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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNew HOPE WHSP ApplicationWorkforce Housing Services Program - Request for Proposals FY 2025 *indicates a required field Applicant Information Corporate/Entity Name New HOPE CDC Financial Fiduciary New HOPE CDC Organization Receiving Payment New HOPE CDC Type of Applicant Private Incorporated Non-Profit Agency with IRS 501(c)(3) Designation Applicant Established Date & State 03/24/2024, North Carolina Organization Principal Name and Title Robert Campbell, CEO Principal Email Address RobertCampbell@newhope-cdc.org Principal Phone Number 9102640732 Please include the name, phone number, and email address of the person that should receive updates about the status of your proposal. Contact Name Level Up Strategies, LLC Contact Email Address Grants@newhope-cdc.org Phone Number 9103178080 Preferred Contact Method Email In addition to the above, non-profit organizations must provide: • 501(c)3 Determination Letter • List of Board Members with Terms • Organization By-laws • Articles of Incorporation • Current Year Operating Budget • Most Recent Financial Statement, Audit, and Form 990 501(c)3 Determination Letter New HOPE CDC 501c3.PDF List of Board Members with Terms New HOPE CDC Board of Directors.pdf Organization By-Laws New HOPE CDC Bylaws Full Version .pdf Articles of Incorporation Articles of Incorporation_HOPE CDC.pdf Current Year Operating Budget NHCDC Operating Budget.pdf Most Recent Financial Statement New HOPE CDC Financials 06-30-2024.pdf Most Recent Audit Field not completed. Most Recent Form 990 2022 New Hope CDC 990 - Signed.pdf Project Summary Project/Program Name Rental Assistance Program (RAP) & Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP): Number of Units/Households to be Assisted 140 Project Location/Address The project and program areas for the Workforce Housing Grant initiatives, conducted by New HOPE CDC, are located within New Hanover County. This includes the entire county, encompassing various neighborhoods and communities that will benefit from the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP). Project Location: Primary Area: New Hanover County, North Carolina Specific Sites: Various neighborhoods within the county, identified based on participant eligibility. These initiatives will serve diverse areas across New Hanover County, targeting those in need of rental assistance and down payment support to ensure housing stability and affordability for low to moderate- income families. Number of Units/Households to be Assisted: New HOPE CDC plans to assist a total of 140 units/households through two primary initiatives: Rental Assistance Program (RAP): A minimum of 127 families will receive support. Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP): A minimum of 13 households will be provided with down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase a home. These programs will serve diverse areas across New Hanover County, targeting low to moderate-income families in need of rental assistance and homeownership support. The combined efforts of RAP and DAP will significantly enhance housing stability for 140 households in New Hanover County. Project Location: Primary Area: New Hanover County, North Carolina Specific Sites: We will advertise across the county and participants will be selected based on eligibility criteria. Please upload a location map clearly indicating the project site or program service area. County Map.jpg Estimated Total Project/Program Cost Workforce Housing Support Program (WHSP), Funding Requested and Total Project Cost: We are requesting $1,000,000; New HOPE CDC will contribute an additional $70,000, ensuring a total project cost of $1,070,000. This funding will enable the effective implementation and sustainability of the RAP and DAP programs, enhancing housing stability and homeownership opportunities for workforce families in New Hanover County. The WHSP funds will be distributed as follows: Rental Assistance Program (RAP): $500,000 Purpose: To support a minimum of 127 rental units. Details: Funds will cover rental assistance payments, administrative costs, and participant support services. Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP): $500,000 Purpose: To assist at least 13 households with down payments and closing costs to purchase their first home. Details: Participants agree to 6 months program case management training in financial management, Credit, Mortgages Matters, Foreclosures, Understanding the Escrow Process and Home Ownership 101. After completion of training, each household will receive up to $20,000 for down payments and additional funds for closing costs, totaling approximately $27,500 per participant. WHSP funding requested (max $1.5 million) and total project cost vs. request New HOPE CDC is requesting $1,000,000 in funding from the Workforce Housing Support Program (WHSP) to support the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP). Rental Assistance Program (RAP): $500,000 Purpose: To serve a minimum of 127 rental units, providing essential rental assistance to workforce families. Details: Funds will cover direct rental assistance payments, administrative costs, and support services for RAP participants. Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP): $500,000 Purpose: To assist a minimum of 13 households with down payments and closing costs. Details: Each household will receive up to $20,000 in down payment assistance and additional funds for closing costs, totaling approximately $27,500 per participant. By securing $1,000,000 in WHSP funding, New HOPE CDC will effectively implement and sustain the RAP and DAP programs, significantly enhancing housing stability and homeownership opportunities for workforce families in New Hanover County. WHSP Funding Requested (Maximum $1.5 Million) 1,000,000.00 Are you requesting an award in the form of a low- interest loan or a grant? Grant If requesting a loan, please describe the loan terms/interest rate requested. Field not completed. Project Type Down payment assistance for income eligible homebuyers, Tenant-based rental assistance Project Narrative Project Timeline New HOPE CDC's Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is an ongoing initiative designed to provide rental assistance to workforce families within New Hanover County. This program does not involve the sale or rental of any property owned by New HOPE CDC. Since 2023, New HOPE CDC has been partnering with New Hanover County to facilitate housing relief efforts for county citizens. Under this current partnership, we have successfully serviced 72 families and provided over $50,000 in rental assistance. The program, funded by the County for FY23-24, has been yielding positive results from this financial partnership. The program continues to provide rental assistance payments to enrolled participants, maintain partnerships with local landlords and property managers, and offer support services such as financial counseling and case management to ensure housing stability for our participants. In the first three months, New HOPE CDC plans to expand outreach efforts to enroll additional eligible participants and strengthen community partnerships to identify and assist more workforce families in need. From months four to six, the focus will be on enhancing support services by offering workshops on financial literacy and tenant rights. The program's effectiveness will also be monitored and assessed to ensure continuous improvement. From months seven to twelve, regular assessments will be conducted to evaluate the program's impact on housing stability. Data-driven adjustments will be made to improve program delivery and participant outcomes. The ultimate goal of New HOPE CDC's Rental Assistance Program is to stabilize rental housing for workforce families, contributing to their overall well-being and economic stability. By expanding outreach and enhancing support services, New HOPE CDC intends to make a significant impact on the lives of those served in New Hanover County. New HOPE CDC's Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) is a new initiative designed to facilitate homeownership for workforce families within New Hanover County. This program will provide financial assistance for down payments and closing costs, helping families transition from renting to owning their homes. The median home price in New Hanover County is currently around $350,000, which poses a significant barrier for many workforce families striving to purchase a home. The high cost of housing often forces families to remain in rental situations, where they are unable to build equity or achieve long-term financial stability. New HOPE CDC’s DAP program addresses this challenge by offering up to $20,000 in down payment assistance and additional funds for closing costs, totaling approximately $27,500 per participant. This substantial financial support can bridge the gap between what families have saved and what they need to secure a mortgage, making homeownership a reality for those who might otherwise be unable to afford it. The program will begin with a comprehensive outreach campaign to enroll eligible participants who are already pre-approved for a mortgage and just need additional funding to close the gap to purchase. During the first three months, New HOPE CDC will collaborate with local community organizations and real estate professionals to spread awareness and identify potential beneficiaries. Once participants are enrolled, they will receive personalized financial counseling and homebuyer education to prepare them for successful homeownership. This phase will occur over the next three months, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to manage their finances and maintain their new homes. From months seven to twelve, participants will receive the financial assistance needed to cover their down payments and closing costs. New HOPE CDC will provide up to $20,000 in down payment assistance and additional funds for closing costs, totaling approximately $27,500 per participant. This support will help families close the gap and complete their home purchases. Throughout the program's duration, regular assessments will be conducted to evaluate its impact on homeownership success. Data-driven adjustments will be made to improve program delivery and participant outcomes. Continued support services will be provided to ensure long-term stability and success for new homeowners. Together, these programs seek to empower workforce families by providing the necessary support to achieve housing stability and homeownership, contributing to their overall well-being and financial security. Through continued efforts and community partnerships, New HOPE CDC is committed to making a significant and lasting impact on the lives of families in New Hanover County. Strategic Goals Addressed Increasing Housing Access Describe how your project will address the strategic goal(s) listed above. The New HOPE Community Development Corporation's (New HOPE CDC) Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is strategically designed to increase access to stable housing for the workforce of New Hanover County. Our program focuses on expanding rental assistance to address the critical housing needs of the county's residents, directly aligning with the goal of enhancing housing accessibility. According to a 2024 study by the North Carolina Housing Coalition, 3,018 families in New Hanover County (NHC) faced eviction, representing 15% of all cost-burdened renters. Furthermore, 35% of households in NHC are cost- burdened, a figure that rises to 53% when considering only renters. These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective rental assistance to stabilize housing for a significant portion of the county's population. The rising vacancy rate of 6.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 indicates that many local residents are being priced out of apartments and can no longer afford housing. This situation is exacerbated by rising housing costs and stagnant salary trends, which pose a significant threat to the economic stability and identity of New Hanover County. As workforce residents are increasingly forced to move to neighboring counties like Pender, Brunswick, and Columbus in search of affordable housing, New Hanover risks losing essential community members who are vital to its social and economic fabric. The New HOPE Rental Assistance Program addresses these challenges by providing finan Presumptive Eligibility Presumption 2 Explain how your project/program meets the selected presumption. Both the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and the Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) operated by New HOPE CDC meet the presumptive eligibility criteria. RAP aligns with federal rental assistance programs and serves households up to 120% AMI, ensuring housing stability. DAP supports homeownership through financial assistance, aligning with federal homeownership programs and making homeownership more attainable for workforce families. These programs effectively address the housing needs of workforce families in New Hanover County, ensuring access to stable and affordable housing. Immediate Impact Describe how the project supports allocation of funds by December 31, 2024 and disbursement of funds by December 31, 2026 The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) by New HOPE CDC are designed to swiftly enhance housing stability and homeownership opportunities for workforce families in New Hanover County. RAP, already in progress, will allocate funds by December 31, 2024, and disburse them by December 31, 2026, through efficient enrollment, mandatory monthly follow-ups, and case management. Similarly, DAP will allocate funds by December 31, 2024, and disburse them by December 31, 2026, by assisting eligible participants with down payment and closing costs, coupled with financial counseling, resource referrals and monthly meetings. Both programs ensure timely allocation and effective disbursement of funds, addressing immediate housing needs and promoting long-term stability for participants. Describe how the project will quickly deploy units to market and break ground by July 2025 The funding requested for the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) by New HOPE CDC is not intended for the construction or acquisition of property. Instead, these programs are designed to provide immediate financial assistance for rental support and homeownership, ensuring swift deployment of resources to aid workforce families in New Hanover County. Since the focus is on financial assistance rather than physical development, the project can quickly allocate and disburse funds without the need for breaking ground or bringing new units to market by July 2025. Strategic Priorities Addressed Mixture of Price Points and AMI Describe the household/unit mix expected to be served by the program/project. The New HOPE CDC Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is designed to address a strategic mix of household income levels, ensuring broad access to affordable housing for workforce families in New Hanover County. The program will assist a total of 127 units, with the greatest concentration in the 60% to 120% Area Median Income (AMI) range. The household/unit mix is as follows: 80 units between 60% and 120% AMI: These units are targeted at families earning between 60% and 120% of the AMI, addressing the needs of the majority of workforce families who often face challenges affording market-rate housing. 25 units at or below 80% AMI: These units will support families earning up to 80% of the AMI, providing critical rental assistance to those slightly below the median income but still struggling with housing costs. 22 units at or below 60% AMI: These units will be available for families earning up to 60% of the AMI, ensuring that lower-income households have access to safe and affordable housing options. By strategically distributing assistance across these income levels, New HOPE CDC looks to maximize the impact of the RAP program, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where workforce families can achieve housing stability and long-term financial security. The New HOPE CDC Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) is designed to address the critical need for affordable homeownership opportunities for workforce families in New Hanover County. Given the high housing costs, which presen Period of Affordability Will the units be preserved in affordability for at least 20 years? How many years beyond the minimum 20 years? N/A Describe how you will ensure compliance with the affordability requirement once the project is completed. N/A Acceptance of Housing Choice Vouchers Will your project accept Housing Choice Vouchers? New HOPE CDC has extensive experience in managing programs that provide critical support to individuals and families in need of housing assistance, including those who utilize housing vouchers. Since 2021, our organization has been actively involved in the NC Healthy Opportunities Pilot as a Human Services Organization, successfully serving more than 3,500 households annually. This initiative has allowed us to develop robust systems and partnerships that enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive support to our participants. Our rental assistance program specifically offers support to eligible participants, including those with housing vouchers. We understand that many individuals in the workforce demographic often do not qualify for other forms of assistance, such as housing vouchers, making our program vital for supporting those who are eligible. By providing targeted rental assistance, we address a significant gap in resources, helping residents navigate housing challenges and maintain stability. Our experience with the NC Healthy Opportunities Pilot has equipped us with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage rental assistance programs and support participants in overcoming barriers to secure affordable housing. This experience underscores our commitment to addressing the needs of those who struggle to secure housing on their own and face challenges in accessing other types of aid. Through our dedicated efforts, we continue to play a crucial role in ensuring hous Site/Eligibility Criteria • Evidence of appropriate zoning for proposed project, if applicable • Technical Review Committee approval including preliminary plat or site plan approval, if applicable • Evidence the site is not impacted by environmental problems such as a brownfield and flood hazard, if applicable Evidence of appropriate zoning Field not completed. Technical Review Committee approval Field not completed. Evidence that site is not impacted by environmental problems Field not completed. Describe how WHSP funding will expand existing programs and/or projects, if applicable. Currently, the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) does not provide ongoing rental assistance. WHSP funding can significantly enhance the effectiveness of our existing Rental Assistance Program (RAP) in New Hanover County by: Filling the Gap Between HOP and WHSP: Since our 2023 partnership, we have successfully served 72 families, demonstrating our capacity to fill the gap between the temporary support offered by HOP and the long-term rental assistance needed to ensure housing stability. WHSP funding will allow us to continue and expand this critical support. Supporting Those Ineligible for Other Assistance: Many participants who do not qualify for Section 8 vouchers or other low-income housing programs, and those who do not earn enough to afford higher-cost rental units, will benefit from this funding. WHSP funds will provide crucial support to these individuals, ensuring they can maintain stable housing. Enhanced Support Services: WHSP funding will enable us to expand our support services, including comprehensive financial counseling, credit repair workshops, and tenant education programs. These services will equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge for long-term financial stability and housing maintenance. Case Management Expansion: Increasing the number of case managers with WHSP funding will allow for more personalized support and follow-up with participants. This will lead to better outcomes by providing tailored assistance and ensuring that participants Tell us if the project is supported by any other New Hanover County grant, funding, or contribution. The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) has received $119,000 in funding from the New Hanover County (NHC) Capacity Fund for FY24-25. While this funding is specifically allocated for impact zones within the city limits of New Hanover County, it represents just a small portion of our broader efforts to support workforce tenants across the entire county. Our aim is to bring transformational change to the workforce tenants we serve, providing comprehensive rental assistance and support services that foster long- term housing stability and financial well-being. Additionally, we plan to submit Letters of Intent to the New Hanover Community Endowment for funding for both the RAP and our pilot Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP). Given the significant need in our community and our proven track record of success, we are hopeful that our funding requests will be granted. This strategic approach to securing funding ensures that we can expand and enhance our programs, making a substantial impact on the housing challenges faced by workforce families in New Hanover County. How will you fund/develop your project/program if your proposal is not approved for funding? If our application for WHSP funding is not approved, New HOPE CDC will continue to seek alternative funding sources and develop our programs to ensure the continued support and expansion of the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and the pilot Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP). Our strategies include: Pursuing Other Grants and Funding Opportunities: We will actively pursue other grant opportunities from local, state, and federal sources. This includes submitting applications to foundations, non-profit organizations, and government programs that support housing stability and homeownership initiatives. New Hanover Community Endowment: As mentioned, we plan to submit Letters of Intent to the New Hanover Community Endowment for both RAP and DAP funding. We are optimistic about these requests given our track record and the demonstrated need in our community. Partnerships and Collaborations: We will strengthen and expand our partnerships with local businesses, real estate professionals, and community organizations. By collaborating with these stakeholders, we can leverage additional resources, share expertise, and create joint initiatives that support our housing programs. Fundraising Campaigns: New HOPE CDC will initiate targeted fundraising campaigns to garner support from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community supporters. These campaigns will highlight the impact of our programs and encourage contributions that help sustain our efforts. Advocacy and Policy Work: We will engage in advocacy efforts to influence local housing policies and increase public and private investment in affordable housing. By raising awareness of the housing challenges faced by workforce families, we aim to attract broader support for our initiatives. Exploring Social Impact Investments: We will explore opportunities for social impact investments and low- interest loans from financial institutions and impact investors who are interested in supporting community development and affordable housing projects. By implementing these strategies, New HOPE CDC is committed to ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Rental Assistance Program and the Down Payment Assistance Program, regardless of the outcome of our WHSP funding application. Our dedication to addressing the housing needs of workforce families in New Hanover County remains unwavering. Describe how your policies and procedures give access to housing for residents with credit challenges or those who may have been involved in the justice system (or upload to the right, if applicable). Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure that residents with credit challenges or involvement with the justice system have access to housing through the New H.O.P.E. Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP). We believe that past financial difficulties or legal issues should not disqualify individuals from receiving the support they need. Credit history and involvement with the legal system will not affect eligibility for the New H.O.P.E. RAP and DAP programs. We understand that many individuals face challenges such as poor credit scores or legal issues that can impact their ability to secure housing. Our programs are inclusive and accessible, ensuring that all eligible participants have the opportunity to benefit from rental and down payment assistance. In addition to providing financial aid, we offer comprehensive counseling to help participants address credit and financial challenges. This includes assistance with credit repair and financial management, empowering participants to improve their financial health and make informed decisions about their future. While we do not handle legal services in-house, we plan to refer participants needing legal support to appropriate legal service providers. This ensures that participants have access to the necessary resources to address any housing- related legal issues they may encounter. Our approach ensures that individuals are not penalized for past difficulties but are supported in achievin Fair Housing policies/procedures Field not completed. Tell us how your proposal supports New Hanover County's commitment to equity and inclusion. Our proposal for the New H.O.P.E. Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) aligns with New Hanover County’s commitment to equity and inclusion by ensuring fair and unbiased access to housing support. To uphold these principles, we use a committee formed by independent members of our community to review and approve applications. These committee members receive redacted applications to ensure unbiased evaluation and selection, promoting fairness and equity in the distribution of rental assistance funds. This process guarantees that all eligible applicants are assessed based on their needs and circumstances, free from any potential biases. Furthermore, New HOPE CDC is dedicated to equity and inclusion not only in our programs but also as an employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our hiring practices prioritize diversity, and we provide ongoing training and development to ensure that our team is equipped to serve our diverse community effectively. Through these efforts, New HOPE CDC strives to support New Hanover County’s goals of equity and inclusion, ensuring that all residents have equal access to the housing assistance they need to achieve stability and security. Describe how your development will comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act mandates that all grantees, partners, RAP/DAP beneficiaries, subrecipients, and developers receiving federal assistance certify that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any housing program or activity based on age, race, color, creed, religion, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, or marital status. New HOPE CDC and its contractors are committed to ensuring that all applicants are treated in full compliance with the federal Fair Housing Act, the Civil Rights requirements of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act, and the North Carolina Fair Housing Act (Chapter 41A of the North Carolina General Statutes). To ensure compliance, New HOPE CDC has dedicated staff responsible for the following: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: Our programs are designed and implemented to actively promote fair housing opportunities for all eligible individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. Referring Fair Housing Complaints: Any fair housing complaints received are promptly referred to HUD or other appropriate agencies for investigation and resolution. We ensure that participants are directed to the correct resources for addressing their concerns. Administering Programs in Accordance with Our Fair Housing Plan: All New HOPE CDC programs, including RAP and DAP, are administered in strict adherence to our Fair Housing Plan. Additional Information Project Budget/Pro Forma (must be the spreadsheet provided) New HOPE WHSP Budget FY24-25.xlsx Resume of staff who will manage the project. New Hope RAP, DAP Program Resumes.pdf Three examples of past experience, including project title, description, number of units/households assisted, project year, and location. Examples of Experience (3) .pdf Letters of support from other funding sources. Field not completed. Additional Uploads E-Verify -Signed.pdf Additional Uploads New HOPE CDC - Expanded Answers .pdf Additional Uploads WHSP Certifications.pdf