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1 Blake Rosser said that during the pandemic, the county spent $15 million on Emergency <br /> 2 Housing Assistance due to ARPA funding. He said that as those funds decreased, they went to <br /> 3 $2 million, and in the current fiscal year the county appropriated $400,000 for the program. He <br /> 4 said that those funds combined with the remaining ARPA funds allowed for about $500,000 for <br /> 5 the current year. He said they changed the parameters of the program to allow assistance to <br /> 6 folks with life changing circumstances, including sickness, loss of job, and a death in the family. <br /> 7 He said they also changed the requirement for AMI to 30% or below. He said they have seen <br /> 8 some benefits with those changes. <br /> 9 <br /> 10 Slide #8 <br /> aboutLegal Services <br /> Eviction Diversion Program. Legal advice <br /> landlordhousing issues-Representation in court if a <br /> respect has <br /> already filed an eviction case In small claims court <br /> Civil Rights Program. Investigation into any civil rights <br /> violations with . federal and local <br /> Public Accommodation . Civil Rights ordinances <br /> Ryan Evans n4RANGE COUNTY <br /> Legal Services Manager HOUSING DEPARTMENT <br /> ryevans@arangecountync.gov <br /> 11 <br /> 12 Blake Rosser said the Civil Rights Program used to be the fair housing program in the <br /> 13 Office of Equity and Inclusion. He said it was moved into the Housing Department so that it was <br /> 14 under the supervision of an attorney. He said that the program was underperforming for several <br /> 15 years, and that the county voluntarily chose to withdraw from the program with HUD temporarily. <br /> 16 He said they have a plan to streamline the program's practices and policies to show HUD that <br /> 17 they are capable of reassuming administration of the program by the end of the year. He said <br /> 18 they have a goal to reapply for certification by the end of the year. He said they are still taking <br /> 19 applications, and they are explaining the circumstances that the department is in, and giving them <br /> 20 the option of applying directly to HUD. <br /> 21 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked for more information on the partnership with HUD. <br /> 22 Blake Rosser said it brings reimbursement for handling the cases, such as paying for the <br /> 23 staff investigating the cases and training. He said HUD also offered expertise to the department. <br /> 24 Blake Rosser said he is still speaking with HUD to determine what supports will be available. He <br /> 25 said he is optimistic that HUD will still be a resource. He said it was beneficial to the program to <br /> 26 be an official HUD authority. <br /> 27 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked about the experience for residents with the changes. <br /> 28 Blake Rosser said theoretically there should be no impact because they can still provide <br /> 29 intake and investigations as before. He said practically speaking, people can get more efficient <br /> 30 review of their cases with HUD rather than with the county. <br /> 31 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what the process is for putting an application in with HUD. <br /> 32 Blake Rosser said that the HUD office for our region is based in Atlanta, but they have <br /> 33 local offices. He said that forms can be completed online or by phone. He said that his experience <br /> 34 with this HUD office is that they are responsive to applicants. <br />