MARICOPA COUNTY HOME-ARP PLAN MARCH 2022.PDF
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HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Maricopa County HOME Consortium and Maricopa Urban County 2021 Annual Action Plan Amendment 1 MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 1 of 56 Contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 2 HOME-ARP Funding ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Eligible Activities ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Eligible Populations ............................................................................................................................................... 3 Overview ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 Consultation .................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Public Participation ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 14 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 14 HOME-ARP Activities ................................................................................................................................................... 25 Use of HOME-ARP Funding ..................................................................................................................................... 25 HOME-ARP Activity Goals ........................................................................................................................................ 27 HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals .................................................................................................................... 27 Preferences ............................................................................................................................................................. 28 HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines ......................................................................................................................... 30 Appendix ...................................................................................................................................................................... 31 HOME Consortium Member Local Needs Assessment and Gap Analyses .............................................................. 31 Public Participation ................................................................................................................................................. 54 Tables Table 1: HOME-ARP Allocations .................................................................................................................................... 3 Table 2: HOME-ARP Plan Consultation Efforts ............................................................................................................ 11 Table 3: Unsheltered Count in Maricopa HOME Consortium and Maricopa Urban County ....................................... 16 Table 4: People Experiencing Homelessness On A Given Night in Maricopa County 2016-2020 ............................... 17 Table 5: Cost Burdened Renters Overview .................................................................................................................. 18 Table 6: Public Housing Agency Info ............................................................................................................................ 18 Table 7: Homeless Needs Inventory ............................................................................................................................ 21 Table 8: Domestic Violence Resources and Services in Maricopa County................................................................... 22 Table 9: Homelessness Unit Inventory and Cost Gap Analysis .................................................................................... 23 Table 10: Use of HOME-ARP Funding .......................................................................................................................... 26 Table 11: HOME-ARP Projects ..................................................................................................................................... 26 Table 12: HOME-ARP Goals ......................................................................................................................................... 27 Note on Formatting: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires recipients of HOME Investment Partnerships – American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funding to complete and submit a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan using the following questions, tables, and template as prescribed by HUD. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 2 of 56 Executive Summary Introduction Maricopa County is the nation’s fastest-growing county, home to approximately four and a half million people. Maricopa County’s mission is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services so that residents can enjoy living in a healthy and safe environment. Maricopa County encompasses extremely diverse rural, suburban, and urban landscapes and jurisdictions. The Maricopa County Human Services Department’s (HSD) mission is to be the cornerstone for the delivery of equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive services for those experiencing adversity. We engage and partner with individuals, families, and the community in building resiliency and well-being in Maricopa County. The HSD’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) Division is dedicated to making the communities of Maricopa County affordable and safe. This commitment is accomplished by working to house people experiencing homelessness, creating affordable rental and homeownership opportunities, rehabilitating owner-occupied homes, and improving infrastructure in low-income communities. Maricopa County assists low-income families and communities through the distribution of three key U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant programs including the: 1) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), 2) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and 3) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). These programs represent affordable housing and community development investments in decent, safe, and affordable housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities. The 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan and PY2021- 22 Annual Action Plan (AAP) represent the Maricopa HOME Consortium and Urban County’s vision for addressing affordable housing, community development, supportive housing, and homeless needs through regional collaboration. In recent years, HCD has also received CDBG-CV and ESG-CV funding to prepare for, prevent, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan will be incorporated into this existing framework through an Amendment 1 to the PY2021 AAP. Maricopa County is the lead agency for the Maricopa HOME Consortium. The Maricopa HOME Consortium is comprised of a wide variety of units of local governments with diverse housing and community development needs. The members of the HOME Consortium are Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe, and the Maricopa Urban County. The Maricopa Urban County includes Buckeye, Cave Creek, El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, Wickenburg, Youngtown, and areas of unincorporated Maricopa County. Together, these diverse jurisdictions comprise the service area for the HOME-ARP program. HOME-ARP Funding In April 2021, HSD received notification that it would be allocated $16,756,617 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME-ARP funding to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, by providing housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability. The funding is available upon approval of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan by HUD, and the period of performance will end September 30, 2030. Eligible Activities HOME-ARP funds can be used for four eligible activities: 1. Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter Units 2. Provision of Supportive Services 3. Development and Support of Affordable Housing 4. Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 3 of 56 Eligible Populations HOME-ARP funds must be used to primarily benefit individuals or families from the following qualifying populations (QPs): • Homeless • At Risk of Homelessness • Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking • Other Populations o #1) Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness o #2) At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability • Veterans and Families that Include a Veteran Family Member (that meet one of the preceding eligible populations) Overview Table 1 outlines the HOME-ARP allocation amounts that were approved by the Maricopa HOME Consortium communities and will be expended over the forthcoming period of performance. HOME funds were allocated to each Consortium member based on the relative percentage of CDBG funds received by each community in PY2021 which include Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe, and Maricopa Urban County. The allocation of HOME-ARP funds will be evidenced by a Subrecipient Agreement with each jurisdiction. The MCHSD administrative assessment is 7.5% of the Consortium Member Gross Allocation for all Consortium members except for the County. The County assessment is 15%. Maricopa County’s allocation in the table includes the City of Peoria’s allocation amount, which elected not to administer HOME-ARP funds directly. Jurisdiction Funding for Qualifying Activities Funding for Program Administration Total HOME-ARP Allocation Avondale $ 813,665 $ 71,794 $ 885,459 Chandler $ 1,578,385 $ 139,269 $ 1,717,654 Gilbert $ 1,079,653 $ 95,264 $ 1,174,917 Glendale $ 2,643,586 $ 233,258 $ 2,876,844 Maricopa County and Peoria $ 4,000,793 $ 1,609,756 $ 5,610,549 Scottsdale $ 1,325,171 $ 116,927 $ 1,442,098 Surprise $ 715,982 $ 63,175 $ 779,157 Tempe $ 2,085,890 $ 184,049 $ 2,269,939 Total $ 14,243,125 $ 2,513,492 $ 16,756,617 Table 1: HOME-ARP Allocations The following HOME-ARP Allocation Plan represents the regional data that binds the HOME Consortium across Maricopa County, but also provides a thorough examination into city-specific data within the Appendix to ensure the HOME-ARP funds will reach the populations and address issues most critical in each local area. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 4 of 56 Consultation Summarize the consultation process: The HOME Consortium engaged in regional and local consultation in an effort to undertake the most thorough consultation process possible. The HOME Consortium encouraged input for its needs assessment from agencies with significant knowledge of and commitment to providing essential services to vulnerable populations, particularly people experiencing homelessness, within Maricopa County. The following section summarizes the agencies consulted during the HOME-ARP allocation drafting process, the method of consultation, and a summary of the feedback received. If agencies are listed multiple times, they were contacted by more than one Consortium Member for feedback and are included multiple times to ensure all local feedback is represented. Maricopa County contacted numerous agencies to solicit input and participation from the maximum number of organizations, agencies, and citizens during the planning process prior to the development of the plan. Maricopa County consulted all critical agency types and provided considerable opportunities for comment during the needs assessment, as well as during the draft review process. The County values input from all agencies and an inclusive approach was taken to ensure ample opportunity for collaboration and discussion on the needs assessment and resulting allocation plan. HOME Consortium members conducted consultation as part of their local needs assessments to determine the activities that will be funded through their individual HOME-ARP allocations. As Table 2 outlines, email correspondence, in person meetings, online surveys, and phone calls were all utilized to reach the broadest number of agencies for consultation as possible. The feedback received overwhelmingly supports the activities that the HOME Consortium proposes to undertake with HOME- ARP funding. Collectively, the consultation included numerous agencies of each of the following organization types, as well as many more key community partners that serve eligible qualifying populations: • CoC serving the jurisdiction’s geographic area, • Homeless service providers, • Domestic violence service providers, • Veterans’ groups, • Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) serving the geographic area (Housing Authorities of: Chandler, Glendale, Maricopa County, Scottsdale, Tempe), • Public agencies that address the needs of the qualifying populations, • Public or private organizations that address fair housing and civil rights, and • Public or private organizations that address the needs of persons with disabilities. Individual consultation efforts undertaken by members of the HOME Consortium include: Avondale: The City of Avondale discussed the HOME-ARP funding with various community partners and non-profit agencies at a regular monthly meeting on December 8, 2021. The allowable activities were discussed, along with the funding amounts for the City of Avondale. A question-and-answer time was allowed, along with contact information provided if any other questions or ideas wanted to be included in the plan. An e-mail was sent to all grant applicants for the City’s Contributions Assistance Grant soliciting any feedback/community needs with a response requested by January 10, 2022. Chandler: The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division consulted with non-profits, CoC, Chandler PHA, advisory boards, and public housing residents to name a few. The Public Housing MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 5 of 56 Authority (PHA) for the City administering agent is the City’s Housing and Redevelopment Division. The City’s PHA administers 486 housing choice vouchers, 303 public housing units, 28 emergency housing vouchers, and 11 affordable housing units within the city limits. A summary of feedback related to the City of Chandler includes: • Uses of the Funds: The primary interest was for rental development and support of affordable housing, as well as more limited support for TBRA and services. • Populations/Preferences: Support no preferences, or if any, persons experiencing homelessness and Domestic Violence households. There was interest in prioritizing any households below 80% AMI since those are often quick to become unstable. • Use of Coordinated Entry (CE): There was not support for CE to be a requirement; in some areas CE is not readily available, and such a requirement would harm properties and those in need. Glendale: The City of Glendale consulted with its Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), City Council, and its partners and determined that the need for supportive services continues to be the highest priority in the City of Glendale. This consensus was supported by discussions with various partners, including Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), Phoenix Rescue Mission, as well as the City’s Public Housing Authority and Community Action Program. The City has also encouraged all partners to review and comment on the County’s HOME-ARP Substantial Plan Amendment. Scottsdale: The City of Scottsdale works with a variety of agencies, organizations and service providers bringing diverse viewpoints to identify local housing and service needs. Scottsdale is an active participant in the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Continuum of Care Task Force and shares responsibility of the regional solution to homelessness. The City has ongoing relationships with several housing providers working on housing development activities. The consultation process included meetings, emails, consultation for a Housing Inventory & Stock Analysis and surveys. Surprise: The City of Surprise consulted with community stakeholders, non-profit service providers, city departments, and existing program partners who serve qualifying populations. Staff conducted a roundtable discussion on the needs of the qualifying populations (QP) at the Surprise Area Homeless Collaborative on January 26, 2022. Consultations were held with A New Leaf, an agency that provides housing services for the QPs in Surprise, including Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), Coordinated Entry (CE), and other supportive services. Other providers consulted that serve the QPs include Lutheran Social Services, St. Vincent DePaul, and the Salvation Army. Program staff also consulted with the City of Surprise Veterans, Disability, and Human Service Commission on January 15th, 2022, to review what the QPs needs that were identified in their Community Needs Assessment. Tempe: The City of Tempe partners with non-profit organizations in the delivery of its CDBG, HOME and ESG annual allocation. Several non-profit partners were consulted during the development of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. These agencies were consulted due to their relevant knowledge on the needs and service gaps that would best benefit the QPs eligible for HOME-ARP funding. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 6 of 56 List the organizations consulted, and summarize the feedback received from these entities: Agency/Org. Consulted Type of Agency/Org. Method of Consultation Summary of Feedback A New Leaf Non-profit E-mail Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program A New Leaf Non-Profit organization serving families with children experiencing homeless Correspondence Supportive of increasing the number of affordable housing units in Chandler. A New Leaf Non-profit service provider Email A New Leaf Homeless Provider Email A New Leaf Non-profit housing services In person Needs for rent assistance, services for homeless prevention. A New Leaf Non-profit Agency /Homeless Shelter, Domestic Violence, Housing, Employment services, supportive services Phone call Identified affordable rental housing, permanent supportive housing, and supportive services. Ability360 Persons with Disabilities, Housing Email Adelante Healthcare WIC Health Provider Meeting Affordable Housing Working Group Local Government Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Amy Schwabenlender Homeless Shelter –Provider Non- Profit Meeting Increase of seniors on human service campus Area Agency on Aging Older Adult Service Provider Non- Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Domestic Violence Service Provider Email Arizona Complete Health Plan Health Provider Meeting Arizona Department of Economic Security Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email Additional shelter space, especially on the family side; flexible funding especially around areas for diversion and prevention activities; Hazard pay for staff; More TBRA; Operational funding; Navigation services especially when it comes to helping to navigate the homeless service system especially where we are seeing more first time homeless as a result of the pandemic. Arizona Early Intervention Program Non-profit Meeting Arizona Housing Coalition Housing, Veterans' Group Email Ensure long-term investments in housing; build more housing; braid existing funding sources; purchasing hotel buildings for renovation, operating as interim temporary non-congregate shelters with a long-term view of conversion to permanent housing with support services. This model allows communities to address the immediate need of moving people out of immediate homelessness while making investment in permanent housing options; supportive services; fund activities within an equity framework. ASU Action Nexus Homeless, Qualifying Populations Email Affordable rentals for people who are at 0 to 30% of AMI; Permanent Supportive Housing Services; Full time position and funding for development and training of Shared Housing Initiative in Maricopa County AZ Retirement Home of Scottsdale Section 202 Housing Over the Phone 1 year waiting list for elderly MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 7 of 56 AZCEND Non-Profit organization and Community Action Program Office serving low-income Chandler residents (including homeless) Correspondence Supportive of increasing the number of affordable housing units in Chandler. AZCEND - Community Action Program Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email Benevilla Non-profit E-mail BMW Ministries Non-profit E-mail Catholic Charities Shelter Services Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Catholic Charities West Side Head Start Non-profit Meeting Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) Homeless Service Provider Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) Non-profit service provider Meeting Supportive of proposed activities Chandler Housing and Human Services Commission Advisory Board to the Neighborhood Resources Department Meetings Supportive of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) project, and planned utilization of HOME-ARP funds to support this project. Chandler Public Housing Resident Advisory Board Advisory Board to the Chandler Public Housing Authority Meetings Supportive of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) project, and planned utilization of HOME-ARP funds to support this project. Chicanos Por La Causa Inc. Housing Navigation Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Child and Family Resources Non-profit Meeting Child and Family Resources Arizona Non-profit Meeting Chrysalis Domestic Violence Shelter and Transitional Housing Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options City of Avondale Government Meeting City of Avondale - Community Action Program Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email City of Goodyear Government Meeting City of Scottsdale - Community Action Program Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email City of Surprise - Community Action Program Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email City of Tempe Local Government Meeting Partnership Non-Congregate Shelter City of Tolleson - Community Action Program Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email Community Bridges Inc. Non-profit E-mail Community Bridges Inc. Non-profit service provider Email Community Bridges Inc. Homeless Provider Email Support acquisition and development of hotels that are targeted in high density areas - Development will need to include a budget for ongoing operations until provider can identify sustainable funding for operations; There is a gap in adequate support service funding for shelter operations. Shelter operations for both congregate and non-congregate shelter would benefit from being funded at a 1:25 staff to participant ratio at all Maricopa County Shelters; There is a gap in the homeless service sector coordination with various LIHTC properties MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 8 of 56 throughout Maricopa County; There is a gap in dedicated supportive services tied to TBRA; Consider funding supportive services tied to TBRA at a 1:25 case load ratio and serving aging adults 55+ who are currently residing in shelter throughout Maricopa County. Community Bridges Inc. Homeless Service Provider Non- Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Community Legal Services Non-profit service provider Email Community Legal Services Fair housing, Civil rights, Persons with Disabilities Email Community Legal Services Legal Services for Low Income- Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Day Relief Center Local Collaborative Partnership Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Diana Gregory Outreach Services Non-profit E-mail Duet Partners in Aging Older Adults Service Provider Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Duet: Partners in Health and Agency Non-profit Meeting Dysart Unified School District K-12 Education Roundtable McKinney-Vento numbers are steady Family Promise Non-profit service provider Email Family Promise Homeless Family Service Provider Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options First Things First Non-profit Meeting Florence Crittenton Shelter for Girls Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options FSL - Community Action Program Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email Glendale Community Action Program Government Agency Public meeting Supportive of proposed activities Glendale Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) Government agency Public Meeting Supportive of proposed activities Glendale Public Housing Authority Public Housing Authority Public meeting Supportive of proposed activities Glendale Public Library Government Agency Public meeting Supportive of proposed activities Granite Reef Senior Center Local Government Email Increase in seniors needing ongoing rental assistance Helping Families in Need Non-profit E-mail Homeless ID Project Non-profit service provider Email Homeless Youth Connection Non-profit E-mail Homeless Youth Connection Non-profit service provider Email Homeward Bound Homeless Family Service Provider Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Housing Authority of Maricopa County PHA Email Housing Authority of Maricopa County PHA In person New housing units Jewish Family and Children Services Older Adult In-Home Program Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Jobs for Arizona Graduates Non-profit E-mail Journey out of Homelessness Non-profit E-mail Lost Our Home Pet Foundation Non-profit service provider Email MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 9 of 56 Lutheran Social Services Non-profit service provider Email Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Non-profit, faith-based In person Additional case management and access to housing Maggie’s Place Non-profit service provider Email Margaret Adams Corporation for Supportive Housing- Non-Profit Meeting Increased options needed for senior housing Maricopa Association of Governments Continuum of Care Email Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Continuum of Care Email Affordable Housing Development: Youth shelter beds; Family shelter beds; DV shelter beds/ transitional housing. Provision of Supportive Services: Substance use treatment/outreach/beds; Phone accessibility for Coordinated Entry- Singles (lack of access for DV, disabled populations) Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Continuum of Care Phone call Identified affordable rental housing, permanent supportive housing, and supportive services. Maricopa County Health Educator Government Meeting Maricopa County Health First Teeth First Health Provider Meeting Maricopa County Library District County Roundtable Services and outreach Maricopa County Senior and Adult Services Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email Maricopa Housing Authority Housing Agency Meeting Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care CoC serving Chandler Correspondence Supportive of increasing the number of affordable housing units in Chandler. Matt Schwalb Matrix Design Group Meeting Housing Affordability Study Multicultural Family Network Non-profit E-mail Mutts on a Mission Non-profit E-mail Native American Connections Non-profit service provider Email Native American Connections Homeless Provider Email New Life Center Non-profit E-mail New Life Center DV Service Provider Email Operation Shockwave Non-Profit organization serving Chandler Veterans Correspondence Supportive of increasing the number of affordable housing units in Chandler. Paiute Neighborhood Center Local Government Meeting More seniors in need of assistance Pendergast Elementary Community Foundation Non-profit E-mail Phoenix Rescue Mission Non-profit Meeting Criminal Justice Diversion program, Rapid Re- housing, Family shelter or bed reservations, Eviction prevention with home-based case management, flexible one-time spending for various types of needs to ensure stability for homeless persons. Phoenix Rescue Mission Non-profit service provider Meeting Supportive of proposed activities Phoenix Rescue Mission Homeless Service Provider Non- Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Public Housing Authority Commission Governing authority for matters related to the administration, operation and management of the federal public housing and rental Meetings Supportive of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) project and increasing the number of affordable housing units in Chandler. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 10 of 56 assistance programs administered by the City. Public Housing Residents Residents of Chandler Public Housing Meetings Supportive of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) project, and planned utilization of HOME-ARP funds to support this project. Read Better Non-profit E-mail Resilient Health Non-profit service provider Email Salvation Army Faith-based Roundtable Services for homeless Salvation Army, Chandler Corps Non-Profit organization serving low-income Chandler residents (including homeless) Correspondence Supportive of increasing the number of affordable housing units in Chandler. Save the Family Homeless Provider Email Save the Family Homeless Family Service Provider Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Save the Family Foundation of Arizona Non-Profit organization serving families with children experiencing homeless Correspondence Supportive of increasing the number of affordable housing units in Chandler. Scottsdale Community Partners Emergency Rental Assistance and Brown Bag Program Non- Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Scottsdale Housing Agency Local Government In Person Meeting Landlord Liaison and Tenant Based Rental Assistance Scottsdale Training and Rehab Services Disabled Services Workforce Provider-Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Sounds of Autism Non-profit E-mail Crisis intervention training Southwest Fair Housing Council Fair Housing, Civil rights, Persons with Disabilities Email Not enough units of affordable housing or Section 8 vouchers to meet the need and what is available is often not in integrated areas of opportunity to meet the Fair Housing Act requirement to affirmatively further fair housing. Woeful lack of fair housing services, including enforcement, education, and outreach, for a county with nearly 5 million residents. Southwest Human Development Non-profit Meeting Southwest Lending Closet Non-profit E-mail Southwest YMCA Non-profit E-mail Speak, Stand, Save Non-profit E-mail St. Vincent DePaul Faith-based Roundtable Access to housing Starting Out Right / Arizona Youth Partnership Non-profit Meeting Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing Non-profit Agency for Affordable Housing In-person Identified affordable rental housing and supportive services as high priorities Tempe Community Action Agency Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email Need for ability to lease short-term housing such as apartment units or hotel rooms to help meet the needs of individuals with special circumstances (illness) or where the current availability is not appropriate (mobility); need for legal assistance/aide for evictions; support for CAPs to provide integrative services and supportive services; child care; allow agencies to lease a number of units within a facility in lieu of acquiring the entire facility; affordable MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 11 of 56 housing and supportive services; connect with CAP agencies to assist in wrap around services such as TBRA. Tempe Community Action Agency Senior Service Food Provider Non-Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options Tempe Housing Authority Housing Agency In-person Identified supportive services as the highest priority, permanent supportive housing, affordable rental housing, and case management. The Opportunity Tree Non-profit Meeting Town of Gila Bend - Community Action Program Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email Town of Guadalupe - Community Action Program Public Agency -Qualifying Populations Email The Town of Guadalupe CAP office reported through both observation and assistance that the Town’s unmet needs in housing is a lack of shelter, affordable rental housing and supportive services primarily for substance abuse. They reported overcrowded households, unsheltered persons, and the increased demand for assistance in food and clothing. Trellis Non-profit E-mail Trellis Housing, Qualifying Populations Email U.S.VETS Veterans' Group Email UMOM Non-profit service provider Email UMOM Homeless Services Provider Non- Profit Survey High need for homeless and senior housing options US Vets Non-profit service provider Email Valley of the Sun United Way Non-profit Meeting Valley of the Sun United Way Housing, Qualifying Populations Email Valors Veterans Community Non-profit Meeting VDHS Commission City Commission In person – public meeting Address needs identified in Needs Assessment Vista Del Camino Community Center Local Government Email 30-50% rental assistance to seniors Vitalyst Housing, Qualifying Populations Email YWCA Non-profit service provider Email Table 2: HOME-ARP Plan Consultation Efforts MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 12 of 56 Public Participation 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: The Public Participation Process for the development of the 2021 Annual Action Plan Amendment 1 to add the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan follows processes prescribed in the Maricopa County FY2020- 2025 Consolidated Plan Citizen Participation Plan and included a broad range of activities for both Maricopa County and members of the Maricopa HOME Consortium. The primary goal of the public participation process was to provide all citizens with adequate notice, access to, and opportunity to participate in the needs assessment and planning of activities related to HOME-ARP funding. For Maricopa County, efforts involved included placing public notices on PHA, and Maricopa County Library District library locations, and HSD building notice boards when available; placing public notices in two newspapers; holding a public hearing that could be joined either virtually or telephonically; as well as website outreach on the Maricopa County website. A 15-day public comment period for public review of the draft HOME-ARP Plan began on February 11, 2022 and extended through February 28, 2022. A public hearing was held to solicit input on February 17, 2022 at the Maricopa HOME Consortium public meeting. The Maricopa County Human Services Department, as well as the cities/towns of Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tempe were all involved in soliciting input and comments and the efforts made to broaden public participation. Describe any efforts to broaden public participation: The citizen participation activities undertaken by the entitlement members of the Maricopa HOME Consortium are outlined in depth in their respective responses below. The combined efforts of all members of the Maricopa HOME Consortium and Maricopa Urban County represent an extensive public participation process across the region. The Maricopa County public hearing and public comment period meeting and hearing were publicly announced on the Maricopa County HSD website at https://www.maricopa.gov/3893/Notices- Documents, and the HOME Consortium Public Meeting where the public hearing was held was also posted on https://www.maricopa.gov/AgendaCenter. Notices were also placed in PHA notice board, as well as Maricopa County Library District library notice boards until after the end of the comment period. All Maricopa County public notices include language in English and Spanish communication for how persons can request reasonable accommodations as well as how to request translation for residents with limited English proficiency (LEP). Residents can contact HSD by phone, TTY or Arizona Relay Service, email, or postal mail to make requests. The public hearing held provided the public with the ability to attend both telephonically or virtually on a computer, laptop, or mobile phone. Comments were also accepted by mail, phone, and email. Additional efforts to broaden public participation undertaken by members of the HOME Consortium include: Avondale: The City of Avondale discussed the funding with various community partners and non-profit agencies at a regular monthly meeting on December 8, 2021. The allowable activities were discussed, along with the funding amounts for the City of Avondale. A question-and-answer time was allowed, along with contact information provided if any other questions or ideas wanted to be included in the plan. An e-mail was sent to all grant applications for the City’s Contributions Assistance Grant soliciting any feedback/community needs with a response requested by January 10, 2022. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 13 of 56 General feedback was received for crisis intervention training and ongoing rental assistance support. Chandler: The City of Chandler’s PHA provided several opportunities for public input and comment related to the proposed use of HOME-ARP funds for rental development and support of affordable housing as part of a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) project. The RAD project was discussed at five meetings of the Public Housing Authority Commission (PHAC). The RAD project was introduced to the Chandler Public Housing Resident Advisory Board (RAB) (in English and Spanish) on November 14, 2019, and additional information was presented in six subsequent meetings including RAD updates. One additional meeting was held with Public Housing Residents regarding the RAD project. The RAD project was discussed during six meetings of the Housing and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Email communications were also sent to stakeholders serving the qualifying populations for HOME-ARP funds. Outreach efforts regarding the proposed utilization of HOME-ARP funds included one public hearing that was held on February 24, 2022. The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan for the Maricopa HOME Consortium, including the City of Chandler’s proposed utilization of HOME-ARP funds, was posted on the City’s website during the public comment period. All public comments received will be included in the final allocation plan submitted to HUD. Glendale: The City of Glendale reviewed available data and current resources and determined that continued supportive services will be required to advance its strategic goals to address homelessness. The City’s CDAC and Council provided consensus direction to allocate all HOME-ARP funds to eligible supportive services. This consensus was supported by discussions with various partners, including Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), Phoenix Rescue Mission, as well as the City’s Public Housing Authority and Community Action Program. The City has also encouraged all partners to review and comment on the County’s HOME-ARP Substantial Plan Amendment. Scottsdale: During the development of the City of Scottsdale’s HOME-ARP Plan, the City undertook a variety of public outreach methods to gather public input and comment. These comments were part of the needs assessment and gap analysis. These outreach efforts included a survey, a public input meeting, emails, and meetings. The City conducted a public input meeting for the broad community on 1/27/22 through the Human Services Commission Meeting and no comments were received. The City conducted internet outreach to local government and community partners. A total of 27 surveys were received, and the results are available as part of the needs assessment and gap analysis. Tempe: The City of Tempe will hold two public hearings on 2/10/22 and 3/3/22 to invite the public and community partners to comment on the HOME-ARP Plan. Tempe made the notice of funding available on its website to request input from the public and community partners for the development of the plan. The comment period for this plan will start on 2/14/22 through 3/1/22. In efforts to broaden public participation, legal notices were placed in the Arizona Republic and on the city’s website to promote participation in the public hearings and public comment period. Summarize the comments and recommendations received through the public participation process: No public comments or recommendations were received during the process. Summarize any comments or recommendations not accepted and state the reasons why: No public comments or recommendations were received during the process. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 14 of 56 Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis Introduction The following section will describe the shelter and supportive services situation for people experiencing homelessness as well as non-homeless populations most at risk of experiencing homelessness, people experiencing domestic violence, and people receiving housing services within Maricopa County. Unless otherwise noted, all homeless data will be presented at the county-wide level, as this is a regional issue, and the Maricopa HOME Consortium is part of the solution to end regional homelessness. The non-homeless rental housing data presented will consist of the cities in the HOME Consortium, as well as the Urban County service area. These are listed below and will be referred to as the Maricopa HOME Consortium: • HOME Consortium: Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tempe • Maricopa Urban County: Buckeye, Cave Creek, El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, Wickenburg, Youngtown, and areas of unincorporated Maricopa County This needs assessment excludes the Cities of Mesa and Phoenix in the non-homelessness housing needs assessment whenever data is available to support such a distinction. Those cities receive their own HOME-ARP funds and will conduct their own HOME-ARP needs assessments. Describe the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within the PJ’s boundaries: HOME-ARP funds must be used to primarily benefit individuals or families from the following qualifying populations (QPs): • Homeless • At Risk of Homelessness • Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking • Other Populations o #1) Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness o #2) At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability According to the needs assessment performed in 2020 for the 2020-2025 Maricopa HOME Consortium Consolidated Plan, the population in the Maricopa HOME Consortium grew from 1,932,444 in 2010 to 2,101,763 in 2017. With this growth there has not been a significant change in the racial or ethnic makeup within the area. Households with incomes over $100,000 have increased as a proportion of the population, while conversely, poverty has also increased. The percentage of persons in poverty has increased from 8.6% in 2000 to 11.8% in 2017. • A significant proportion of households in the Maricopa HOME Consortium area have housing problems, particularly cost burdens, with 29.4% of households experiencing cost burdens. Renter households are particularly impacted by cost burdens, at a rate of 43.4%. In addition, Black or African American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic households face housing problems at a disproportionate rate. • Support services for persons experiencing homelessness was identified as a priority for Maricopa County as the homeless population experienced significant growth between 2015 MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 15 of 56 and 2020. Additionally, the senior population has grown by 28% between 2010 and 2020, which requires specialized support services.1 People Experiencing Homelessness in Maricopa County According to the Maricopa Association of Government’s 2020 Point-In-Time (PIT) Homeless Count, local data collected during the one-day count in January 2020 indicated that 7,419 people were experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County, with 3,767 of them reported to be unsheltered and 3,652 people in shelters. Between 2019 and 2020, the total population of people experiencing homelessness increased by 12%. The unsheltered count increased 18% which was at a higher rate than the sheltered count, as well as the overall homeless count. For the 2020 PIT Count, 4,516 or 61% of the population identified as male, 2,882 or 39% identified as female, and 21, or less than 1% identified as transgender or gender non-conforming. According to the PIT Count Report 2020, “Over the years, the ethnic breakdown of the PIT Count has remained the same with a significant majority identifying as Non-Hispanic or Non-Latino; by race there has been a slight increase in the White population and the Black or African-American population, and a slight decrease in Multiple Races. The 2020 PIT Count reported a differing racial makeup than Maricopa County. Census estimates for Maricopa County are as follows: White (83%); Black or African American (6%); Asian (5%); American Indian or Alaskan Native (3%); Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (<1%); and Multiple Races (3%). The PIT population also has a higher percentage of people identifying as Non-Hispanic or Non-Latino compared to Maricopa County population estimates (69%).” In addition to income factors, Black or African American individuals experience homelessness at a rate of 3.9 times greater than the general population and Native Americans experience homelessness at twice the rate of the general population. They also experience higher rates of returns to homelessness from rapid re-housing situations. 2 Source: Maricopa Association of Governments’ Race and Homelessness in Maricopa County, Arizona Report, p. 14 According to the 2020 PIT Count, key highlights of special populations experiencing homelessness include: 1 https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/64058/Maricopa-County-2020-25-Consolidated-Plan-and-2020-21-Action-Plan-Final?bidId= 2 https://azmag.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Homelessness/Maricopa-Racial-Equity-Report.pdf MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 16 of 56 • The number of veterans experiencing homelessness increased by 15% in 2019 and by 4% in 2020 to a total of 494 veterans counted in 2020. • In 2019 the number of persons who were counted that identified as Fleeing Domestic Violence was 805, and in 2020 this number decreased to 576. • The number of unaccompanied youth ages 18-24 increased to 416 identified 2020. • From 2015 to 2020, the number of families decreased by 12% to a total of 548 families in 2020. • The number of people who meet the definition of chronically homeless has increased significantly. From 2015 to 2020, the total number of chronically homeless individuals has increased by 119%. In addition to data from the 2020 PIT Count, data from the Maricopa HMIS indicates that as of January 2022 there were: • 409 actively homeless youth ages 18-24 • 727 actively homeless older adults ages 62+ As evidenced in Table 3, data from the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care 2020 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Report shows homelessness in recent years has continued to steadily increase within Maricopa County in almost all jurisdictions including the Maricopa HOME Consortium areas. In only four years, the number of unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness in the Maricopa HOME Consortium area increased by 148%, from 413 in 2017 to 1,024 in 2020. Municipality 2017 2018 2019 2020 Avondale 27 13 35 56 Buckeye 0 22 24 41 Cave Creek 0 1 0 0 Chandler 27 54 54 75 El Mirage 0 2 7 9 Fountain Hills 0 0 0 0 Gila Bend 7 8 4 4 Gilbert 2 4 2 9 Glendale 57 164 194 170 Guadalupe 0 9 21 22 Litchfield Park 0 0 0 0 Peoria 22 38 78 83 Scottsdale 50 67 78 102 Sun City - - - 12 Surprise 16 39 33 29 Tempe 202 276 373 396 Tolleson 0 9 5 5 Wickenburg 1 2 2 0 Youngtown 2 4 18 11 Total 413 712 928 1,024 Table 3: Unsheltered Count in Maricopa HOME Consortium and Maricopa Urban County Data Source: Point-in-Time Count (PIT) 2020 MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 17 of 56 Homelessness within the entire region is even more substantial, as shown in Table 4: Table 4: People Experiencing Homelessness On A Given Night in Maricopa County 2016-2020 Data Source: Point-in-Time Count (PIT) 2020 The below map of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness from 2019 demonstrates that homelessness is not limited to any one jurisdiction or area, and people may experience homelessness anywhere within the county.3 People at Most Risk of Experiencing Homelessness in the Maricopa HOME Consortium People who are at most risk of homelessness include individuals and families who have an annual income below 30% of median family income for the area and do not have sufficient resources or support networks immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter.4 According to Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) 2014-2018 data, there are 36,315 renters with incomes at or below 30% Area Median Income (AMI), and an additional 30,760 renters at or below 50% AMI within the Maricopa HOME Consortium area. Combined, these 67,075 households 3 https://azmag.gov/Portals/0/Images/Homelessness/Map-Unsheltered-Homeless-2019.jpg?ver=2019-07-17-110023-567 4 https://files.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/AtRiskofHomelessnessDefinition_Criteria.pdf People Experiencing Homelessness 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Number of People Experiencing Homelessness on a Given Night (Sheltered and Unsheltered) 5,702 5,605 6,298 6,617 7,419 MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 18 of 56 represent households with incomes that put them most at risk of experiencing homelessness within the area. CHAS data also details the living situations of those renters that can put them at further risk of homelessness based on housing problems or rent cost burdens they are experiencing in their current living situation. Cost burden is the ratio of housing costs to household income. HUD defines the four housing problems as: incomplete kitchen facilities; incomplete plumbing facilities; more than 1 person per room; and cost burden greater than 30%. HUD further defines the four severe housing problems as: incomplete kitchen facilities; incomplete plumbing facilities; more than 1 person per room; and cost burden greater than 50%. For renters, housing cost is defined to include gross rent (contract rent plus utilities). Table 5 shows there are 53,345 renter households spending between 30% and 50% of their income on rent, and an additional 49,105 renter households spending more than 50% of their income on rent. Combined, there are a total of 102,450 households that spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving only the remaining 50-70% of their income to make up the balance of their living expenses. Housing Cost Burden Overview Renter Households Cost Burden <=30% 137,501 Cost Burden >30% to <=50% 53,345 Cost Burden >50% 49,105 Cost Burden not available 6,675 Total 246,655 Table 5: Cost Burdened Renters Overview Data Source: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) 2014-2018 Other Populations Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness, or At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability Each member of the Maricopa HOME Consortium is served by a local Public Housing Agency (PHA) which prepares an Annual Agency Plan. The five PHAs within the Consortium areas are Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, and the Housing Authority of Maricopa County. The numbers of units of public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) for the five PHAs serving HOME Consortium members are listed below. HUD HOUSING AUTH. CODE HOUSING AUTHORITY NAME PROGRAM TYPE PUBLIC HOUSING/ LOW RENT UNITS LOW RENT DEVELOPMENTS HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS AZ003 Glendale Combined 155 1 1,054 AZ009 Maricopa County Combined 0 14 1,738 AZ028 Chandler Combined 303 3 486 AZ031 Tempe Section 8 0 0 1,156 AZ032 Scottsdale Section 8 0 0 755 Total 458 18 5,189 Table 6: Public Housing Agency Info Source: HUD Housing Authority Profiles https://pic.hud.gov/pic/haprofiles/haprofilelist.asp MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 19 of 56 People Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking in Maricopa County The Maricopa Regional CoC calculated the number of domestic violence survivors by combining data from the Housing Inventory Count as well as through the HMIS database. In 2020, 358 households were in shelter or housing during the Point in Time Count. According to the CoC, in the Maricopa County HMIS, 5,151 households were on the September 2021 by-name list and 372 of those households were actively fleeing domestic violence. Between these two data sources, 730 households were in need of housing. However, only 124 were served by the Domestic Violence system and the Coordinated Entry System in transitional housing, Rapid Rehousing, or Permanent Supportive Housing. Please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. 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: Unmet Homeless Needs While there were 3,767 unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness on a given night in 2020 as identified by the Point-in-Time Count, there are many more people who experience homelessness throughout the year than during any one night. While the 2022 Point-in-Time Count results are not yet available, anecdotal feedback solicited through consultation from homeless providers strongly suggests that homelessness has risen significantly in the county during the timeframe since 2020. According to the needs assessment performed by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Pathways Home: A Regional Homelessness Action Plan for Local and Tribal Governments, the percentage of homelessness grew faster in Arizona than anywhere else in the country in 2021. In order to meet the needs of these unsheltered people experiencing homelessness, new temporary and permanent housing units will need to be created to reduce homelessness by 25%. The Pathways Home Plan identified the following gaps necessary to meet the growing needs of the homeless population in Maricopa County by 2027 as: • Add 770 units of temporary housing. • Add 1,125 units of permanent housing (rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing). Unmet Countywide Housing Needs In Arizona, there is an increasingly worsening shortage of rental housing that is both affordable and available to the extremely low-income households (with incomes at or below 30% AMI). According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Report, The Gap, in 2021 within Maricopa County alone there were 112,737 extremely low-income renter households, and only 23,252 affordable and available rental homes which is down from 27,245 rental homes reported in the 2018 The Gap report. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 20 of 56 According to consultation with the Arizona Housing Coalition, their homeless service providers report feeling the impact of Maricopa County’s housing crisis as follows: • Housing Service providers are struggling to meet the additional care needs of their clients, including needs related to addiction and mental health. This shortage of care is widely considered to be attributing to a higher return from housed to homeless. • Front-line services are reporting increased foot-traffic into coordinated entry for those seeking homeless services (In November 2021, The Family Housing Hub CE-system reported an additional 52 families seeking shelter from the month prior, and a 6-week waiting time for family shelter for those experiencing literal homelessness). • Housing programs are struggling to locate landlords willing to rent to low-income households, including those with housing subsidies or vouchers. Unused vouchers impact the effectiveness of housing vouchers in our community. • Housing service providers are reporting an increase in landlords not renewing leases due to household inability to pay for rent increases. Other Populations Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness, or At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability As described above, there are over 100,000 renter households that spend more than 30% of their incomes on rent. However, in the entire HOME Consortium service area, there are only 458 Public Housing units, 18 low rent developments, and 5,189 Housing Choice Vouchers. There is a significant unmet need between the number of households that could receive assistance for rent and the number of vouchers and units publicly available to support those households. PHAs also provided feedback that the need for affordable housing far outpaces the availability of vouchers and units. People Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking in Maricopa County As described above, between the two available data sources, 730 households experiencing domestic violence were in need of housing in September 2021. However, only 124 households were served by the Domestic Violence system and the Coordinated Entry System in transitional housing, Rapid Rehousing, or Permanent Supportive Housing. The CoC was unable to meet the needs of 606 people fleeing domestic violence because of the lack of housing available. Please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. 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: Resources and Supportive Services for People Experiencing Homelessness There is a vast array of homeless service providers in Maricopa County that assist qualifying populations. Tables 7 and 8 highlight the limited inventory within Maricopa County to meet the growing needs of people experiencing homelessness. Additional shelter beds are needed to fill the gap within the region. Table 7 is a table provided by HUD to highlight the gaps between the current inventory and the number of people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Maricopa County. While it may appear from the table that there are an additional 341 beds available for families experiencing homelessness, the number of persons per family may not equate to the number of beds in an available unit, therefore leaving ‘beds’ unfilled and a long waiting list for family units. The gap between shelter MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 21 of 56 bed inventory and the number of Adults Only experiencing homelessness, as indicated by the measures in this table, is 3,352. Homeless Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table (Optional HUD Table) Current Inventory Homeless Population Gap Analysis A B C D E F G H I Family Adults Only Veterans Family HH (at least 1 child) Adult HH (w/o child) Veterans Victims of DV Family Adults Only # Beds # Beds # of Beds # Beds (A – D) # Beds (B – E) Emergency Shelter 1,283 1,553 47 Transitional Housing 771 780 212 Sheltered Homeless 1,596 2,039 379 368 Unsheltered Homeless 117 3,646 143 208 Total 2,054 2,333 259 1,713 5,685 522 576 Current Gap (341) 3,352 Table 7: Homeless Needs Inventory Data Sources: 1. Point in time Count (PIT) 2020; 2. Continuum of Care Housing Inventory Count (HIC) 2020; 3. Consultation with Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) Resources for People Seeking Affordable Housing Maricopa HOME Consortium currently funds tenant based rental assistance as one of its annual priorities, however the need for assistance for affordable housing for low-income persons far exceeds the amount of funding available to provide the service. For example, the HOME Consortium provided TBRA to a total of 172 families between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. There are five Public Housing Authorities within the Maricopa HOME Consortium area that also work to provide rental assistance to low-income households. Together, they serve a combined 458 public housing units, 18 low-rent developments, and 5,189 Housing Choice Vouchers.5 Resources and Supportive Services for People Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking in Maricopa County According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the existing domestic violence community resources and shelters in Maricopa County are listed Table 8. Only three of the existing emergency shelters are located within the HOME Consortium service area, all remaining shelters are within the cities of Phoenix or Mesa. 5 https://pic.hud.gov/pic/haprofiles/haprofilelist.asp MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 22 of 56 Contact Location Services Provided A New Leaf - Faith House Glendale Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing A New Leaf - Autumn House Mesa Emergency Shelter Area Agency On Aging Region One, Inc. - Doves Program Phoenix Transitional Housing Catholic Charities - My Sisters Place Chandler Emergency Shelter & Mobile Advocacy Chicanos Por La Causa - De Colores Phoenix Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing & Mobile Advocacy Chrysalis Phoenix Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing & Mobile Advocacy New Life Center Goodyear Emergency Shelter & Mobile Advocacy Sojourner Center Phoenix Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing & Mobile Advocacy UMOM Phoenix Rapid Re-Housing Table 8: Domestic Violence Resources and Services in Maricopa County Data Source: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/domestic-violence/domestic-violence-contracts-directory Please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. Identify any gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system: Significant gaps within the current shelter, housing, and serviced delivery system were identified through consultation and data. The extent of the existing gaps are outlined below. Shelter Inventory As discussed above, there are currently not enough shelter beds available to shelter the number of people homeless on any given night in Maricopa County. There is a considerable gap between the needs identified and the resources currently available. Table 9 below was provided by the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care through consultation. The table highlights the number of new units needed for a 100% reduction in homelessness based on projections using HMIS data from May 2021, the 2020 Housing Inventory Chart, cost and financial data from multiple sources, and analysis of the current flow how clients go through the homeless services system. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 23 of 56 Maricopa County Homelessness Unit Inventory and Cost Gap Analysis Table Adults Without Children Temporary Housing Permanent Housing Units 2,971 4,536 Capital Cost Estimates $127,851,175 $207,102,344 Annual Operating Estimates $75,489,906 $68,889,130 Families Temporary Housing Permanent Housing Units 111 366 Capital Cost Estimates $5,664,416 $5,895,157 Annual Operating Estimates $3,960,240 $6,395,337 Table 9: Homelessness Unit Inventory and Cost Gap Analysis Data Sources: 1. Consultation with Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care (CoC), 2. HMIS, May 2021 Affordable Housing Inventory There is also a significant gap between the number of people that need affordable rental housing and the number of safe and available units on the market. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Report, The Gap, in 2021: • Maricopa County is listed among the 10 metropolitan areas with the most severe shortages of rental homes affordable to extremely low-income households across the 50 largest metropolitan areas. • There were only 21 affordable and available rental homes per 100 extremely low-income renter households, and only 44 for those at or below 50% AMI in Maricopa County. • 79% of extremely low-income renter households spent more than half of their income on housing and are considered severely cost-burdened in Maricopa County. With the number of households that spend more than 30% of their income at 102,450 in the HOME Consortium area alone, the number of assisted units and resources described above that are currently available does not fill the immense need. As such, there is a considerable gap between the number of households that would be eligible for assistance and the funding available to provide the assistance. Supportive Service System Consultation identified widespread gaps in supportive services for persons experiencing homelessness, persons at greatest risk of income instability and homelessness, and special populations such as veterans and victims of domestic violence. Review feedback in detail in the Consultation section. Please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 24 of 56 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: Not applicable. The Maricopa HOME Consortium does not plan to include such conditions as housing characteristics or type in its definition of “other populations.” All qualifying populations will be considered for assistance on a project-by-project basis. Identify priority needs for qualifying populations: In its 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan, the Maricopa HOME Consortium identified eight high priority needs. The HOME-ARP funds will address unmet needs for qualifying populations by addressing three of the eight priorities in the plan: 1. Affordable Housing for Low to Moderate Income Renter Households 2. Services and Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness and At-Risk of Homelessness 3. Services and Housing for Special Needs Populations o Including Victims of Domestic Violence The HOME-ARP priority needs will correspond with the four eligible activity types. HOME-ARP funding will address each of the four priority needs. 1. Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter Units 2. Provision of Supportive Services 3. Development and Support of Affordable Housing 4. Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) 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 needs assessment primarily reviewed data from the Point in Time (PIT) Count, the Housing Inventory County (HIC), American Community Survey (ACS), the Maricopa Regional Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS), and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) to provide quantitative data and serve as a basis for the identification of unmet needs. In addition, feedback was received from over 65 agencies that identified their support for and a documented community need for affordable housing for low-income renters, supportive services for special populations, tenant based rental assistance, and the development of new non-congregate shelter units. This feedback provided significant qualitative data from which to support the development of the priority needs, and the resulting identification of system and service delivery gaps in our county. Please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 25 of 56 HOME-ARP Activities 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: Maricopa County Human Services Department will solicit applications for funding through a competitive Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to eligible participants and interested parties. The NOFA will announce the availability of HOME-ARP funds and explain the eligible housing activities and corresponding qualifying populations that can be served through those activities. Interested parties can submit applications by identifying a project that addresses eligible uses and populations as outlined in the NOFA. Detailed information for funding availabilities would be found on the list of open Funding Opportunities on the Maricopa County HSD website at http://www.maricopa.gov/491/Housing-Community-Development. Maricopa County reviews and scores the applications and makes recommendations to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors based on eligibility and criteria that will be provided in the NOFA to potential applicants. HOME-ARP funds were also allocated to each Consortium member as described in the Executive Summary section. Each Consortium member jurisdiction will receive proposals submitted by potential developers and/or subrecipients through a local competitive process for specific projects within that community. A jurisdiction may also provide funding for a housing or supportive services program(s) within the city/town. Applications for projects will be evaluated based on precise criteria set by each Consortium member based on local needs and HOME-ARP eligibility criteria. Please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. 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. No portion of the HOME-ARP administrative funds were provided to a subrecipient or contractor prior to the submission or acceptance of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. Use of HOME-ARP Funding The following Table 10 Figure 1 indicate the amount of HOME-ARP funding that is planned for each eligible HOME-ARP activity type and demonstrates that the planned administrative cost is within allowable HOME-ARP statutory limits. Amendments will be processed during the HOME-ARP period of performance as needed to ensure the funding continues to assist qualifying populations in a timely manner. All activities will benefit individuals and families who meet the criteria of a Qualifying Population (QP). Any individual or family who meets the criteria of the QP will be eligible to receive assistance or services funded through Maricopa County HOME-ARP. However, the HOME-ARP activities will have preferences among the qualifying populations. These preferences will be determined on a project-by- project basis: Maricopa County will not engage in activities and programs that violate the Fair Housing Act. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 26 of 56 Activity Type Funding Amount Percent of the Grant Grant Statutory Limit Supportive Services $ 6,045,629 36% - Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelters $ 1,433,665 9% - Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) $ 605,000 4% - Development of Affordable Rental Housing $ 6,158,831 37% - Non-Profit Operating $ 0 0% 5% Non-Profit Capacity Building $ 0 0% 5% Administration and Planning $ 2,513,492 15% 15% Total HOME-ARP Allocation $ 16,756,617 100% - Table 10: Use of HOME-ARP Funding Figure 1: HOME-ARP Proposed Activities Additional narrative: Table 11 demonstrates the four eligible HOME-ARP project types, and the amount of funding allocated to each by the HOME Consortium through this plan. Jurisdiction Development of Affordable Rental Housing Supportive Services Acquisition and Development of Non- Congregate Shelters Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Avondale $0 $0 $813,665 $0 Chandler $1,578,385 $0 $0 $0 Gilbert $1,079,653 $0 $0 $0 Glendale $0 $2,643,586 $0 $0 Maricopa County and Peoria $3,500,793 $500,000 $0 $0 Scottsdale $0 $305,171 $620,000 $400,000 Surprise $0 $510,982 $0 $205,000 Tempe $0 $2,085,890 $0 $0 Total $6,158,831 $6,045,629 $1,433,665 $605,000 Table 11: HOME-ARP Projects MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 27 of 56 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: HOME-ARP funds will be used to address the shelter inventory, housing inventory, rental assistance, and the service delivery system in Maricopa County. The rationale was developed to address multiple facets of the housing and homeless system. The data is clear that there are simply not enough shelter beds to shelter all of the persons experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County, and with the growth rate of homelessness increasing at the fastest rate in the country, the gap is expected to widen. There is a documented lack of affordable housing for low-income families in Maricopa County, which now has the lowest vacancy rate in the past 20 years at 3.8%. Rising rents, stagnating wages, and inflation are exacerbating the state of the rental market. The need for additional supportive services to support vulnerable populations is evident by the overwhelming feedback provided by the agencies that were consulted with during this process. Supportive services were also identified as a priority need in 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan. Please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. HOME-ARP Activity Goals The following Table 12 outlines the estimated number of households that will benefit from each of the eligible activities with HOME-ARP funds throughout Maricopa County and the HOME Consortium. While the HOME-ARP funding will assist with the development of new affordable rental units, those units will remain affordable to qualifying households for at least 15 years after development and will continue to serve households long after the initial development is complete. Similarly, HOME-ARP is estimated to create 19 new non-congregate shelter units, and those will also remain adorable for 10- 15 years depending on the type of development and serve hundreds of people experiencing homelessness over the lifetime of the projects. Activity Goal Development of Affordable Rental Housing Supportive Services Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelters Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Estimated Number of New Units/ Beds Developed 14 - 19 - Estimated Number of Households to Benefit - 1,440 - 30 Table 12: HOME-ARP Goals 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: As noted in Table 12, HOME-ARP funds are estimated to produce 14 new affordable rental housing units that will remain affordable to qualifying populations for 15 years. In addition, HOME-ARP funds are expected to support an additional 30 households through affordable tenant based rental assistance units. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 28 of 56 For detailed response by city, please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. 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: One of the major priority needs identified through the needs assessment is the development of new, affordable rental housing. The Maricopa County region is lacking in affordable rental units that are safe and affordable to qualifying populations. Without adequate access to housing, people at greatest risk of housing instability may become homeless, and additional people experiencing homelessness cannot access affordable housing. The affordable rental housing production goal will center around the keystone issue of creating new units that will remain affordable to low-income families for years to come and will therefore help to fill the gap in affordable housing within the region. With a documented severe shortage of rental homes affordable to extremely low-income households, the Maricopa HOME Consortium hopes this modest contribution to the region’s affordable housing stock will end or prevent homelessness for some people in Maricopa County. For detailed response by city, please refer to the Appendix to review additional Consortium member contributions to this section. 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. The Maricopa HOME Consortium HOME-ARP funds are allocated to eight diverse cities and towns and the Maricopa Urban County, as such the Consortium intends to fund all the eligible activities with a portion of HOME-ARP funds. Preferences will be determined on a project-by-project basis. HOME- ARP funds will have preferences from the following qualifying populations: • Homeless • At Risk of Homelessness • Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking • Other Populations o #1) Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness o #2) At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability • Veterans and Families that Include a Veteran Family Member (that meet one of the preceding eligible populations) Because the projects are not known in significant detail at this time, the preferences listed above are not prioritized at this time. Again, preferences among the QPs will be determined based on the individual project and will not violate any applicable fair housing, civil rights, or nondiscrimination requirements. Scottsdale proposes the following preference for its HOME-ARP allocation: Preferences will be applied without the violation of fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements for the qualifying populations that are homeless and at risk of homelessness and a subpopulation of seniors, defined MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 29 of 56 as 60 and older. Seniors that are currently receiving services through the City’s senior centers have the highest unmet need and risk of housing instability as reported in the needs and gap analysis of the Scottsdale Homeless Navigation Team. 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: Unmet needs that affect each of the eligible HOME-ARP qualifying populations were found within the HOME Consortium area. HOME-ARP funds will have preferences from the following qualifying populations. Preferences will be determined on a project-by-project basis: • Homeless • At Risk of Homelessness • Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking • Other Populations o #1) Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness o #2) At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability • Veterans and Families that Include a Veteran Family Member (that meet one of the preceding eligible populations) Scottsdale proposes the following subpopulations for its HOME-ARP allocation: Subpopulations were identified with Scottsdale resident Seniors (60 years or older) who are paying over 50% of their monthly income to rent, and disabled Seniors (55 or older, certified disabilities) who are paying over 50% of their monthly income for rent and receiving ongoing case management and support from City Senior Services. This prioritization will meet the gap of the large number of seniors who are at the greatest risk of housing stability in Scottsdale based on the non-renewal of leases, the limited supply of affordable housing at multiple price points, long waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and limited services with long-term financial services capability. Preferences for the non-congregate shelter are the homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking, recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or having a high risk of housing instability identified through the City’s Homeless Navigation Team and supportive services collaborative. 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: HOME-ARP funds will be used to address the unmet needs or gaps in benefits and services of all qualifying populations through varying types of projects that will be undertaken. Scottsdale proposes the following subpopulation preference for its HOME-ARP allocation: The City of Scottsdale continues to be a member of the Maricopa Association of Governments, Continuum of Care and in addition to Housing Choice Voucher also has Foster to Youth Independence Vouchers, Emergency Vouchers and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers to assist those identified outside of the City Senior Centers and Homeless Navigation Teams. Scottsdale also has multiple community partners which include other municipalities, non-profit organizations and faith-based MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 30 of 56 organizations that will continue to provide much needed services to all populations of homeless, at risk of homeless or at greatest risk of homelessness and housing instability 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. HOME-ARP will not be used to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily rental housing that is being rehabilitated with HOME-ARP funds. Therefore, refinancing guidelines have not been drafted or described. • 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. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 31 of 56 Appendix HOME Consortium Member Local Needs Assessment and Gap Analyses The following document includes responses from and outlines the local needs assessments and gap analyses that were undertaken by HOME Consortium members during the HOME-ARP planning process. Describe the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within the jurisdiction’s boundaries: Avondale: The City of Avondale recognizes that affordable housing and transition to more permanent housing is a very critical need in the community. Chandler: Recent statistics show homelessness in Arizona is growing faster than anywhere else in the country. According to the 2020 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the percentage increase in homelessness grew faster in Arizona than anywhere else in the country. The overall percentage increase from 2019 to 2020 in Arizona was 9.7 percent, the highest in the country. The percentage increase among single individuals was 9.8 percent, also the fastest growth. Homelessness among families in Arizona had the fifth highest percentage increase, at 9.3 percent. Homelessness is increasing in the region covered by the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care, which includes the City of Chandler, even faster. More than 7,400 individuals were identified as experiencing homelessness on a single day in January 2020, an increase of 12% from 2019 (Maricopa Regional Point-In-Time Count). In 2020, 20,529 individuals were documented as receiving homeless services in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Of these, 4.2% of households entering shelters in 2020 were from rental or owned homes and 9.4% from staying with friends or family. The number of persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Chandler has increased steadily over the past five years (452%) based on the annual Point-In-Time Count. Between 2020 and 2022, the number increased by 99%, even though the number of shelter beds available in Chandler increased by 70 in the same period. Of the 239 persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness served in Chandler’s Homeless Outreach program between July 2021 and December 2021, 234 were single individuals and 17 were persons in families. Sixteen persons were Veterans. For HOME-ARP an individual or family is considered at-risk of homelessness if their income is below 50% area median family income, do not have sufficient resources or support networks, and have experienced housing instability. Below is an analysis of households in Chandler based on income. Individuals or families with extremely low incomes (30% or below area median income) are often service sector workers, have disabilities, elderly including those who earn minimum wage. Individuals or families at risk of homelessness are also often straining the willingness of their social networks to provide housing supports over an extended period, such as living with family or friends over an extended period. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 32 of 56 Based on a City of Chandler Housing Study by Gruen & Gruen commissioned by the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division, qualifying populations and those that are cost burdened in Chandler are as follows: Housing Inventory: The City of Chandler reports an estimated 105,900 total housing units in the City as of September 2018. Table II-2 shows the number of occupied units by unit type and tenure in 2017. Approximately 70 percent of Chandler’s housing is single-family detached units. Another 11 percent of units are in buildings of 10 or more apartments. Table II-2: City of Chandler Occupied Housing Inventory by Type of Unit Ninety (90) percent of owner-occupied units are single-family detached. For renter-occupied units, 34 percent of units are single-family detached, and 31 percent are in buildings of 10 or more apartments. Table A-4 shows the City’s households by household income and tenure in 2017. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 33 of 56 Housing Affordability: Housing affordability is defined by both the income of a household, or its “ability to pay”, and the cost of a housing unit appropriate for that household. If a household spends 30 percent or less of gross (before-tax) income on housing and related expenses (property taxes, insurance, etc.), it is generally considered to be “affordable” under standards defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If more than 30 percent of income is spent on housing, households may be defined as “cost burdened.” This 30 percent threshold was used throughout this analysis to characterize housing affordability conditions in Chandler. Approximately three-quarters of cost burdened households in the City of Chandler are reported by HUD to be at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (“AMI”). More than 80 percent of all renters in Chandler with incomes at or below 80 percent of AMI are estimated to be cost burdened. A very low share (less than seven percent) of households at or above 100 percent of AMI (i.e., above median income households) are estimated to be cost burdened. Figure below describes that there are an estimated 23,000 households in Chandler that are cost burdened. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 34 of 56 Gilbert: Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census, American Community Survey (ACS) 2015-2019 5-year estimates, Point-In-Time (PIT) count (2020) and Assessment of Individuals Who are Homeless and At-Risk for Homelessness in Gilbert (2021) Geographic Boundary: Town of Gilbert Gilbert has a population of 267,918 and of those 5.3% are identified as living below the poverty line. There are 8,556 households who spend more than 30% of their income on housing expenses and 3,596 households who spend more than 50% of their income on housing expenses making them vulnerable to homelessness. In addition, of the 93,230 total housing units, 88,896 are occupied and 4,334 are vacant. Of these, 78.3% are owner occupied housing units and 21.7% are renter occupied. At the time of the last homeless Point‐in‐Time (PIT) count, in January 2020, 9 people were experiencing homelessness in the Town of Gilbert. This was the count of those that were unsheltered, which was an increase of 7 people from the prior year. As the name implies, the Point-in-Time count provides only a snapshot of one night of homelessness in a community. During an entire year different individuals may enter, exit, and return to a state of homelessness in the community. In Maricopa County there were 7,419 people experiencing homeless and the unsheltered count increased at a higher rate than the sheltered and overall PIT count for the region. Gilbert commissioned a study to assess the individuals who are homeless and at risk for homelessness in the town. The study found that the number of residents at-risk for homelessness since 2020 has increased. Specifically, steep increases in housing costs, particularly rentals, are a component to resident’s increasing housing instability. The median sales price of a home increased by 31% to $490,000 and the median rent also rose by 6% to an average of $1,432 per month. Data from the study showed that the number of clients served by providers of homeless services increased from 283 in 2018-2019 to 479 in 2020-21. In 2020-2021 over two-thirds of clients reported having a disability and the top ten reasons for homelessness included the following in order: 1. Family dispute/overcrowding (79) 2. Unsafe Living Environment-Violence (35) 3. Substance Use/Alcohol Dependency (32) 4. Economic (30) 5. Mental Health Concerns (25) 6. Loss of Employment (19) 7. New to Area (17) 8. Unable to find affordable housing (11) 9. Evicted (10) 10. No financial resources (10) Glendale: Homelessness in the City continues to be a pervasive and growing problem. To document ongoing need, the City’s subrecipient, Central Arizona Shelter Services, maintains a By-Name-List of clients encountered through its street outreach and in-person services provided at the Norton Ramsey MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 35 of 56 Empowerment Center in downtown Glendale. There are currently 286 names on the list as of December 14, 2021, of which 46 have been housed and 240 remain actively homeless or have not been in contact since first engagement. Most are single men, though there has been an increase in families with children seeking services or are encountered during street outreach. While the By-Name List is a useful tool to track individuals and families experiencing homelessness, the ability to determine the full size and demographic composition of this population is difficult to complete due to their transient nature. In addition to By-Name list data, the City’s CAP program applications indicate that approximately 10% of the 11,000 applications for rent and utility services self-identified as homeless. Scottsdale: According to the American Community Survey Data (Census - Search Results), the City of Scottsdale has an estimated population in 2020 of 241,361. The white population represents 91 %, followed by Asian at 6%, African American at 2% and Native Americans at 1% with approximately 8% of the population having Hispanic origin. The senior population defined as 65 and older is comprised of 71,104 residents and approximately 21,817 are living in poverty. According to the Office of Policy Development and Research (www.huduser.gov), older populations face several housing challenges including affordability, physical accessibility, and access to medical and other services inside and outside the home. The nation’s housing stock in terms of these options is ill suited to meet the housing needs of the older population who wishes to age in place. Housing is central to an older adults’ life and health outcomes both physically and mentally. Seniors and others being evicted at high rates or at danger of being evicted and are at greatest risk of housing instability in the Scottsdale community. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 5.9 percent in 2022, however rent increases are outpacing these cost-of-living adjustments. According to the Homeless in Arizona, Annual Report (Homelessness in Arizona Annual Report 2021 (az.gov) dated December 31, 2021, in the early 1990s, only 11 percent of the adult homeless population was aged 50 and over. By 2003, the homeless senior population increased to 37 percent. Today, the largest age group of those experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness is over age 55. The age group of over 55 were the largest age group to receive homeless services in the Year 2021. While this population has safety- net programs available to them (i.e., subsidized housing, Medicare, and Social Security benefits), many become vulnerable to losing their home due to financial setbacks such as rent increases, loss of a spouse, and unexpected medical bills. Often with rising housing costs, elderly households must choose between housing and other basic needs such as food, prescriptions, and medical care. Through the 2020 Maricopa Association of Governments Point-In-Time Count, the number of homeless persons counted was 102 in Scottsdale. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a point-in-time count was not conducted in 2021 and the most recent count occurred on 1/25/22 with the data currently pending. Beginning in 2020, Scottsdale Human Services dedicated resources to engage and address issues of homelessness. A Homeless Navigation Team (HNT) was created and dispatched in the community to meet and assess needs with people experiencing street homelessness. Since the HNT’s inception there has been 3,231 unduplicated contacts and engagements with homeless people in Scottsdale resulting in only 3.5 % or 116 of the contacts and engagements being placed into shelter or housing. A survey was administered to a housing affordability working group, Scottsdale Housing Agency and community partners which includes non-profit service providers. The top five needs for housing activities were identified as senior housing, rental assistance, homeless prevention, construction of multi-family housing and non- congregate shelter. The following housing types of special needs populations were identified as a top MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 36 of 56 priority to include tenant based rental assistance for seniors at risk of being homeless/eviction and homeless emergency non-congregate shelter. Surprise: According to the most recent Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data from 2014-2018, there are 1,440 renter households with 0-30% AMI living in Surprise. Of Surprise renters, 5,590 or 12% are experiencing 1 or more housing problems; 1,135 of those with household income 0-30% AMI, are cost burdened. These factors increase the risk of homelessness for the households described; furthermore, households experiencing rent and mortgage cost burdens may have difficulty affording other necessities critical for basic quality of life, including food, clothing, transportation, and medical care. The 2020 Point-in-Time Count reports that 29 individuals in Surprise were unsheltered at the time the survey was administered in January 2020. Unofficial data from PIT Count 2022 found 63 un-sheltered individuals in Surprise. Tempe: Multiple data sources were used to complete the needs assessment and gap analysis sections of this plan. They include the 2020 Census; American Community Survey (ACS); Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data sets from 2011-2015 and 2014-2018; the 2020 Point-in-Time Count for homeless individuals; the local Continuum of Care’s Housing Inventory Count (HIC); and direct consultation with community partners and stakeholder. According to the most recent Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy. (CHAS) data from 2014-2018, there are 22,085 renter households with 0-50% AMI living in Tempe of those renters, 20,655, or about 94%, are experiencing 1 or more housing problems; 21,445, or 97%, are cost burdened. 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: Avondale: There are many gaps in service for those experiencing homelessness throughout the nation as well as those at greatest risk of experiencing homelessness. Shelter in the west valley is limited and transitional housing opportunities could greatly assist households in maintaining housing stability. Chandler: The Maricopa County Association of Governments (2021) estimates the following housing and services needs for people experiencing homelessness across the County. Adults Without Children Temporary Housing Permanent Housing Units 2971 4,536 Capital Cost Estimates $127,851,175 $207,102,344 Annual Operating Estimates $75,489,906 $68,889,130 MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 37 of 56 Families Temporary Housing Permanent Housing Units 111 366 Capital Cost Estimates $5,664,416 $5,895,157 Annual Operating Estimates $3,960,240 $6,395,337 Gilbert: The following data is captured from quarterly reports submitted by agencies funded by Gilbert and the 2021 Assessment of Individuals Who are Homeless and At-Risk for Homelessness in Gilbert. • Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations; o A New Leaf, CAAFA, Catholic Charities-My Sister’s Place, CeCe’s Hope Center, CASS, Chrysalis, House of Refuge, Save the Family, and Winged Hope provided at total of 174 unduplicated individuals identifying as Gilbert residents with bed nights or services related domestic violence, sexual assault or sex trafficking. • Those currently housed populations at risk of homelessness; o ARM-Save the Family currently operates 18 Affordable rental homes in serving 61 adults and children. Of these, 82% are Female Single Head of Household and the income ranges from $3,500 - $42,000. There are currently 16 families on the waitlist from Gilbert and 80 families overall. o Gilbert Public Schools recorded180 students in the McKinney-Vento program during the 2020-2021 school year. • Other families requiring services or housing assistance or to prevent homelessness; o AZCEND, Salvation Army and JFCS assisted 3,061 unduplicated residents with financial assistance including rent/utility and mortgage assistance. o Non-profit providers including Matthew’s Crossing, Midwest Food Bank, Open Arms and United Food Bank supported 32,401 residents who were facing food insecurity. o 750 Seniors/elderly were provided with support services to keep them safely housed o Medical and clothing support were provided to 742 residents to help prevent homelessness • Those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations: o The 2021 assessment received information from human services providers working with those experiencing homelessness or at-risk of becoming homeless. Specific to the topic of prevention of homelessness, service providers overwhelmingly listed mortgage assistance (72 percent), advocacy (72 percent) and rental assistance (71 percent) as “high priority” or “priority” needs, with 50 percent of respondents choosing “high priority” as the need level for rental assistance. o Service providers identified affordable and safe housing for individuals and families (92 percent high priority or priority) as the top current need for additional supportive services. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 38 of 56 Glendale: Sheltered/Unsheltered estimate: of the 286 individuals on the City’s By-Name List, 46 (16.1%) have been housed or matched with housing, leaving 240 households that are actively homeless or have not had contact with an outreach team since first engagement. This figure is likely higher, at it represents only those individuals who have been willing to provide their names to street outreach workers or in- person at the Norton Ramsey Empowerment Center. The City’s MSA stipulates that CASS and its partners will provide approximately 210 and 225 singles and families with shelter for the duration of the agreement (through June 2023). In addition to this data, of the 11,000 applications for assistance received through the City’s CAP Office, approximately 10% or 1,100 presented as homeless. At-Risk Estimate: The City’s CAP Office provides short-term eviction prevention and rapid rehousing and has expended approximately $23.3 million from various State and Federal sources since July 2020 to assist over 9,000 households. The effects of the pandemic continue, and there are currently 1,114 applications pending initial review and 167 that are listed as document ready waiting to be assigned to a staff reviewer. There are also 74 applications that are currently assigned to workers and in the process of being completed. Scottsdale: In January 2020, the annual PIT Count was performed across Maricopa County. This annual street and shelter count is an effort to learn more about the individuals and families who are homelessness in the county. 7,419 people experiencing homelessness were counted. Of those, 51 percent were unsheltered. The unsheltered count has been steadily increasing over the years. From 2019-20 the unsheltered count increased 18 percent at a higher rate than the sheltered and overall PIT count. While this is a problem throughout the county and state, homelessness is principally addressed in the city of Scottsdale with local non-profit and faith-based partners. There are approximately 1,800 shelter beds available in Maricopa County with 83 percent of those beds in the city of Phoenix. From September 2020 to December 2021 only 3.5% of those homeless and unsheltered in Scottsdale have been placed in shelters or housing. Homelessness is a complex social problem with underlying economic and social factors that include poverty, lack of affordable housing options, physical and mental health impairments, addictions and family dynamics impacting the Scottsdale community and those who are experiencing it require ongoing supportive services. The top six are outlined in the community survey as case management, mental health, housing search, addressing special needs populations, financial assistance for costs and a landlord liaison. Seniors, defined as older than 55 according to Central Arizona Shelter Services comprise 33% of the individuals who are homeless with 86% having a medical condition and 63% having mobility impairments. This phenomenon, referred to as the “Silver Tsunami”, also places the senior residents of Scottsdale at greatest risk of housing instability. Approximately 21,817 Scottsdale seniors are living in poverty and only 315 seniors are in a household receiving assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program through the Scottsdale Housing Agency and make up approximately 30% of total served by the Housing Agency. In Scottsdale there are three locations with Section 202 housing comprising 215 beds with a waiting list of one to five years. While this population has safety-net programs available to them (i.e., subsidized housing, Medicare, and Social Security benefits), many become vulnerable to losing their home due to financial setbacks such as rent increases, loss of a spouse, and unexpected medical bills. Often with rising housing costs, elderly households must choose between housing and other basic needs such as food, MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 39 of 56 prescriptions, and medical care; and, limited local government intervention through senior centers and non- profit assistance still leaves this vulnerable population requiring housing assistance. Surprise: The City has made significant investments into localized IHELP and TBRA programs through partners to address the need for affordable housing units and shelter. The unmet needs of sheltered and unsheltered populations still lies in supportive services. There is a robust network of public service organizations in Surprise who work to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. The City participates in the local Continuum of Care for Homelessness (CoC) group, which meets monthly to expand understanding of the services needed by those experiencing homelessness, to facilitate consolidation and coordination of homeless services, and to improve service delivery. Additionally, Homeless Collaborative meetings are held quarterly and provide a shared setting where services are coordinated for households experiencing homelessness. Organizations such as A New Leaf, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Dysart Unified School District, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, St. Vincent de Paul – St. Clare of Assisi Conference, Banner Health, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Valley View Food Bank, Northwest Corps Salvation Army, Maricopa County Libraries; Northwest Regional, Asante and Hollyhock, Church of the Palms, City of Surprise; PD, Fire-Medical, Community Development, HSCV, Parks and Rec and Public Works and others have worked together to expand their services in the last year but report a need for even more support. Through these consultations, the resounding gap voiced by partner organizations is the need for wrap around and supportive services to help those renters who are cost burdened and severely cost burdened maintain safe and stable housing. Further, support for those currently homeless and seeking housing is needed in identifying housing opportunities and support to maintain housing once attained. Tempe: The 2020 Point-in-Time Count reports that 396 individuals in Tempe were experiencing homelessness at the time the survey was administered. In addition, the unsheltered count of homeless persons in the East Valley has increased from 736 to 944. From 2017 to 2020 the East Valley, unsheltered homelessness increased by 129%. These factors increase the risk of homelessness for the households described; furthermore, households experiencing rent and mortgage cost burdens may have difficulty affording other necessities critical for basic quality of life, including food, clothing, childcare, and transportation. 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: Avondale: There are very limited shelter options in the west valley. Lutheran Social Services operates a temporary shelter program that assists homeless individuals in getting off the streets, finding employment and save money for more permanent housing. Chandler: Currently, the City of Chandler operates 70 units of non-congregate shelter by renting corporate and privately owned hotel/motel rooms in the open market. The program was opened in response to MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 40 of 56 COVID-19 and is funded with temporary Federal COVID-19 funds. The City also supports a locally operated IHELP program, providing 20 single individuals overnight shelter at rotating locations each night; 10 units of emergency shelter for single individuals and families; and 19 units of Rapid Rehousing for families through contracts with non-profit service providers. Chandler also operates a 25-unit TBRA program, providing temporary housing and services to households experiencing homelessness. The housing subsidy is supported by HOME funds and the supportive services are supported by local funds. In addition, to the TBRA program, the City’s PHA also administers the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program through funding from HUD. 28 EHV vouchers are available to those that are experiencing homelessness in Chandler. Housing stability case management is provided provides to the participants to improve economic and housing stability. The City’s PHA administers 486 housing choice voucher, 303 public housing 28 emergency housing vouchers, and 11 affordable housing units within the city limits, with a preference for persons experiencing homelessness. Gilbert: Gilbert utilizes a non-profit funding process to support organizations that provide Gilbert residents in need with shelter beds and other homeless-related services. Nine organizations were funded with $127,000 in 2020-2021 that offered housing services to those experiencing homelessness. In addition, COVID relief funds of ~10.9M (CDBG, AZCARES, Treasury) were also directed in support of homeless related services of rent and utility support, shelters and transitional housing, emergency housing repair and food, clothes, and transportation. Programs in action in Gilbert include the I-HELP shelter program, a case navigator, and housing vouchers that are managed by Maricopa County. In addition, Gilbert operates an Emergency and Minor Home repair (EMHR) program that program assists low- and moderate-income residents with alleviating health or safety hazards in their home. Of those residents, 50% were very low income, 34% were low income and 16% qualified as moderate income and a total of $428,438.49 of CDBG funds were used in support of the program. The EMHR assisted seventy-five (75) homeowners during the 2020-2021 year. Gilbert also partners with a non-profit organization to purchase and rehabilitate single family homes with HOME funds to be used as permanent affordable rental housing that. Although the market was challenging, Gilbert finalized the acquisition of one home in 2020 and has thereby increased Gilbert's affordable rental housing stock from 17 to 18 units. The families in these rentals are also provided with supportive services. Recently, Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) in coordination with the cities and towns completed a regional action plan, “Pathways Home, the Regional Homelessness Action Plan for Local and Tribal Governments”. This plan identifies the need for additional infrastructure investments to create a balanced housing portfolio including attainable housing. Gilbert also anticipates additional one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan that will be directed to a variety of programs that will include funding organizations that are providing services to qualifying populations. Glendale: The City of Glendale currently operates the following programs to address homelessness MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 41 of 56 1. Glendale Homeless Solutions Alliance – a consortium of 15 agencies organized through a Master Services Agreement with Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) as the lead subrecipient. CASS has the full range of ESG-eligible activities available to address homelessness at all levels, and is funded accordingly: $125,000 (FY 20-21 CDBG); $560,545 (ESG-CV1) and $2,497,188 (ESG-CV2). 2. Community Action Program Eviction Prevention, Rapid Rehousing and Utility Assistance – the City has expended approximately $23.3 million from various sources between July 2020 and December 2021 to assist over 9,000 households with these services. 3. Emergency Housing Vouchers –the City received 72 additional vouchers through the Housing Choice Voucher Program to provide long-term (through 2035) rental assistance to homeless households. All vouchers have been assigned to eligible households. 4. HOME TBRA – the City reallocated approximately $1.25 million in prior year HOME funds to A New Leaf to assist approximately 50 homeless households with short and medium-term rental assistance. All vouchers have been assigned to eligible households, of which 19 are housed and 31 are looking for units. A New Leaf and its partner HOM Inc. provide housing navigation services to assist clients to secure affordable units. 5. New Affordable Rental Development – the City will make approximately $1.5 million of CDBG, HOME and HOME program income in FY 2022-23 available to affordable housing developers for LIHTC and other tax credit projects. Up to 1,000 units could be created in the City for projects currently in discussion with developers. Scottsdale: The City of Scottdale is void of homeless congregate and non-congregate shelter units except for families with children and those fleeing domestic violence, which does not account for the majority of the homeless identified in the streets. There are supportive services within the City to include mental health, substance abuse, case management, legal services, domestic violence services, children services, employment, transportation and housing navigation provided through the municipal government, non- profits and faith-based community. The Scottdale Housing Agency administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Foster to Youth Independence Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers and the recent addition of Veterans Affairs Supporting Housing Vouchers. The Community Assistance Office aids low- and moderate-income homeowners for emergency repairs, roof repairs and housing rehabilitation to make the home energy star efficient. Surprise: The City of Surprise has invested in temporary shelter and services for qualify populations. The City began investing in Luther Social Services I-Help program in 2019, which offers adults experiencing homelessness access to congregate overnight shelter. Beginning in 2021, the City began investing in temporary non-congregate shelter utilizing CDBG and CDBG-CV funding to support the new Housing Support Center located in Surprise. This new facility offers 7-units of temporary housing and on site services for qualifying populations. Additional funding is needed for case management and support services to support the program. In 2020, the City started a Tenant Based Rental Assistance program in partnership with A New Leaf. The City’s HOME funding will continue to be invested in the TBRA program, however additional funding is needed to assist qualifying populations who have difficulty accessing and navigating the TBRA program through case management and supportive services. In 2021 the Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) was awarded $9.1 million from HUD for a Section 202 senior MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 42 of 56 housing project. This funding will support the development of 99 units of supportive rental housing for seniors. Qualifying populations in this housing will be in need of additional supportive services to maintain housing stability. The investments made in supporting the housing needs of qualifying populations will have significant impact in providing access to stable housing, however additional investment in supportive services is necessary to aid residents in accessing housing resources, and prevent those at risk of becoming homeless from losing their housing. Tempe: Tempe has the following grants and resources available for to assist qualifying populations: - Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), - Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), - Tempe Housing Authority (Section 8) and, - Non-congregate shelter units (50 units). Identify any gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system: Avondale: There are very limited shelter options in the west valley. Lutheran Social Services operates a temporary shelter program that assists homeless individuals in getting off the streets, finding employment and save money for more permanent housing. Chandler: Regional stakeholders identified a significant need for permanent housing resources, such as permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing for people experiencing homelessness. While there is significant need to increase affordable housing for all income levels, the 2021 National Low Income Housing Coalition Gap Report indicates that Phoenix Metropolitan Area is one of the top five metropolitan districts in the country for a shortage of ELI rentals, which has a disproportionate impact on people trying to exit homelessness (The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes, Ibid). More generally, the 2021 Housing Leaders Roundtable estimated a regional affordable housing gap of 100,000 units (Housing Leaders Roundtable, Ibid). The business community is particularly concerned as lack of affordable housing affects the stability of the workforce, and without affordable housing, there are fewer opportunities for job creation. To address the crisis, stakeholders want to increase the overall inventory available for supportive housing and extremely low-income rentals and an expansion of coordinated efforts, such as a shared database, to reach landlords who would rent to supportive housing programs. While there is new affordable housing in the pipeline each year, with a strong set of local developers, housing construction has not been at the scale needed to meet the demands, and coordination is needed to increase and target diverse sources of funding and accelerate development. Stakeholders also report challenges in preserving affordable housing, further reducing the affordable units available on the market. In Chandler there’s an unmet housing need and is identified by an affordability “GAP” analysis of existing housing stock City of Chandler housing inventory by price and tenure in comparison to the existing income characteristics of the household base. The comparison is commonly referred to as an “affordability gap” analysis, in which the gaps are the differences in the number of existing households bracketed by affordable housing costs and the number of units that exist at those affordable price points. The estimates are based on our analysis of 2019 American Community Survey estimates. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 43 of 56 Table 2 summarizes estimates of the price of housing currently afforded at various household income levels. The lowest income households with less than $35,000 of annual gross income can afford no more than $875 in monthly rent. Assuming a household with an annual income of $35,000 or less could secure a 30-year FHA mortgage, such a household could likely afford no more than a $150,000 unit. A household with $75,000 of annual income (which approximates the current median household income in Chandler) can afford $1,875 in monthly rent. A household with income of $75,000 could afford to purchase an approximately $325,000 home. Households with more than $100,000 of annual income (which comprise 42 percent of all households in the City) can afford monthly rents of $2,500 and higher and can afford to purchase homes priced at $430,000 or higher. The below Table 3 summarizes the City of Chandler housing inventory by tenure and affordability level in comparison to the income characteristics of the household base. The estimates reflect the type and price of housing that households can potentially afford, not what they will necessarily elect to purchase or rent. Chandler, like many other communities, experiences a large deficit of housing units available at very low prices. Using the 30-percent-of-income standard as the housing cost burden threshold, the prior 2018 housing needs assessment report by GG+A indicated that Chandler contained about 7,800 owner occupied households which could afford at most a $130,000 home if they were to purchase one, while fewer than 3,200 of those units existed, indicating a deficit of more than 4,600 units at this affordability level or ability to pay for ownership housing. Using the 2019 Census data, as mortgage rates have decreased, households at all income levels can afford higher home prices for a given level of income. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 44 of 56 For example, households making less than $35,000 may be able to afford housing up to $150,000. In this price bracket, the number of owner-occupied households who can afford housing is about 5,700 households, while approximately 3,900 of units in this price bracket are estimated to exist. This indicates a deficit of about 1,800 units for homes priced under $150,000 (as compared to a deficit of about 4,600 units priced under $130,000 in 2017). Similarly, in 2019, about 7,500 existing renter households in Gilbert: Gilbert conducted a 2019 Community Needs Assessment designed to review progress to date MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 45 of 56 from the 2014 Needs Assessment and help identify continued or new gaps in resources, plus prioritize populations in need of additional services in Gilbert. Individuals in need of mental health and substance abuse treatment, Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse, and human trafficking, Families in crisis, Homeless individuals and families and Low to moderate income individuals and families were identified as the top five populations in need residing in Gilbert. A critical piece to note in the prioritized list of recurrent needs common to all population groups is additional safe, affordable housing options. One of the highest priority activities for Gilbert to meet community needs is the mission to provide a suitable living environment by revitalizing low- to moderate income neighborhoods and generating affordable housing opportunities. Glendale: As with the rest of Arizona and most of the nation, the acute shortage of housing is a key gap in the City’s ability to fully address homelessness in the City. While the City has dedicated substantial financial resources to addressing homelessness through our Master Services Agreement CASS, HOME tenant-based rental assistance program through A New Leaf, eviction prevention, rapid rehousing, utility assistance through our Community Action Program, as well as providing leveraged funding for new affordable rental development, the nature of homelessness requires that most clients require ongoing case management services to maintain housing in the long-term. With other resources limited to provide these services, the City acknowledges that the primary gap in our service delivery system are ongoing supportive services. Scottsdale: The state of the housing market in our region and across the nation is demand is high and supply is low creating a domino effect as housing shortages force residents to compete for limited housing which bids up home prices and rents. There are impacts in Scottsdale not having sufficient housing stock at multiple price points. The most staggering manifestation is not being able to afford your housing is eviction and foreclosure. In fact, Scottsdale is currently completing a Housing Inventory & Stock Analysis to help identify these gaps further and is tentatively scheduled to be completed in Summer 2022. Another version we are seeing in 2021 is nonrenewal of leases. Essentially, a landlord or owner notifies a tenant (many long-term Scottsdale residents with perfect rental histories and with small or no support systems) they will not renew the lease thereby forcing the tenant to find housing elsewhere. Scottsdale Housing Agency recently submitted 5 Emergency Waiver requests directly to HUD allowing more flexibility in administering its programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these waivers has been approved and include higher payment standards to alleviate the excessive rent burdens and increase the opportunity to locate housing and allowing additional voucher extensions for more time to locate stable, safe and eligible units within the City of Scottsdale. There is a service delivery system in place through the municipal government, non-profits and faith-based organizations, however there is limited resources available to help homeless and those at risk of housing instability with longer-term supportive and financial services. Surprise: The gaps identified through this HOME-ARP plan development process remain consistent with what was identified through the community participation process of the City’s Consolidated Plan efforts. That is, there is an overall need for affordable and permanent supportive rental housing, as well as for the continued expansion of case management and supportive services. The need for affordable housing is evident, however, the need for supportive services is a more critical need at this time. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 46 of 56 The amount of time it takes to transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing continues to increase as rental housing wait lists grow in the public and private sectors. Additionally, increased rents in the private sector make it difficult for housing voucher utilization. During the most recent monthly consultation with A New Leaf in early January 2022, a total of 55 households were on the wait list for TBRA vouchers, with 3 approved and currently searching for placement. These numbers are not necessarily reflective of the need in Surprise as the waitlist has been closed since December due to the overwhelming response and need for the program. In the past, when the waitlist has closed and reopened, it fills again within days. Tempe: According to the 2014-2018 CHAS data, there is a total of 70,980 housing inventory in Tempe a gap of 42,395 affordable housing units for households earning less than fifty percent of area median income (AMI). It is expected that the true gap is higher based on increased demand for housing. The gaps identified through this HOME-ARP plan development process remain consistent with what was identified through the community participation process of the City’s Consolidated Planning efforts of the number of unmet needs. This includes shortages of emergency shelter and transitional housing beds, long term affordable housing, permanent supportive rental housing, as well as the expansion of case management and supportive services. Identify the characteristics of housing associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness if the jurisdiction will include such conditions in its definition of “other populations” as established in the HOME-ARP Notice: Avondale: Housing instability is created by many various factors that may include financial hardship, lack of supportive resources, mental health and often a combination of factors. Permanent housing is important to maintaining security for families to grow and thrive and resources and programming is a critical path in this regard. Chandler: The City plans to serve all qualifying populations. Gilbert: Characteristics of housing instability can include lack of affordability, cost burden, and difficulty in use of housing choice voucher holders. The changes in regional home values and rents have exceeded changes in median incomes for all households, meaning that households have lost their housing “purchasing power” and there is a lack of affordability and availability in Gilbert. The cost burden data indicates there are 8,556 households who spend more than 30% of their income on housing expenses and 3,596 households who spend more than 50% of their income on housing expenses making them vulnerable to homelessness. Providers who assist residents in utilization of housing vouchers have expressed the difficulty in finding landlords that will accept vouchers and finding quality units that are within the voucher amount, especially in a tight rental market where landlords can easily find residents without vouchers. The Pathways Home Regional Homeless Plan noted the effort to recruit and incentivize landlords by creating a centralized landlord engagement plan to assist in the acceptance of vouchers. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 47 of 56 Focusing on services to better divert residents experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness from emergency shelters through concentrated service delivery and housing placement will result in reducing the need for new beds because available beds would open more frequently or not be needed. Glendale: The City will not qualify the HOME-ARP definition of “other populations” by housing type. All program beneficiaries assisted as “other populations” will meet one of the two required definitions in CPD Notice 21-10, Section IV(A)(4). Scottsdale: Seniors defined as 65 and older qualify under other populations defined by the HOME-ARP Notice and Tenant Based Rental Assistance will serve those based on the needs and gap analysis as the population at greatest risk of housing instability in Scottsdale. Seniors are generally on a fixed income derived from SSI/SSD and their annual income is less than or equal to 30% of the area median income as determined by HUD and currently experiencing severe cost burden by paying 50% or more of their monthly household income towards housing costs. Surprise: The City of Surprise is not including other populations in its supportive services or TBRA programs. All qualifying populations will be considered for assistance. Tempe: Tempe will not adopt a definition of “other populations”. Identify priority needs for qualifying populations: Avondale: Affordable housing is the primary need for qualifying populations. Chandler: Persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Chandler are in urgent need of access to affordable housing, health and behavioral health care, stability and supportive services, and basic needs. Without access to safe, affordable housing, general health and welfare are at risk, employment is challenging to obtain and maintain, and children lack an environment to learn and thrive. Further, people without homes are among those facing COVID-19’s most severe consequences, including high infection rates, and, for older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions, increased risk of severe complications or death. Living in shelters or on the streets makes it almost impossible to observe social distancing or have access to other virus avoidance practices, like frequent hand-washing. Moreover, these risks fall especially hard on groups already experiencing disproportionate homelessness, including Black and Hispanic people, American Indians and Alaska Natives, survivors of family violence, LGBTQ+ youth, young adults “aging out” of the foster care system, and people returning home from jails and prisons. Gilbert: Expanding the supply and improving the quality of affordable housing for low- and moderate- income households are high priority goals for the Town of Gilbert. As noted, the focus on affordable housing will include the preservation and rehabilitation of existing affordable units and the production of additional affordable homes due to the aging housing stock and lack of affordable homes. Glendale: With robust street outreach, rapid rehousing, eviction prevention and construction of new affordable units underway or planned, keeping people housed through ongoing case management and MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 48 of 56 supportive services is vital to creating and maintaining long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency. The City and its partners will use the full range of supportive services eligible under HOME-ARP to complete individualized needs assessments for each client household, and develop and implement plans to maximize household self-sufficiency. This can only be accomplished through intensive, one-on-one case management services that assess and address client needs on a case-by-case basis, whether that includes reskilling for higher wage employment, tackling substance abuse and mental/physical health issues, providing child care and transportation and other McKinney-Vento services allowable under HOME-ARP guidelines. Scottsdale: Priority needs for qualifying populations of homeless is non congregate shelter and long-term rental assistance for Seniors through Tenant Based Rental Assistance. Surprise: From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, qualifying population in Surprise have struggled to maintain stable housing, with many facing eviction, job loss, childcare shortages, food insecurities, and other barriers to maintaining safe affordable housing. Persons experiencing homelessness have found barriers to accessing housing and services to stabilize their housing situation. The establishment of the Housing Support Center in partnership with A New Leaf will provide improved access to housing resources for qualifying populations including access to temporary non-congregate shelter, access to Coordinated Entry and other resources. Even with these new resources, qualifying populations need additional supportive services to help navigate the system. Housing focused supportive services and TBRA targeted to persons experiencing homeless will provide qualifying populations with the resources they need to successfully gain access to and maintain safe stable housing. Tempe: The gaps in services and program needs to provide affordable rental housing and supportive services were determined using data from multiple sources as well as personal consultation with community providers. For homeless populations, priority needs include homeless prevention and supportive services to achieve housing stability. For low-income households and households at risk of homelessness, priority needs include increased homeless prevention, tenant-based rental assistance coupled with supportive services to help achieve housing stability. In terms of supportive services, general needs for all types of qualifying populations include transportation to meet basic needs, such as food, and childcare, educations services, employment assistance and job training, housing search and counseling services, legal services, life skills training, outpatient health services. The Continuum of Care also noted a need for more resources to treat mental health issues and substance abuse. 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: Avondale: Feedback was solicited in various formats from various human services providers. Research was conducted including PIT count data and increasing data trends and lack of wrap around services for those experiencing homelessness. Chandler: The level of need and gaps in housing inventory and service delivery systems were determined through careful review and analysis of Census and CHAS data. In addition, qualitative information was provided at all the consultations noted in this plan that assisted in determining the focus of the City of MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 49 of 56 Chandler HOME-ARP. 5,600 housing units in the City of Chandler is needed to meet existing affordable housing need (Ownership-for sale unit priced below $215,000 and rental units priced below $875 monthly gross rent. In the fall of 2020, regional partners, including the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care (MRCoC), and the Regional Collaborative on Homelessness, initiated a comprehensive process of national research and local stakeholder engagement to identify a set of shared strategies that could meaningfully address the growing crisis of homelessness across Maricopa County and the portions of Pinal County within MAG’s service area. Through this process, the regional partners developed a portfolio of impactful immediate, medium- and long-term actions, tailored to local priorities and needs. Developing the Strategy Portfolio involved deep engagement and sustained participation by diverse stakeholders from across the community to identify the strategies that would be the most effective in achieving the portfolio’s mission to reduce and prevent unsheltered homelessness through collaboration across all sectors, making homelessness rare, brief, and one time. Through an extensive review of local and national research, data, and robust community feedback, stakeholders identified five areas of emphasis: Homelessness Diversion and Prevention, Housing Options, Coordination, Services, and Temporary Housing. Category Two: Housing Options, includes 1) Increase affordable housing, particularly for extremely low income (ELI) households; 2) Coordinate COVID-19 Relief Funds to support implementation of the Regional Homelessness Strategies; 3) Create a regional system for landlord engagement; and 4) Expand and coordinate housing flexible funding pool initiatives to support providers in meeting the unique needs of their clients. Gilbert: In Maricopa County the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased for the last four years. From 2019 to 2020, the region experienced a 12% increase in homelessness and an 18% increase in unsheltered homelessness. However, in Gilbert, like other cities in Maricopa County, there is a lack of affordable housing units. The affordable housing includes one (1) 55+ senior affordable senior housing complex with 100 units and only four other apartment complexes. In addition, ARM-Save the Family also operates a permanent affordable rental home program in Gilbert with a portfolio of 18 rental homes. Finally, it is estimated that 60 Housing vouchers are used in Gilbert annually. The total availability of units in Gilbert does not meet the need. Glendale: The City’s analysis of gaps is based on a review of available data from existing partnerships such as the Master Services Agreement with CASS, applications for assistance through our Community Action Program, rent and income data from the Low Income Housing Coalition and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). All data suggest that the reduction in available and affordable units, market absorption and residential vacancy rates, and 18.2% poverty rate in the City are contributing to increases in homelessness in the City and elsewhere. While the City has allocated significant resources in its efforts to address homelessness, current resources available for active case management of clients are lacking, with HOME- ARP funds as the only substantial source of funding for this purpose available for the foreseeable future. Scottsdale: Scottsdale works closely with Maricopa County and other local communities active in the Continuum of Care process, State agencies, local non-profit organizations and other departments of the City of Scottsdale in the development of the allocation plan to address housing, homeless and community MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 50 of 56 development needs /gaps and other local issues covered by the HOME ARP Allocation Plan through public hearings, meetings and a survey. Surprise: The gaps in services and program needs to provide affordable rental housing and supportive services were determined using data from multiple sources as well as consultations with community providers. Additionally, the need for long-term supportive services or case management to achieve housing stability has been identified as a priority among qualifying populations. For households that are currently housed but have challenges maintaining their home, the level of need was measured by the amount of inventory that is affordable, safe, and provides adequate living conditions, as well as the number of renter households that are experiencing severe housing cost burdens. These households need assistance to stay housed without becoming encumbered by the cost of their home. Tempe: The data was obtained during the Tempe’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan through the surveys and focus groups for the city’s current needs of the community. In consultation with local service providers and stakeholders. HOME-ARP Activities Describe the method for soliciting applications for funding and/or selecting developers, service providers, subrecipients and/or contractors and whether the jurisdiction will administer eligible activities directly: Avondale: Any opportunities will be solicited in conjunction with the City of Avondale’s procurement code and any pertaining federal procurement requirements to allow for open competition. Chandler: HOME-ARP Rental Housing funds will be made available as follows for a City’s affordable housing project. The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division has primarily solicited applications through several Notice of Funding Availability (NOFAs) seeking developers and/or subrecipients. A proposed project will utilize HOME-ARP funds in partnership with a co-developer to create new housing units (pending approval from the City’s Public Housing Authority Commission (PHAC)). In concert with the City’s procurement department the City has developed and completed the following development timeline: • Released RFQ for Qualified Developer(s) for RAD (September 1, 2020) • Interviewed/Selection of Qualified Developer(s) (October 14, 2020) • Released RFP for Co-Developer (December 2020) • Selected of Co-Developer (February 2021) • PHAC Presentation (February 2021) • Development Agreement (Proposed March 2022) • Secure financing LIHTC, HOME-ARP, CDBG, HOME other state and local sources (March 2022) • Begin Construction (Jan 2023) • Complete construction (2024) MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 51 of 56 The anticipated award is the full HOME-ARP amount of $1,717,654.00 for a City Co-developed rental housing project. • Funds may be used as gap financing for multi-family developments. • May be able to be layered with other local, state, or federal funds, including but not limited to Low Income Housing Tax Credits (both 9% and 4% credits) and RAD. National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) requirements are applicable for these funds. • Units serving Qualified Populations are only able to charge a household 30% of the tenant’s income. • May use and be awarded capitalized operating reserves if needed as described in HUD CPD notice 21-10. Operating costs cannot cover debt service for the HOME-ARP units. • Up to 30% of the HOME-ARP units may be for low-income households that are not Qualified Populations, as allowed by the HUD CPD Notice 21-10. • May adopt the PHA utility allowance schedule for Developments. Gilbert: Gilbert will follow its adopted policies on soliciting applications for funding and/or selecting developers, service providers, subrecipients and/or contractors by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualifying non-profits. Gilbert will not retain any of the funds for planning or administration. Glendale: The City of Glendale will split HOME-ARP funding between a current subrecipient (CASS) and internal programming, with CASS to receive an additional $2,021,081 to continue comprehensive supportive services under our Master Services Agreement (MSA). The City and CASS will amend the current subrecipient agreement, as necessary, to include language allowing CASS and its subagencies to undertake supportive and homelessness prevention services allowable under McKinney-Vento, as well as housing counseling services eligible under 24 CFR 5.100 and 24 CFR 5.111. The City will retain $640,000 of activity funding to create 2-3 temporary case management positions to work directly with qualifying populations on an ongoing basis. These positions will provide supportive and prevention services eligible under McKinney-Vento. The City will reserve $215,763 in administrative funding to supplement either the MSA or internal programs or a combination of both. Scottsdale: The City of Scottsdale Community Assistance Office and Scottsdale Housing Agency will administer the eligible activities directly. Surprise: The City of Surprise has established partnerships with qualified and effective program subrecipients to serve qualifying populations. For the HOME-Arp funding, Surprise staff will utilize an established subrecipient application process to solicit proposals from qualified non-profit service providers that offer supportive services and access to housing resources. Proposals will be solicited through a cloud-based application portal where applicants can provide all required information to demonstrate the organization is qualified to administer the HOME-ARP funding, and can successfully provide supportive services and housing resources to qualifying populations. Subrecipient progress will be monitored by the City through the cloud-based software to ensure program compliance and success. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 52 of 56 Tempe: Tempe expects to administer programs directly. If a program is outside the capacity of City staff, the City will conduct a Request for Proposal similar to its existing process for CDBG, ESG and HOME allocations. This process will be open to all qualified non-profit service providers. 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: Avondale: Due to limited services for those experiencing homelessness in the west valley, feedback from service providers and overall apparent needs, the prescribed activities will provide for currently unmet programming to fill existing gaps. Chandler: As noted in the Data Analysis section, Chandler has significant need for rental housing inventory to serve the eligible population for HOME-ARP. Regional stakeholders recognize that the community must increase affordable housing, particularly for ELI residents, expand available supportive housing solutions, and increase access to units. In a survey of municipal staff who participated in a forum on proposed strategies, close to 50% of respondents selected increasing affordable housing for ELI households as a top priority. In a survey of people with lived experience of homelessness, 76% of respondents said that housing would be the most helpful for ending homelessness. Gilbert: The HOME-ARP funds will provide affordable rental housing to HUD defined qualifying populations. as all groups are identified as high priority need based on the 2019 Needs Assessment and council priorities. Glendale: The need for housing is paramount, and the City has already dedicated substantial financial resources and a streamlined service delivery system to create new rental units, rehouse the homeless and keep those at risk of homelessness housed in place. These investments have and will continue to increase new long-term housing opportunities for those at the lowest income levels, yet challenges will remain to keep people housed, particularly those experiencing homelessness. With limited funding for public services available from the City’s annual CDBG and ESG allocations, and CARES Act allocations committed to other activities, the need for ongoing supportive services through active case management is essential to ensure that those housed through other City programs remain stable and sustainable. Scottsdale: Based on the needs and analysis demand is high and supply is low for housing at multiple pricing points which in turn is driving the costs higher. In addition, there is a large number of non-renewal of leases due to the market driven increases in rent forcing long-term residents, including the senior population out of their homes leaving them the inability to age in place. There is a continuum of services available for seniors in the community, however the largest gap is in longer-term financial solutions to meet the basic need of decent and safe housing. Scottsdale is void of non-congregate and congregate shelters for the homeless with the exception of families with children and those fleeing domestic violence. This gap leaves the most vulnerable on the streets of Scottsdale. This leaves a large gap with the homeless, those at risk of homeless and recently homeless and for whom rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness of having high risk of MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 53 of 56 housing instability. Between September 2020 and December of 2021 there were 2,775 unduplicated contacts with the homeless population and these numbers will continue to rise without the intensive case management and supportive services the homeless population needs to thrive and move towards housing stability. Surprise: Identified as a top priority from recent consultations and the City’s Consolidated Plan, current supportive services in the City of Surprise are inadequate. Many of the families or individuals who receive assistance to mitigate homelessness require wrap-around services with their housing because of the compounding challenges they face. The City will support organizations that provide supportive services to help eligible participants achieve self-sufficiency. Tempe: Supported services was identified as one of the top priorities during the HOME-ARP consultations. Families or individuals who receive assistance to mitigate homelessness require wrap-around services with their housing because of the compounding challenges they face. The City will provide supportive services to help eligible participants assisted in their TBRA, no congregate shelter units, homeless prevention, and rapid rehousing programs to help achieve self- sufficiency and housing stability. MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 54 of 56 Public Participation MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 55 of 56 MARICOPA HOME CONSORTIUM HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN Page 56 of 56