ATTACHMENT 1

HOME Program Review Committee Report

Summary of Applications for
2007-2008 HOME Program Funding

1.      Chrysalis Foundation

The Chrysalis Foundation for Mental Health, Inc. requests $250,000 of HOME funds for the Orange County Homeless Relief Project to begin the housing development outlined in the Orange County Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, and develop an anticipated six units for chronically homeless individuals.   

Comment:  The recommended plan for HOME Program funds does not include funds for this project.  The application was submitted before the Orange County Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness plan was adopted by the participating jurisdictions in Orange County.  In addition, the application did not include construction plans for the project or identify a specific property for acquisition.

2.      EmPOWERment, Inc.

EmPOWERment Inc. requests $250,000 of HOME Program funds for various projects throughout Orange County including the renovation and rehabilitation of single family homes, second mortgage assistance and property acquisition.  EmPOWERment, Inc. also made a general request for HOME funds at the January 28, 2007 public forum, and support for the preliminary recommendation at the March 28, 2007 forum. 

Comment: EmPOWERment will use funds previously allocated to the organization that remain unspent to fund this request. 

3.      Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity requests $250,000 to provide deferred payment zero-interest second mortgages on twelve homes throughout Orange County.  Homes would be sold to households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. 

Comment:  The recommended plan for HOME program funds matches the request for $250,000.  A representative from Habitat attended the March 28, 2007 public forum to support this allocation in the preliminary recommendation.

4.      Orange Community Housing and Land Trust

Orange Community Housing and Land Trust requests $140,000 to subsidize the cost of two new single-family homes in Carrboro.  At the January 31, 2007 public forum, the Land Trust made a general request for HOME funds. 

Comment:  The recommended plan for HOME program funds matches the request for $140,000.  A representative from the Land Trust attended the March 28, 2007 public forum to support this allocation in the preliminary recommendation.

The Land Trust also requests $300,000 to support a low-income housing tax credit application in the Winmore development in Carrboro.  Funds would be used to acquire land for this project.  

Comment:  The recommended plan for HOME program funds matches the request for $300,000.

The Land Trust also requests $30,000 to assist with operating costs associated with HOME-funded developments such as Rosemary Place, Legion Road Townhomes, Vineyard Square and the Greenway Condominiums. 

Comment:  The Committee’s recommendation includes $30,000 for this request.  Because the Land Trust meets the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s criteria for designation as a Community Housing Development Organization, it can receive HOME Program funds for operational support for HOME assisted projects. 

5.      Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health Agency

Funds were requested to provide housing and support services to persons with disabilities who are homeless.  The rental subsidy program will be operated like the Section 8 Housing Assistance Program, and will be administered by the Orange County Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Comment:  The recommended plan includes $207,910 for this request ($23,883 in the current year and $184,027 of reallocated funds from previous years)