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<br />2. Other Needs <br />Information provided by the applicant will be used to determine the financial <br />health of the individual applying for the program. Efforts will be made to ensure <br />that any other benefits or solutions to problems are reviewed and explained to the <br />applicant. Should they have needs which cannot be addressed through the <br />County; referrals will be made to organizations such as the USDA -Rural <br />Development Office, the local Community Action Agency, DSS and Legal <br />Services. The applicant will be informed regarding pitfalls of predatory lending so <br />that better decisions can be made in the face of loan offers. <br />3. All applicants must receive a copy of the Assistance Policy. <br />4. Preliminary inspection: Orange County's Rehabilitation Specialist will visit the <br />homes of potential recipients to determine the need and feasibility of the home for <br />rehabilitation. <br />5. Screening of applicants: Applications will be rated and ranked by Orange <br />County based on the priority system outlined on page 3 and the feasibility of <br />rehabilitating the house. Household income will be verified for program purposes <br />only (information will be kept confidential). Ownership of property will be verified <br />along with other rating factors. From this review, the ten (10) most qualified <br />applicants will be chosen according to the priority system described above. There <br />will also be a list of qualified alternates. <br />6. Applicant interviews: Approved applicants will be provided detailed information <br />on assistance, lead hazards, program rehabilitation standards and the contracting <br />procedures associated with their project at this informational interview. Before <br />proceeding with the rehabilitation of their home, the applicant will be given seven <br />calendar (7) days in which to decide whether to accept the loan and participate in <br />the SFR program or not. Applicants will be encouraged to consult with family <br />members and legal professionals in order to determine the best course of action <br />for them. Owners who do not qualify for SFR2008 will be notified in writing within <br />30 days from the date of a completed application. <br />7. Work write-up: Orange County's Rehabilitation Specialist will visit the home <br />again for a more thorough inspection. All parts of the home must be made <br />accessible for inspection, including the attic and crawlspace, if any. The owner <br />should report any known problems such as electrical short circuits, blinking lights, <br />roof leaks and the like. The Rehabilitation Specialist will prepare complete and <br />detailed work specifications (known as the "work write-up". A final cost estimate <br />will also be prepared by the Rehabilitation Specialist and held in confidence until <br />bidding is completed. <br />8. Lead Testing: Orange County will arrange for a certified firm to inspect the home <br />for potential lead hazards. The owner will receive information covering the results <br />of the tests and any corrective actions that will be needed as part of the <br />rehabilitation. <br />