Agenda - 09-08-2016 - 1 - Discussion of the Proposed Orange County FY 2016 - 2020 Affordable Housing Strategic Plan

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32 Orange CounEy AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGIC PLAN 2016 -2020 BOCC Work E n September 8, 2016 wage of about $19—or more than $39,000 annually—to afford it, an amount that is out of reach for most homeless and near-homeless families. • Eventually, in as few as nine months, Family Promise transfers the title of the home to the family at no cost. In other words, families can go from homelessness to homeownership in less than a year. "The program is said to not only end homelessness for families but it actually helps them move out of poverty." • This Program has been found to benefit the families and prepare them financially for their future in a few ways. Like I'M HOME, Partners in Housing recognizes the intrinsic value of manufactured and mobile homes, and so the initial cost, offset by volunteer hours, is low. Most importantly, the program requires investment from the families. • A family's sweat equity comes in the form of participation in financial capability education programs. Families participate in financial education and are connected with social services. • Family Promise provides wraparound services to target key goals, including employment (along with daycare), education (for both parents and children), transportation, health, budgeting assistance, and more. • These programs aim to ready the family for homeownership, which has already become a reality for 67 families in the area. While most of the families are still living in the manufactured homes, 15 or so have moved to other housing options, including other forms of homeownership. • Family Promise of Grand Rapids has purchased homes in 14 manufactured housing communities. There is a real benefit to the community owner, as well, as the purchases fill vacancies, improve cash flow, and provide a better-looking property. The community owner also has access to local nonprofit support if a family misses a payment or faces other challenges in their transition. • Just as important, however, is that Family Promise's involvement mitigates potential problems that the families may face with a community owner. Too often, owners of manufactured homes and other community residents feel isolated from community amenities and services. Having outside support can be a huge help. • This program not only ends homelessness for families but it actually helps them move out of poverty. This changes the future for the children and affords them a real chance at a healthy future, which in turn changes the future for our entire community. • Family Promise affiliates in Florida and Minnesota have started to use manufactured and mobile homes to meet their local housing needs. • CFED is exploring how it can help Family Promise expand this program, making it sustainable, adaptable to local needs and conditions, and better able to serve a broader audience. Source: CFED, 05/10/2016 30