HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Exhibit A
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Guidance ................................................................................................................................................ 2 Consultation ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Consultation Process ................................................................................................................................. 2 Organizations Consulted ........................................................................................................................... 3 Public Participation .............................................................................................................................. 18 Participation Process............................................................................................................................... 18 Efforts to broaden public participation .................................................................................................. 19 Summary of comments received ............................................................................................................ 20 Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis ................................................................................................. 22 Demographics of qualifying populations ................................................................................................ 23 Unmet housing and services needs ........................................................................................................ 26 Current Resources Available ................................................................................................................... 27 Gaps in shelter and housing inventory ................................................................................................... 29 Characteristics of housing instability ...................................................................................................... 31 Priority needs for qualifying populations ............................................................................................... 31 Determination of needs and gaps ........................................................................................................... 32 HOME-ARP Activities ........................................................................................................................ 32 Method for selecting subrecipients ........................................................................................................ 32 Use of HOME ARP Funding ............................................................................................................... 33 Funding Narrative ................................................................................................................................... 33 Plan Rationale ......................................................................................................................................... 34 HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals ............................................................................................. 35 Preferences ............................................................................................................................................. 35 Attachment 1 - HOME-ARP Consultation Notes ................................................................................... i Attachment 2 - Public Notices ............................................................................................................. vii
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Guidance
• To receive its HOME-ARP allocation, a PJ must:
o Engage in consultation with at least the required organizations; o Provide for public participation including a 15-day public comment period and one public hearing, at a minimum; and,
o Develop a plan that meets the requirements in the HOME-ARP Notice.
• To submit: a PJ must upload a Microsoft Word or PDF version of the plan in IDIS as an attachment next to the “HOME-ARP allocation plan” option on either the AD-26 screen (for PJs whose FY 2021 annual action plan is a Year 2-5 annual action plan) or the AD-25 screen (for PJs whose FY 2021 annual action plan is a Year 1 annual action plan that is part of the 2021 consolidated plan).
• PJs must also submit an SF-424, SF-424B, and SF-424D, and the following certifications as an attachment on either the AD-26 or AD-25 screen, as applicable:
o Affirmatively Further Fair Housing;
o Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act and Anti- displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan;
o Anti-Lobbying;
o Authority of Jurisdiction;
o Section 3; and,
o HOME-ARP specific certification.
Participating Jurisdiction: City of Santa Rosa Date: January 31, 2023 Consultation
Before developing its plan, a PJ must consult with the CoC(s) serving the jurisdiction’s geographic area, homeless and 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, at a minimum. State PJs are not required to consult with every PHA or CoC within the state’s boundaries; however, local PJs must consult with all PHAs (including statewide or regional PHAs) and CoCs serving the jurisdiction.
Consultation Process
Summarize the consultation process:
In preparing this HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, the City of Santa Rosa (City) consulted with Sonoma County Continuum of Care (CoC), the other two HUD entitlement jurisdictions in Sonoma County (City of Petaluma and the County of Sonoma), organizations and agencies located in Sonoma County that provide services to the HOME-ARP qualifying populations and the residents of Santa Rosa. In many instances, these consultations are part of ongoing interactions between the Housing and Community Services Department (HCS), or the City and the agency or group described.
The City facilitated several meetings to inform the community about the HOME-ARP award and allocation process. During these meetings, stakeholders and community members gave input
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related to which qualifying populations and eligible activities they felt should be included in the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. The City and the Sonoma County Community Development Commission (CDC) jointly presented to the CoC Board at their meeting of February 23, 2022 to provide an overview of the HOME-ARP program and to solicit feedback for the Homeless and Housing Needs and Gap Analyses. As a member of the CoC the City of Petaluma was present and was given an opportunity to provide feedback. A public meeting was held on December 1, 2021 to provide the public with an overview of the HOME-ARP program, the anticipated award, the qualifying populations and eligible activities, and to receive public comment on the potential use of funds. The December meeting was held via Zoom to engage participants and ensure safe participation while COVID-19 social distancing protocols were in place. The meeting was attended by eleven stakeholder agencies, as well as members of the public. The City held a public hearing at its City Council meeting on February 14, 2023 which was facilitated as a hybrid meeting and offered an additional opportunity for the public to comment in person in the Council Chambers, via email and via voicemail submitted before the public hearing.
To further consult with the homeless and domestic violence service providers, Veterans’ groups, 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, the City and the CDC jointly invited local service providers and community stakeholders to a series of roundtable meetings. The first roundtable meeting consulted with affordable housing developers on May 26, 2022. The second roundtable meeting was held on June 9, 2022 in which the City and CDC consulted with local fair housing and civil rights organizations. The third roundtable meeting was held on June 30, 2022 and consulted service providers for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The fourth roundtable meeting was held on October 27, 2022 to consult with Veteran’s and homeless services providers. The City and CDC provided an accommodation request process to ensure that the round table meetings would be accessible to all participants.
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Rosa (Authority) as the local Public Housing Agency was consulted at their Regular Meeting of November 22, 2021. The Authority utilizes City staff to carry out its various programs and at the November meeting a portion of the HOME-ARP allocation was also appropriated into the Authority’s budget for program administration.
Organizations Consulted
List the organizations consulted, and summarize the feedback received from these entities.
1 Agency/Group/Organization Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Coalition of Bay Area Public Health Departments that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations related to health equity, economic opportunity, and racial justice.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting.
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Feedback? The organization attended the public meeting on December 1, 2021 and did not provide feedback.
2 Agency/Group/Organization Burbank Housing Development Corporation Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization dedicated to building quality affordable housing and supporting the housing stability and well-being of their residents.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to attend the Affordable Housing Developer roundtable meeting on June 9, 2022.
Feedback? The organization attended the roundtable meeting on June 9, 2022 and provided the following feedback:
Currently there is over-investment in meeting needs for the chronically homeless.
Workforce housing is lacking support and housing
stability.
The most successful affordable housing projects have
supportive services.
Housing stabilization is key for success.
There is a lack of available resources for supportive services.
Residents need counseling services once they are housed.
3 Agency/Group/Organization California Human Development Corporation (CHD) Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, develop affordable housing, provides supportive services such as employment assistance and job training, and telehealth services.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the public meeting on December 1, 2021.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, this organization did not send a
representative to provide feedback.
4 Agency/Group/Organization California Programs for the Autistic Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of persons with disabilities.
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What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the public meeting on December 1, 2021.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, this organization did not send a
representative to provide feedback.
5 Agency/Group/Organization Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Homeless services provider and nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, provides outreach, supportive services, and homelessness prevention services for at-risk and homeless individuals and families.
What was the method of
consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the public meeting on December 1, 2021 and the roundtable meeting on October 27, 2022.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, and the October 27, 2022 roundtable meeting, this organization did not send a representative to provide feedback.
6 Agency/Group/Organization City of Petaluma
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Public organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations and persons with disabilities related to homeless services, fair housing and civil rights, represents the HUD entitlement jurisdiction for the City of Petaluma and has a spot on the CoC Board that is responsible for the oversight of public funding for homeless services in the County of Sonoma.
What was the method of
consultation?
This organization was invented to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021 and was present during the CoC board meeting on February 23, 2022.
Feedback? This organization attended the Continuum of Care board meeting on February 23, 2022 where the City and the CDC made a joint presentation on the eligible uses and qualifying populations of the HOME-ARP program and did not provide any direct feedback.
They were also invited to attend the December 1, 2021 public meeting but they did not send a representative to provide feedback.
7 Agency/Group/Organization Committee On the Shelterless
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Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Homeless service provider and nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations and assists those experiencing homelessness in finding and keeping housing, and increasing self-sufficiency.
What was the method of
consultation?
This organization was invited to attend the roundtable meeting on May 26, 2022.
Feedback? This organization attended the roundtable meeting on May 26, 2022 and provided the following feedback.
The flexibility in the program is appreciated and at this point any financial assistance is helpful.
The most successful affordable housing projects have
supportive services.
Housing stabilization is key for success.
8 Agency/Group/Organization Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Homeless service provider and nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, victims of domestic violence, persons with disabilities and addresses civil rights.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the public meeting on December 1. 2021 and to the roundtable meetings on June 30, 2022 and October 27, 2022 for domestic violence service providers and veterans and homeless service providers.
Feedback? This organization attended the June 30, 2022 roundtable as well as the October 27, 2022 roundtable and provided the following feedback:
There is additional need in the community for emergency housing and supportive services.
Affordable housing units with 2-3 bedrooms are needed for families.
9 Agency/Group/Organization Community Housing Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, develops and provides supportive affordable housing for veterans, people living with disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the public meeting on December 1, 2021.
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Feedback? The organization attended the Public Meeting held on December 1, 2021 and provided the following feedback:
Expressed interest in dedicating HOME-ARP funds to the development of affordable housing and supportive public services in Santa Rosa.
10 Agency/Group/Organization Community Support Network
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Homeless services provider, nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations and provides supportive services for homeless adults with behavioral health challenges.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the public meeting on December 1, 2021 and the round table meeting on October 27, 2022.
Feedback? This organization attended the roundtable meeting on October 27, 2022 and provided the following feedback:
Supportive services in general are needed for homeless families.
Supportive services are needed for maintaining housing stability especially when paired with housing vouchers.
11 Agency/Group/Organization Disability Services and Legal Center Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of persons with disabilities.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the public meeting on December 1, 2021.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, this organization did not send a
representative to provide feedback.
12 Agency/Group/Organization DAAC – Drug Abuse Alternatives Center Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, and provides comprehensive social, educational, vocational, medical, psychological, housing and rehabilitation services to combat social problems such as substance abuse, poverty, unemployment and homelessness.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the public meeting on December 1, 2021.
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Feedback? This organization attended the public meeting on December 1, 2021 and did not provide any feedback.
13 Agency/Group/Organization Eden Housing
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit affordable housing organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations that serves, seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities and the formerly homeless, and addresses civil rights.
What was the method of
consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the May 26, 2022 affordable housing developer roundtable meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the May 26, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
The current high inflation rate and increasing interest rates is making it very challenging to develop affordable housing. High borrowing costs limit borrowing capacity while costs for labor and material is rising.
Project budget projections are normally created a year to a year and a half in advance before the money is spent, but with high inflation rate it makes it difficult to predict what future costs will be.
Production of new housing would not be a good use of the funds since the amount is small and limited.
14 Agency/Group/Organization Face to Face - Sonoma County AIDS Network Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, addresses fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, this organization did not send a
representative to attend the public meeting.
15 Agency/Group/Organization Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, fair housing and civil rights.
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What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting and the roundtable meeting on June 9, 2022.
Feedback? This organization attended the June 9, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
Housing for large families is very limited and housing that is 3-4 bedrooms is needed.
Substandard housing is a countywide problem in particular with the undocumented immigrant population
Their undocumented status and income level does not allow them to secure affordable, habitable housing.
16 Agency/Group/Organization Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that develops affordable housing and provides supportive services that address the needs of the qualifying populations.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, this organization did not send a
representative to provide feedback.
17 Agency/Group/Organization City of Santa Rosa Housing Authority Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Public Housing Agency (PHA)
What was the method of
consultation?
The City of Santa Rosa Housing & Community Services staff presented the HOME-ARP program to the Housing Authority Board on November 22, 2021, and again on February 27, 2023.
Feedback? The Housing Authority accepted the HOME-ARP award and appropriated the funding into their budget. The Housing Authority Commissioners spoke in support of accepting the HOME-ARP award and for the needs of the qualifying populations that could be addressed through HOME-ARP projects.
18 Agency/Group/Organization Interfaith Shelter Network
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Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Homeless services provider and nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, moves people out of homelessness by providing rapid rehousing and transitional housing, and provides services that include tenant counseling, financial assistance, education, free psychotherapy, and case management.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting and the October 27, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021 and the October 27, 2022 roundtable meeting, this organization did not send a representative to provide feedback.
19 Agency/Group/Organization Kingdom Development, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Private organization that develops affordable housing and addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by making affordable housing available for disadvantaged youth and families and providing financial advisory services to nonprofit and for-profit developers.
What was the method of
consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the May 26, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the May 26, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
More resources should be made available for supportive services.
HOME-ARP funds should be used for projects that are
ready to go and entitled.
During the last few years, the state has dedicated a lot of financial assistance to housing development for people
experiencing homelessness, and this has affected
availability of resources for housing for other low-income populations.
20 Agency/Group/Organization Legal Aid of Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, by providing crisis legal services to low-income families, children, elders, immigrants and other vulnerable residents, services for fair housing, civil rights and services for persons with disabilities.
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What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting and the June 9, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the June 9, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
Gap funding programs to assist tenants on the verge of eviction and/or prevent them from becoming homeless are needed.
There is also a need for emergency rental assistance
program (ERAP) funding.
There is a need for safe housing for families facing eviction.
21 Agency/Group/Organization The Living Room Center, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization and homeless and domestic violence services provider that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing supportive services to women and children who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting and the June 30, 2022 victims of domestic violence service providers roundtable meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the public meeting on December 1, 2021, and the roundtable meeting on June 30, 2022 and provided the following feedback:
Over 80% of women, including homeless women, seeking
help from the Living Room need safe shelter to go to
immediately, because they are fleeing violence.
More “safe housing” is needed for those persons/families fleeing or who are victims of abuse and/or human
trafficking.
Additional capacity at emergency shelters is needed.
New housing projects are not meeting the demand of
dwelling units needed to provide permanent housing.
22 Agency/Group/Organization North Bay Regional Center
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of persons with disabilities by providing advocacy services, support, and care coordination to children and adults diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to attend the June 9, 2022 roundtable meeting.
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Feedback? This organization attended the June 9, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
California is a housing first state, but the housing first strategy does not address supportive service needs.
Supportive services are needed with housing.
HOME-ARP funds would be effective to assist the
qualifying populations by providing supportive and
housing stabilization services.
23 Agency/Group/Organization Petaluma People Services Center Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization and homeless services provider that provides employment and training, counseling, transportation, fair housing, and addresses the needs of the qualifying populations and persons with disabilities, seniors, and youth.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, this organization did not send a
representative to provide feedback.
24 Agency/Group/Organization Petaluma Ecumenical Properties (PEP) Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that develops affordable housing and addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing affordable housing for seniors with limited income.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021public meeting and the May 26, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, and the roundtable meeting on May 26, 2022 this organization did not send a representative to provide feedback.
25 Agency/Group/Organization Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that develops affordable housing and addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing affordable housing that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to the May 26, 2022 roundtable meeting.
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Feedback? This organization attended the May 26, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
Additional financing tools for affordable housing
development are needed. Tax credits help for developing projects but take time to obtain.
Development and financing costs are increasing, and
financing gaps will be wider.
Bond-funded projects are being delayed due to the
increasing costs and inflation.
26 Agency/Group/Organization Social Advocates for Youth Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization and homeless and domestic violence services provider that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing transitional and emergency housing, supportive services, housing stabilization, and case management services to transitional age youth.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting and the October 27, 2022 round table meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the October 27, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
Three out of five transitional age youth in the community become homeless due to lack of family support and a lack of available preventative services.
Supportive and preventative services are needed for
transitional age youth.
The 2020 Point in Time count reflected fewer transitional age homeless youth due to greater resources allocated in 2019 to homeless prevention and supportive services.
Additional supportive services are needed to reduce
homelessness among transitional aged youth.
27 Agency/Group/Organization Sonoma County Community Development Commission Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Public organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations and persons with disabilities related to homeless services, fair housing and civil rights, represents the local Government for the County of Sonoma and is a HUD entitlement Jurisdiction.
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What was the method of
consultation?
The City and the CDC collaborated with each other throughout the entire public participation and outreach process. Both agencies co- hosted the roundtable meeting series with local agencies and stakeholders.
Feedback? The City and the CDC worked together to determine the funding priorities and unmet needs of both jurisdictions. The CDC co- hosted the series of roundtable meetings with local agencies and stakeholders and helped the City determine the HOME-ARP funding priorities to address the gaps in needs and services.
28 Agency/Group/Organization Sonoma County Continuum of Care Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Public organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations and persons with disabilities related to homeless services, fair housing and civil rights, represents the homeless services system of care, and is responsible for oversight of funds designated for addressing homelessness in Sonoma County.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting. The City and the CDC made a joint
presentation to the CoC on February 23, 2022 about the HOME- ARP program, the eligible uses and qualifying populations.
Feedback? This organization and its 30-member agencies were invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting. The CoC provided the following feedback at their February 23, 2022 meeting during the joint HCS and CDC presentation:
Preventative services are needed.
Housing stabilization services are needed.
Affordable housing units are needed.
Both agencies should wait to draft their allocation plans until the 2022 Point in Time count is released.
29 Agency/Group/Organization Sonoma County Black Forum
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses fair housing and civil rights and provides supportive and mental health services for qualifying individuals.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting.
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Feedback? The organization attended the public meeting held on December 1, 2021 and provided the following feedback:
Sonoma County has a total of 2% of the population that is black, yet 5% of the unsheltered population is black and black individuals are overrepresented in the homeless
population.
HOME-ARP funds should be used to increase equity.
Black home ownership should be invested in, and the City should make a commitment to addressing the needs of
unsheltered individuals in Sonoma County.
Information regarding the oversight and ongoing
monitoring of funding allocations was also requested.
30 Agency/Group/Organization Urban Housing Communities, LLC Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Private organization that develops affordable housing and addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing on site services to ensure resident’s basic needs are met including health services, education, and financial stability.
What was the method of
consultation?
This organization was invited to attend the May 26, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the May 26, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
The most successful affordable housing projects have
supportive services.
Housing stabilization is key for success.
Support for households earning less than 30% of AMI or at risk of homelessness is needed.
Using the funds to support predevelopment costs allows HOME-ARP funds to be used faster, rather than using
them for construction which takes time.
31 Agency/Group/Organization U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Public agency that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, homeless and veteran’s services provider.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting and the October 27, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the December 1, 2021 public meeting and did not provide feedback.
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32 Agency/Group/Organization Verity
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization and domestic violence and homeless services provider that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing services to promote the prevention of violence, provide counseling, advocacy, intervention and education in the community.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the June 30, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the June 30, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
New housing projects are not meeting the demand of
dwelling units needed to provide permanent housing.
Persons that don’t meet the criteria for “safe housing” still need a safe place to go to.
There is additional need for emergency housing, permanent housing and supportive services.
33 Agency/Group/Organization Vietnam Veterans of California Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization and homeless and veteran’s services provider that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing outreach services, advocacy, claims assistance and legislative action for all veterans.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting and the October 27, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, and the roundtable meeting on October 27, 2022 this organization did not send a representative to provide feedback.
34 Agency/Group/Organization Women’s Recovery Services
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing addiction treatment, mental health, and health services.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting.
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Feedback? Although this organization was invited to attend the public meeting on December 1, 2021, this organization did not send a
representative to provide feedback.
35 Agency/Group/Organization Wallace House
Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization and homeless services provider that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing emergency and temporary shelter and wrap around and supportive services to meet the basic needs of qualifying individuals.
What was the method of
Consultation?
This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the public meeting on December 1, 2021 and did not provide feedback
36 Agency/Group/Organization West County Community Services Agency/Group/Organization
Type
Nonprofit organization and homeless and veteran’s services provider that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations, the needs of persons with disabilities, fair housing and civil rights by providing temporary and emergency shelter, employment training, supportive and wrap around services, housing stabilization and health services.
What was the method of
Consultation? This organization was invited to participate in the October 27, 2022 round table meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the October 27, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
Current gaps in services include excess of chronic
homeless services and there is additional need for services for newly homeless and marginally employed individuals. Housing Choice Vouchers can help but there is additional need for supportive services to help the newly housed
families be successful.
The county has a lack of infrastructure to place individuals in the correct supportive services.
Often resources are provided but include narrow definitions of how the resources can be used.
Funding sources have not been increased to match the
increased need.
Non-congregate shelter can provide dignity for people experiencing homelessness and is generally preferred over congregate shelters.
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Public Participation
PJs must provide for and encourage citizen participation in the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. Before submission of the plan, PJs must provide residents with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed HOME-ARP allocation plan of no less than 15 calendar days. The PJ must follow its adopted requirements for “reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment” for plan amendments in its current citizen participation plan. In addition, PJs must hold at least one public hearing during the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan and prior to submission.
For the purposes of HOME-ARP, PJs are required to make the following information available to the public:
• The amount of HOME-ARP the PJ will receive,
• The range of activities the PJ may undertake.
Participation Process
Describe the public participation process, including information about and the dates of the public comment period and public hearing(s) held during the development of the plan:
37 Agency/Group/Organization YWCA of Sonoma County
Agency/Group/Organization
Type Nonprofit organization and domestic violence and homeless services provider that addresses the needs of the qualifying populations by providing supportive services for childcare, health and mental health, counseling and housing stabilization services for families impacted by domestic violence.
What was the method of
Consultation? This organization was invited to participate in the December 1, 2021 public meeting and the June 30, 2022 roundtable meeting.
Feedback? This organization attended the June 30, 2022 roundtable meeting and provided the following feedback:
There is additional need for supportive services.
Some geographical areas of the county do not have
advocacy offices to offer services to these communities. More “safe housing” is needed for those persons/families fleeing or who are victims of abuse and/or human
trafficking.
One in four women and one in seven men experience
and/or flee dating or domestic violence.
There is a need for additional permanent housing and
emergency housing along with supportive services.
There was an increase in reported child and family abuse during the pandemic.
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• Public comment period: start date – February 10, 2023 end date – February 28, 2023 • Public hearing: February 28, 2023
Outreach was conducted to promote the December 1st, 2021 public meeting including posting the bilingual (English/Spanish) notice to the City’s website; in the Press Democrat newspaper and La Voz bilingual newspaper (online and print); email and mail distribution to the Sonoma County Continuum of Care. The City also reached out to various neighborhood associations, local businesses and social services agencies, individuals, and affordable housing developers. Similar outreach was conducted for the February 28, 2023 Public Hearing. Notices were posted in the Press Democrat and La Voz (online and print), and notice was posted to the City’s website of the upcoming Public Hearing. City staff also took the draft Allocation Plan to the February 27, 2023 Housing Authority meeting to present the draft Allocation Plan and give the Housing Authority further opportunity to provide feedback about the program and the intended uses of the HOME-ARP funds. A draft Allocation Plan was published for public comment on February 10, 2023 and the public comment period ended with the February 28, 2023 City Council Public Hearing.
Efforts to broaden public participation
Describe any efforts to broaden public participation:
The City held a virtual public meeting on December 1, 2021 to provide an overview of HOME-ARP program and the process for preparing the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. The virtual public meeting solicited community feedback related to the qualifying populations and eligible activities under the HOME-ARP Program.
As part of the public participation and consultation process, the City collaborated with the CDC to present information on the funding awards for each jurisdiction and the eligible uses and qualifying populations to the CoC Board on February 23, 2022. The CoC board suggested that the City and CDC wait to finish writing their Allocation Plans until the data from the 2022 Point in Time (PIT) count was available in order to have the most recent homeless data reflected in the plan.
The City held a public hearing at the City Council meeting on February 28, 2023. The draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was available to the public electronically at http://srcity.org/767/State- Federal-Reports for the 15-day public comment period from February 10, 2023 until February 28, 2023, to encourage the public to comment.
Outreach for the public meeting on December 1, 2021 included notices posted on the City’s website, City Connections newsletter; Santa Rosa Press Democrat, and La Voz Bilingual Newspaper, and sent by email to the CoC, City Council, Housing Authority, Community Advisory Board, various neighborhood associations, local businesses and social service agencies, individuals, and affordable housing developers. The outreach for the public hearing was conducted by publishing notice of the public hearing to local newspapers, including bilingual publications, posting two physical notices of the public hearing on the City Hall campus, posting the notice on the city website, and email notice to the CoC and the City’s opt-in email list for Federal plans and reports. At its public hearing, the City provided bilingual translators and signing or captioning services for the hearing impaired as requested. Public meeting/hearing sites, when meeting in person, are Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant and near public transportation.
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Upon request, the City will provide appropriate auxiliary aids or services for those individuals who have hearing, sight or speech impairments to participate in City programs or activities. The City’s website is available in 11 languages, and there is an ongoing requirement that agencies receiving funds from the City utilize a variety of methods to reach the broadest population possible.
A PJ must consider any comments or views of residents received in writing, or orally at a public hearing, when preparing the HOME-ARP allocation plan.
Summary of comments received
Summarize the comments and recommendations received through the public participation process:
Through the public participation process, community stakeholders, agencies, and citizens provided valuable comments and views related to unmet needs in Santa Rosa that could be addressed with the use of HOME-ARP funds. From the comments received, the majority related to the need for additional supportive services for the qualifying population. Several commenters expressed their views that the most successful affordable housing projects offer wraparound services to help tenants maintain their housing, and that housing stabilization services are key for long term success.
Commenters expressed that resources for chronically homeless persons are not sufficient and homeless prevention resources in addition to the services for the chronically homeless are needed in Santa Rosa. Other commenters acknowledged that housing vouchers and rental assistance are much- needed community resources, but unless those resources are paired with support services to maintain housing, they are not effective. A reoccurring theme throughout the public participation process was the reiteration of the need for supportive services for all the qualifying populations.
While the majority of the comments received related to the need for supportive services, a smaller number of comments related to the continued need for affordable housing. However, many of the affordable housing developers expressed that the relatively small amount of HOME-ARP funds available and the one-time nature of the funding make this resource not an ideal fit for affordable housing development. Developers also expressed that for the HOME-ARP funds to be used quickly and effectively for development of affordable housing the City would need to identify projects that already have planning entitlements, significant funding commitments, and have a target population that meets the eligibility requirements for the Qualifying Populations.
The May 26th, 2022 roundtable meeting included affordable housing developers in Santa Rosa. Six organizations participated: Kingdom Development Inc., Urban Housing Communities, LLC., Committee on the Shelterless, Eden Housing, Inc., Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, Inc., and Burbank Housing Development. Comments from this meeting included views that there is a lack of resources for supportive services and tenants need housing counseling services once they are housed. Comments also addressed that the most successful affordable housing developments offer housing stabilization services, the current inflation and interest rates are making financing developments very difficult, and high borrowing costs limit the developer’s capacity while the costs for labor and material is rising.
The next roundtable meeting was held on June 9, 2022 and included Fair Housing organizations and Civil Rights advocates. There were three organizations that attended this meeting:
Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, North Bay Regional Center, and Legal Aid of
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Sonoma County. The attendees provided feedback stating that the available funds were limited, and that it was more costly to assist an individual or family that is homeless, than it is to provide services to prevent homelessness. A recommendation was made for the HOME-ARP funds to be used for gap funding for existing programs to assist tenants on the verge of eviction. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was cited as being insufficient to address the needs of Santa Rosa families who are on the verge of eviction due to rising rents and income lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The third roundtable meeting held on June 30, 2022, included service providers for victims of domestic violence, dating violence and human trafficking. Four agencies attended the roundtable meeting: YWCA Sonoma County, The Living Room Sonoma County, Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County, and Verity. The attendees expressed that there are currently gaps in service coverage and that more “safe housing” is needed for persons or families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence. The Living Room stated that over 80% of the women seeking shelter from the Living Room are doing so because they are fleeing domestic violence. Comments included the view that current new housing projects are not meeting the demand of dwelling units needed for individuals experiencing, fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence. The attendees also expressed that there is a need for 2- and 3-bedroom affordable housing units for victims with families.
The fourth roundtable meeting was held on October 27, 2022 and included homeless and veteran’s service providers. This meeting was held after the release of the 2022 PIT count data so that the most current information was available. Five organizations attended this meeting:
Community Support Network, Home First, Social Advocates for Youth, West County Community Services, and Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County. West County Community Services (WCCS) noted that there is a current need for services for newly homeless households and marginally employed individuals and an excess of services available for chronically homeless individuals. WCCS also expressed that it is less costly to prevent homelessness than it is to house the homeless. Home First shared that direct financial assistance for families and individuals is scarce, and there are not enough homeless prevention services available. Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) stated that the drop in the 2020 PIT count for transitional age youth was due to a major allocation of supportive and preventative services in 2019. They expect the number of homeless transitional age youth to increase without the higher level of resources that were available in 2019. Community Support Network (CSN) shared their view, that supportive services in general are needed for homeless families, and that giving them housing vouchers or a housing subsidy without providing the supportive services is often a temporary solution that cannot be sustained, and that supportive services are key to keeping individuals in their homes.
The following public comments were received on the FY 2021/2022 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan:
[Comments received at the public hearing on February 28, 2023 will be included here.] Summarize any comments or recommendations not accepted and state the reasons why:
All comments will be accepted and considered.
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Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis
PJs must evaluate the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within its boundaries and assess the unmet needs of those populations. In addition, a PJ must identify any gaps within its current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system. A PJ should use current data, including point in time count, housing inventory count, or other data available through CoCs, and consultations with service providers to quantify the individuals and families in the qualifying populations and their need for additional housing, shelter, or services.
The PJ may use the optional tables provided below and/or attach additional data tables to this template.
OPTIONAL Homeless Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table Homeless
Current Inventory Homeless Population Gap Analysis
Family Adults Only Vets Family
HH
(At
least 1
Child)
Adult
HH
(w/o
child) Vets Victims
of DV
Family Adults Only
# of
units
# of
Beds
# of
units
# of
Beds
# of
Beds
# of
Beds
# of
units
# of
Beds
# of
units
Emergency
Shelter - 172 - 395 -
Transitional
Housing - 35 - 351 26
Permanent
Supportive
Housing
- - - 385 -
Other
Permanent
Housing
- - - -
Sheltered
Homeless 27 528 27 -
Unsheltered
Homeless 1 1014 84 -
Current
Gap +179 - -796 -
Suggested data sources: 1. Point in Time Count (PIT), 2. Continuum of Care Housing Inventory (HIC); 3. Consultation
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OPTIONAL Housing Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table
Non- Homeless
Current Inventory Level of Need Gap Analysis
# of Units # of Households # of Households
Total Rental Units 30,500
Rental Units Affordable to HH at
30% AMI (At-risk of
homelessness)
5,530
Rental Units Affordable to HH at
50% AMI (other populations) 5,045
0%-30% AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or
more severe housing problems
(At-risk of homelessness)
5,985
30%-50% AMI Renter w/ 1 or
more severe housing problems
(At-risk of homelessness)
6,360
Current Gaps 1,770
Suggested Data Sources: 1. American Community Survey (ACS); 2. Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS)
Demographics of qualifying populations
Describe the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within the PJ’s boundaries:
According to the United States Census Bureau, Santa Rosa’s population increased from 167,816 to 176,938 between 2010 and 2021, an increase of 5.4%. The median age of Santa Rosa’s residents in 2020 was 39.6, three years less than the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) average of
42.4. The American Community Survey (ACS) indicates that 66.8% of Santa Rosa’s population is White, 32.8% of Santa Rosa’s population is Hispanic or Latinx, 5.5% are Asian, and 2.6% are Black or African American.
The Comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy (CHAS) indicates there are 66,320 household units in Santa Rosa. Of those 66,630 households, 11% earned 0 – 30% of AMI, 12% earned 30% - 50% of AMI, 16% earned 50% - 80% of AMI, 10% earned 80% - 100% AMI, and 51% earned greater than the Area Median Income. According to section 401(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360(1), an individual or family who has an income below 30 percent of median income for the geographic area, among other factors is considered at risk of homelessness. According to the CHAS 11% or 7,329 households in Santa Rosa are at risk of homelessness under that single defining factor. Individuals and families determined at risk of homelessness have an increased likelihood to experience an episode of homelessness due to under employment, loss of employment, rising cost of living and instability in their living situations.
Through the public participation process, many agencies and stakeholders noted that it is more
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impactful to provide services to individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness, and that housing at-risk people once they have experienced an episode of homelessness is much more expensive and difficult and can lead to increased trauma to the individual.
The rental market in the City is highly competitive and there is an affordable housing crisis.
These factors, along with increasing rent prices make it increasingly more difficult for an individual or family experiencing homelessness to obtain housing on their own. When an individual is experiences homelessness, it can impact their ability to obtain housing. If they have an eviction on their record or lack of rental history obtaining housing can be virtually impossible.
A total of 2,893 homeless individuals were counted in Sonoma County as part of Sonoma County’s 2022 Point-in-Time Count, 61% of whom were unsheltered. Most of the homeless population was comprised of people in households without children (individuals or couples), and a majority stated that the main obstacle to obtaining permanent housing was that they couldn’t afford rent. Out of the total homeless individuals counted in Sonoma County 725 were considered Chronically Homeless, of which 69% were unsheltered.
The specific subpopulation data for the City’s qualifying populations does not exist, but the data can be extrapolated from the larger trends shown in the Sonoma County Point-in-Time (PIT) count. The overall statistics for the Sonoma County homeless population show that 75% of the individuals surveyed are Non-Hispanic/Latinx, and 25% responded that their ethnicity is Hispanic/Latinx. The age ranges of the PIT count respondents shows that less than 1% of the individuals experiencing homelessness are less than 18 years old, 10% are 18-24 years old, 5% of are 25-30 years old, 18% are 31-40 years old, 24% are 41-50 years old, 28% are 51-60 years old and 15% are 61 years or older. County wide data shows that 76% of respondents do not identify as LGBTQ+ while 24% do. The racial makeup of the survey respondents shows that 73% of individuals experiencing homelessness in Sonoma County are White, 13% are Black or African American, 18% are American Indian or Alaskan Native, 4% are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 4% are Asian.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s population estimates as of July 1, 2021 86% of Sonoma County residents are white, 2% are Black or African American, 2% are American Indian or Alaskan Native, 4% are Asian, and less than 1% are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. These statistics show an over representation of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals in the county wide homeless population.
As part of Sonoma County’s 2022 PIT count, 191 of the 2,893 homeless individuals were identified as Veterans, of which 76% were unsheltered. Of the veteran respondents, 6% were female, 84% were male, 6% were transgender and 3% were gender non-conforming. The racial make up of the Veterans surveyed shows that 65% were white, 17% were multi-race, 9% were Black or African American, 9% were American Indian or Alaskan Native, 4% were Asian and 0% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. The ethnic make-up of this subpopulation shows that 78% are Non-Hispanic/Latinx and 22% are Hispanic/Latinx. The primary causes for homelessness are loss of employment with 23% of the population, mental health issues and arguments with family and friends with 11% of the population respectively, divorce, separation or break up with 9% of the population and incarceration with 7% of the population.
According to the 2017 Violence Profile of Sonoma County compiled by Sonoma County Health and Human Services, nearly 1 in 5 (an estimated 54,000), Sonoma County residents had experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner as an adult in 2009. This estimate was statistically similar to California adults. Sonoma County’s 2022 PIT count shows that 22% of
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homeless individuals reported they had experienced domestic violence. Santa Rosa has a total of 1,658 individuals experiencing homelessness per the 2022 Point-In-Time count. Based on these percentages, the City estimates that of the 1,658 individuals experiencing homelessness in Santa Rosa, 364 of those individuals may have also experienced domestic violence. Data showing how many of those individuals are sheltered verse unsheltered in Santa Rosa is unavailable.
Santa Rosa is the largest city in Sonoma County and holds the highest homeless population in the county. As of 2022, 582 of the 1,658 homeless individuals were sheltered and 1,099 were unsheltered. Out of the 582 sheltered homeless reported on the table above, 27 were family households (at least 1 child), 528 were adults (with no child), and 27 were Veterans. A breakdown of the unsheltered homeless population by demographic is not available for Santa Rosa. From 2020 to 2022 the Santa Rosa homeless population increased by 13% or 197 individuals. Of the 725 chronically homeless individuals represented in the 2022 PIT count 69% of respondents were male, 28% were female, 2% were transgender and 1% were gender non-conforming. The racial makeup of the chronically homeless individuals showed that 70% were White, 12% were multiple races, 11% were Black or African American, 6% were American Indian or Alaskan Native, 1% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and 5% were Asian. The ethnic makeup of the chronically homeless individuals shows that 26% were Hispanic/Latinx. The most common primary cause of homelessness for this population was loss of employment, with 22% showing that as the primary cause.
Santa Rosa has the highest concentration of homeless persons in the county and the highest number of emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing. The City owns the Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter, a facility that has been operated by Catholic Charities since it opened in 2005. This housing-focused emergency shelter provides up to 213 year-round beds and wrap-around services for single adults experiencing homelessness. The total 213-beds are prioritized by the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) with beds designated for medical respite, public safety, and the Homeless Encampment Assistance Program (HEAP) or during emergent situations. Out of the 504 emergency shelter beds in the Santa Rosa, 172 are for families with children, and 332 are for Adults and Veterans. There are no emergency shelter beds specifically dedicated to Veterans only. There are 412 transitional housing beds in Santa Rosa, 35 are for families with children and 26 are for Veterans. There are 385 units of permanent supportive housing in Santa Rosa. There is no data available to provide a sub-population breakdown for those units, and so all 385 units have been included in the adult category.
The PIT for Sonoma County does not include data on the homeless subpopulations in Santa Rosa. The data included in the table above is an estimate of the Santa Rosa subpopulations based off the County’s subpopulation percentages of the sheltered versus unsheltered and county-wide ratios.
The percentage of subpopulations found in the total PIT count for Sonoma County was applied to the total PIT count for Santa Rosa. As an example of this estimated calculation, the City applied the percentage of total homeless veterans in Sonoma County (6.6%) to the total homeless count for the City of Santa Rosa (1,681) to estimate 111 total homeless veterans in Santa Rosa. To arrive at the breakdown of sheltered versus unsheltered homeless veterans in Santa Rosa, the City applied the percentage sheltered to the estimated 111 homeless veterans. The City reported on the number of sheltered and unsheltered homeless families, veterans, and victims of domestic violence as unduplicated. The City supplemented this data estimation with robust community outreach and consultation.
In the Gap Analysis table above, the total number of beds including emergency and transitional beds is compared to the total homeless population by subcategory. Using this
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comparison, the table shows a surplus of 179 beds for homeless family households and a deficit of 796 beds for homeless single adults. The 385 units of permanent supportive housing in Santa Rosa were not included in the comparison.
Unmet housing and services needs
Describe the unmet housing and service needs of qualifying populations, including but not limited to:
• Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations;
• Those currently housed populations at risk of homelessness; • Other families requiring services or housing assistance or to prevent homelessness; and, • Those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations:
The Sonoma County PIT count identified 1,658 homeless individuals in Santa Rosa of which 28% were sheltered and 72% were unsheltered. This number represents an increase of 51% from 2020, following a downward trend since 2011. There are numerous interpretations for the cause of the reported increase including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn following the nation-wide shut down in 2020. The previous decrease in the unsheltered population is attributed to the addition of shelter beds and units, continued focus on prevention and housing retention, the successes of Coordinated Entry, as well as efforts to re-house those who became homeless after the 2017 wildfires.
In Sonoma County, the number of homeless families with children has continued to decrease since 2016. In 2022, there were 48 families with 155 family members experiencing homelessness in Sonoma County, of which 97% were sheltered. In contrast, most individuals that responded to the PIT count survey were over the age of 51, with the largest group being represented as 51-60 years old which make up 28% of the population. Efforts by the City to address homelessness for this group include supporting affordable housing for seniors in an ongoing effort to increase the housing stock.
As of March 2020, 7% of households in Sonoma County were staying with another household on a temporary basis. It is estimated that 23,694 persons are temporarily housed in Sonoma County, an increase from 2019. These temporarily housed individuals are considered at the greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations. Many non-homeless individuals need supportive housing and services to enable them to live independently and to avoid homelessness. These individuals may include the elderly, persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, children leaving group homes or aging out of foster care, farmworkers, and substance abusers.
Out of the total 2,893 homeless individuals identified in Sonoma County 8% are in emergency shelter and 4% are in transitional housing.
Exasperating the existing Housing Crisis, wildfires in the region starting in 2017 depleted Santa Rosa Housing supply and impacted housing stability and homelessness. In Santa Rosa over 3,000 housing units were lost in the October 2017 wildfires, and an additional thirty-three residential structures were lost in the September 2020 Glass fire. The loss of housing stock combined with low vacancy rates has created a tight rental market, and the need for affordable housing within the city is substantial.
Feedback gathered during the City and CDC community outreach roundtable series with representatives of the HOME-ARP qualifying populations indicated a strong need for supportive services for all qualifying populations. Individuals and households from every qualifying population communicated a need for supportive services to help overcome barriers and secure and maintain
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housing. During the roundtable sessions with service providers and advocates for victims of domestic violence, veterans and persons with disabilities feedback was received reiterating the need for shelter and housing with available supportive services to help victims overcome adversity.
The housing needs in the City for individuals fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking are primarily being met by a handful of non-profit organizations. The feedback received by these agencies during the public participation process shows that these facilities are often full, and that creates a lack of immediate or emergency housing for this population. There is additional unmet need for emergency and transitional housing for individuals and families in this qualifying population.
The City has encouraged developments of affordable housing units and projects that serve the veteran population. The Santa Rosa Housing Authority has issued loans to and awarded project- based vouchers to several veteran only housing projects in the last few years. There is a non- congregate shelter project called the Palms Inn that provides transitional housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. There are several other veterans only housing projects such as Benton Veteran’s Village, Tiny Homes Russell Ave, and Hearn Veteran’s Village, the latter of which is still in the planning and entitlement phase of development. The Santa Rosa Housing Authority administers the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program and provides a total of 419 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to veterans in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. With the increased resources being allocated to the veteran’s population, the 2022 PIT count still shows that veterans make up 6% of the total homeless population, indicating that there is unmet housing needs for veterans.
Public comment received during the Continuum of Care (CoC) board meeting held on February 23, 2022 outlined the need for supportive services for homeless and chronically homeless inside shelters and permanent supportive housing. Advocates communicated that homeless and formerly homeless persons need supportive services to help them transition into housing, overcome barriers to homelessness and acclimate to being sheltered or housed.
Current Resources Available
Identify and consider the current resources available to assist qualifying populations, including congregate and non-congregate shelter units, supportive services, TBRA, and affordable and permanent supportive rental housing:
The City has been actively working with its partners to develop short and long-term solutions to address the needs of qualifying populations including persons experiencing homelessness in Santa Rosa. In recent years, Santa Rosa has invested resources and amended policies to address the housing crisis, homelessness and provide services and assistance to qualifying populations. The City has funded programs which directly housed 219 individuals through initiatives such as direct placements into housing through street outreach and persons exiting emergency shelters for permanent housing during the fiscal year 2021/2022.
According to the 2022 PIT count and data provided through consultation with the CDC there are 12 shelters in Santa Rosa including emergency and transitional housing facilities. There are 567 emergency shelter beds in Santa Rosa including: 172 serving families and 395 serving adults. Santa Rosa’s inventory also includes 412 transitional housing units including: 35 serving families, 351 serving adults, and 26 serving veterans. There are a total of 385 units of permanent, supportive housing in Santa Rosa. There is no data available to provide a subpopulation breakdown for those
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units, and so all 385 units have been included in the adult category. The total shelter count in Santa Rosa for all populations including emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing is 1,361 beds. For the purposes of the Gap Analysis, permanent supportive housing was not included in the shelter inventory total. The Gap Analysis compares emergency shelter and transitional housing to the unsheltered homeless population by demographic.
During 2021/2022, the City continued to allocate funding to the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), a multi-disciplinary street outreach team that works to engage unsheltered persons into services and, ultimately, housing, as part of the Housing First Model. The City and County jointly fund the program, which is administered by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa.
HOST utilizes evidence-based screening tools, including Coordinated Entry and the Vulnerability Index, Services Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) to prioritize resources to persons with the most acute health needs and the longest periods of homelessness. HOST also operates a mobile bathroom/shower trailer (“Clean Start”) at various locations throughout Santa Rosa to further efforts to engage persons experiencing homelessness into services In June 2021, the City Council allocated an additional $537,450 from local funds to the HOST Program for the continued administration of a Housing First Fund which provides landlord incentives and a risk mitigation pool to encourage landlords to rent to persons experiencing homelessness as well as resources to assist these individuals with move-in expenses, rental payments, and case management support.
In March 2022, the City launched the Safe Parking Pilot Program, funded from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program and local funds. The Safe Parking Pilot Program is a housing- focused, low-barrier site providing up to 50 safe parking spaces in alignment with the City’s Housing First Strategy. The overarching goal of the program is to provide members of the community who are experiencing vehicular homelessness a place to safely park their vehicle or recreational vehicle with direct access to basic services as well as wrap-around services targeted at ending their homelessness.
Between March 2022 and June 2022, the Safe Parking Pilot Program provided services to 92 individuals: 91 extremely low-income individuals and 1 very low-income individual.
The City utilized Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support two programs managed by Catholic Charities: the Homeless Services Center (HSC), a multi-service day center offering showers, laundry, telephone service, mail, information, and referrals, including access to Sonoma County’s Coordinated Entry System; and the Family Support Center (FSC), a 138-bed family shelter providing meals, clothing, a fully supportive children’s program, employment services, and case management. In 2021/2022 FSC and HSC served 1,434 individuals. CDBG funds also support The Living Room, a local sponsor that provides housing, food and outreach to women and their children who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The Living Room provides transitional housing, meals, and access to services.
In addition to HSC and FSC, the City administers an annual funding agreement with Catholic Charities for operation of the City-owned Samuel L. Jones Hall & Annex, a combined 213-bed year- round congregate shelter serving single adults. Shelter operations and services are funded by the City, the Community Foundation Sonoma County, and the County of Sonoma. In 2021/2022, the City contributed $1,349,331 from local funds towards shelter operations, this includes $521,881 that was reimbursed to the City through Emergency Solutions Grants – CARES Act (ESG-CV) funding.
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Affordable rental housing for the City’s lowest-income households is a current resource for qualifying populations, and a main goal identified in the City’s Annual Action Plan. The City has sponsored the development of more than 4,000 affordable rental and home ownership units that include single-family and multi-family residences, senior housing, and housing for persons with special needs. As of December 2021, the City has issued building permits for 1400 residential units of which 297 are secured by contract, including 110 very low- or extremely low-income and 122 low-income units that have received building permits, for a total of 232 affordable units under construction. Building permits were issued for an additional 101 residential units targeted for very low-income level households but have not yet been secured by contract.
The Santa Rosa Housing Authority (SRHA) has 2,035 Housing Choice Vouchers under contract with HUD, including 414 HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) vouchers.
SRHA administers the vouchers for approximately 250 households exercising portability from other jurisdictions. There are over 2,274 families on the waiting list for rental assistance vouchers and the wait is approximately seven to ten years. The Housing Authority last opened its waiting list in September 2021. As of 2022, the SRHA provides funding for 40 active Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) clients.
Additionally, the City, has recently executed an agreement with the State of California’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) HomeKey program to provide an additional 40 units of non-congregate shelter within the broader Caritas Center Project. An agreement has also been executed with HCD to rehabilitate and provide 50 units of non-congregate shelter through the Saint Vincent De Paul Commons project that was formerly known as the Gold Coin motel.
In addition to government assistance, there are numerous community-based services and programs made available to individuals experiencing homelessness in Sonoma County. These services range from day shelters and meal programs to job training and healthcare. The 2022 PIT reported that between 2020 and 2022 there was a decrease in services received in every category.
Notably, there was an 18% decrease in shelter day services and a 16% decrease in health services for homeless individuals. This data reflects feedback received during the outreach and consultation process conducted by the City and CDC, that qualifying populations are currently experiencing a lack of supportive services.
Gaps in shelter and housing inventory
Identify any gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system:
The City has identified gaps within the current housing inventory including affordable housing for qualifying populations. The Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) reports housing problems in Santa Rosa include overcrowding, substandard housing, cost burden and severe cost burden. CHAS Reports an estimated 178,127 people residing in Santa Rosa in 66,630 housing units.
According to the 2014 – 2018 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimates, approximately 46.9% of Santa Rosa households overpay for housing; 69.3% of renters overpay for housing, while 30.7% of owners overpay. Overcrowding for renters is also a housing problem; overcrowding issues may reflect the inability of households to afford larger units, likely due to the shortage of affordable housing for larger households.
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The City strives to direct any of its available resources to the development of new, affordable rental units. When prioritizing the income levels to be assisted, the City uses the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) as a gauge. Per the City’s Housing Action Plan, which was based on the RHNA goals for 2014–2023, the total projected housing need is 5,083 units (508 average annual need), broken down by income category as follows:
1,041 extremely low- and very low-income (50% AMI or less), 671 low-income (80% AMI), 759 moderate-income (120% AMI), and 2,612 above-moderate income units.
According to CHAS, the Santa Rosa housing inventory includes 30,500 total rental units including: 5,530 rental units for households at 30% AMI and 5,045 rental units for households at 50% AMI. The comparative statistic identified in the Housing Need Inventory and Gap Analysis includes 5,985 renter households at 0-30% AMI (at risk of homelessness) with one or more severe housing problems, and 6,360 renter households at 30-50% AMI with one or more severe housing problems. According to the analysis, Santa Rosa has 10,575 rental units at 50% AMI or below and 12,345 renter households at 0-50% AMI with one or more severe housing problems. This indicates a housing need in Santa Rosa of at least 1,770 units at 50% AMI or below.
The City’s major challenge in meeting affordable housing needs is the limited amount of state, federal, and local resources, especially the loss of tax increment and redevelopment funding in 2012. The City continues to leverage additional mechanisms and resources to help meet future affordable housing goals and help fill the gap in resources for multifamily affordable housing units.
According to the Homeless Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis compiled from the City of Santa Rosa General Plan and Housing Element, there are 1,364 total shelter housing beds in Santa Rosa including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. For the purposes of the Gap Analysis, permanent supportive housing will not be considered as part of the shelter inventory. According to PIT there are 1,681 homeless persons in Santa Rosa including 582 sheltered and 1,099 unsheltered. A comparison of the total 977 shelter beds to the total PIT count of 1,681 homeless individuals indicates a shelter deficit of 702 beds in Santa Rosa. The Gap Analysis breakdown by population based on data from the 2022 PIT count indicates that there is a surplus of 179 shelter beds for homeless families, and a deficit of 796 beds for homeless adults. This analysis compares the total shelter beds available to the unsheltered homeless population by demographic.
A critical function of all programs seeking to place persons experiencing homelessness in rental housing is the provision of housing location, navigation, and stabilization services. As vacancy rates remain low and rental rates continue to exceed the Fair Market Rent, the need for this role at the program level has become even clearer. The City is providing local funding to staff positions at the Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter, Family Support Center, and HOST program, which provide these specialized services.
Based on consultation with service providers in the City, the greatest unmet service needs of qualifying populations, including sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations, currently housed populations at risk of homelessness, other families requiring services or assistance to prevent homelessness, and those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations are:
Housing search and housing counseling services
Mental health services
Financial assistance Including:
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o Transportation assistance
o Moving costs/procurement of furniture
o Gap funding to assist tenants on the verge of eviction Case management services
Characteristics of housing instability
Identify the characteristics of housing associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness if the PJ will include such conditions in its definition of “other populations” as established in the HOME-ARP Notice:
The City is not including additional conditions in its definition of “other populations”. “Other populations”, as defined by HOME-ARP, include those who:
1. Are currently housed and at risk of repeat homelessness;
2. Have incomes at or below 30% AMI and are experiencing severe housing cost burden; and
3. Otherwise meet the definition of at risk of homelessness and have incomes of more than 30% and at or below 50%
Data from CHAS indicates that the Santa Rosa has a total of 12,345 renter households that are at or below the 50% AMI and are experiencing severe cost burden.
Priority needs for qualifying populations
Identify priority needs for qualifying populations:
The City has identified provision of supportive services as a priority need for qualifying populations in Santa Rosa. The volume of feedback received from the community related to the lack of supportive and homeless prevention services indicates there is a clear community need and desire for additional supportive services. The 2022 Sonoma County PIT count shows that 16% of the individuals surveyed responded that they do not use services because they do not believe they are eligible. Utilizing HOME-ARP funds for the provision of supportive services addresses the current gap in access to homeless prevention and housing stabilization services to HOME-ARP qualifying populations.
Through a partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, the City funds homeless street outreach services through the HOST team. The HOST program combines rapid rehousing services with case management to overcome homelessness and support housing retention.
As identified in the City’s Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan, one of the City’s main goals is to achieve functional zero for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
One of the greatest barriers to preventing and ending homelessness in Santa Rosa is the shortage of affordable housing and the low vacancy rate for rental units throughout Sonoma County.
Despite the City prioritizing its CDBG and HOME funds as well as a variety of local resources for affordable housing purposes, the RHNA goals for affordable housing have yet to be met. The City’s efforts also include allocating funds to support the HOST program discussed above.
Households, both individuals and families with children, in the extremely low‐income group are at elevated risk of becoming homeless due to high housing cost burden or limited/lack of income.
Job loss, the leading cause of homelessness in the MSA according to the PIT count, increased
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evictions, and a shortage of affordable and market rate housing exacerbated by the October 2017 wildfires further increase the risk of homelessness for individuals and families with children in the extremely low‐income group.
The City aims to reduce homeless recidivism and provide a long-term solution through affordable housing units for qualifying populations with onsite supportive services.
Determination of needs and gaps
Explain how the level of need and gaps in its shelter and housing inventory and service delivery systems based on the data presented in the plan were determined:
The City consulted with the CDC and CoC and accessed PIT, HIC, ACS and CHAS resources to collect the current shelter and housing inventory and analyze the delivery systems to determine the data presented in this allocation plan. Information from the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, HOPWA CAPER, General Plan, Housing Action Plan, the City and ABAG were assessed as well. The City solicited feedback on the needs and gap in shelter and housing inventory and service delivery systems from local PHAs, public agencies and organizations serving the qualifying populations including Fair Housing Advocates.
The City utilized the 2022 PIT and HIC to provide the total number of emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing units/beds for families, adults only, and Veterans. Additionally, the total homeless population including the number of homeless families, adults, Veterans, and victims of domestic violence was collected. The City utilized the Home Sonoma County Performance Dashboard, https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CDC/Homeless- Services/Performance/, a public facing tool for measuring and reporting on the progress made towards meeting the needs of homeless individuals and other qualifying populations in our community. There is less individual level data available for the city of Santa Rosa than there is for Sonoma County as a whole.
ACS and CHAS were utilized to produce a housing needs inventory and current Gap Analysis including a comparison of the total rental units in the City of Santa Rosa, the breakdown of extremely low income and low-income units available, and the current housing problems facing extremely low income and low-income residents.
HOME-ARP Activities
Method for selecting subrecipients
Describe the method for soliciting applications for funding and/or selecting developers, service providers, subrecipients and/or contractors and whether the PJ will administer eligible activities directly:
The City will solicit proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for use of the HOME- ARP funds for eligible services. The RFP will provide information on the eligible uses for HOME- ARP funds, the qualifying populations, and the amount of funds available. The RFP will also include restrictions that funds MUST be used to benefit the qualifying populations, and the services MUST be available to ALL qualifying populations. Subrecipients will be required to submit quarterly reporting to assure that the funds are being used properly and that the services are available to all qualifying populations. Subrecipients will be required to set forth a certification and selection process to ensure that individuals and families receiving the supportive services meet the eligibility
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requirements. The City will provide a proposal template along with a list of attachments that applicants will need to provide. The applications will be scored through a competitive scoring rubric, and the rubric will be made available in the RFP notice. The RFP will include the anticipated initial contract term and the scope of services that will be eligible for funding.
The applications received through the RFP will be evaluated and scored by an evaluation committee, and the committee will make recommendations to the designated authority to award and execute contracts. The City will not administer the supportive services directly.
If any portion of the PJ’s HOME-ARP administrative funds were provided to a subrecipient or contractor prior to HUD’s acceptance of the HOME-ARP allocation plan because the subrecipient or contractor is responsible for the administration of the PJ’s entire HOME-ARP grant, identify the subrecipient or contractor and describe its role and responsibilities in administering all of the PJ’s HOME-ARP program:
Not applicable.
PJs must indicate the amount of HOME-ARP funding that is planned for each eligible HOME- ARP activity type and demonstrate that any planned funding for nonprofit organization operating assistance, nonprofit capacity building, and administrative costs is within HOME-ARP limits. The following table may be used to meet this requirement.
Use of HOME ARP Funding
Funding Amount Percent of the
Grant
Statutory
Limit
Supportive Services $2,189,947.35
Acquisition and Development of Non-
Congregate Shelters $
Tenant Based Rental Assistance $
Development of Affordable Housing $
Non-Profit Operating $136,871.65 5% 5%
Non-Profit Capacity Building $ 0 5%
Administration and Planning $410,614 15% 15%
Total HOME ARP Allocation $2,737,433
Funding Narrative
Additional narrative, if applicable:
The City will utilize 15% of the $2,737,433 HOME-ARP award for Administration and Planning and allocate $2,189,947.35 to the provision of supportive services with a further $136,871.65 to Non-Profit Operating costs. Community feedback has indicated that homeless prevention services are crucial for ending homelessness and allocating the 5% statutory maximum for
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the operating expenses of the service providers will allow the organizations to carry out the provision of the supportive services more effectively.
City efforts to address homelessness are modeled after on the evidence-based practices of “Housing First” which prioritizes the provision of permanent housing as the primary tool for ending homelessness. The overarching goal is to achieve “Functional Zero” homelessness in which a person’s experience with homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. To that end, the provision of homeless prevention and wrap around services is crucial to achieving that goal.
For a similar public services program in fiscal year 2021-2022 Community Action Partnership (CAP) was able to serve 354 families providing short term rental assistance, security deposits and financial management services with a total budget of $439,000. The HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS) program that is ran by Face to Face was awarded $441,092 to administer their supportive services for eligible participants for fiscal year 2022-2023. The budget for the HOPWA program budget included services for case management and benefit counseling to 350 Persons Living With HIV & AIDS (PLWHA), housing assistance for 150 PLWHA, homeless prevention services for PLWHA, short term rental mortgage and utility assistance to 45 PLWHA, housing placing assistance for 40 PLWHA and emergency shelter for 10 PLWHA. The City awarded a public services contract to The Living Room for fiscal year 2022-2023 to provide comprehensive homeless services to help reduce homelessness amongst women for a total of $38,870. The Living Room contract includes planned deliverables of providing case management services to obtain and maintain income for program participants, provide housing for at least two persons experiencing homelessness in two new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), provide transitional housing for 14 women and children in their three transitional houses, provide tenancy support to all residents in transitional housing and ADU housing, and provide over 500 meals every week to those experiencing hunger in the community. Supportive services provided by HOME-ARP funds will have a similar function, but the number of families served with the program will vary and depend on the applications received through the RFP process. The city will expect programs funded with HOME-ARP funds to adhere to similar public services programs that have been funded by the City previously including budget, scope of services and number of families served.
Plan Rationale
Describe how the characteristics of the shelter and housing inventory, service delivery system, and the needs identified in the gap analysis provided a rationale for the plan to fund eligible activities:
The City hopes to reduce the number of homeless, at-risk of homelessness and other qualifying populations by targeting HOME-ARP and local funds to projects that will provide homeless prevention and wrap around services to foster housing stability. The City acts to reduce the barriers to permanent housing for these individuals including housing costs by utilizing available funds to produce affordable housing rental units restricted with a 55-year term of affordability.
Of the homeless individuals identified in the Sonoma County PIT, 68% reported not being able to afford rent as the top obstacle to permanent housing, while 71% reported receiving government benefits and 89% said they would like affordable permanent housing if it became available soon. Through the public participation process, the City received feedback from many service providers and community stakeholders that providing housing or housing vouchers without providing wraparound services does not address the overarching need of housing stability for many in the homeless community. Services are crucial to maintaining housing stability and that includes financial assistance.
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The data in the needs and gaps assessment shows that Santa Rosa has a lack of available shelter beds and rental units. The City has recently ramped up efforts to provide permanent affordable housing in the form of available rental units and non-congregate permanent supportive housing units. For the strategy of providing affordable and permanent supportive housing units to be effective, the wraparound supportive services that address families’ crucial financial needs must be funded and available.
The data included in the Gaps and Needs Analysis is an incomplete portrait of the status the shelter and housing inventory, service delivery system, and the needs of HOME-ARP qualifying populations in Santa Rosa. Through four strategic community outreach roundtables, the City received overwhelming feedback from qualifying populations, service providers, advocates and affordable housing developers indicating a high level of need for the provision of supportive services. The feedback attained from the subject matter experts living and working in the area was also used to determine the City’s use of the funds for supportive services. The community engagement roundtable series and several public meetings and hearings identified gaps in services.
The City has recently opened two new shelters and allocated over ten million dollars to support homeless services in the Santa Rosa. Recently, the City produced a four-year Homeless Solutions Strategic Plan in which the City lays out a housing focused, data-informed, coordinated, equitable and community well-being-based plan to address the homelessness crisis. The City looks to provide day services, continue street outreach and encampment resolution initiatives, provide housing focused emergency shelters, provide housing support and stabilization, and provide community-based solutions.
The City has made great strides in the past several years to increase the production of affordable housing units for special needs populations, the number of non-congregate shelter units, and increase Tenant Based Rental Assistance. The lack of supportive services to support individuals and households entering shelters and housing needs to be addressed to keep pace with the City’s investment in other HOME-ARP eligible activities.
HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals
Estimate the number of affordable rental housing units for qualifying populations that the PJ will produce or support with its HOME-ARP allocation:
Not applicable.
Describe the specific affordable rental housing production goal that the PJ hopes to achieve and describe how it will address the PJ’s priority needs:
Not applicable.
Preferences
Identify whether the PJ intends to give preference to one or more qualifying populations or a subpopulation within one or more qualifying populations for any eligible activity or project:
• Preferences cannot violate any applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements, including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a). • PJs are not required to describe specific projects to which the preferences will apply.
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The City will not give preference to one or more qualifying populations or subpopulations.
If a preference was identified, explain how the use of a preference or method of prioritization will address the unmet need or gap in benefits and services received by individuals and families in the qualifying population or category of qualifying population, consistent with the PJ’s needs assessment and gap analysis:
Not applicable.
If a preference was identified, describe how the PJ will use HOME-ARP funds to address the unmet needs or gaps in benefits and services of the other qualifying populations that are not included in the preference:
Not applicable.
HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines
If the PJ intends to use HOME-ARP funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily rental housing that is being rehabilitated with HOME-ARP funds, the PJ must state its HOME- ARP refinancing guidelines in accordance with 24 CFR 92.206(b). The guidelines must describe the conditions under with the PJ will refinance existing debt for a HOME-ARP rental project, including:
• Establish a minimum level of rehabilitation per unit or a required ratio between rehabilitation and refinancing to demonstrate that rehabilitation of HOME-ARP rental housing is the primary eligible activity
Not applicable.
• Require a review of management practices to demonstrate that disinvestment in the property has not occurred; that the long-term needs of the project can be met; and that the feasibility of serving qualified populations for the minimum compliance period can be demonstrated.
Not applicable.
• State whether the new investment is being made to maintain current affordable units, create additional affordable units, or both.
Not applicable.
• Specify the required compliance period, whether it is the minimum 15 years or longer.
Not applicable.
• State that HOME-ARP funds cannot be used to refinance multifamily loans made or insured by any federal program, including CDBG.
Not applicable.
• Other requirements in the PJ’s guidelines, if applicable:
Not applicable.
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 1 I
Attachment 1 - HOME-ARP Consultation Notes
A. Group Consulted: Public Meeting
Date of Consultation: December 1, 2021
Attendees: Members of the public and community stakeholders
Input and Questions received from attendees:
1. The City should capitalize the HOME-ARP funds to provide wraparound services to permanent supportive housing projects and homeless prevention services.
2. Sonoma County has a population that is 2% black and the unsheltered population is 5% black which shows an overrepresentation of BIPOC individuals in the homeless population.
3. Black home ownership in the County is lower than white homeownership and the City should make a pledge to dedicate resources to increase black homeownership and reduce the unsheltered population.
4. Public and private policies including redlining have steered people of color to live in certain neighborhoods and we are still feeling the effects of those policies.
5. What level of oversight will be required of agencies that receive the funds to ensure that the funding is going to the approved uses?
6. How will the City decide what agencies/organizations get the available funds? NOFA if affordable housing
RFP if services
B. Group Consulted: Affordable Housing Developers
Date of Consultation: May 26, 2022
Organizations in Attendance:
1. Kingdom Development, Inc.; www.kingdomdevelopment.net
2. Urban Housing Communities, LLC; www.uhcllc.net
3. Committee on the Shelterless; www.cots.org
4. Eden Housing, Inc.; www.edenhousing.org
5. Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, Inc.; www.sahahomes.org
6. Burbank Housing Development; www.burbankhousing.org
Questions and Input
1. Considering the qualifying populations for this program, what type of housing, assistance, and/or supportive service need is currently being unmet? There is a lack of resources for supportive services. People need counseling services once they are housed;
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 1 II
The most successful affordable housing projects have supportive services. Housing stabilization is key for success;
During the last few years, the state has been dedicating significant financial assistance to homeless projects and this has affected the availability of resources for housing for other low-income populations such as farmworker housing; Currently, there is over investment in meeting needs for the homeless and workforce housing is lacking support;
Support for households earning less than 30% AMI or are at risk of homeless is good; Using the funds to support predevelopment costs allows HOME ARP funds to be used faster, rather than using them for construction, which takes time; Using HOME ARP funds for projects that are not ready to go or are missing planning entitlements can make a greater impact.
2. In your industry, what are the challenges you are currently experiencing or what to do you see forthcoming and why?
The current high inflation rate and increasing interest rates is making it very challenging. High borrowing costs limits borrowing capacity at the same time that costs for labor and material is rising;
Tax credits help but take time to obtain. Meanwhile costs are increasing, and financing gaps will be wider;
Project budget projections are normally created a year to a year and a half in advance before money is spent, but with high inflation rate it makes it difficult to predict what future costs will be;
Tax credits focus more on new construction. Rehabilitation projects are not conducive to tax credit assistance;
The flexibility in the program is appreciated and at this point any financial assistance is helpful;
Bond-funded projects are being delayed due to the economy. There will be a lot of delayed projects.
C. Group Consulted: Fair Housing, Civil Rights Advocates Date of Consultation: June 9, 2022
Organizations in Attendance:
1. Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (fair housing, educational services to tenants) - www.fairhousingnorcal.org/
2. North Bay Regional Center (advocate for and provide services to persons with disabilities) - https://nbrc.net
3. Legal Aid of Sonoma County (legal services to tenants, eviction prevention services, legal representation) - https://legalaidsc.org
Questions and Input
1. Out of the eligible activities for the HOME-ARP program, which one(s) is needed the most?
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 1 III
Allocated funds are small and limited. It is more costly to assist a homeless person/household than it is to assist a person/household from becoming homeless. Homeless prevention services would be good use for this amount of funds. Production of new housing would not be a good use of funds, because of small amount.
California is a housing first state, but this does not address supportive needs.
Supportive services are needed with housing.
Money would be effective to assist the qualifying populations by supporting supportive services.
Housing for large families is very limited. Additional housing that is 3 to 4 bedrooms is needed.
2. Currently, what are the challenges your organization is experiencing (serving clients or operational)?
Gap funding programs to assist tenants on the verge of eviction and/or prevent them from becoming homeless are diminishing. There is still a need for these types of programs, such as emergency rental assistance program (ERAP) and Rental Assistance Disbursement Component (RADCo) in San Francisco that provides interest-free loans and grants to renters who owe back due rent because of a temporary financial setback.
There will be a lot more households being evicted in the coming months and there is a lack of safe places for them to go to.
There are many evictions due to tenant behavioral issues where the landlord does not want to renew rental contracts due to past issues with their tenant. Substandard housing is a countywide problem in particular with undocumented immigrant population, who live in them. Their undocumented status and income does not allow them to secure affordable, habitable housing.
3. What are some of the solutions to the challenges identified above? Housing is needed and new policy to address substandard housing. Building code enforcement addressing substandard housing is not effective. There are too many persons/households living in substandard housing. The county and City should adopt a rental registry where housing inspections are conducted. Rent flipping is a problem (landlord asks tenant to vacate to do improvements to the dwelling unit and then sell or rent for a higher price). There is a need for policy to address this problem.
D. Group Consulted: Service Providers for Victims of Domestic, Dating Violence, Human Trafficking
Date of Consultation: June 30, 2022
Organizations in Attendance:
1. YWCA Sonoma County, www.ywcasc.org
2. The Living Room Sonoma County, www.thelivingroomsc.org
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 1 IV
3. Community Action Partnership Sonoma County, www.capsonoma.org
4. Verity, www.ourverity.org
Questions and Input
1. Based on current trends, what are the gaps in services and/or needs for the populations your organization serves? Are there sufficient services in Sonoma County? Currently, there are gaps in service coverage. Some geographical areas of the County do not have advocacy offices to offer services to these communities; More “safe housing” is needed for those persons/families fleeing or who are victims of abuse and/or human trafficking;
Over 80% of women, including homeless women, seeking help from the Living Room need safe shelter to go to immediately, because they are fleeing violence; Persons that don’t meet the criteria for “safe housing” still need a safe place to go to.
2. How many people are experiencing, fleeing domestic violence, and/or human trafficking in Sonoma County?
Per YWCA, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience, flee dating or domestic violence;
Many cases of violence go unreported;
There was an increase in reported child and family abuse during the pandemic. While 2020 was on par with the number of calls received in 2019, there was an increase of 46% in 2021 compared to calls received in 2020 to YWCA; The Living Room has 9 separate units where their clients move to. One of these can house up to 24 women and 9 children. These temporary emergency shelters are full; New housing projects are not meeting the demand of dwelling units needed to provide permanent housing to victims of violence;
The need for permanent housing and emergency housing along with supportive services is not being met.
Affordable housing units for victims with families- 2-3 bedrooms
E. Group Consulted: Homeless Services & Veteran’s Services Providers Date of Consultation: October 27, 2022
Organizations in Attendance:
1. Community Support Network, www.communitysupportnet.org
2. Home First, www.homefirstscc.org
3. Social Advocates for Youth, www.saysc.org
4. West County Community Services, www.westcountyservices.org
5. Community Action Partnership, www.capsonoma.org
Questions and Input
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 1 V
1. Based on current trends what are the gaps in services/needs for the population you serve? Are there sufficient services in Sonoma County?
Current gaps in services include an excess of chronic homeless services and not enough services for newly homeless and marginally employed individuals. When offering services only for chronically homeless it is economically draining. Section 8 vouchers help but there are not enough supportive services to help the housed families be successful.
The data from the ERAP program shows gaps in services available. Financial assistance is nonexistent or insufficient. There are not enough homeless prevention services
There is not enough staff in order to get an accurate point in time count – WCCS At risk of homelessness category in need
2. Out of the following eligible activities, which one do you think is needed the most for the population you serve? Why?
Tenant Based Rental Assistance
Development and support of affordable housing
Provision of supportive services (ex. Homeless prevention, housing counseling); and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter (NCS Units)
i. Supportive Services and prevention needed for Transitional Age youth populations. 3 out of 5 end up homeless due to not having family support.
Drop in 2019 PIT count was due to allocation of services and prevention services are crucial.
ii. NCS programs have increased dignity for individuals that are homeless. The ability to have their own space as opposed to open air congregate shelters can make a huge difference. Even if it’s just tents in an encampment.
Housing/homeless prevention services should be included as part of RRH program. Allocating vouchers to homeless families would not help unless supportive/wrap around services are included as well.
iii. Supportive services in general are needed for homeless families and giving them vouchers without the supportive services can often times just be a band aid/temporary solution that can’t be sustained without the services to help – CSN
3. What Reliable Data Sources do you recommend?
Data from the ERAP program can help fill in gaps in services information – Home First
WCCS is working on developing their own informal PIT count for the west county area
Many attendees agreed to send us feedback from their staff
4. General comments:
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 1 VI
There has been a great depletion in homeless prevention services with the shift to housing first strategy. Services should be directed at supportive services and homeless prevention services as much as possible – All attendees Often times resources are allocated for services and the providers are given narrow definitions of who and how they can use the money. Funding sources have not increased to keep pace with services needed – WCCS
The county has a lack of infrastructure to place individuals in the correct supportive programs. – WCCS
The point in time county is not accurate, especially in rural areas of the county/city because counters are only allowed to county on public land. – WCCS
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 2 VII
Attachment 2 - Public Notices
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 2 VIII
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 2 IX
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Attachment 2 X
The City of Santa Rosa does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in its employment, services, benefits, facilities, programs, or activities. Requests for accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services necessary to participate in a City program, service, or activity, including printed information in alternate formats, are available by contacting the City Clerk's Office at 707-543-3015 (TTY Relay at 711) or [email protected]. Requests should be submitted as far in advance as possible, but no later than two business days before the scheduled meeting.
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES - PUBLIC HEARING - HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP - AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (HOME-ARP) ALLOCATION PLAN.
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the City Council on Tuesday February 28, 2023 at or after 5:00 p.m., utilizing a hybrid public meeting format.
The purpose of the public hearing will be to receive public comment and recommendations prior to the City Council acting on authorizing submittal of the Home Investment Partnership – American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The City of Santa Rosa (City) has been awarded grant funds by HUD under the HOME-ARP program. The proposed action will authorize submittal of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan to HUD. HUD requires submission of the Allocation Plan before the City can receive the federal funding and has issued a submittal deadline for all Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) of March 31st, 2023. When HUD reviews and approves the City’s Allocation Plan the funding will be disbursed to the City. After the City receives the grant funds, a Request For Proposals (RFP) process will commence to determine how the funding will be spent.
To slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health of the public and staff, the City is conducting hybrid public meetings with in-person, streaming video and telephone options.
Meeting access information (including instructions) and meeting documents are available online at: https://santa-rosa.legistar.com/Calendar.
Online Access: www.zoom.us/join - Meeting ID: [868 7677 9687] Phone Access: Dial: 877 853 5257 (Toll Free) Meeting ID: [868 7677 9687] Members of the public may also participate in person at City Council Chamber at 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA.
Comments and questions may be directed to Marc Hughes, Housing and Community Services Program Specialist, City of Santa Rosa, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 6 , Santa Rosa, CA 95404, telephone (707) 543-3316 [email protected].
Stephanie A. Williams, City Clerk, City of Santa Rosa
PUBLISHED: February 17, 2023
Attachment 2 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
XI