Human Services Department 308 Forrest Avenue

BREVARD COUNTY HOME CONSORTIUM

FY 2012- 2013 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND

EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)

DECEMBER 2013

Housing and Human Services Department

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building B, Suite 106

Viera, FL 32940

Phone (321) 633-2076

FAX (321) 633-2170

2012-2013 Brevard County Consortium

Consolidated Annual Performance

And

Evaluation Report (CAPER)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Narratives

Executive Summary

Section I: Summary of Resources and Distribution of Funds

Section II: General CAPER Narratives

A. Assessment of One-Year Goals and Objectives

B. Consolidated Accomplishments Related to Strategic Plan Goals

C. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing

D. Affordable Housing

E. Continuum of Care

F. Other Actions

G. Lead Based Paint

H. Public Housing

I. Section 3

J. Affirmative Marketing Procedures

K. MBE/WBE Programs

L. Leveraging Resources

M. Match Requirements

N. Citizen Participation

O. Self-Evaluation

P. Managing the Process

Q. Monitoring

Section III: Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Narratives

A. Assessments of Relationships of CDBG Funds to Goals and Objectives

B. Changes in Program Objectives

C. Assessment of Efforts in Carrying Out Planned Actions

D. Use of CDBG Funds for National Objectives

E. Anti-Displacement and Relocation

F. Low/Mod Job Activities

G. Public Services

H. Program Income Received

I. Prior Period Adjustments

J. Loans and Other Receivables

K. Lump Sum Agreements

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L. Housing Rehabilitation

M. Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies

N. Anti-Poverty Strategy

Section IV: HOME Program Narratives

A. Consortium HOME Housing Goals/Accomplishments

B. Assessment of Relationship of HOME Funds to Goals and Objectives

C. Assessments

D. Minority Outreach

E. Affirmative Marketing

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Section V: ESG & HOPWA Programs Narratives 44

Section VI: Public Participation 44

Section VII: Appendices

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2 | P a g e B r e v a r d C o u n t y C o n s o r t i u m – C A P E R F i s c a l Y e a r 2 0 1 2 / 2 0 1 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, or CAPER, summarizes the accomplishments achieved through the use of entitlement funds allocated from the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) for the 2012 Program Year or

October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.

As lead agency with administrative authority, Brevard County (“County”) offers residents access to affordable housing and community based services through a unique cooperative effort that includes the cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne and Palm Bay. These municipalities combine to form a legal entity, created through an intergovernmental agreement, known as the Brevard

County Consortium (“Consortium). This Consortium receives, allocates and reports HOME and

Community Development Block Grant funds annually.

This cooperative effort consolidates housing and grant programs into a common vision and plan known as the consolidated planning process. The Consortium utilizes the consolidated planning process to address each of the following three components: HOME Investment Partnership

Program Consortium Five Year Consolidated Plan, The Annual Action Plan and the

Consolidated Annual Performance Report.

This single CAPER will provide a report each of the entitlement grants received, an assessment of how the objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan were addressed, proposed and actual accomplishments, summary of leveraged resources and distribution of funds, geographic distribution and location of assistance, families and households assisted, as well as actions taken to affirmatively further fair housing. It is used as an evaluation tool for HUD as well as each member of the Consortium.

While each member is a Community Development Block Grant entitlement community and receives funds directly from HUD irrespective of each other, the member cities have included their individual Community Development Block Grant Annual Performance Reports on behalf of their specific jurisdictions.

As required by HUD, all plans (HOME Investment Partnership Program and Community

Development Block Grant) are then submitted to HUD by the County as one report, no later than

December 28, 2013.


SECTION 1: SUMMARY OF RESOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS

The Consortium received federal entitlement grants for the HOME Investment Partnerships

Program (“HOME”) and Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) in the amount of

$2,105,685 for Program Year 2012. This total represents $925,964 in HOME funds and

$1,179,721 for CDBG funds. The match requirements of twenty-five percent (25%) will be realized by funds received from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program funds in the amount of $231,491.

A total of $2,592,799 of HOME and CDBG funds were expended for affordable housing, homelessness, fair housing and non homeless special needs services during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The CDBG funds were expended throughout targeted neighborhoods and areas located throughout the 72 miles of Brevard County. Attached in Section VI, Appendix E are lists and accompanying maps of target areas, areas of poverty, and areas of minority and elderly populations.

In addition to funds received from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (“SHIP”),

HOME and CDBG entitlement funds, the Consortium leverages additional resources received through local, state and federal opportunities in order to address community needs and further the objectives outlined in the consolidated planning process. For example, in program year 2011,

$3,032,850 was allocated through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, also known as

NSP3, which was used to acquire, renovate then sell or rent units that promote the affordability, sustainability or availability outcome. Funding received during the 2012-2013 fiscal year include the following grants and/or programs:

•

$ 1,540,777 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

•

$ 510,200 Community Based Organization (CBO) General Fund

• $ 307,428 DOE Weatherization

•

$ 242,539 Community Service Block Grant (CSBG)

•

$ 66,667 Staffing Grant (Homeless)

$ 2,667,611 Total


SECTION II: GENERAL CAPER NARRATIVES

The overall goal of the Consortium Five Year Plan to provide assistance for targeted communities and special needs populations is to primarily serve very low, low and moderate income persons in the following areas:

Provide decent housing

Create a viable living environment

Expand economic opportunities

These goals are achieved by targeting one of the three outcomes:

Availability/Accessibility

Affordability

Sustainability

The Action Plan focused on the goals of the Consortium as they relate to the provision of decent housing, viable environments and the expansion of economic opportunities within the

Consortium service areas and CDBG strategy areas. The Consolidated Plan identified the below referenced needs as a priority using statistical data, neighborhood meetings, survey results, neighborhood plans and public hearings:

Homeless Shelters

Transitional Housing

Public Safety, Crime Prevention and Nuisance

Land Acquisition

Neighborhood Capacity Building

Fair Housing

Public Services

Infrastructure

Public Facilities

Economic Development

Homeowner Purchase Assistance

Owner Occupied Rehabilitation

Rental Occupancy Assistance

Tenant Based Rental Assistance

Demolition and Clearance

Acquisition/Rehabilitation of Existing Rental

Units

Rehabilitation of Existing Rental Units


This Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) provides an assessment of the Consortium’s 2012-2013 fiscal year HOME expenditures and the 2012-2013 fiscal year

CDBG expenditures provided by HUD in comparison to the goals and objectives in 2012

Consolidated Action Plan. The Consolidated Plan guides the allocation of HOME and CDBG funds for housing and community development through the engagement of citizens, public/private agencies, nonprofit organizations, elected leaders, and Consortium member cities.

The strategic objectives and outcomes of the Action Plan are:

•

Improve access to affordable housing through first time homebuyer purchase assistance, working with Community Development Housing Organizations (CHDOs) to purchase attaining the goals and objectives for the reporting period. Provide a breakdown of the CPD formula grant funds spent on grant activities for each goal and objective. If applicable, explain why progress was not made towards meeting the goals and objectives.

The following charts are illustrative of the fiscal year 2012-2013 accomplishments as they relate to the Consolidated Plan objectives, goals, and priority needs. The Affordable Housing Matrix found in Section VII Appendix, combines HUD Tables 1C, 2C, and 3A, and provides a detailed breakdown for each objective, established goals, units produced, total of funds expended for each objective and outcome expected, inclusive of the funding sources and total outcomes.


B. Consolidated Accomplishments Related to Strategic Plan Goals - describe the manner in which the recipient would change its program as a result of its experiences.

Priorities are reviewed to make adjustments in programs and projects that are necessary for meeting the established goals in the Consolidated Plan. If during the program year a priority need becomes higher than previously established, it can be amended in the Consolidated Plan and can be implemented in the Annual Action Plan. The Consortium continues to engage in activities which will help overcome the effects of the listed impediments.

PRIORITY HOUSING NEEDS: HOMEOWNERSHIP- Rehabilitation of Existing

Owner Units

Objective: Increase the affordability and quality of owner-occupied housing through repair, rehabilitation or replacement assistance for very low and low income households. Sustainability and Affordability.

Description Accomplishments Project / Agency

Rehabilitation, Repair

Replacement and

Program

Households at or below 80% of the area median income may qualify for repairs or rehabilitation up to and including, demolition of substandard housing and construction of a new home.

HOME

County (BC) – Two (2) homes were rehabilitated. Total Expended:

$58,752.20

Cocoa (C) – Eight (8) homes were rehabilitated.

$89,667.42

Total Expended:

Melbourne (M) - Two (2) homes were rehabilitated. Total Expended:

$179,497.60

SHIP

County (BC) - Sixteen (16) homes were rehabilitated. Total Expended:

$604,207.08.

Housing Rehabilitation and Energy Efficiency

Program

Households at or below 80%

AMI and meeting program criteria and guidelines can apply for assistance with repairs/improvements to

HOME

Titusville (T) - Three (3) homes were rehabilitated. Total expended:

$75,244.40


Emergency

Repair Program

Housing their owner-occupied home to bring them up to minimum housing standards.

Priority assistance is given to “special needs” population.

Households at or below 80%

AMI and meeting program criteria and guidelines can apply for assistance with repairs to their home that constitute an emergency to health and safety of the occupants. Priority is given to “special needs” population.

Neighborhood Facade

Improvement Program

Properties located within the

City’s two target areas;

Indian River City and South

Street, can apply for a loan to perform facade improvements to their owner-occupied residence.

Applicants must be at or below 80% AMI. Loans require 5%, 10% or 20% match based upon income level, and forgiven after five years.

Weatherization Program Households at or below

200% of the Brevard County poverty guidelines may receive a grant for energy efficient repairs.

SHIP

Titusville (T) - Two (2) homes were repaired. Total Expended:

$5,154.00

CDBG

Titusville (T) - Two (2) owneroccupied homes were repaired.

Total Expended: $27,718.25

Weatherization Assistance Program-

County (BC) – 47 homes were weatherized. Total Expended:

$307,428.


PRIORITY HOUSING NEED: HOMEOWNERSHIP- Home-ownership assistance

Objective: Increase the supply of affordable owner-occupied housing by providing funding for construction, down payment assistance, and housing counseling to low and moderate-income households. Also, to assist homeowners with one time funding opportunities to retain their present home. Objective: Affordability and Sustainability.

Project/Agency Description Accomplishments

First

Homebuyer/

Down Payment

Assistance

Program

Time

First Time

Homebuyer/Down

Payment

Assistance

Program

–

Neighborhood

Stabilization

Program

Income eligible households are loaned down payment and closing costs assistance.

Provides direct assistance to income-eligible firsttime homebuyers for down payment, closing costs, or principal buy down assistance. Loans are provided through a

Deferred Payment Loan which is forgiven at a specified rate over the affordability period, and forgiven at the end of the affordability provided no default has occurred. period

HOME

BC - Twenty (20) clients have been assisted.


Palm Bay (P/B): Twenty (20) clients were assisted. Total Expended: $321,461

NSP1

County (BC) - Four (4) clients were assisted. Total Expended:

$33,504.51

Titusville (T) - Two (2) clients were assisted


NSP1 Program Income

Titusville (T)- One (1) client was assisted


NSP3

County (BC) - One (1) client was assisted. Total Expended:

$6,593.63

Homeownership

Counseling

Program

The Purchase Assistance

Workshop is a 5.5 hour comprehensive course that includes every facet of the home buying experience from whether to rent or buy; through post closing, foreclosure prevention, and hurricane preparation.

HOME

County (BC) – Sixty-two (62) clients have been assisted. Total Expended: $3,006.88

SHIP

County (BC)-One Hundred Sixty (70) clients have been assisted. Total

Expended: $5,326.42


Foreclosure

Assistance

Hardest Hit Program funded under the

Emergency Economic

Stabilization Act for states hardest hit by foreclosures to provide temporary assistance to eligible homeowners. The state directs to the homeowner’s lender; no record of total dollars are available locally.

Palm Bay (PB) - Two Hundred

Seventy Seven (277) clients received counseling. No charge to the

City.

Hardest Hit Program

County (BC) – Twenty-Nine (29) clients were served

Cocoa (C) - Twenty Three (23) clients were assisted.


PRIORITY HOUSING NEED: HOME-OWNERSHIP- Acquisition of Existing Owner

Units

Objective: Increase the affordability, accessibility and quality of owner-occupied housing through acquisition/rehabilitation/replacement for low and low-income homebuyers.


Neighborhood

Stabilization

Program

Acquisition/Rehabilitation of existing owner units sold to eligible First Time

Homebuyers.

NSP1

County (BC) - Four (4) previously acquired homes were rehabilitated and sold to homebuyers. Total

Expended: $285,598.

Titusville (T)- Two (2) clients were assisted


Melbourne (M) - Two (2) homes were acquired and rehabilitated.

Total Expended: $204,590.51.

NSP1 Program Income

Titusville (T)- One (1) client was assisted


NSP3

County (BC) - One (1) previously sold home was rehabilitated and sold to a homebuyer. Total

Expended: $30,788.23.

Melbourne (M) - Five (5) units were acquired and rehabilitated.

Total Expended: $1,021,101.79.

Palm Bay (PB) - Ten homes (10) were rebuilt and nine (9) were sold to homebuyers. Total Expended:

$1,335,325.


PRIORITY HOUSING NEED: HOME-OWNERSHIP- Production of New Owner

Units

Objective: Increase the affordability, accessibility and quality of owner-occupied housing through acquisition/rehabilitation/replacement for low and low-income homebuyers.

ProjectAgency Description Accomplishments

CHI as the developer

CHDO

Infill New

Construction

Cocoa

NSP

Redevelopment:

Inspiration

Village with

Habitat for

Humanity of

Brevard, Inc. and Brevard

Community

Partnership, Inc.

(CHDO) developers as

Palm Bay CHDO

Projects: Partnered with CHI and Habitat for Humanity, Inc.

The City of Cocoa with

North Brevard Charities

Sharing Center (NBCSC) for the construction of two (2) infill homes on

City owned properties.

City of Titusville continued redevelopment of an NSP1 land-banked property to create new ownership opportunities for households at 120%

AMI or below.

Lien placed on properties until units sold.

HOME

Palm Bay (PB) - One (1) 4 Bedroom, 2

Bath Single-Family Home. Total

Expended: $32,441.

Cocoa (C) - One (1) 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Single

Family Home was built.

Total Expended: $9,753.32.

NSP1 and NSP3

Titusville (T) - constructed five (5) homes, three of which have sold and occupied by households 60% AMI or below. Remaining two units are still on the market for households

120% AMI or below.

Total NSP1 Expended: $1,279,929.00+

Total NSP3 Expended: $ 545,164.61

$1,825,093.61


PRIORITY HOUSING NEED: RENTAL HOUSING – Acquisition & Rehab Existing

Units or New Construction

Objective: Increase the supply and/or quality of rental housing by providing assistance for land acquisition, rehab, and development of new and existing rental units.

Project/Agency

Homes

NSP3 Program

Rental Set-

Aside: North

Brevard

Charities for

Independence

North Brevard

Charities

Brevard

Affordable

Housing

Brevard

Community

Partnership

Description

Acquisition and rehab of three (3) units for families having one person with a qualified disability.

Purchase and rehab

Existing rental units to increase and improve availability of affordable decent rental units.

Through its developer, the

City acquired, rehabilitated, and leased abandoned, vacant, foreclosed single-family

Accomplishments

HOME

County (BC) - Three (3) units acquired and undergoing rehabilitation. Total Expended: $151,559.78

HOME

County (BC) - Four (4) units completed. Total Expended:

$324,247

County (BC) - Two (2) unit duplex was acquired, undergoing rehabilitation. Total Expended:

$134,495

County (BC - Three (3) units were acquired and rehabilitated.

Total Expended: $238,000

County (BC) - Four (4) are acquired and rehabilitated.

Total Expended: $277,250

NSP

Melbourne (M) - One (1) unit acquired


NSP3

Titusville (T) - two (2) homes were completed and leased to households. Total Expended:

$81,954.41


Sharing

Center, Inc.

(developer)

Titusville (T)

Tropical Storm

Fay

CDBG

(Disaster

Recovery)

Grant Through the State homes to create permanent rentals for households 50%

AMI or below. Lien placed on properties for an affordability period of 15 years.

Provided funding for the rehabilitation of affordable rental units damaged by

Tropical Storm Fay or to mitigate future damage to affordable rental housing units.

THA-Titusville Towers, to mitigate future storm damage of 120 units for residents 62 and over. Approval of grant extension, with amendment pending DEO approval for additional funds due to non-response bid.

Total Funds Expended: $-0-


PRIORITY HOUSING NEED: RENTAL – Tenant Assistance

Objective: Increase opportunities for people to find/access quality affordable rental housing in the private market and through the housing choice voucher assistance.

Project/Agency

Tenant Based Rental

Assistance

Program

(TBRA)

Description

Program monthly provides rental

Accomplishments assistance to households in Melbourne who are pursuing self-

HOME

Melbourne (M) - (8) residents received assistance. Total Funds Expended:

$38,394 sufficiency and for whom selfsufficiency is an unrealistic goal. to elderly/disabled persons


PRIORITY HOUSING NEED: TRANSITIONAL HOUSING (HOMELESS)

Objective: Create a suitable living environment through availability, accessibility, and affordability.

Project/Agency

Women’s Center Safe

House Program

Description

Through

Recipient, provided transitional its the

Sub-

City emergency domestic violence, both women and women with children housing services for victims of

CDBG

Accomplishments

Titusville (T) – Thirteen (13) firsttime clients; 107 total individuals assisted; 1761 total supportive services provided


Jurisdictional CDBG Priorities – Brevard County

PRIORITY NON-HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEED: DEMOLITION

AND CLEARANCE

Objective: Creating a suitable living environment through availability and accessibility.


Brevard County

Demolition

Clearance Program and

County Location:

Wide

Brevard

Florida

County,

Funding Type: CDBG

National Objective:

SBS

Priority: H

Spot blight demolition and clearance of vacant unoccupied substandard structures that are vacant for at least three (3) consecutive months.

Three (3) structures were demolished under the demolition program, and one (1) lot was cleared of debris. Total Funds

Expended: $14,420


PRIORITY NON-HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS:

INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC FACILITIES


Project /Agency Description Accomplishments

East Mims Exercise Room

Location:

BG4&5(Part)

Funding Type: CDBG

National Objective: LMA

Priority: H

Short Street Improvements

Location: Census Tract 625

BG 3 West Cocoa

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

West Cocoa Pocket Park


BG 3 West Cocoa

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Burnett

BG 3 West Cocoa

CT601

Road

Improvements/Streetscape


This project will consist of the survey, design and construction of a building to provide an area for citizens to exercise, and improve their health.

This project will provide drainage and hurricanes. improvements, eliminating local flooding during periods of heavy rain

Acquisition of an area to survey, design and construct a privately owned low- impact park w/ playground equipment.

Survey, design and construction of small drainage improvements along with sidewalk and tree planting with rest areas along

This fiscal year the design phase was completed. The project is in permitting and on hold to address other long standing projects.

Total Funds Expended: $1,843.93

This fiscal year the design is completed. Project on hold until long standing projects are completed and funding is available.

Total

$6,805.60

Funds Expended:

This fiscal year staff met w/ property owners and community.

Staff is currently waiting for the community partners to put together their maintenance and operational plan. Also project on hold until funding is available.

Total Funds Expended: $0.00

Survey completed and design at

60%. Design work continues.This project is slated to be completed in FY 14-15.


Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Wiley Street Improvements

CT601 Location:

BG4&5(Part)

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Main Street Improvements


BG 4&5 (Part)

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Bevis Street Improvements

Location: Census Tract

699.02 BG3&BG2(part)

CT697 BG 1 (Part)

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Woody Simpson Park

Community Room



CT697 BG 1 (Part)

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H the roadway.

Design and construction of drainage improvements, sidewalks, and paving.

Design and construction of drainage improvements, sidewalks, paving and neighborhood signage.

This project consisted of two phases: 1) short run of sanitary sewer, and 2) paving and drainage improvements for the unpaved portion of the road.

This project will consist of the construction of a Multipurpose building for the purpose of carrying out needed services and activities for the low to moderate income persons living in

Merritt Island.

Total

$11,945.60

Funds Expended:

Construction commenced in

September, 2013 and is scheduled for completion in November,

2013.

Expended: Total Funds

$142,058.34


August, 2013 and is scheduled for completion in November, 2013.

Total Funds

$286,410.08

Expended:

This project was construction completed September 2012.

Total Funds Expended: $9,405.01

This project is 90% designed by

SSA, now bankrupt out of business. The new consultant is reviewing the plans and adjusting as needed for permitting. The project is scheduled to start construction FY13-14.

Total Funds Expended: $-0-


Schoolhouse Greenway



CT697 BG 1 (Part)

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Player Lane Extension



CT697 BG 1 (Part)

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

West Canaveral Groves

Water Line Project.


BG 2 (Part)

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Sharpes

Center

Community

Location: U S Highway #1

Cocoa, Brevard County

Florida

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Houston Lane Paving


699.02 BG 3

Design and construction of a sidewalk and drainage improvements.

This project will consist of paving, drainage improvements, acquisition of easements and possibly lots for the extension of road.

Platting of the area may be required.

This activity consists of the installation of a waterline that runs approximately three miles, and fire hydrants for health and safety concerns.

Construct an 18,000 sq. ft.

Community Center/Hurricane

Shelter to include: gym, kitchen, multipurpose room, computer lab, office, restrooms, and storage space.

Design and construct paving, water, and sewer improvements for a dirt road.

Work with neighborhood to

This project

$8,346.36

It has been determined that

Brevard County will not qualify for the USDA grant/loan. Staff is investigating alternative funding and services that may positively impact the community.

Total Funds Expended:

$-0-

The project is completed, last pre-

Award drawdown completed FY

2012-2013.


$299,000 construction completed September 2012.



September, 2013 and completed in October, 2013.

Total Funds

$129,005.83

Expended:

Construction project completed more than year ago, problem approving plat due oversite of omitted parcel during purchase.


Houston Avenue,

Merritt Island, FL

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

West Cocoa Neighborhood

Signage


BG 3 West Cocoa

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Woody Simpson Park

(WSP) Exercise Trail


699.02 BG 3 Houston

Avenue, Merritt Island, FL

Funding Type: CDBG


Priority: H

Street Lighting Projects


BG 3 West Cocoa Census

Tract 699.02 BG 3 M.I.

Census Tract 601 BG 4&5

(Part) Mims.

Schoolhouse Paving and

Drainage

Location: Census Tract 625 develop a strategy for a neighborhood the signs. the enhance safety.

This project consists of the design and construction of roadway and drainage improvements. revitalization plan to acquire land and develop 15 lots and infill housing creating affordable housing as an end result.

This project will consist of construction installation of

Neighborhood identification

This project will consist of the design and construction of a concrete walking trail in and around WSP, running approximately ¼ mile.

This project will consist of of strategically placed lighting at intersections within the

Mims, Merritt Island, and W.

Cocoa neighborhoods to increase visibility and

Staff working with family to file petiton to correct omitted parcel.


$11,364.02

The project is completed 2012-

2013 fiscal year. Total of two signs constructed and third cancelled due to inability to acquire a location for the sign.


$ 15,047

Project completed FY 12-13.

Total

$80,519.59

Funds Expended:

In an effort to enhance safety, staff is working with the neighborhoods to develop strategic lighting plans that increase visibility in low-lighted areas. Due to budget limitations, project is on hjold pending available funding.

Total Funds Expended: $0

The Schoolhouse street reconstruction and paving design has been completed and is currently in review for


BG 3 West Cocoa Census

Tract 699.02 BG 3 M.I.

Service Area 1 - A Lane

Improvements


BG 3

Hwy. 520 to Pluckebaum

Road

Cocoa, FL

Funding Type: CDBG –

Fay and DREF


Priority: H

Service Area 2 – Lake

Drive

Improvements

Channel


624

BG 4

Lake Drive between Gray and Cox Roads, Cocoa, FL


Fay and DREF


Priority: H

Service Area 3 – Lake

Channel Improvements


624

BG 4

East of Range Road,

Cocoa, FL


Cleaning and re-grading existing ditch; upgrading the existing closed systems permitting. This project was put on hold until long standing projects are completed and funding is available.


Construction project completed

March 2013.


$ 2,327,450

Cleaning and re-grading existing ditch; upsizing the existing closed drainage system

Construction project completed from Burnett to Cox Roads Sept.

2013, construction 35% complete from Gray to Cox Roads


$ 1,918,499

Cleaning existing and ditch; existing culverts re-grading upgrading

Construction project completed

Jan. 2013


$ 179,580


Fay


Priority: H

Service Area 4

–

Shenandoah Outfall

Drainage Improvements


649.02

BG 3 & 4

Melbourne, FL


Fay


Priority: H

Service Area 5 – Spain

Outfall Drainage

Improvements


657.01

Melbourne, FL


Fay


Priority: H

Servivce Area 6 –

Diamond Square Project


626

Cocoa, FL


Fay


Priority: H

Re-grading and stabilization of existing ditches, replacing existing pipe with upsized piping

Re-grading and stabilization of existing ditches, replacing existing pipe with upsized piping, constructing outfall pipe into Victoria Park pond

Replacing existing pipe with upsized piping, constructed a wet retention pond

Construction completed March

2013


$ 741,655

Construction completed May

2013


$ 647,583

Construction completed June

2012


$ 367,774


PRIORITY NON-HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS: PUBLIC

SERVICES


Project / Agency

Brevard County The

Description

Brevard

Community

County

Based

Accomplishments

$510,200 in Brevard County

General Funds were provided

Organizations (CBO)

Service Funding Program:

Funding is provided to eligible not-for-profit agencies to assist in empowering them to to eleven (11) programs/services agencies providing twelve (12) including, but were not limited to transport services for the elderly; emergency food; effectively implement programs that provide services to a wide range of supportive services of families and individuals in

Brevard County.

supportive services for the elderly; teen counseling; supportive housing services; transitional housing; children services; prevention child services/resources grandparents grandchildren; abuse classes; for raising homeless/housing services; and long- term residential recovery home for women and children; health services for at-risk youth; senior nutrition; and enrichment programs for girls in foster care).

Project Name: Public

Services (General)

(Structured Comprehensive

Learning Program)

Responsible Agency :

(Brevard County Parks and

Recreation/Cuyler Community

Learning Center)

Location : 2329 Harry T.

Moore Avenue, Brevard

County, Fl

The Cuyler Community

Learning Center provided an environment in a class room setting where educational and enrichment programs were available to the residents in the East Mims

Community. Participants were adults, children/youth, non-technical organizations, and professional organizations. Activities

Cuyler Community Center provided a variety of programs to 373 local residents to include youth and seniors. Youth (179) participated tutorial and homework assistance; Pre/Post

FCAT testing; computer training; job searches; and drug resistance, peer pressure and teen pregnancy workshops and group discussions; college enrichment programs (53);


Services Provided:

Area Benefit

Funding Type: CDBG

National Objective:

LMA

Priority: H

Regulation : 570.201(e)

Project Name: Public

Services (General)

(Structured Comprehensive

Learning Program)

Responsible Agency:

(Friendship Community

Development/Central Brevard

Community Services)

Location : 385 South Burnett

Road, Brevard County, Fl

Services Provided:

Area Benefit

Funding Type: CDBG

National Objective:

LMA

Priority: H

Regulation: 570.201(e) were based on computer training; tutorial; self awareness, employment enrichment; college and educational enrichment services; elderly enrichment; and music and arts programs.

Friendship Community

Development (FCD)/Central

Brevard Community

Services provided a comprehensive structure that met the community resident’s education, economics, social and cultural need for age groups

Pre-K through our esteem senior population. The goal was to increase the knowledge in various areas for education to cultural history.

SAT/ACT computer programs; college field trips; and music/art classes and workshops. Seniors (78) participated in arts and crafts; basic computer skills; estate and financial planning workshops; health screenings and current event seminars.

The majority of residents that utilized the Cuyler Community

Learning Center were in the low income range (370) and the remaining participating residents were in the moderate income range (3).

FCD/Central Brevard

Community Services provided a variety of programs to 229 local residents to include preschool children, youth and seniors. $109,158

Preschoolers (61) participated in arts and crafts; basic computer skills; and reading assistance;

Youth (110) participated in tutorial and homework assistance programs; computer training and job searches; drug resistance and peer pressure workshops; group discussions and behavior and consequences.

Seniors (58) participated in arts and crafts; basic computer skills; estate and financial planning workshops; and health screening and current event seminars.

Of the 229 residents, 15 were considered extremely low


income, 176 were low income and the remaining 38 were in the moderate income range.

Brevard County Housing and

Human Services Community

Action Agency

The Community Action

Agency provided information and monetary assistance to low income households with utilities, mortgage, and rental assistance, medical and dental. Additionally, families receive assistance and job training to assist with achieving self- sufficiency.

618 families with the

Emergency Services Program; assisted 3,929 families with the

Low Income Home Energy

Assistance Program; assisted

108 families with the CSBG

Program; assisted 42 families with Elderly Home Energy

Assistance Program, and did

Community Outreach at 13 different locations throughout

Brevard County.

Brevard County Housing and

Human Services Department

Veteran’s Service Office

The Veteran’s Services

Office provided claims assistance and supportive services to veterans and their families.

The Brevard County Veterans

Services Team provided client claims assistance in more than

21,383 instances in person, by mail, and phone; obtained over

$105 million in VA benefits for

Brevard’s veterans, their families, and survivors. Total

VA compensation and pension benefits for Brevard veterans were the 3rd largest amount in

Florida with more than $214 million dollars. Total Annual

Expenditure of VA benefits going to Brevard residents equaled more than $365 million dollars.

Brevard Homeless Coalition The Brevard Homeless

Coalition conducts regular networking, planning, and resource development meetings for area homeless service providers to address the needs of homeless

During the first weekend in

January 2013, socks, t-shirts, hygiene products and bus passes were collected throughout Brevard County for the upcoming Point in Time


families and those at risk of becoming homeless. The

Coalition is currently working to ensure that they are in compliance with the new regulations of the

HEARTH Act by developing an Executive

Committee and a coordinated assessment system, which will standardize assessing a homeless individual or family’s needs.

Count. These items, as well as one thousand $5 McDonald’s gift cards were distributed to the homeless. Working in conjunction with United Way, the Housing Inventory Count and the Bi-annual Point in

Time Count was held January

30 th

& 31 st

2013. The information was compiled in

March 2013 and submitted to

HUD on 4/30/2013 by HHS staff. Prior to the count, five trainings were conducted for all agencies and members participating in the counts.

C. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing - describe Other Actions in Strategic Plan or Action

Plan taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs.

Consortium targeted programs help remove obstacles in meeting the needs of the underserved residents. The Consortium tries to utilize as many resources and funding sources as possible.

The Consortium strives to ensure that citizens have equal access to housing opportunities and services. The Consortium utilizes a Fair Housing Coordinator, employed by Brevard County, who works closely with the local Fair Housing Continuum to provide fair housing education and conduct testing throughout the entire County. The Fair Housing Coordinator also endeavors to ensure that all municipal owned facilities and services are free of impediments and are accessible to all its citizens. The Consortium considers persons with disabilities or special needs, the elderly, and those who are unemployed or underemployed a high priority.

The Consortium contracts with the Fair Housing Continuum, Incorporated, to conduct testing to ensure housing providers are in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, the Florida Fair

Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Housing providers identified by the Fair

Housing Continuum through their testing process (which includes anonymous site visits) as having violated fair housing laws receive written notification of the potential violation. The notice also contains a directive to attend the next available Fair Housing workshop.

Housing discrimination is strictly prohibited against persons in “protected class” status. Federal and state laws protect against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability. Continued economic conditions have increased cost burdens in housing on many segments within Brevard County. As identified in the Brevard County

Analysis of Impediments, the following goals are being actively pursued to address the existing barriers to affordable housing:


a.

Meet the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program regulations that require Community Development grantees to certify that they will affirmatively further fair housing as part of the obligations assumed when they accept HUD program funds. b.

Analyze and eliminate housing discrimination in Brevard County. c.

Promote fair housing choices for all persons. d.

Provide opportunities for inclusive patterns of housing occupancy regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, and national origin and in accordance with fair housing laws. e.

Promote housing that is structurally accessible to, and usable by, all persons. f.

Foster compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions of the Fair Housing Act. g.

Stabilize neighborhoods. h.

Increase housing opportunities.

The Consortium acknowledges the importance of affirmatively furthering fair housing.

Therefore, additional efforts are made through request for proposals, pre-application conferences for rehabilitation projects, and the review of advertising and promotional materials for fair housing principles and logo in printed and web site materials. Examples of continued commitment to educate the Consortium and community are outlined below.

 The City of Palm Bay’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Division on August 9, 2013 attended a Fair Housing Training entitled “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing for

Recipients of Federal Financial Assistance” at the Adam W. Herbert University Center located at the University of North Florida, 12000 Alumni Dr., Jacksonville, Florida.

Topics covered included: Fair Housing Laws; Section 504, the Americans with

Disabilities Act, Section 3; Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Trans-sexual Rights; the Development of Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing and Limited English Proficiency Plans;

Identifying Best Practices for Compliance and Other Civil Rights Related Program

Requirements.



An annual Fair Housing workshop is offered free of charge to the public. This year’s workshop was held on April 11, 2013. Landlords, rental management companies, local government employees, realtors, minority groups and low income residents were specifically encouraged to attend the workshop. Forty-one (41) participants attended.



The City of Palm Bay, along with Brevard County Housing and Human Services and the

City of Melbourne co-hosted a Foreclosure Prevention Seminar on August 17, 2013. The purpose of the Seminar was to educate and empower the community about the latest options for foreclosure prevention, free housing counseling, governmental initiatives, and techniques to avoid cons and scams. The half day event included representatives from the local HUD office, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Fair Housing Continuum, Brevard County

Sheriff’s

Office, local attorneys (Bankruptcy, Foreclosure Avoidance,

Mediation/Arbitration and Real Estate Law), lenders, realtors, and local HUD approved

Housing Counselors.


The following table illustrates Brevard County’s Fair Housing Impediments and Strategies:

Impediment

Lack of a Fair Housing

Ordinance to address discrimination complaints

Limited amount of fair housing education and outreach

Strategy

Work in collaboration with the Fair Housing Continuum to follow and enforce the state’s Fair Housing

Ordinance in conjunction with federal and state laws.

Raise awareness and collaboration among providers of housing and county residents.

Accomplishment

The Fair Housing Continuum has implemented a testing process of anonymous site visits, to identify housing providers who may have violated fair housing laws.

The county website provides steps for reporting discrimination. In addition, all discrimination complaints are referred to the Fair

Housing Continuum for review.

The County offered a Fair

Housing Workshop open to

County residents and housing providers on 04/11/13. Fortyone (41) participants attended.

Inadequate Enforcement Conduct anonymous site visits to local housing providers.

The Fair Housing Continuum completed 8 housing tests. A total of 4 causes for discrimination were found, while the remaining tests resulted in no cause for discrimination findings.

Lack of affordable housing for persons with disabilities

Increase awareness of accessible housing options in the community through continued outreach by advocacy groups in collaboration with public and private sector housing providers.

Housing providers in violation were given a written notification and a directive to attend the next scheduled Fair

Housing Workshop.

Through visits/testing by the

Fair housing Continuum and the Fair Housing Workshops, professional and public awareness of the legal requirements of the

Americans with Disabilities

Act as it relates to housing is


Work collaboratively with other agencies to improve the housing stock for persons with disabilities and the elderly. promoted and discussed.

Homes for Independence construction of three (3) rental units for families disabilities $151,559.78. with

Lack of

Workforce/Affordable

Housing throughout the county

Support the provisions of the

Workforce & Affordable

Housing Ordinance.

Brevard County provides voluntary incentives to developers of affordable and workplace developments within the County’s land development regulations by offering incentives such as, but not limited to, technical assistance and permit review fee refunds.

D. Affordable Housing - the following provides an evaluation of the progress made in meeting the Consortium’s specific objective of providing affordable housing during this reporting period.

Objective/Strategy Goal Actual

Purchase Assistance

Owner Occupied Rehab

CHDO Set-Aside

23

34

0

49

106

10

Fair Housing

Acquisition of existing units

(Sell or Rent)

Tennant Based Rental

31

24

45

44

Assistance 9 8

The goal of the Consortium is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, sustaining a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities principally for low and moderate-income persons. Projects and programs in our target communities provide shelter for the homeless (and to prevent homelessness), services to elderly homeowners and youth/young adult education support this overall goal.

The Consortium was able to assist 262 households this previous fiscal year. Each set aside met the definition for Affordable Housing as defined in Section 215, essentially meeting the


definitions in 24CFR 92.252 and 92.254 for renters and owners respectively. See Table 2A, appendix C.

E. Continuum of Care - the Brevard Homeless Coalition (“BHC”) continues to increase its membership and outreach activities in order to reach its goal of providing services for the homeless population and persons at risk of becoming homeless. Members of the BHC include organizations assisting the homeless, local municipalities, hospitals, job-training organizations, faith-based organizations, and others that reflect the true essence of a continuum to prevent homelessness, break the cycle of chronic homelessness, and to help people toward selfsufficiency.

The BHC conducted a Point-In-Time Count on January 31, 2013, with the assistance of the

United Way of Brevard, community volunteers, County and various agency staff, as well as residents concerned about homeless prevention efforts. Sock Sunday occurred the first weekend of January 2013, organized by the BHC and the Housing and Human Services Department.

Volunteers distributed socks, t-shirts and a variety of toiletries to the homeless during the Point-

In-Time Count to encourage participation in the survey. The United Way of Brevard donated

1000 five dollar $5.00 gift cards from McDonald’s and over 2000 one quart zipped plastic bags in which the donated items were placed for distribution. 211 Brevard Helpline stickers were affixed to the outside of the plastic bags in order to better inform those on the streets how to access assistance.

The Point-In-Time Count is a bi-annual event used as an opportunity to perform community outreach to those living on the streets and to gather statistics for grant opportunities.

The Lead Agency for the BHC is the Brevard County Housing and Human Services Department, which has staff assigned to assist with the facilitation of all homeless planning goals, objectives, and collaborative activities. The United Way of Brevard provides additional support for administration, research, and strategic planning.

During FY 2012-13, HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) grant cycle, the BHC/Lead Agency wrote and supported several grant applications. Brevard County Housing and Human Services submitted the CoC Supportive Housing Grant on behalf of three local agencies benefitting several different programs. Total dollars awarded to the agencies was $871,759.00.

F. Other Actions - the Consortium utilized other options to promote affordable housing including:

1.

Maintaining the Urban County and HOME Consortium agreements enhance services, while reducing redundency. Services include demolition and clearance, housing rehabilitation, housing counseling, foreclosure prevention/counseling, homebuyer assistance, technical assistance for capacity building, and the provision of public services. Each of these options has an impact on the economic stability of


households.

2.

Several of the Consortium members serve as a pass through agency for the federal government’s Hardest Hit Fund. Homeowners who qualify for financial assistance may receive up to 12 months of monthly mortgage payments and/or funds to pay past due mortgage payments to bring the mortgage current. Funds are paid directly to the loan servicer/lender. This fiscal year 52 clients received assistance.

3.

In light of the growing need for senior education and housing opportunities within our community, Members of the Consortium, along with the Brevard Commission on

Aging, attended several workshops and community events to promote existing housing programs such as the Repair, Rehabilitation and Replacement Housing

Programs, Weatherization Program, Neighborhood Stabilization Program and the

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. New programs such as the Hardest

Hit Program for Principal Reduction were also highlighted. Events attended included: Florida Conference on Aging, Senior Health Expo, World Elder Abuse

Prevention Workshop, and the TRIAD Senior Fest which posted attendance at well over 1200 participants.

4.

The Consortium continues to promote housing programs to non-english speaking residents through annual attendance at the Hispanic/Puerto Rican Job, Business and

Health Fair.

5.

Regular meetings are held with each of the member housing councils or boards.

These councils/boards provide oversight and support in furthering the Consortiums efforts to provide affordable housing opportunities to low-income residents.

G.

Lead-Based Paint - the Consortium evaluates each HUD assisted dwelling for lead based paint hazards and all other regulations pertaining to HUD guidelines and local building codes. Assisted homebuyers and homeowners, as well as contractors, are provided with information on lead based paint hazards.

Each housing inspector working with the Brevard County Housing and Human Services

Department has completed the online HUD lead based paint course “Healthy Homes and Lead

Hazard Control” in order to identify the need for further inspections and abatement. Brevard

County has provided technical guidance on lead-based paint requirements to each Community

Housing Development Organizations (CHDO) and non-profits accessing federal dollars for housing-related services and operations in order to ensure that existing housing programs and policies comply with federal regulations governing lead-based paint. Technical assistance is available to each member of the Consortium.

H. Public Housing - while none of the local public housing authorities are participants within the Consortium, each local jurisdiction offers funding opportunities (as applicable) to improve the health, sanitation and energy efficiency of housing existing units. Additionally,


housing and self sufficiency programs are offered on site to current and previous housing authority residents.

I. Section 3 Policy - Section 3 fosters local economic development, neighborhood economic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. The Consortium members continue to monitor compliance with its Section 3 which provide a description of requirements and a copy of the forms that must be completed in order to be in compliance. Furthermore, the Consortium continues to identify Certified Section 3 Businesses and form Section 3 partnerships with community organizations.

J.

Affirmative Marketing Procedures - the Consortium established procedures to affirmatively market units created under the HOME Program as it applies to rental and homeownership development projects containing five (5) or more HOME-assisted units funded through the HOME Program. The Consortium targets households who would be unlikely to apply without special outreach efforts. The procedures are intended to further the objectives of

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Executive Order 11063.

K.

Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise Programs - Brevard

County follows established affirmative action steps to ensure low-income residents/businesses, minority firms, women’s businesses and labor surplus area firms are considered and if possible, utilized in accordance with 24CFRpart 85.36(e). MBE/WBE Contracts and Subcontracts

Report, HUD 40107 can be found in Section VII, Appendix A.

L.

Leveraging Resources - Leveraging of federal resources allowed Consortium members to receive additional funding in the amount of $6,355,317.33. These funds were used in the rehabilitation of existing owner units, homeownership assistance, acquisition of existing owner and rental units and production of new units. Examples of leveraging opportunities are detailed below:

1.

Direct social service assistance to approximately 4,697 extremely low and very low income families through the Community Action Agency. Approximately 752 households were assisted with affordable housing services. In addition, 1,220 families/individuals received non-homeless services.

2.

The Brevard County Continuum of Care continues to partner with non-profit and for-profit entities in its efforts to enhance the availability of supportive services and housing. During this past year, the Coalition was successful in winning

$871,759 through federal and state grants to assist with the prevention of homelessness.

3.

Public service providers are encouraged to seek other funding sources. In fiscal year 2012-2013 eleven (11) social service providers were able to leverage

$510,200 with other private and public sources to additionally increase the availability of services to citizens. An example of the benefits of leverage is the

Cuyler Community Learning Center. This Center provided the following programs/services to 373 participants: computer training, tutorial, self awareness,


employment and enrichment; college and educational enrichment services; music and arts; and elderly enrichment: a) A participant has continued to excel in academics throughout the school year. She is currently enrolled at Madison Middle School where she has maintained a 4.0 G.P.A. b) An honors graduate of Astronaut High School (class of 2013) received a scholarship of $3,000.00 from the LaWanda K. Smith Scholarship Fund.

(LaWanda K. Smith was a former employee of CCLC before her death in

2005). c) Teachers from Mims Elementary come in on Tuesdays to assist with homework, science fair projects, and also provide science fair back boards for students.

M.

Match Requirements - the HUD 40107-A. HOME Match Report can be found in

Section VII, appendix F.

N.

Citizen Participation - a public notice was placed in the Florida Today on November 29, advertising the availability of this performance report for viewing and public comment from

December 4 through December 19, 2013.

O.

Self-Evaluation - although financial and human resources have been drastically reduced, the Consortium continues to address the goals and objectives in innovative and established ways.

Additionally, during the reporting period for FY 2012-2013, the Consortium continued to make progress towards meeting identified community needs, priorities and expenditure goals. These community needs and priorities were developed in conjunction with the members of the

Consortium through participation in neighborhood meetings, community surveys, public hearings with non-profit organizations, and public service surveys.

An example of innovation is the promotion of a prescription discount card offered by the

National Association of Counties or NaCo. This card has saved $767,808.13 to Brevard County residents in fiscal year 2012-2013. This savings was applied to 31,048 prescriptions.

Under employment and unemployment continue to be a significant contributing factor to the high numbers of homeless individuals and foreclosures. Like many communities across the nation, the Consortium’s progress toward reducing homelessness and increasing affordable housing has been affected by the current housing crisis. Fortunately housing prices seem to be stabilizing. Nationally, median home values rose 12.5% in third quarter 2013. Brevard County metropolitan statistical area posted a 5.4% increase in the same period according to

Bankrate.com. As of March 27, 2013 posting on Bankrate.com, average sales prices have posted year-over-year gains. These steady gains have been circumvented by an increase in rental rates

(3.8%) and higher interest rates (4.32%), both according to Bankrate.com. Additionally Florida is still in the top 10 states for foreclosure with 1 in every 406 households (rather than 998


nationally) receiving a foreclosure filing in September 2013, according to RealtyTrac

(Bankrate.com).

P.

Managing the Process - since 1991, Brevard County has been the lead agency for the

Brevard County Consortium. The Consortium consists of Brevard County, the City of Titusville,

City of Cocoa, City of Melbourne, and the City of Palm Bay. Members of the Consortium meet the second Friday of each month. The Consortium’s mission is to increase the supply of decent, safe and affordable housing for low to moderated income persons living in Brevard County. The

Consortium members work collaboratively, providing a comprehensive approach to best utilize funding and support strategies in the areas of affordable housing and supportive services.

As lead agency with administrative authority, both the Consortium’s Consolidated Plan and

Action Plans are developed by Brevard County. Each member is responsible for collecting and evaluating data, performing analysis, and establishing priorities and objectives regarding housing and community development. Consortium members submit the necessary Annual Action plan information for their individual city to Brevard County. Information received is submitted to

HUD in a comprehensive Consolidated Plan for the purpose of assisting residents with special housing and supportive service needs.

The Board of County Commissioners and each local City Council appoint local advisory boards for program planning and public input for the services covered by the Consolidated Plan.

Representatives from housing and human service agencies, public housing authorities, local governments, and concerned citizens provide a broad spectrum of interests, skills, and knowledge which greatly aids in the development of the Consortium’s planning process.

Consortium strategies and priorities are addressed in meetings held in neighborhood strategy areas and in public meetings to plan for community development and housing needs. For

Brevard County, housing programs supported by funding from HOME and Florida’s State

Housing Initiatives Partnerships (SHIP) Programs are coordinated with the Affordable Housing

Council. Community development and neighborhood strategy planning is guided by the

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Board. Brevard County staff provides technical advice to both boards. The overall responsibility for the execution of the programs is reserved for the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners.

Q. Monitoring - Brevard County conducts annual monitoring visits to all members of the

Consortium. Additionally, the Consortium members monitor the terms and conditions of every contract with sub-recipients that receive HOME and CDBG funds. For example compliance with the timeframe of the agreement; rate of expenditures; eligibility of expenses; adequate documentation concerning income eligibility of homeowners; minimum and maximum subsidy limits; property eligibility; period of affordability; and compliance with other requirements of the

HOME and CDBG Programs, such as Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Affirmative

Marketing, Accessibility for Person with Disabilities, Lead Based Paint, etc.

1.

Inspections by members of the Consortium are performed to ensure completion of work


before disbursement of funds. Project Inspectors also ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as housing codes and minimum property standards.

Site visits are performed periodically to monitor compliance when construction triggered

Federal Labor Standards requirements. Davis-Bacon interviews are performed to verify compliance.

2.

Brevard County staff ensures that Community Housing Development Organizations are certified or recertified to ensure compliance with their designation.

3.

Residency requirements are monitored on a regular basis through a variety of means, including written confirmation from homeowners who received assistance.

4.

Monitoring of rental units are performed to ensure incomes and rents comply with applicable program regulations.

5.

If the activity involved acquisition, relocation, or displacement, monitoring was performed to ensure compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property

Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.


SECTION III. COMMUNTY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CDBG)

A. Assessment of Relationship of CDBG Funds to Goals and Objectives all expenditures of funds allocated for FY 2012-2013 was spent on priorities ranked high as indicated in the 2011-

2016 Brevard County Consolidated Plan. Projects and activities funded and implemented are part of the Brevard County Consolidated Action Plan. All CDBG funds were used on projects that met one or more of the three HUD national objectives.

Brevard County Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) funds are not used as direct assistance for affordable housing. Rather these funds are used for public facilities, such as recreation centers and buildings, installation of drainage improvements, other neighborhood infrastructure projects, demolition and clearance, public services and economic development activities. Brevard County works with the targeted strategy areas to update and complete or update their Neighborhood Plans.

The seven (7) identified neighborhood strategy areas are comprised of extremely low income, low-income, and moderate income people. All of the CDBG Strategy Areas qualify for activities under low-moderate “Area Benefit.”

Brevard County endeavors to revitalize distressed neighborhoods utilizing CDBG funds for nonhousing community development. To ensure strong communities, well-designed public spaces and infrastructure, social and economic development activities must be combined with decent and affordable housing. These activities include increasing the availability of affordable housing through the purchase of vacant land, and the elimination of slum and blighted conditions through demolition and clearance. This also includes development of capacity for active community associations, public services, crime reduction efforts, infrastructure improvements and economic development.

All categories of special needs populations are given high and medium priorities. These specific groups not only have needs based upon their low-income status, but also those afflicted with an array of other special needs including the elderly, frail elderly, persons with alcohol and drug addiction, persons with physical and mental disabilities, and persons living with HIV/AIDS. The development of housing and supportive services is a priority for persons requiring assistance with achieving independent living. These needs are addressed through the promotion of affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and an array of supportive public service activities. These various activities are detailed in the housing and non-housing section. No housing rehabilitation activities were conducted utilizing CDBG funding.

The non-housing community development part of the plan identifies strategies to provide for the improvement of infrastructure, the construction of new public facilities including parks and community centers, and funding for public service activities as identified by neighborhood residents.

The housing section of the Plan identifies a need to establish and maintain suitable living environments through the utilization of demolition and clearance activities. It also identifies a strategy to purchase vacant properties to use in the construction of affordable housing. Four (4)


structures were demolished under the demolition program, and one (1) lot were cleared of debris in Fiscal Year 2012-2013. All acquisitions involved the purchase of vacant land. No one was displaced under the Acquisition program.

As required by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, Brevard

County is required to replace all occupied and vacant inhabitable low/moderate-income dwelling units demolished or converted to a use other than low/moderate-income housing. Brevard

County will take the following steps to minimize the displacement of persons from their homes:

1.

2.

3.

Coordinate Code Enforcement with Rehabilitation and Housing Assistance programs.

Evaluate housing codes and rehabilitation with housing assistance programs.

If housing participants are unable to find temporary housing, the County will attempt to assist them with securing decent, safe and sanitary housing that is adequate to accommodate the occupants on a temporary basis.

4 Evaluate public policies to identify and mitigate displacement resulting from intensive public investment in neighborhoods.

5. Evaluate policies which provide reasonable protections for tenants faced with condominium conversion or cooperative housing.

B. Changes in Program Objectives - there were no significant program changes.

C. Assessment of Efforts in Carrying Out Planned Actions

1.

The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners established a CDBG Advisory

Board with one representative from each of the Strategy Area Communities to oversee funding, approve and recommend activities for funding. This process, along with our

Citizen Participation Plan, ensures fair and impartial implementation of our CDBG program.

2.

The County followed the current 2012-2013 HUD-approved Consolidated Plan and the

FY 2013-2014 Action Plan. During this reporting period, Brevard County fulfilled all of its requirements to provide required certifications of consistency for HUD programs, and did not hinder Consolidated Plan implementation.

3.

When undertaking infrastructure improvements utilizing CDBG funds, Brevard County actively seeks funds from State and Federal Agencies (i.e. USDA), as well as local utility departments.

4.

The CDBG Program and staff worked toward all the goals indicated in the Brevard

County 2011-2016 Consolidated Plan.


D. Use of CDBG Funds for National Objectives - all CDBG funds are used for activities that meet one or more of the three National Objectives.

E. Anti-Displacement and Relocation Brevard County’s CDBG Program funds in

FY2012-2013 were used to acquire easements for infrastructure activities and did not displace any area residents. As an additional tool to recognize potential displacement, Brevard County includes Strategy Area residents in the development of project scopes. This process is also used to identify the potential for displaced households, and allows for proper notices and issuances.

No households were displaced during this reporting period. However, in order to minimize displacement as a result of a project assisted under the HOME Program, the following steps will be completed:

1.

Projects that may permanently displace existing residents are identified in the application process, and relocation assistance must be scheduled as part of the project budget.

2.

Timely information notices are issued to tenants consistent with the federal relocation handbook guidelines, by Consortium staff with the assistance of the project sponsor.

3.

Efforts are taken to identify, in a timely manner, all persons who occupy the site of a rental project assisted under the HOME Program, through a door-to-door survey of each tenant. A continual collection of tenant vacancy data is compiled.

4.

In the event that a tenant is found to be ineligible, that tenant will be provided with notices and relocation assistance in accordance with federal tenant assistance and relocation regulations. If current tenants are not eligible to live in the rental unit after rehabilitation is completed utilizing HOME funds, efforts are made to ensure that no rental rehabilitation project will be funded.

5.

Any housing unit which has an existing tenant is not considered eligible for the Purchase

Assistance Program, unless that tenant is the prospective buyer.

F. Low/Mod Job Activities - No Economic Development activities were undertaken during program year FY2012-2013. The activity is set up and Brevard County is currently planning for future jobs creation or Community Benefits projects in a future fiscal year.

Capacity building activities continued in order to assist with educating Neighborhood Strategy

Area board members of housing and economic development opportunities. This includes identifying avenues for additional funding sources to meet goals, and successfully develop, market, and sell housing in neighborhoods.

G. Public Services - CDBG funding totaling $176,953 was used for Public Service projects for

FY 2012-2013. The Public Service activities funded by Brevard County are all carried out within low/moderate income communities as identified by the 2000 Census, through census tract and block group data. During FY 2012-2013, CDBG funded two (2) Public Service Programs:


the Cuyler Community Learning Center to provide an environment in a classroom setting where educational and enrichment programs were available to the residents in the East Mims

Community; and the Friendship Community Development/Central Brevard Community Services for a comprehensive structure that met the community resident’s education, economics, social and cultural needs. The number of unduplicated clients served was as follows:

Cuyler Community Learning Center: 373 persons utilized the Cuyler Community Learning

Center. There were 61 documented participants in preschool, 232 residents (including youth) tutoring for school-age participants, utilized computer training, homework assistance, college program workshops, sample SAT and ACT tests, and drug awareness and prevention activities.

Additional community workshops and training included resume building, senior fitness teen pregnancy awareness, and music therapy & appreciation.

Friendship Community Development/Central Brevard Community Services : 229 persons attended the various workshops offered, including a computer lab, reading assistance and nutrition. Other workshops included; estate planning, financial planning and budgeting, health screening, self esteem and peer pressure, anger management, clerical training, resume writing, job hunting skills, special events, and field trips.

H.

Program Income Received – During fiscal year 2012-2013 no Program Income was received.

I.

Prior Period Adjustments - there were no adjustments for disallowed expenditures during

FY 2012-2013.

J.

Loans and Other Receivables - Brevard County’s CDBG Program did not have any open loans or receivables.

K . Lump Sum Agreements - Brevard County’s CDBG Program was not involved in any lump sum agreements in FY2012-2013.

L. Housing Rehabilitation - Brevard County’s CDBG Program does not fund any housing rehabilitation activities.

M. Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies - the Brevard County CDBG Program is staffed by

Brevard County Housing and Human Services employees who are assigned to all of the locally designated neighborhood strategy areas, and work directly with neighborhood organizations.

Each NSA is recognized by the applicable Brevard County Board of County Commissioner to help build capacity, promote comprehensive community development, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Brevard County has seven (7) locally designated Neighborhood Strategy

Areas (NSAs), approved by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, but does not have a HUD-approved Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area. Each NSA has a five (5) year citizen based Neighborhood Plan. Five (5) year neighborhood plans are scheduled to be updated during the fiscal year 2013-2014.


N. Anti-Poverty Strategy - Brevard County as well as the Consortium continues to use funding awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME to support activities that provide permanent and transitional housing to county residents. The county requires social service agencies to match funds with other grants to better serve low income residents and maximize limited grant funds.

Brevard County is committed to taking a proactive approach to reduce the number of County residents living in poverty. Although short term aid is available through a network of local social service providers and area churches, long term assistance is what guides Brevard County’s

Antipoverty Strategy. Housing and self-sufficiency programs are two components that will direct the County toward easing poverty conditions for area residents.

A key component of Brevard County’s Antipoverty Strategy is the Community Action Agency

(“CAA”). CAA is a program within the Brevard County Housing and Human Services

Department. The CAA is responsible for the social service programs offered by the Brevard

County Housing and Human Services Department including Emergency Services, Family Self-

Sufficiency program and more. This program provides residents an opportunity to improve their quality of life and economic status by offering a variety of supportive services and job training.

In 2012-2013 the Community Action Agency assisted 618 families with the Emergency Services

Program; 3,929 families with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; assisted 108 families with the Community Shelter Block Grant Program; assisted 42 families with Elderly

Home Energy Assistance Program, and did Community Outreach at 13 different locations countywide. The CAA team is instrumental in developing relationships with local businesses, colleges, career development agencies and other organizations to conduct skill assessments, provide education and job training and placement.

Brevard County and the Consortium continue to seek partnerships with non-profit agencies, as well as for-profit agencies to expand housing opportunities for residents living in poverty throughout the county. It is understood by the Consortium that as we increase partnerships we are subsequently increasing the number of county residents that will be given a chance to escape or avoid poverty conditions. One such partnership is with the Florida Housing Finance

Corporation that provides State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding. SHIP funds have been used to replace or repair homes as well as provide residents with down payment assistance toward the purchase of their first home.

Three members of the Consortium, Brevard County and the Cities of Cocoa and Melbourne have contracted with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to act as Advisors for the federal foreclosure prevention program commonly known as the Hardest Hit Program. The role of the

Advisor is to help homeowners apply for the funds and determine their eligibility. Upon final approval by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the Advisor finalizes the assistance by conducting a loan closing meeting with the Homeowner. As of September 30, 2013, Brevard

County has provided assistance through the Hardest Hit program to twenty-nine (29) households.


No single approach, policy or organization will eliminate the problem of poverty in Brevard

County. Maintaining a proactive approach to both reduce and fight poverty is a primary goal of

Brevard County. To meet this goal, Brevard County assumes the lead role in promoting economic self-sufficiency and antipoverty efforts through a variety of programs and maximizing available funding and resources.

IV. HOME PROGRAM NARRATIVES

A.

Consortium HOME Housing Goals/ Accomplishments

Objective/Strategy HOME

Goal

HOME

Units

Units by Other

Funding

Total

All

Units

Homeownership - Rehab

Homeownership - Purchase

Assistance

Rehabilitation of Existing

Rental Units

Acquisition of Existing

Rental Units

Tenant Based Rental

Assistance

8

20

6

3

9

19

40

0

7

9

87

9

0

28

0

106

49

0

35

9

CHDO Set-Aside

Fair Housing

0

13

10

45

N/A

0

10

45

B. Assessment of Relationship of HOME funds to Goals and Objectives - the 2012-2013

Annual Action Plan focused on addressing affordable housing objectives identified in the fiveyear Consolidated Plan. The matrix above outlines the HOME goals established in the Annual

Action Plan.

Inclusive of Fair Housing, the total goal set for Home Units was 59 units. By utilizing our leveraged funds, the Consortium has been able to exceed our goals established for funding by creating 130 HOME funded units and a total of 254.

C. Assessments - all rental projects receiving funding from the Consortium require annual inspections to view physical conditions to insure safety and health conditions are being upheld.

Each year 10-15% of rental client files are inspected to insure income compliance is being conducted.

D. Minority Outreach - partnerships with minority owned or women owned contractors and/or sub-contractors are encouraged by the Consortium. For example, minority owned contractors are encouraged to apply when request for proposals are available.


In order to further promote minority outreach, the Consortium will continue the following:

•

Notification to all interested contractors for housing rehabilitation opportunities;

• Attendance at minority hosted events offered throughout the community, such as the annual Hispanic/Puerto Rican Job, Business and Health Fair;

•

Notification to local Builder and Contractor Associations for opportunities for contractors;

• Include special language in bid requests to encourage the participation of MBE and

WBE;

•

Attendance at local community meetings offered to discuss opportunities for participation within the underserved community;

•

Post flyers at the county building department; and

•

Continuing outreach strategies to minority and women owned business enterprises.

G. Affirmative Marketing - the Consortium ensures Affirmative Marketing by each of the participating jurisdictions, pursuant to 24 CFR 92.351 on an annual basis. Affirmative Marketing examples include major newspapers (such as the Florida Today), local and/or multi-cultural community newspapers, church bulletins, local Chamber of Commerce, cable channels, community radio, e-mail and/or the internet and flyers at churches and public libraries.

Marketing is also done at a variety of festivals and community events. These sites are chosen in order to inform the community of affordable housing options and opportunities without regard for race, color, national origin, gender, religion, familial status or disability. Housing related professionals are also utilized as referral sources.

Furthermore, the Consortium has contracted with the Brevard County Fair Housing Continuum to offer an annual free workshop to all citizens, non-profit/for-profit organizations, and staff.

This annual workshop provides an opportunity for the community to learn about laws and recourses that fight discrimination. In an effort to promote affirmative marketing, all marketing materials, advertisements, and housing literature contain the “Equal Housing Opportunity” logo.

Each jurisdiction offers staff support to explain the fair housing provisions and refer questions or complaints to the Brevard County Fair Housing Continuum. Additionally, affirmative marketing is required on all rental projects with more than five (5) units. However, the HOME Consortium works to promote affirmative marketing on all development projects.


SECTION V. ESG AND HOPWA PROGRAM NARRATIVES

A. HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS Program - Brevard County and the Consortium did not receive HOPWA funds. However, United Way of Brevard received funds and assisted 272 households with a $553,600 grant.

B. EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT Program - A description of the extent to which activities supported directly with ESG funds addressed homeless and homeless prevention goals, objectives, and priorities established in the Consolidated Plan: there have been no ESG awarded to Brevard County for this reporting period.

SECTION VI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The Brevard County HOME Consortium Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation

Report was advertised for public comment on Friday, December 6, 2013. The comment period began on Friday, December 6, 2013 and ended at the end of the day, Saturday, December 21,

2013. The notice was advertised in the Florida Today legal section and was circulated to all areas of the county. A copy of the notice is posted below. To improve access for the community, the Department posted the CAPER on the county’s website

(http://www.brevardcounty.us/) for review. Newspaper Advertisement as it appeared on

December 4, 2013:

Brevard County CDBG and HOME CAPER Report for FY 2012/2013

Brevard County announces that the CDBG and HOME Consolidated Annual Performance and

Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2013 will be available for public review and comment from 12/6/13 through 12/21/13. The report documents the program progress, expenditures and accomplishments for the period October 1, 2012 through September

30, 2013. All interested parties are encouraged to review the report at the following locations, or on the Brevard County Website: <http://www.brevardcounty.us/Human_Services >

Brevard County Housing and

Human Services Department

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way

Building B, Suite 106, Viera

Central Brevard Library

308 Forrest Avenue

Cocoa, Florida

Melbourne Library

540 East Fee Avenue, Melbourne

Melbourne, Florida

North Brevard Library

2121 South Hopkins Avenue

Titusville, Florida

All citizens are invited to make written comments on the report no later than 5:00 PM on

December 6, 2013. Written comments may be delivered in person, by fax, mail or e-mail to

Housing and Human Services Department, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building B, Viera

32940. Telephone (321) 633-2076, Fax (321) 633-2170 or e-mail dorenda.christian@brevardcounty.us

Comments received after 5:00 PM on December 6, 2013 will not be addressed in the report.


No public comments were received.


Brevard County Demographic MAPS

Specific areas of low to moderate income persons can be seen by the maps that follow in this section. Most of these areas are concentrated in the older neighborhoods in the County and the municipalities. Racial/minority concentrations are also illustrated by the maps that follow. Four maps are included to identify the concentrations of the special populations in Brevard County.

The maps also include the locations of the target neighborhoods located throughout Brevard

County. The first targeted population map illustrates the concentration of the population below the poverty line. The second and third maps indicate the concentration of the Black and

Hispanic populations respectively. As Florida has a history of being a retirement mecca, and the elderly are persons on a fixed income, the fourth map displays the locations having the highest density of the elderly population. A location map identifying all municipalities as well as an index of the neighborhood targeted areas precedes the special population maps. The following

Exhibits are:

• Brevard County Municipal Location Map, which includes the identification of the municipalities within Brevard County.

•

Index of Target Areas by Jurisdiction and Location which indicates the identification of each of the Target Areas for the Consortium Members, an Identification Number and location by Census Tracts and Block Groups.

Brevard County has not forwarded the designated target areas to HUD for approval and they are not designated as NRSAs. The selection of the target areas strictly followed HUD’s guidelines and meet the eligibility requirements.

•

Exhibit 1 – Location Map of Population Below Poverty Line with Target Areas

•

The areas of the County with the highest percentages of households below the

Poverty Line, with the identified Target Areas

•

Exhibit 2 – Location Map of Black or African-American Population with Target Areas

•

The areas of the County with the highest percentages of Black or African

American households, with the identified Target Areas

•

Exhibit 3 – Location Map of Hispanic or Latino Population with Target Areas

•

The areas of the County with the highest percentages of Hispanic or Latino households, with the identified Target Areas

• Exhibit 4 – Location Map of Elderly Population with Target Areas

•

The areas of the County with the highest percentages of Elderly households, with the identified Target Areas

Location Maps data provided by the 2000 Census for Census Tracts in Brevard County.


Brevard County Municipal Location Map


INDEX OF TARGET AREAS BY JURISDICTION AND LOCATION

ID

Number

C1

Jurisdiction Name of Target Area

Cocoa Cocoa Target Area

Location:

Census Tract (s)

623

M1 Melbourne

626

627

643.02 North Target Area –

Booker T. Washington

Neighborhood

M2 Melbourne

T1 Titusville

South Target Area 649.02

651.01

South Street Target Area 604

605

606

607

T2 Titusville

Location: Block

Group (s)

3,6

1,2,3,4

1

2

2, 3, 4

2

1, 2, 3, 4

2

3

All

Groups

1, 2

2

Block

P1

B1

Palm Bay

Indian River City Target

Area

Palm Bay Target Area

608

609

East Mims

651.21

651.22

651.23

652.01

652.02

652.33

713.22

713.21

601

B2

B3

Brevard

County

Brevard

County

Sharpes 621.05

621.02

621.03

West Canaveral Groves 712

3

1, 2

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 3

3

1

3

5

4 (part) and 5

(part)

5

2 (part) and 3

3 (part)

2 (part)

B4

B5

B6

B7

B8

Brevard

County

Brevard

County

Brevard

County

Brevard

County

Brevard

County

Brevard

County

North Tropical Trail

Clearlake

West Cocoa

Pine Grove

Micco

699.22

697

624

625

626

652.34

3, 2 (part)

1 (part)

2

3

3

1(part)


Exhibit 1 Location Map of Population Below Poverty Level with Target Areas


Exhibit 2 Location Map of Black or African American Population with Target Areas


Exhibit 3 Location Map of Hispanic or Latino Population with Target Areas


Exhibit 4 Location Map of Elderly Population with Target Area


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