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There is considerable flexibility in how the TANF funds and the local matching funds can be
<br />used to help Work First-eligible families secure safe, decent, affordable housing as they
<br />move from welfare to work. The over-riding goal, however, is to assist as many TANF-
<br />eligible North Carolina families as possible secure safe, decent, affordable housing. While
<br />the program is designed to accommodate housing-related services, applicants must be able to
<br />demonstrate a cleaz and strong link between the. services to be provided and the primary goal
<br />of securing affordable housing for the greatest number of eligible families.
<br />TANF funds and local matching funds may be used for rental assistance, housing search
<br />assistance, landlord outreach, employing or contracting with housing specialists, coordination
<br />of local housing. partnership efforts, and other activities as part of a Work Fust housing
<br />strategy.
<br />Administrative costs aze allowable up to 15% of the total budget. The emphasis of projects
<br />is expected to be on direct support for securing affordable housing (e.g., rental
<br />assistance) and housing-related services with a direct link to accessing housing, and this
<br />emphasis should be reflected in the uses of funds outlined in the proposal.
<br />CDBG projects may include for activities such aspre-development costs leading to
<br />construction of new rental units, site acquisition by an eligible non-profit sponsor, on-site
<br />infrastructure, project-specific support services for tenants, and other CDBG-eligible
<br />activities if part of a Work First housing strategy. Two million dollazs in Small Cities CDBG
<br />funds have been earmarked for projects that support the T,ANF-Housing Pilot Program,
<br />however applicants will need to follow the existing CDBG application procedures to apply
<br />for these funds. t
<br />4. AMOUNTS AND TYPES OF MATCHING FUNDS
<br />Applicants are expected to provide a minimum cash match of 50% (one local dollaz for every
<br />two state dollars), although the larger the match the more likely the proposal will be selected. In-
<br />kind matches of personnel time, facilities and equipment can also be included but should be
<br />listed sepazately from the cash match. The types and amounts of in-kind matches will be
<br />considered when assessing the local commitment and feasibility of projects, however, in-kind
<br />costs will not be counted against the minimum 50% cash match requirement. If used on eligible
<br />families the local match may also be counted as "Maintenance of Effort" for Work First.
<br />5. SELECTION CRITERIA
<br />Each of the following selection factors will be weighted equally in evaluating the proposals and..
<br />selecting the pilot projects to be funded.
<br />t Except for entitlement communities, which receive funds directly from HUD, all municipalities are eligible to
<br />receive Small Cities CDBG. North Carolina's 22 entitlement municipalities are Asheville, Burlingon, Chapel Hill,
<br />Charlotte, Concord, Durham, Fayetteville, Gastonia, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, High Point,
<br />Jacksonville, Kannapolis, Lenoir, Morganton, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Salisbury, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem.
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