previously? Explain. 5Cities Homeless Coalition has successfully provided rapid re-housing and homeless prevention programs since 2015. As noted above, through CARES Act CV funds, 5chc will invest more than $900,000 this fiscal year in RRP and HP activities. Currently 5CHC is under contract or has been awarded 10 local, state and federal grants to provide RRH and HP services. o What makes the organization a preferred provider of this service? 5CHC has been the leading provider of these services for several years. 5CHC seeks to ensure that its services are both culturally and professionally competent; and accessible regardless of race or ethnicity or other condition. 5CHC staff represent a broad cross section including those of color, Latinx; those with lived experience. Currenlty, 5CHC employs 8 who are bilingual/bicultural speaking both English and Spanish; additionally, the agency has access to support those who are mono-lingual Mixteco. 5CHC staff have extensive training and relationships with those in the LBTGQ community. 5CHC works to train staff to ensure services are welcoming and provided without discrimination or judgment, that we approach our work through a trauma-informed perspective, and are attentive to specific circumstances (such as those who have experienced sex-trafficking or sexual violence).Collaboration 5CHC Homeless Services program is integrated in the local Continuum of Care, focusing on collaboration and strategic action. 5CHC is a key participant in the Coordinated Entry System receiving referrals community partners throughout the compendium of services. Additionally, 5CHC staff participate in HSOC at all levels and regularly participate in evidence-based trainings (Mental Health First Aid, etc.) 5CHC also has a program of providing staff trainings monthly with other service professionals and partner agencies.
5. ELIGIBILITY
• Indicate the eligible activity category for this project. Rapid Re-Housing: Short-Term Rent and Housing Stabilization Services including deposit, application fees, case management.; Homeless Prevention: Short-term rental assistance; homeless prevention deposit assistance; HMIS: staff and expenses necessary to deliver the activity.
6. SCHEDULE
• Provide a detailed project timeline, include milestones with units of measure. July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. All activities will be conducted through the 12-month timeline.
Households and number of persons served will be tracked through HMIS. • Describe agency’s record keep system with relevance to the proposed project and how reporting requirements will be met. 5CHC employs a dedicated HMIS Data Manager to ensure quality compliance and track client outcomes. This position is supported with three finance employees, including one charged with Grants Management for accountability of expenses and fulfillment of grant commitments. The agency's Associate Director is responsible for authorizing all funding requests and reporting on program outcomes. With each program activity case managers report to a Program Manager for supervision and oversight; including client eligibility and case file review . The agency's Executive Director is directly engaged in initial program development, and efforts to provide services on a regional basis.
7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Has site control been obtained? If so, how is site control held? Attach documentation of site control. Click or tap here to enter text.
• Zoning. Is the current project location zoned for the proposed activity? If not, describe steps to be taken to ensure zoning requirements are met. Click or tap here to enter text.
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• If applicable, indicate the application due date for tax credits. Click or tap here to enter text.
• Identity all permits necessary for the project. Include estimated dates of application and approval. Click or tap here to enter text.
• Does this Project require Relocation? If so, attach Relocation Plan. Click or tap here to enter text.
• Indicate Housing Type (Permanent Homeowner Housing, Rental Housing, Transitional Housing). Click or tap here to enter text. • Does the Project intend to target special populations (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, children in foster care, etc.)? Click or tap here to enter text. • Will the Applicant be providing services? If so, please provide a brief explanation.
Click or tap here to enter text.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
• Indicate level of environmental review required for proposed project. Click or tap here to enter text.
• Indicate environmental review steps completed to date. Click or tap here to enter text.
9. SECTION 3 AND MINORITY AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (AS
APPLICABLE)
• Section 3: Please explain how Section 3 benchmarks will be met. Click or tap here to enter text.
• MBE/WBE: Please explain how your project will be marketed towards MBE/WBEs.
Click or tap here to enter text.
10. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS – attached as identified below a) Articles of Incorporation
b) Bylaws
c) Non-profit Determination
d) List of the Board of Directors
e) Authorization to Request Funds
f) Designation of Authorized Official
g) Organizational Chart
h) Most Recent Financial Audit
i) Policies and Procedures
j) SAM Search
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Attachment 2
Application A: Community/Supportive Services and Infrastructure Activities Funding sources available: CDBG, ESG, PLHA, GFS
1. APPLICANT INFORMATION
• Entity Name Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CAPSLO) • Ultimate Borrower, if applicable N/A
• Application Contact (Name and Title) Elizabeth “Biz” Steinberg, CEO • Contact Phone Number 805-544-4355
• Entity Address, City and Zip Code 1030 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • Mailing Address (if different from above) N/A
• Applicant’s Website www.capslo.org
• Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number 95-2410253
• Type of Agency (501(c)(3), For Profit, Gov’t/Public, CHDO, Other) 501(c)(3) • Date of Incorporation 12-9-1965
• Project Management
o Project Lead Name Jim McNamara
o Title Energy Director
o Phone 805.431.4306
o Email [email protected]
2. PROJECT SUMMARY
• Project Title Minor Home Repair
• Project Address 3970 Short Street, Suite 110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • APN #, if applicable N/A
• Description of the Project
Provide a project description that captures the maximum anticipated scope of the application. It should include all contemplated actions which logically are, either geographically or functionally, a composite part of the project, regardless of the source of funding. Describe all physical aspects of the project, such as plans for multiple phases of development, size and number of buildings, and activities to be undertaken. Include details of the physical impacts of the project, including whether there will be ground disturbance. If applicable, indicate whether the project site will require acquisition or if the sponsor already has ownership.
Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO) Minor Home Repair provides necessary home repair and access-improvement services for low- and very low-income, elderly and disabled individuals residing in single-family homes, mobile homes, and multi-family units to allow them to remain independent and in permanent, stable housing.
3. BUDGET
• Funds Requested (Amount and Source) CDBG: $97,700 ($22,700 from City of Pismo Beach; $75,000 from County of SLO)
• Total Project/ Program Cost (Identify funding to be used to support the project throughout affordability period, if applicable)
• Identify leveraged funds (Committed, Match, Not (Yet Committed) Leveraged resources include LIHEAP, Area Agency on Aging Title IIIB and ARP • Identify additional rental assistance in project, if applicable N/A • Indicate how the match requirement will be met (include sources and source documentation), if applicable. Leveraged funds will be used to provide additional benefit to the construction projects and program operations.
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4. PURPOSE & NEED
• Purpose of the Proposed Project. Describe the project by addressing each of the following:
o What activities will be undertaken?
Minor Home Repair provides a variety of repairs and removal of architectural barriers that restrict individuals' ability to move in, around, and remain in their homes.
The program has several phases for each individual project. These include outreach to locate and identify needy and eligible households, enrollment to complete an application and provide income documentation and proof of ownership, assessment to determine the scope of repairs and develop individual project budgets, permit applications (if required), submittal of individual projects to City staff for review and approval, completion of construction work, invoicing and reporting to the County.
The completed projects may include some of the following types of work:
• wheelchair ramps
• wheelchair lifts
• accessible showers (removal of bathtubs/installation of accessible showers)
• reconfiguration of bathrooms for access
• widening doorways
• handrails, grab bars
• repairs to stairs, wooden porches
• general carpentry
• water heater and furnace replacement
• minor plumbing and electrical work
Completing home repairs is more cost-effective and compassionate than trying to meet housing needs for individuals that have to give up their homes, and instead, rely on governmental assistance or institutional living.
What are the project goals and objectives?
The goal of Minor Home Repair is to increase self-sufficiency among low-income seniors and disabled individuals by enabling them to remain in their homes as they age or cope with disabilities, improving their health and safety in the home and allowing independence for vulnerable members of the community. Together, this helps prevent homelessness or placing people in the difficult position of deciding to move into a facility because their home is no longer accessible.
The objective is to provide minor home repairs, barrier removals, and access improvements.
o Explain the need being addressed by this project.
Throughout the country, we are faced with an aging population and many elderly seniors have limited financial resources. As people age in their homes, there is a growing need for support to deal with disability and limitations that arise. Likewise,
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there are also many disabled individuals who suffer from inaccessible homes and unusable bathrooms. Low income individuals and families often do not have sufficient resources to be able to pay for needed repairs in their homes. The Minor Home Repair Program seeks to assist the elderly, disabled and low-income households by providing an essential service at no cost.
Affordable housing remains a critical need for San Luis Obispo County's low- income, elderly, and disabled population. Many of these individuals reside in housing that is substandard and in need of repairs. Additionally, both affordable housing and residential care for seniors is very limited in San Luis Obispo County, especially for very low- and low-income individuals. Because demand consistently exceeds available funding, there is a waiting list for these services. The average cost of repairs per household is $5,200, with a maximum expenditure of $6,500.
The consequences of not receiving funded are low- and very low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals would not receive the necessary health and safety-related accommodations that allow them to remain living independently.
o Explain how the need was identified.
Clients for this program come from two sources – the first being referrals from social services agencies such as in-home service providers, hospitals and caregivers. The second source is CAPSLO outreach workers who canvas low- income neighborhoods, mobile home parks, senior centers and other sites where they are likely to encounter community members who may need assistance from this program.
There is no other Minor Home Repair program for low-income seniors and disabled individuals of all ages, of which CDBG funds are the primary source of funding.
The Area Agency on Aging provides CAPSLO funding for a Minor Home Repair for seniors only, limited to small repairs with $250 or less in material expenses and only seniors (60 and older) are eligible. Minor Home Repair program households may also receive weatherization assistance though CAPSLO's LIHEAP Program and So Cal Gas and PG&E Energy Savings Assistance programs.
Who are the beneficiaries? How will eligibility be determined? Approximately 22 households will be served with CDBG funding. We project to serve the following client population groups:
Elderly (ages 55-85+) - 91%
Hispanic - 24%
Non-Hispanic - 76%
Low-income - 8%
Very low-income - 92%
Disabled - 62%
The program is targeted at very low and low-income households residing in the City of Pismo Beach and the County of San Luis Obispo. More specifically, the program will seek to enroll clients who are disabled and have unmet needs for home modifications, handicapped access improvements and removal of architectural barriers. (A printout of the Client Intake Form that comprises the
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digital Client Intake screen is attached.) Income verification for CDBG/ESG beneficiaries is provided in accordance with 24 CFR Part 5.
o Is there community and/or political support? Explain.
CAPSLO’s Energy Services works closely with other partner agencies which provide supplemental services, including Tri-Counties Regional Center, Department of Social Services, Independent Living Resource Center, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Loaves and Fishes, SLO Housing Authority, local VA Service Center, and local churches. Clients of Minor Home Repair are also referred to other CAPSLO programs for which they are eligible.
o Describe how the impact will be sustained once this round of funding ends.
This program is dependent on funding from CDBG and the Area Agency on Aging.
With reduced funding, fewer families will be served.
• Organizational Capacity. Summarize the organization's background/capacity to carry out the proposed project. Address the following points:
o Has the organization carried out this type of project previously? Explain.
CAPSLO has been serving as San Luis Obispo County's federally designated community action agency since 1965. CAPSLO is a private, public benefit nonprofit with 53 years of experience serving the county's low-income community. Across all programs, CAPSLO has over 225 grants and awards valued at over $80 million, and serves over 24,000 individuals in 10 California counties. In June 2016, CAPSLO received the Award for Excellence, part of the National Community Action Partnership's organizational capacity building initiative. Only seven out of 1,100 community action agencies have received this award.
CAPSLO's Energy Services Division, has provided weatherization, and energy conservation programs for the county since 1978, with Minor Home Repair added in 1995. CAPSLO is a licensed general contractor (#623259). Work provided under this contract will be performed by staff who have experience in various phases of construction using existing vehicles, tools, equipment, and storage space for materials.
The Minor Home Repair program continually strives to increase outreach in order to reach more low-income individuals.
o What makes the organization a preferred provider of this service? The Minor Home Repair program is managed by Jim McNamara, who is responsible for all areas of the energy conservation, weatherization and home repair programs, including staff supervision, budgeting and financial management, program administration, research and new program development, technical support and construction management. Mr. McNamara is the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) for CAPSLO’s general contractors license (# 623259) and has worked for CAPSLO for 30 years.
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In addition to its highly qualified key staff, CAPSLO has the necessary infrastructure to successfully implement and monitor complex grants and contracts. Currently CAPSLO has over 250 different contracts and participates in multiple federal and state financial audits, and has never had a finding.
CAPSLO’s Finance Department handles budget management and payment requests for this grant, ensuring contract and reporting compliance. In addition, CAPSLO undergoes an agency-wide, rigorous audit process annually by the firm of Brown Armstrong Certified Public Accountants. The process includes inquiry and observation to understand and evaluate CAPSLO’s internal controls, confirmations, interim testing and compliance audits, and substantive procedural analysis. Critical audit areas include compliance with federal and state awards, expenses for program and support services, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, program revenue and unearned deferred revenue, cash, property and equipment, and long-term debt. A summary of the audit is formally presented by Brown Armstrong to both the Audit and Finance Committees of the Board, as well as the full Board of Directors and senior management. CAPSLO has had no findings in any audit over the past two decades. Additionally, CAPSLO Homeless Services participates in County of San Luis Obispo CDBG and other HUD program reviews and desk audits as required.
5. ELIGIBILITY
• Indicate the eligible activity category for this project.
The eligibility category for this CDBG project is Public Services. The proposed project meets the CDBG National Objective because 100% of the beneficiaries of the proposed activities will be Low/Moderate income persons. The specific group of persons the proposed project will serve are seniors and disabled individuals. CAPSLO requests documentation of family/individual income for clients of the Minor Home Repair program.
6. SCHEDULE
• Provide a detailed project timeline, include milestones with units of measure.
1. July 1-September 30, 2023: Perform outreach in communities and with other service providers, complete intake applications and job estimates, and submit projects for approval.
2. October 1, 2023-May 31, 2024: Obtain building permits if needed on individual projects. Start and complete all construction activities.
3. May 1-June 30, 2024: Submit invoices and project details for reimbursement.
• Describe agency’s record keep system with relevance to the proposed project and how reporting requirements will be met.
Client income is verified by collecting copies of income documentation, which may include proof of social security payments, SSI, TANF, unemployment insurance, disability payments, and/or documentation of salary and wages. Copies of client household data are maintained in individual client files and recorded on the agency's
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data base with Hancock Software. Quarterly and annual reports will be submitted by the program manager to the County.
The agency-wide ClientTrack database is also used so the agency may thoroughly and efficiently cross-refer eligible clients to other CAPSLO programs.
7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Has site control been obtained? If so, how is site control held? Attach documentation of site control. N/A
• Zoning. Is the current project location zoned for the proposed activity? If not, describe steps to be taken to ensure zoning requirements are met. N/A • If applicable, indicate the application due date for tax credits. N/A • Identity all permits necessary for the project. Include estimated dates of application and approval. Building permits will be requested from the San Luis Obispo County Planning Department, City of Pismo Beach, and/or from the State Department of Housing and Community Development, when indicated.
• Does this Project require Relocation? If so, attach Relocation Plan. N/A • Indicate Housing Type (Permanent Homeowner Housing, Rental Housing, Transitional Housing). N/A
• Does the Project intend to target special populations (such as seniors, persons with disabilities, children in foster care, etc.)? The special population the project will target are seniors and disabled individuals of all ages.
• Will the Applicant be providing services? If so, please provide a brief explanation.
CAPSLO provides all services associated with Minor Home Repair. CAPSLO is a licensed general contractor (#623259). Work provided under this contract will be performed by staff who have experience in various phases of construction using existing vehicles, tools, equipment, and storage space for materials.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
• Indicate level of environmental review required for proposed project. N/A • Indicate environmental review steps completed to date. N/A
9. SECTION 3 AND MINORITY AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (AS
APPLICABLE)
• Section 3: Please explain how Section 3 benchmarks will be met. N/A
• MBE/WBE: Please explain how your project will be marketed towards MBE/WBEs.
CAPSLO will take all necessary, affirmative steps to assure that small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor area surplus firms are used when possible, in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.321(a).
10. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
• Articles of Incorporation/Bylaws
• Non-profit Determination
• List of the Board of Directors
• Authorization to Request Funds
• Designation of Authorized Official
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• Organizational Chart
• Most Recent Financial Audit
• Policies and Procedures
• SAM Search
• Intake Form
• Program Budget 23-24
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