2017-513-E Finance - EmPOWERment, Inc. - Outside Agency Performance Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID:72266CE5-DF5A-471E-B671-CC65C8960691 EXHIBIT A PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION Human Services Needs Assessment) to support the need for this program. The Orange County 5 Year consolidated plan has Housing as a "High Priority" item that includes providing safe and affordable rental units for low to moderate income families. Town/Council goal - Adopt and implement affordable housing strategies. Town/Council Programs - Housing and Community: Rental Housing for Low- Income Families; Maintenance Services: Resident Services EmPOWERment's rental program fully embodies these objectives. It is the largest residential landlord that accepts Housing Choice Vouchers when other landlords refuse to accept. There is a critical need for affordable rental. EmPOWERment Inc. continues to purchase units to fill and create inventory to address the need. The EmPOWERment, Inc., rental program has a proven track record of implementing safe, clean and affordable places for low to moderate income families to live. We have provided these services for the past 16 years. Our inventory of units has increased to 40 owned by the organization and 7 that we manage for private landlords. EmPOWERment uses a tracking log to keep account of the number of telephone calls, in office visits, and applications submitted for requested housing. In 2016 we fielded approximately 613 inquiries for rental homes. Many of the individuals seeking housing are below the poverty level and were referred to us through our collaborative efforts with other social service agencies. Seventy-seven percent of the inquiries and applications submitted were from minority populations and 100% were below the 80% level. We have found that approximately 58% of our inquiries are from female heads of households that include young children. The major property management companies in the area are no longer accepting Housing Choice Vouchers. EmPOWERment gives these individuals priority because those individuals have a limited amount of time to use their vouchers. f) Who is your target population of individuals to benefit from this program and how will they be identified and connected with the program? Our target population is Orange County residents' looking for affordable rentals whose income falls below the 80% area median income. Our typical residents are Housing Choice Voucher holders, seniors, disabled or homeless. We give priority to these individuals. They are identified through the application and verification process and other agencies. g) Describe the credentials of the program manager and other key staff. (Ex. Identify Program Manager and credentials, describe training provided to volunteers, etc.) EmPOWERment, Inc. has been in the property management business for 16 years. The Property Manager and her team carry out all program activities. They operate out of the EmPOWERment Office located in the Midway Business Center, Chapel Hill, NC. All of the EmPOWERment staff, UNC Bonner students (4) and volunteers PROGRAM INFORMATION 1/25/2017 4:42:59 PM Fag a 15 of 22