This page includes Narrative Responses to specific questions regarding the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Programs and the Consolidated Plan.

GENERAL

The Athens-Clarke County (ACC) Department of Human & Economic Development (HED) is responsible for administering ACC’s Housing & Urban Development (HUD) funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. In doing so HED strives to support and develop viable neighborhoods by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities for low to moderate income residents.

CDBG and HOME funded programs are divided into four broad categories:

- Housing

- Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization,

- Public Facilities and Improvements, and

- Public Services.

Financial Information for Annual Action Plan

Fiscal Year July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $1,668,094

Projected CDBG Program Income (estimate) $41,321

Total CDBG $1,709,415

HOME Investment Partnership Program $953,797

Projected HOME Program Income $2,350

Total HOME $956,147

Athens-Clarke County is a HUD Entitlement Community and must prepare a Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans as a pre-requisite for receiving HUD funding. The planning approach utilized in the development of the Consolidated Plan establishes a framework to stimulate housing construction and job creation through diversifying our local economy over the next five years. The housing strategies in the strategic plan are very similar to those Athens-Clarke County has used in the past such as: infill development, acquisition, demolition, new construction, historic preservation, housing repairs, and rehabilitation. Athens-Clarke County continues to view homeownerhip as a primary focus for HOME and CDBG funding and hopes to expand housing choices and increase the availability of safe, decent affordable housing through non-profit corporations and partnerships with private developers and lenders.

The achievement of HED’s mission requires a focus on socially and economically distressed areas for revitalization. Revitalization involves a comprehensive delivery of housing and community development services and investment in fragile neighborhoods in order to improve the social and economic conditions and ultimately re-create a viable community. ACC has 2 focus areas for revitalization: East Athens and the Hancock Corridor.

Each Census Tract is considered to be low or moderate income with 70% or more of its residents earning low to moderate incomes. It is for these reasons that Census Tracts 301, 302, 6, & 9 have been designated as focus areas for CDBG and HOME investments. Along with the establishment of neighborhood revitalization areas, Athens-Clarke County has worked to create non-profit organizations such as the East Athens Development Corporation and the Hancock Community Development Corporation where institutional gaps existed to deliver programs in the revitalization areas. Other prominent partners in housing and community development services include the Athens Housing Authority, the Athens Area Homeless Shelter, and the Athens Neighborhood Health Center.

The Consolidated Plan outlines Athens-Clarke County's specific long and short-term housing and community development goals, objectives, and resources that support the provision of decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for low-income and moderate-income persons. The July 1, 2005-June 30, 2010 Consolidated Plan can be made available for your review upon request.

Due every three, four, or five years (length of period is at the grantee’s discretion) no less than 45 days prior to the start of the grantee’s program year start date. HUD does not accept plans between August 15 and November 15.

This document contains Consolidated Plan Goals and Strategies for HUD Fiscal Years:

July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006

July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007

July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008

July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009

July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010

The Athens-Clarke County 5-Year Consolidated Plan will:

5 Year Strategic Plan General Questions response:

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated form of government and is the only governing body within the jurisdiction. Athens-Clarke County, comprised of 125 square miles, is the smallest in land area of Georgia's 159 counties. It was the twenty-fifth county created in the state and is located approximately 65 miles NE of Atlanta, Georgia. According to the 2000 census, Clarke County was the fourteenth most populous county in the state with 101,489 residents. (In 1990, the census reported 87,594 people.) The Athens-Clarke County Planning Department estimates the 2005 population at 108,222.

Of the 101,489 residents, 18,108 are children aged 18 or under. There are 39,706 households with an average size of 2.35 persons per household. Larger families are geographically concentrated in the northern and eastern portions of the jurisdiction and smaller families are geographically concentrated diagonally across the jurisdiction from west to southeast. Nearly half the households are composed of families and there are over 5,000 families with no husband present. Over 50.4% of all households in the jurisdiction consist of non-family households.

The University of Georgia (UGA) reported their population in 2003 at 33,875 students which is approximately 31% of ACC’s total population. An estimated 6,000 (20%) UGA students live on campus with another 1,600 live in either sorority or fraternity houses. The remaining 23,700 plus students either commute into the campus from outside of Athens or rent or own homes within the jurisdiciton. The number of actual full-time residents in the county is closer to 70,201 when non-resident students are excluded.

According to the Census, in Athens-Clarke County, 64.9% of the residents were white and 27.3% were black. Hispanics, who can be identified as either white or black in the Census data, made up 6.3% of the county's population. Statewide, 65.1% of residents were white, 28.7% were black and 5.3% were Hispanic.

In Athens-Clarke County, 17.8% of the county’s residents were age 18 or younger, while 8.1% were age 65 or older. Statewide, 26.5% were age 18 or younger and 9.6% were age 65 or older.

The Census reports 7.9% of Athens-Clarke County's households were headed by females with children under 18 years of age, compared with 9.0% statewide. Total households with children under 18 comprised 22.5% of all households in the county and 35.0% of those in the state.

Between 1996 and 2000, Athens-Clarke County school system reported an average high school dropout rate of 9.7%, for students in grades 9 to 12. Statewide, this rate is 6.8% for the same period of time.

The 2000 Census reported 42,126 total housing units in Athens-Clarke County. 2003 Census estimates 44,157 housing units.

According to HUD, Household Income is the sum of money income received in the previous calendar year by all household members who are 15 years old and over, including household members not related to the householder, people living alone, and others in non-family households. The Fiscal Year 2005 HUD median family income estimates are based on 2000 Census data on family incomes updated to 2005 using Census P-60 median family income data, Census American Community Survey data on changes in state median family incomes, and local Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data. The Median Family Income (MFI) for Athens-Clarke County is $54,250. Over 20% of our population have a Median Family Income of 60% or less than $43,450 for a family of four. According to the Census 2000 Poverty Statistics, a family unit size of two to three persons is considered to be living in poverty within an income level of $11,239.00-$13,738.00. Families and persons are classified as below poverty level if their total family income or unrelated individual income is less than the poverty threshold specified for the applicable family size, age of householder, and number of related children under the present age of 18.

Census 2000 reports that of ACC’s total population of 101,489, 26,337 (28.3%) live below the poverty threshold. This is an increase of 11.36% from 1990 data that reported 23,650 (27%) persons below poverty. During this period the total population grew 15.86%. Over the same period the UGA student population grew over 9.73%. See Appendix III Maps.

The achievement of HED’s mission requires a focus on socially and economically distressed areas for revitalization. Revitalization involves a comprehensive effort of services and investment in specific neighborhoods in order to improve the social and economic conditions and ultimately re-create a viable community. ACC has focused on 2 areas for revitalization: East Athens and the Hancock Corridor. East Athens is identified as Census Tracts 301 and 302. Census Tracts 301 and 302 have 7,795 residents. 78% of the residents were considered to be of low or moderate incomes and over 78% are reported as minorities. Census Tracts 6 and 9, the Hancock Corridor, have 5,695 residents and approximately 60% are reported as minority. When the percentage is averaged between the two census tracts over 86% of the residents of Census Tracts 6 and 9 have low to moderate incomes.

The 2000 Census reports the MFI in Census Tract 6 at $21,731, 52% of the MFI for Athens-Clarke County, and the MFI for Census Tract 9 at $13,708, or approximately 33% of the MFI for Athens-Clarke County. Of the 1,148 housing units in Census Tract 6, over 85% are renter occupied. There are 1,561 housing units in Census Tract 9 of which 79% are renter occupied.

These Census Tracts have large public housing complexes and significant concentrations of low income residents. Many of the homes are older and a large percentage of the residents are renters. Each Census Tract is considered to be low or moderate income since 70% or more of its residents earn low to moderate incomes. It is for these reasons that Census Tracts 301, 302, 6, and 9 have been designated as focus areas for CDBG and HOME investments. Maps of each neighborhood revitalization area are in Appendix IV NR Maps.

Along with the establishment of neighborhood revitalization areas, HED has worked to create non-profit community-based development organizations such as the East Athens Development Corporation (EADC) where institutional gaps existed. Athens-Clarke County is also working with the Hancock Community Development Corporation to increase their capacity to deliver programs and manage projects as a community-based development organization. The Athens Housing Authority and the Athens Land Trust are also developing new owner-occupied housing opportunities focusing on these neighborhood revitalization areas. These approaches, along with the goals identified in the Strategic Plan, are designed to reduce the number of families living in poverty and increase homeownership in Athens-Clarke County.

In general, the lowest income households are found in and around the central business district in the four census tracts that have been the foci of Athens-Clarke County's CDBG and HOME housing and community development activities.

CDBG and HOME funds will be used to deliver housing and community development services on a county-wide basis with priority given for projects located in neighborhood revitalization areas.

According to federal regulations, 70% of CDBG funds must benefit residents with low to moderate incomes (less than 80% of the median income for the county). Historically, nearly 100% of ACC’s CDBG & HOME funds directly benefit low to moderate income residents.

Priorities within the Consolidated Plan were assigned by analyzing local housing and community development information, utilizing Census Data, and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Housing Problem data, input provided by the Strategic Planning Committee and the Vision Committee through the planning process, and community organizations through the application for funding. Four public hearings were also held where citizen comments were sought regarding the contents of the strategic plan and the annual action plan.

Investments are allocated based on the following priorities:

In general, assistance will be directed to low to moderate income residents and to low to moderate income census tracts and block groups throughout the jurisdiction. Priority for assistance will be in the neighborhood revitalization areas containing the East Athens Census Tracts 301 and 302 and the Hancock Corridor Census Tracts 6 and 9. Over 82% of the residents of these 4 Census Tracts have household incomes of less than 80% of the Median Family Income for Athens-Clarke County. By concentrating assistance in these areas, Athens-Clarke County will also be concentrating funds in the areas with high concentrations of families living in poverty and the highest densities of racial and ethnic minorities.

The under-served populations include homeless individuals with substance abuse problems, homeless families, single parent households, those diagnosed with AIDS, the elderly, and the disabled.

More specifically, the obstacles to meeting the needs of these populations include:

- Reaching the un-sheltered homeless population.

- Identifying persons diagnosed with AIDS and their growing needs.

- Public opposition to housing such as SROs and transitional shelters.

- Access to additional resources to fund special needs and transitional housing.

In an effort to remove these obstacles, Athens-Clarke County continues to provide leadership to form interagency groups specifically for this purpose. These groups of agency representatives, customers, and citizens will assist with identifying better utilization of both human capital and financial resources for improving services to these under-served populations. These groups include East Athens Development Corporation, Hancock Community Development Corporation, Athens Housing Authority, ACTION, Inc., Northeast Georgia Homeless Coalition, and the AIDS Coalition of Northeast Georgia. Each group is active in the Athens-Clarke County Continuum of Care. Organizations addressing the needs of the community with disabilities includes Georgia Options, Multiple Choices, and the University of Georgia Institute on Human Development and Disability.

5 Year Strategic Plan Managing the Process response:

The Athens-Clarke County Department of Human & Economic Development (HED) is responsible for administering the Housing & Urban Development (HUD) funded Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs. HED is the lead agency responsible for planning and implementing the Consolidated Plan. Major public and private agencies responsible for administering the consolidated plan include the Athens Housing Authority, East Athens Development Corporation, Hancock Community Development Corporation, ACTION, Inc., Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation, Athens Land Trust, Athens Area Homeless Shelter, and Athens Neighborhood Health Center.

In June 2004 HED implemented a strategic planning process as part of the development of this Consolidated Plan. The strategic planning process was based on the primary objective of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Strategic planning committee members included four Athens-Clarke County Commisioners and the Mayor, the Athens-Clarke County Assistant Manager, the Community Relations Director for the University of Georgia, five Vision Committee members, a physian, two representatives from the Department of Family and Children Services, the Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, the NE GA Homeless Coalition Executive Director, the Executive Director of the Athens Area Homeless Shelter, the Catholic Social Services Executive Director, a representative from the UGA College of Education, the Executive Director of the Athens Council on Child Abuse, a retired UGA School of Social Work professor, a representative from the Athens Community Counsel on Aging, the Executive Director of the Athens Transit System. the Executive Director of the ACC Economic Development Foundation, the regional director of the Georgia Department of Labor, the Executive Director of the Small Business Development Center, the economic development manager for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, the Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board, the Executive Director of the Visitors & Convention Bureau, the

Hancock Community Development Corporation Executive Director, a representative from Georgia Power, a developer/realtor and owner Assist to Sell, the Athens Homebuilders Association President, the Athens Housing Authority Executive Director, the Executive Director of the Athens Land Trust Executive Director, the East Athens Development Corp. Executive Director, the Vice-president of Mainstreet Bank, and members of the Athens-Clarke County Commission on People with Disabilities.

The strategic planning committee identified and prioritized community resources, community needs, and gaps in services. Once needs, gaps, and resources were analyzed and prioritized, staff developed specific goal statements and strategies to address the gaps and needs, solicited proposals, analyzed each application for funding, and recommended funding stratgegies to the Mayor and Commission.

To solicit citizen input in the development of the Consolidated Plan, Athens-Clarke County adopted a Citizen Participation Plan as outlined in the Citizen Participation section of the Consolidated Plan. The Citizen Participation Plan can be found in the appendix. Strategic Planning Committee meetings were held on June 8, 15, & 22, 2004 at the Department of Labor and were open to the public.

HED hosted 2 public hearings on June 29 & 30, 2004 to receive citizen comments on the proposed goals and strategies. Though prominent ads were published in the newspaper and direct-mail invitations were sent to over 100 residents, non-profit agencies, churches, and private businesses the public hearings were lightly attended. Afterwards, the proposed goals and strategies and citizen comments were presented to the Mayor and Commission at a work session held on July 13, 2004.

HED hosted a grant application workshop on October 28, 2004 where over 65 agency, faith-based organizations, and business representatives were in attendance to learn how they may access these federal funds for the provision of housing and economic development activities to benefit low to moderate income people in Athens. At the workshop HED staff provided technical assistance to local applicants in planning projects and proposals that were due in December 2004. The department received 35 proposals requesting over $3,000,000 in CDBG funding. The proposed Consolidated Plan and Annual Action were made available for review and consultation at several locations in Athens-Clarke County and for neighboring jurisdictions at the NE GA Regional Development Center.

*Please note that Citizen Comments and Responses may be included as additional files within the CPMP Tool.

5 Year Strategic Plan Citizen Participation response:

Strategic Planning Committee meetings June 8, 15, & 22

Public Hearings July 13 & 15

Public Meeting to Request Applications October 28

Applications due December 6

Vision Committee meetings January 18 and 25

Manager’s work session February 8

Advertise Public Review Period and Public Hearing March 27

Public hearing at Commission meeting April 5

Begin Consolidated Plan public review April 12

End Consolidated Plan public review period May 12

Forward to HUD May 13

HED uses a variety of methods to involve citizens in the decision-making process for the Consolidated Plan. The purpose is to encourage citizen participation, with particular emphasis on participation by persons of low and moderate income and residents of slum and blighted areas and areas in which community development funds are proposed to be used. All aspects of citizen participation are conducted in an open manner and every reasonable effort is made to include low and moderate income persons, minorities, the elderly, handicapped, project area residents, and civic groups. Citizens are provided with timely and adequate information, as well as technical assistance and are encouraged to express their views and submit proposals eligible for community development funds. Notice of all public hearings are published as a block ad in the nonlegal section of the newspaper of general circulation (in this case, the Athens Banner-Herald) approximately 10 days prior to the time of any public hearing and includes time, date, location, amount of funding, and the topics to be discussed at the public hearings. Special effort is made to include participation by minority groups including African-Americans and those of Hispanic origin. Over 100 faith-based organizations and members of the Athens-Clarke County Commission on People with Disabilities received direct mail invitations to participate in the CDBG public hearings and the request for proposals.

See Appendix I CCP to review the Athens-Clarke County Citizen Participation Plan.

HED accepted all citizen comments at public meetings and considered each one in the development of this Consolidated Plan. HED received no comments during the 30 day review period. See Appendix II Comments to review citizen comments.

5 Year Strategic Plan Institutional Structure response:

The consolidated plan must explain the institutional structure, including private industry, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions, through which the jurisdiction will carry out its housing and community development plan, assessing the strengths and gaps in that delivery system.

The Athens-Clarke County Human & Economic Development Department (HED) is the lead agency responsible for implementing the consolidated plan. The principal features of the housing and community development institutional structure includes a comprehensive program of human and economic development. HED is responsible for identifying problems and needs that exist in the community and for identifying and securing resources needed to effectively address these problems and needs. The department encourages efforts to enable, empower, and involve the disadvantaged; address the causes of crime; work to enhance the quality of life of all citizens; and to help ensure that the unified government will be responsive to the needs of all citizens. HED consists of a director and ten staff members that support the mission to provide affordable housing, economic opportunities, and a suitable living environment. HED contracts with various non-profit and faith-based organizations to carry out their mission. HED also contracts with private businesses for the development and creation of jobs and for housing construction, rehabilitaiton, and repairs. Contracts for the delivery of housing and community development services are performance based and adhere to HUD regulatory guidelines. Partner agencies within the institutional structure include:

EADC is a 501 (c) (3) Community Based Development Organization, established in 1993 to revitalize East Athens. EADC provides community based micro-enterprise training and support, and job development and affordable housing services. EADC is a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency and a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). Housing programs include: Home Buyers Club, housing counseling, housing rehabilitation, owner occupied rehab, down payment assistance, ADA accessibility, and new construction.

HCDC is a 501 (c) (3) Community Based Development Organization, established in 1999 to revitalize parts of the Hancock Corridor. HCDC provides afffordable housing services and is seeking HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency status.

The Athens Housing Authority (AHA) provides secure, affordable, quality housing, and resources which encourage and sustain independence for wage earners, the elderly, and their families. The Athens Housing Authority manages and administers 1,255 units of public housing in the community. In addition, AHA is involved in a number of local affordable housing initiatives. Their experience in housing finance and construction enhances and augments housing options for all residents of Athens.

ACTION offers emergency repair for elderly or disabled home owners, heating assistance, weatherization, the Full Plate food program, and Head Start.

The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation seeks to preserve the architectural, historical and cultural heritage of the community through workshops, lectures, exhibits and tours. The Heritage Foundation also manages the annual Hands on Athens event.

The Athens Land Trust promotes quality of life through integration of community and the natural environment by preserving land, creating energy-efficient and affordable housing, and revitalizing neighborhoods.

The focus of the Athens Area Homeless Shelter (AAHS) is to provide a transitional facility for homeless women and their children. The program which goes by the name "Almost Home" furnishes long term residential support to women and children who are open to the life changes necessary for healthy self sufficiency. "Almost Home" represents a holistic approach to addressing the disaster and quagmire of homelessness and hopelessness in people's lives. "Almost Home" offers shelter, food, childcare, counseling, training, transportation, and resettlement help. The AAHS also administers the Job TREC program and the Nancy Travis House programs. The Job TREC program offers job readiness, case management, and follow up services to hundreds of people locally. The Nancy Travis House program provides a voucher-based child care service for homeless parents.

Athens Justice Project provides legal and counseling services, career counseling, health services, and literacy programs to eligible individuals who are facing criminal charges and cannot afford an attorney.

Athens Neighborhood Health Center offers outpatient health care services to anyone, regardless of ability to pay, and provides primary health care for children, adults and the elderly, including family planning, diabetes treatment, and some laboratory services.

Athens Tutorial Program provides one-on-one tutorial services for students in grades two through 12, Monday—Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Athens Nurses' Clinic provides free health care services to homeless and low income individuals and families in need of assistance. They offer free blood pressure checks and blood sugar monitoring, STD and HIV testing and dental services for homeless clients.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those at risk, to realize their full potential as responsible, caring and productive citizens.

Catholic Social Services was opened in 1985 in order to provide support and assistance to low-income families. With a special emphasis on the Hispanic population, Athens Community Outreach Center has developed a wide range of services and activities geared specifically to address the needs of this dynamic and rapidly growing community. Since opening its doors, Athens Community Outreach Center has served thousands of families in Northeast Georgia. Through various programs and services, Athens Community Outreach Center seeks to strengthen and empower low-income families by offering information and referral services, English as a Second Language, job readiness training and referrals, social advocacy, counseling, and through working cooperatively with other agencies in the community that can offer support to people in need. All services are available in English and Spanish.

Interfaith Hospitality Network serves homeless families by mobilizing religious communities to provide shelter and meals, by working with families to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, and by raising awareness of social justice issues.

Project Safe is a local, non-profit organization that provides a safe Shelter, a 24-hour Hotline, Referrals and Support Groups for women, and their children, who are victims of domestic violence.

The SAC provides Support Services and Education/Prevention by offering free, confidential assistance to any individual affected by sexual violence including a 24 hour crisis line, crisis intervention, individual counseling, support groups, forensic interviews, medical/legal advocacy, medical and legal accompaniment, and referral/follow-up. SAC also provides community outreach and curriculum-based education/prevention programming for sexual violence.

The YWCO is a community organization based on Christian values making a difference in Athens area families through teaching, nurturing and enriching activities offered over the course of a lifetime.

State agencies, the local government, nonprofit organizations, businesses, financial institutions, and other organizations help carry out numerous housing and community development policies and programs in Athens-Clarke County (ACC). The ACC Human & Economic Development Department values its partners and

recognizes their vital contributions.

In reference to the strengths and gaps in the service delivery system, one of the greatest strength is the experience of the staff of the Human & Economic Development Department and that of the major partners who administer the Consolidated Plan programs.

The community's capacity to build more affordable housing units has increased significantly over the last few years. The East Athens Development Corporation, the Athens Housing Authority, and the Athens Land Trust have competent and responsible staffs to carry out the necessary details of the affordable housing programs. In addition, the Athens Housing Authority can issue tax-exempt housing revenue bonds. Their ability to finance tax exempt revenue bonds has aided the development of other affordable housing in the community.

ACTION, Inc. has improved their capacity to repair more homes through the emergency repair program for elderly or disabled homeowners and the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation is serving more families through the historic preservation program "Hands on Athens".

Other institutional strengths include the ability to layer different sources of subsidy to maximize eligible activities associated with the construction of affordable housing. The combination of local resources, and federal and state funds, or the layering of HOME dollars and Low Income Housing Tax Credits, are examples of this strength.

The largest gap thus far has been the lack of flexible financial resources to carry out each program to address the levels of need in various community development programming in Athens-Clarke County. According to Doug Bachtel, UGA professor of housing and consumer economics and a demographics expert, vital statistics information shows that from 1994 to 2003, 42.5 percent of births in Athens-Clarke County were to unwed mothers. Closer inspection reveals 23.8 percent of all births to white women, and a staggering 75.4 percent of births to minority women, were to unwed mothers. This translates to low levels of educational attainment, high dropout rates, poor educational outcomes (SAT scores), low income, high unemployment rates, intergenerational poverty, and poor health which form the core of the housing and community development needs in Athens-Clarke County.

The southeastern United States has traditionally had high rates of counties in

poverty. In fall 2001 the University of Georgia secured federal funds to study the need and potential support for a federal commission in areas of the historic cotton-growing region of the Southeast. A study was commissioned and a region of persistent poverty in 242 counties has been identified in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Athens-Clarke County is one of those counties that has exhibited persistent poverty rates higher than the national average over the course of thirty years.

Along with the other 241 counties, Athens-Clarke County has a lower output of goods and services, is more dependent on low wage manufacturing, and our citizens are more dependent on government and dividends for household income and their household income is lower than counties not considered a part of this region of persistent poverty.

So for these reasons, even though there is a strong continuum of housing and community development services available through several mature non-profit organizations and faith-based groups, Athens-Clarke County has gaps is service delivery due to the scale of need by our lowest income residents.

Strengths and Gaps in the Delivery System for Public Housing

The number of available public housing units in Athens-Clarke County as of March 2005 was 1,242. This public housing stock is comprised of 89 efficiency apartments, 339 one-bedroom units, 349 two-bedroom units, 293 three-bedroom units, 136 four-bedroom units, 31 five-bedroom units, and 5 six-bedroom units.

In April 2003 the Athens Housing Authority sold 28 units of Parkview Extension to the University of Georgia. The Athens Housing Authority will be utilizing its net proceeds from the sale of these units to further the cause of affordable housing in Athens by constructing or acquiring affordable housing units. These units shall be constructed for extremely low income, very low-income, low-income, and /or moderate-income people in Athens. If possible, the AHA (either by themselves or in conjunction with private and/or non-profit partners) will leverage this funding to create the maximum number of units possible – perhaps into the hundreds of new affordable housing units.

In January 2003, the Authority’s new Central Office located at 300 South Rocksprings Street was completed. This move has enabled the Authority to enhance its operations by housing all of its departments under one roof for the first time in many years. In addition, it allowed the AHA to return four dwelling units previously utilized for office space to the rent rolls for occupancy by limited income families. Finally, the Athens Housing Authority is the first public housing authority in the nation to successfully secure a private mortgage to pay for the construction of this new facility. The mortgage provides the AHA the ability to return Capital Fund Program monies, initially utilized for the construction, back into the Authority’s housing modernization program keeping apartment renovation schedules on target.

The Authority submitted a disposition application to HUD to donate four dwelling units, and associated property, in the Nellie B Apartments (the East Athens Neighborhood Revitalization area) to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government for the East Athens Police Substation Project. The substation will be manned twenty-four hours per day with a total staff of thirty officers. This collaboration benefits ACC by allowing much shorter response times in this part of the community. The Authority benefits by having a constant police presence in the Nellie B community.

In addition, recognizing the unique lifestyle needs of both the elderly and disabled, the AHA was approved by HUD to designate 115 units comprising the entire Denney Tower high-rise and 25 units of Jack R. Wells known as Vine Circle for the elderly only. Within the same application, the AHA also requested the designation of 30 units located in various neighborhoods for the disabled.

Utilizing its power to issue tax-exempt bonds, the Athens Housing Authority is partnering with owners of private sector, subsidized housing to improve their housing stock and stabilize neighborhoods. Currently the AHA is engaged in the issuance of two additional tax-exempt bond programs, which should come to fruition in the next year. These would finance the construction of two new Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties.

Organizational relationship between ACC and the Athens Housing Authority

The Athens Housing Authority (AHA) has a six-member board. The Athens-Clarke County Mayor appoints AHA Board members. Five of the Commissioners serve five-year, rotating terms. The Resident Commissioner is appointed annually.

The AHA follows HUD guidelines regarding hiring, contracting, and procurement.

Athens-Clarke County has funded several AHA activities including the purchase and installation of playground equipment, funding a day care center located in an AHA unit, the purchase of computer equipment for use by public housing residents, and funding for the AHA infill housing construction and homeownership program.

Review by ACC of Proposed Capital Improvements and Proposed Development, Demolition or Disposition of Public Housing Developments

The Athens-Clarke County Government and the Athens Housing Authority maintain a close working relationship and have established policies and procedures for the review of any proposed capital improvements and developments, and for the demolition or disposition of Athens Housing Authority properties. Each year the Human & Economic Development (HED) department reviews the Athens Housing Authority Consolidated Plan. HED reviews the Athens Housing Authority Consolidated Plan to make certain that any proposed capital improvements and developments, demolitions, or disposition of Athens Housing Authority properties is consistent with the Athens-Clarke County Consolidated Plan.

The Athens Housing Authority is also a review site for the Athens-Clarke County Consolidated Plan. In addition, direct lines of communication are open between the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and the Executive Director of the Athens Housing Authority. The Athens-Clarke County Building Inspections Department reviews proposed demolitions and the Athens-Clarke County Planning and Zoning Department reviews proposed capital improvements and developments.

5 Year Strategic Plan Monitoring response:

All Athens-Clarke County sub-recipient agencies are monitored annually to provide technical assistance and ensure compliance with CDBG and HOME regulations. Agencies are also provided with on-going technical assistance as well as opportunities to attend work-shops regarding issues such as procurement and contracting.

Each CDBG and HOME funded agency receives technical assistance and monitoring visits from program staff during the program year. In addition, partner agencies are required to submit monthly progress reports to help HED identify programs or projects that may need adjustments or changes during the program year. Outputs and outcomes are tracked and budgets are monitored to aid in overall program analysis. HED staff, along with CDBG and HOME funded agencies, work to ensure that the programs identified in the Action Plan are successfully implemented in a timely manner.

All Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO) will be monitored on an annual basis by HED to ensure that the organization has the legal status and organizational structure to maintain CHDO status. Included in this monitoring will be an evaluation of the CHDO’s performance including, but not limited to, completion of funded projects, staffing levels, financial resources, board composition, record-keeping and compliance.

HOME Match Requirements: The HOME allocation for FY05 is $999,773. The 12.5% match requirement will be fulfilled through donated properties and properties acquired below market value (donation of the difference in values for affordable housing). Sub-recipient agencies will fulfill match requirements through various means such as bond funded loans to low and moderate income residents, below market interest rate loans, donated buildings, materials and supplies, and labor.

5 Year Strategic Plan Priority Needs Analysis and Strategies response:

A number of factors were reviewed prior to the assignment of priority given to

needs. HED completed a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis of data that revealed needs and gaps from a purely statistical approach utilizing Census Data and and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Housing Problem data. Public comment was solicited through the Strategic Planning Committee process, through HED's citizen advisory committee, and through four public hearings prior to the development of this plan. Existing programs and initiatives were also assessed for their efficiency and effectiveness in meeting identified needs and gaps.

Investments are allocated based on the following priorities:

Assistance will be directed to low to moderate income residents and to low to moderate income census tracts and block groups throughout the jurisdiction. Priority for assistance will be in the neighborhood revitalization areas containing the East Athens Census Tracts 301 and 302 and the Hancock Corridor Census Tracts 6 and 9.

Obstacles to meeting underserved needs vary depending on the program, however, there are some commonalities jurisdiction-wide:

Lack of funding - Between increased construction/rehabilitation costs, decreased

housing affordability, consistent population growth, and persistant poverty, there simply is not enough money to meet the varied needs of Athens' lowest income residents.

5 Year Strategic Plan Lead-based Paint response:

During the next five years, Athens-Clarke County will coordinate efforts for lead paint identification and abatement with other local agencies including the Athens Housing Authority, Athens Land Trust, and EADC, Inc. The primary focus of the housing activity in Athens-Clarke County is in the Neighborhood Revitalization Area Census Tracts 6, 9, 301 and 302.

For all existing properties to be rehabilitated under HED programs and built prior to 1978, a survey of Lead-based Paint must be included in the environmental study. The investigation must be completed according to EPA and HUD guidelines on properties that fall under the requirements of these agencies. If such materials exist on the properties the Qualified Environmental Professional must include recommendations for the management or abatement of these materials according to all EPA and HUD guidelines.

The following table, utilizing 2000 census data, provides an estimate number of housing units in these census tracts built prior to 1980, the median family income (MFI) and number of children under the age of six. The federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in 1980 and children under the age of six are at most risk for long term health problems relating to lead-based paint.

Of the 42,126 housing units in the County, nearly 11% were built prior to 1980 are in the above census tracts, which means these units carry a risk of lead hazard. Prior to initiating housing activity involving CDBG and HOME funds, an assessment of the home is done to determine the presence and/or level of lead-based and work write-ups prepared to reflect this assessment. Housing providers such as Athens Housing Authority, East Athens Development Corporation, Athens Land Trust and ACTION incorporate Interim Controls and Safe Work Practices are followed on each project in order to reduce human exposure to lead-based paint hazards.

HOUSING

5 Year Strategic Plan Housing Needs response:

Census 2000 reports 42,126 total housing units in ACC. Of these total-housing units 39,706 (94.3%) are occupied households leaving 2,420 (5.7%) of the units vacant and available for occupancy provided the units are in safe, decent, and sanitary living condition. Athens-Clarke County's (ACC) housing market presently meets demand with a 94.3% occupancy rate and 2,420 unoccupied housing units.

ACC’s large student population has a significant impact on the local rental housing market. UGA’s student population comprises one-third of ACC’s total population and almost 80% (23,688 out of 31,288) of the students live within the local housing market as renters. UGA plans to add 3,000-4,000 new housing units on campus for an approximate total of 9,000 student-housing units over the next 10 years.

Local housing construction continues to provide new housing units at a rate consistent with recent historical experience. Single-family homes have made up the majority of new construction in recent history. Projected housing demand over the next eight years suggest that additional new units will need to be added to the ACC housing stock.

Market demand is the primary determinant of housing prices. The average sales price of new homes over the past five years is $113,029. Future sale prices are expected to continue to increase due to:

Home listings for sale and apartments for rent are often comparable to the area's Fair Market Rents and Standard Mortgage Rates but continue to be priced out of range of those families earning 30% or less of the median area family income. Therefore, only those families earning at least 50%-80% of the median area family income are able to afford to buy a home at the average sales price over the last five years.

Local housing demand is projected to increase at 5.87% per year until 2020. Shortfalls in supply of 2,500 units are estimated starting in 2005. These shortfalls will peak in 2010 at 3,000 units and gradually decrease back to 2,600 units by 2020. These projections assume that housing supply will increase at 6.13% per year over the next 20 years.

Affordable Housing costs are defined as costs that are directly associated with monthly rent or mortgage payments for a structure or unit in decent, safe, and sanitary condition. The unit cost does not exceed 30% of the median adjusted gross annual income for households that are considered to be of very low, low, and moderate incomes. If monthly rents or mortgage payments exceed 30% of a household’s monthly income, then the household is considered to be “overburdened” in its housing costs possibly leaving less income for basic living necessities such as food, clothing, medical services, and transportation expenses.

Census 2000 reports that 49.5% of renter households have Gross Rent > 30% of household income, classifying them as overburdened. In comparison only 18.2% of owner occupied households are classified as overburdened.

To determine family household’s income level(s) HUD’s Section 8 Income Limits (that are calculated and distributed by HUD each year) are utilized. HUD’s Section 8 Income Limits are based upon two criteria; the median income for a designated city or county area and the number of persons per family household. The levels of incomes vary from

- Very Low is less than 30% of area median,

- Low is less than 50% of the area median, and

- Low to Moderate is less than 80% of the area median.

For a very low income family, earning 30% of the Area Median Income, monthly rent of $358 or less is considered affordable.

For a low income family, earning 50% of the Area Median Income, monthly rent of $598 or less is considered affordable.

For a moderate to low income family, earning 80% of the Area Median Income, monthly rent of $956 or less is considered affordable.

Income and wage requirements to afford an apartment or home mortgage is about 20% less on average in ACC when compared to the State of Georgia. But only those families earning at least 50% of the area median family income can afford a 2 bedroom apartment or home. An affordable 2 bedroom unit in ACC requires a wage earner to work a minimum of 81 hours per week earning minimum wage. An affordable 2 bedroom unit at Fair Market Rents in ACC requires an annual income of $21,760 with an equivalent hourly wage of $10.46 at 40 hours per week. Only families earning 80%-100% of the median area income can afford up to a four-bedroom unit. Approximately 5,787 or 29% of ACC families fall below the income threshold to own or rent beyond a 2 bedroom home.

A housing cost-debt service analysis for new construction in ACC shows that families earning at least 50% or higher of the family area median income can afford a moderately priced new home construction in Athens. Further analysis reveals that the extremely low, 30% of family area median income and very low, 50% of family area median income, can afford homes listed between $45,000-$85,000.

Note: Family and income types may be grouped in the case of closely related categories of residents where the analysis would apply to more than one family or income type.

5 Year Strategic Plan Priority Housing Needs response:

The greatest housing need over the next five years in Athens-Clarke County is for low-income tenants who are considered cost-burdened. According to the 2000 Census data, approximately 49% of the low-income tenants pay more than 30% of their income towards housing, compared to only 18% of low-income homeowners. This would seemingly indicate that a priority should be placed on the utilization of CDBG and HOME funds over the next five years to address this need. However, a number of current and/or planned affordable rental developments in the community will address this need, including a new 120-unit low income housing tax credit development with an emphasis on households at or below 30% of the area median income.

Another demonstrated need is the preservation of the existing housing stock and making homeownership affordable for low to moderate-income families and households. Of the approximately 42,000 housing units in Athens-Clarke County, nearly 60% of the units are at least twenty-five years old, based on 2000 Census data. Combined with an average new home sales price over the last five years of approximately $113,000, and a homeownership rate of 42%, compared to state and national averages of 67% and 69% respectively, priority will be given to this area through the utilization of CDBG and HOME funds over the next five years. While only 18% of homeowners are currently considered cost-burdened, the aging housing stock and rising home prices will have a tremendous impact over the next five years.

One of the biggest obstacles to meeting the underserved needs is the amount of available land in the county. At 120 square miles, Athens-Clarke County is the smallest county in the state of Georgia. The challenge of finding suitable building sites for affordable homeownership opportunities, while providing potential access to available existing services, such as bus transportation, could be a challenge.

*Please also refer to the Housing Market Analysis Table in the Needs.xls workbook

5 Year Strategic Plan Housing Market Analysis responses:

At 120 square miles, Athens-Clarke County is the smallest county in the state of Georgia. Census 2000 data reported 42,126 total housing units in Athens-Clarke County, with approximately 60% of the units being at least twenty-five (25) years old. Over the last five years, the average sales price of a new home has been approximately $113,000 with the average fair market rent of $544 a month for a two bedroom unit. A major impact on the housing market in Athens-Clarke County is the University of Georgia and its large student population. Although there are plans to move more students on campus, a large percentage of the students currently reside in the local housing market, affecting the potential availability of decent, fit and affordable rental units. While there is not an immediate overall housing shortage in Athens-Clarke County, the demand is expected to increase by nearly 6% a year, which will have an increasing affect on the housing choices for low to moderate income families and households. Presently, 49% of renters pay more than 30% of their income towards housing, compared to 18% of homeowners. When you consider that the university, churches, and government own nearly 60% of the land in Athens-Clarke County, the effects of supply and demand will have a major impact on the housing market in the years to come, and low to moderate income families and households.

Through the existing public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, low income housing tax credit developments, and current affordable housing programs (emergency repair, acquisition/rehabilitation, new construction, and down payment assistance), over 2,000 families and households are assisted annually in Athens-Clarke County.

With 49% of renters paying more than 30% of their income towards housing, this is a priority housing need, but a need that can not be met without private sector involvement. Through the utilization of low income housing tax credit developments, with emphasis placed on very low income families and households, an impact can be made in reducing this burden. This will in turn allow the CDBG and HOME funds to be used in “gap financing” to address the homeownership issue in Athens-Clarke County.

5 Year Strategic Plan Specific Housing Objectives response:

The primary mission of the Athens-Clarke County Consolidated Plan for Housing is to foster and maintain affordable housing in the community. The County has pursued several means of achieving this goal. The most important prerequisite is an adequate supply of reasonably priced homes in target areas; the Athens Housing Authority, the Athens Land Trust, and the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation all work to build new low-cost homes or refurbish deteriorated ones. The East Athens Development Corporation (EADC) works closely with each of these agencies in the development of affordable housing in A-CC. (To avoid relocation and displacement issues, only vacant homes are acquired for rehabilitation and resale.) Fair, unbiased access to housing is also a priority, and HED, the Hancock Community Development Corporation, and EADC offer housing counseling services to inform citizens of their right to fair housing and monitor fair housing issues. Finally, existing housing must be free of safety hazards such as lead-based paint, which has a devastating long-term impact on the community. The Athens Housing Authority has successfully evaluated and abated lead-based paint hazards in its housing.

Consolidated Plan housing activities to be implemented from July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2010 address our Affordable Housing Goal and each of the six strategies identified in the Five-year Consolidated Plan. These activities include affordable housing construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, home repair, in-fill housing, first-time home buying, down payment assistance, fair housing, and housing counseling.

Resources Resonably Expected to be Available

ACC HED expects approximately $7,832,647 in various financial resources to be available in the first year action plan to address housing related goals in the Consolidated Plan.

Those resources include:

CDBG $509,157

CDBG Program Income $7,200

CDBG Administration for housing $83,404

HOME $858,417

HOME Administration for housing $95,380

Housing Counseling $15,000

General Fund-Demolition $30,000

General Fund-Clean up $25,000

Public Housing Capital fund $1,743,493

Public Housing Operating Subsidy $3,462,390

Section 8 Vouchers $1,003,206

These resources represent major publicly funded efforts to expand housing and homeownership options. Housing partners continue to build new affordable single family homes in neighborhood revitalization areas and acquire and rehabilitate vacant homes for re-sale. The development of affordable single family homes is of critical importance to the community. Partner agencies continue to improve their capacity to build more homes, however, since less than 25% of the University of Georgia's students live on campus, the need for student housing continues to pressure in-town neighborhoods. A strong economy and increased housing demand have increased the average sale price of a home in Athens significantly. This rise in costs, coupled with lower incomes, results in homeownership rates that lag behind the state and the nation. Therefore, Athens-Clarke County's housing efforts focus on homeownership and affordability while recognizing the importance of affordable rental options.

Each specific objective developed to address a priority housing need is identified by number and contains proposed accomplishments, the time period (i.e., one, two, three, or more years), and annual program year numeric goals Athens-Clarke County hopes to achieve in quantitative terms, or other measurable terms in the Annual Action Plan.

In cooperation with the public housing agency or agencies located within its boundaries, describe the needs of public housing, including the number of public housing units in the jurisdiction, the physical condition of such units, the restoration and revitalization needs of public housing projects within the jurisdiction, and other factors, including the number of families on public housing and tenant-based waiting lists and results from the Section 504 needs assessment of public housing projects located within its boundaries (i.e. assessment of needs of tenants and applicants on waiting list for accessible units as required by 24 CFR 8.25). The public housing agency and jurisdiction can use the optional Priority Public Housing Needs Table (formerly Table 4) of the Consolidated Plan to identify priority public housing needs to assist in this process.

5 Year Strategic Plan Needs of Public Housing response:

The Athens Housing Authority is constantly striving to improve both its routine operations and the living environment of its residents.

The Athens Housing Authority is recognized by HUD as a "HIGH PERFORMER" under the Public Housing Assessment System. Therefore, no major plans are necessary to improve the management and operation of public housing. The Athens Housing Authority continually refines all areas of its operation to promote the best possible service to its customers. The Authority utilizes a combination of Capital Fund Program (CFP) and Operating Budget funds to achieve these positive outcomes. Details for the CFP have been previously submitted to HUD and are on file at the AHA’s Central Office.

In January 2003, the Authority’s new Central Office located at 300 South Rocksprings Street was completed. This move has enabled the Authority to enhance its operations by housing all of its departments under one roof. In addition, it allowed the AHA to return four dwelling units previously utilized for office space to the rent rolls for occupancy by limited income families. Finally, the Athens Housing Authority is the first public housing authority in the nation to successfully secure a private mortgage to pay for the construction of this new facility. The mortgage provides the AHA the ability to return Capital Fund Program monies, initially utilized for the construction, back into the Authority’s housing modernization program keeping apartment renovation schedules on target.

The Authority submitted a disposition application to HUD to donate four dwelling units, and associated property, in the Nellie B Apartments to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government for the East Athens Police Substation Project. Construction of the new substation is underway. The substation will be manned twenty-four hours per day with a total staff of thirty officers. This collaboration benefits ACC by allowing much shorter response times in this part of the community. The Authority benefits by having a constant police presence in the Nellie B community.

In addition, recognizing the unique lifestyle needs of both the elderly and disabled, the AHA recently submitted an application to HUD to designate 115 units comprising the entire Denney Tower high-rise and 25 units of Jack R. Wells known as Vine Circle for the elderly only. Within the same application, the AHA also requested the designation of 30 units located in various neighborhoods for the disabled.

The Athens Housing Authority remains committed to customer service. This attitude is demonstrated through a variety of resident involvement activities and initiatives.

Athens Housing Authority residents remain actively involved in the management of their public housing. Each AHA development has a resident association. AHA staff members attend all meetings to assure good communication between residents and management. In addition, a resident has been hired to serve as a part-time Resident Liaison. This person also attends all resident association meetings providing information, encouragement and ideas for residents to become more active in their communities.

The Inter-Community Council comprised of all resident association officers meets the first Monday night of each month to discuss Authority-wide issues. The Executive Director attends these meetings to provide a regular update on Authority operations and to listen carefully to resident concerns.

The Presidents’ Council is comprised of the presidents of all Resident Associations. This group meets on a quarterly basis with the Executive Director to discuss issues regarding their communities, HUD regulations, AHA policies, etc.

Since 1991, residents have had representation on the AHA Board of Commissioners—initially through two liaison resident members. In October 1999, immediately following the change in State law, the Board petitioned Local Government to increase the AHA Board membership to include a Resident Commissioner with all rights and privileges of board membership. Since that time, the Board has included a Resident Commissioner appointed by the Mayor.

A Resident Advisory Board is appointed each year to assist in the development of the Authority’s Five-year and Annual Agency Plans. This board meets with AHA staff consistently during the months from September through February.

The Athens Housing Authority continues a comprehensive approach to promote affordable homeownership in Athens-Clarke County through various partnerships with Athens-Clarke County government, local lenders, and private organizations.

Several years ago, 120 Athens-Clarke County moderate-income families realized their dream of homeownership through the AHA First Home program. This program utilized proceeds from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds to provide low-interest mortgages and downpayment assistance to qualified families. Current interest rates in relation to the bond market make replicating this program infeasible at the present time. However, the AHA and local lenders are interested in utilizing this strategy again when market conditions are more advantageous.

Another homeownership strategy provides for the revitalization of older neighborhoods through new construction. During the summer of 2000, the Athens Housing Authority initiated a new homeownership program ACT I Homes. Athens-Clarke County granted the Authority funding through the CDBG and HOME programs. With these funds the AHA began building homes in targeted revitalization areas of the community. Three homes in East Athens were built in Phase I of the program. Phase II of the program includes the construction of two homes in the Hancock Avenue Corridor. Both homes have been completed. Four additional homes were completed in East Athens and occupied by new first time home owners. The Authority is acquiring additional land for future ACT I homes construction.

The Athens Housing Authority continues to coordinate its efforts with Athens-Clarke County to involve its residents in their infill housing construction program and future homeownership strategies. AHA programming will focus on jobs, economic development, financial management and homeownership readiness skills to prepare a larger portion of its resident population for participation in these programs.

To further ensure quality affordable housing in Athens-Clarke County, the Athens Housing Authority, through a partnership with Georgia HAP Administrators, performs HUD contract compliance administration for all of the privately owned Section 8 properties in the community.

5 Year Strategic Plan Public Housing Strategy response:

The Athens Housing Authority is constantly striving to improve both its routine operations and the living environment of its residents.

The Athens Housing Authority is recognized by HUD as a "HIGH PERFORMER" under the Public Housing Assessment System. Therefore, no major plans are necessary to improve the management and operation of public housing. The Athens Housing Authority continually refines all areas of its operation to promote the best possible service to its customers. The Authority utilizes a combination of Capital Fund Program (CFP) and Operating Budget funds to achieve these positive outcomes. Details for the CFP have been previously submitted to HUD and are on file at the AHA’s Central Office.

In January 2003, the Authority’s new Central Office located at 300 South Rocksprings Street was completed. This move has enabled the Authority to enhance its operations by housing all of its departments under one roof. In addition, it allowed the AHA to return four dwelling units previously utilized for office space to the rent rolls for occupancy by limited income families. Finally, the Athens Housing Authority is the first public housing authority in the nation to successfully secure a private mortgage to pay for the construction of this new facility. The mortgage provides the AHA the ability to return Capital Fund Program monies, initially utilized for the construction, back into the Authority’s housing modernization program keeping apartment renovation schedules on target.

The Authority submitted a disposition application to HUD to donate four dwelling units, and associated property, in the Nellie B Apartments to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government for the East Athens Police Substation Project. Construction of the new substation is underway. The substation will be manned twenty-four hours per day with a total staff of thirty officers. This collaboration benefits ACC by allowing much shorter response times in this part of the community. The Authority benefits by having a constant police presence in the Nellie B community.

In addition, recognizing the unique lifestyle needs of both the elderly and disabled, the AHA recently submitted an application to HUD to designate 115 units comprising the entire Denney Tower high-rise and 25 units of Jack R. Wells known as Vine Circle for the elderly only. Within the same application, the AHA also requested the designation of 30 units located in various neighborhoods for the disabled.

Public Housing Resident Involvement and Initiatives

The Athens Housing Authority remains committed to customer service. This attitude is demonstrated through a variety of resident involvement activities and initiatives.

Athens Housing Authority residents remain actively involved in the management of their public housing. Each AHA development has a resident association. AHA staff members attend all meetings to assure good communication between residents and management. In addition, a resident has been hired to serve as a part-time Resident Liaison. This person also attends all resident association meetings providing information, encouragement and ideas for residents to become more active in their communities.

The Inter-Community Council comprised of all resident association officers meets the first Monday night of each month to discuss Authority-wide issues. The Executive Director attends these meetings to provide a regular update on Authority operations and to listen carefully to resident concerns.

The Presidents’ Council is comprised of the presidents of all Resident Associations. This group meets on a quarterly basis with the Executive Director to discuss issues regarding their communities, HUD regulations, AHA policies, etc.

Since 1991, residents have had representation on the AHA Board of Commissioners—initially through two liaison resident members. In October 1999, immediately following the change in State law, the Board petitioned Local Government to increase the AHA Board membership to include a Resident Commissioner with all rights and privileges of board membership. Since that time, the Board has included a Resident Commissioner appointed by the Mayor.

A Resident Advisory Board is appointed each year to assist in the development of the Authority’s Five-year and Annual Agency Plans. This board meets with AHA staff consistently during the months from September through February.

The Athens Housing Authority continues a comprehensive approach to promote affordable homeownership in Athens-Clarke County through various partnerships with Athens-Clarke County government, local lenders, and private organizations.

Several years ago, 120 Athens-Clarke County moderate-income families realized their dream of homeownership through the AHA First Home program. This program utilized proceeds from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds to provide low-interest mortgages and downpayment assistance to qualified families. Current interest rates in relation to the bond market make replicating this program infeasible at the present time. However, the AHA and local lenders are interested in utilizing this strategy again when market conditions are more advantageous.

Another homeownership strategy provides for the revitalization of older neighborhoods through new construction. During the summer of 2000, the Athens Housing Authority initiated a new homeownership program ACT I Homes. Athens-Clarke County granted the Authority funding through the CDBG and HOME programs. With these funds the AHA began building homes in targeted revitalization areas of the community. Three homes in East Athens were built in Phase I of the program. Phase II of the program includes the construction of two homes in the Hancock Avenue Corridor. Both homes have been completed. Four additional homes were completed in East Athens and occupied by new first time home owners. The Authority is acquiring additional land for future ACT I homes construction.

The Athens Housing Authority continues to coordinate its efforts with Athens-Clarke County to involve its residents in their infill housing construction program and future homeownership strategies. AHA programming will focus on jobs, economic development, financial management and homeownership readiness skills to prepare a larger portion of its resident population for participation in these programs.

To further ensure quality affordable housing in Athens-Clarke County, the Athens Housing Authority, through a partnership with Georgia HAP Administrators, performs HUD contract compliance administration for all of the privately owned Section 8 properties in the community.

Barriers to Affordable Housing (91.210 (e) and 91.215 (f))

5 Year Strategic Plan Barriers to Affordable Housing response:

The ACC Mayor and Commission adopted a new County Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Plan in June 1999, and began developing the corresponding ordinances to implement the plan immediately following adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. The resulting new Zoning Code and Development Standards were adopted by the Mayor and Commission in December 2000, and took effect immediately. These new ordinances have streamlined the construction permitting process, thereby reducing regulatory barriers to affordable housing. In addition, the new ordinances encourage in-town development in existing neighborhoods, including those of low-to-moderate incomes.

HOMELESS

*Please also refer to the Homeless Needs Table in the Needs.xls workbook

Homeless Needs— The jurisdiction must provide a concise summary of the nature and extent of homelessness in the jurisdiction, (including rural homelessness where applicable), addressing separately the need for facilities and services for homeless persons and homeless families with children, both sheltered and unsheltered, and homeless subpopulations, in accordance with Table 1A. The summary must include the characteristics and needs of low-income individuals and children, (especially extremely low-income) who are currently housed but are at imminent risk of either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered. In addition, to the extent information is available, the plan must include a description of the nature and extent of homelessness by racial and ethnic group. A quantitative analysis is not required. If a jurisdiction provides estimates of the at-risk population(s), it should also include a description of the operational definition of the at-risk group and the methodology used to generate the estimates.

5 Year Strategic Plan Homeless Needs response:

In November of 2004 a survey was distributed to local homeless service providers. This survey reported the nature and extent of services provided to our local homeless population. The results of the provider survey indicated that the average monthly client caseload of the combined providers exceeded 600 homeless individuals and families. This figure does not include the totals of the two local medical clinics and the area soup kitchen, which reported a combined average caseload of 680 homeless persons. Due to these large numbers and the current bed capacity, the community determined a need for an overall increase in service capacity.

The St. James Methodist Community Winter Shelter is a 20-bed facility that is open during the coldest months of the year. In the provider survey they reported that they averaged full 20-person capacity during these months. On many nights they were forced to turn away homeless persons due to their limited bed capacity. Based on this information the Continuum of Care Strategic Planning Committee, or CoC, determined a need for an increase of at least 60 emergency shelter beds. Forty beds to be designated for single persons and twenty beds for families who are left on the streets throughout the rest of the year.

According to the provider survey there are currently 159 transitional beds in the CoC. 126 of the total transitional beds currently charge rent and/or program fees routinely exceeding 30 percent of the client’s income. This leaves only 33 beds for single men, women, and families who are seeking transitional shelter. As a result of these findings, the CoC determined a need for an increase of an additional 70 transitional beds for single men, women, and families that provide supportive services and charge no more than 30 percent of the program participant’s income. Based upon these findings the Homeless Count Working Committee further determined that 50 beds should be designated for single homeless persons and 20 beds designated for families with children.

The evidence of need for an additional permanent supportive housing component came later during the annual homeless survey. Through a concerted effort to identify members of the unsheltered homeless population, it was determined that they accounted for approximately 26 percent of the overall homeless population. The homeless survey demonstrated that many of these homeless people suffered from severe mental illness and/or substance abuse problems and had difficulty remaining in the social services network for any length of time. Based on these findings, the community determined an increased need for a permanent supportive housing component that would provide up to 50 additional beds for single men women, and families. This would allow us to more effectively focus the efforts on the chronically unsheltered homeless population and smooth their transition into the CoC network of social services.

The population of Athens-Clarke County is 103,881 including 31,200 students who attend the University of Georgia. According to census data 28.3% of all citizens live below the poverty income level. Despite having an unemployment rate hovering between 2% and 3% Athens-Clarke County is the 7th poorest county in the State of Georgia out of 159 counties. These statistics reveal a very large percentage of the local population who is at risk of becoming homeless. Results from the recent homeless assessment show that approximately 1,100 persons experienced homelessness at some point during 2003. Several local factors tend to exacerbate these problems and promote the growing and more visible state of poverty experienced in Athens-Clarke County.

In December 2000, The Pacific Institute for Research Education, Chapel Hill. NC completed a state wide substance abuse needs assessment for the Georgia Department of Human Resources. The needs assessment included a social indicators study, which analyzed and quantified 40 substance abuse risk factors and indicators. Twenty-five of the social indicator and risk factors were then analyzed and placed on a Most Favorable Conditions-Least Favorable Conditions Scale. Nineteen of the twenty-five Social Indicators in Athens-Clarke County are in the unfavorable range which explains the large population of people at risk of substance abuse.

While only 4% of the US population has a mental illness, five to six times as many people who are homeless (20-25%) have a serious mental illness, and up to 50% have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. In addition to having higher rates of Mental Health and Substance abuse disorders, recent US Department of Health and Human Services studies have shown up to 85% of the chronic homeless population have disabling conditions. These disabling conditions and the constant exposure to a high-risk environment are significant contributing factors to the need.

The Athens-Clarke County Human and Economic Development Department (HED) promoted a collaborative effort among all area homeless service providers, student interns, volunteers from the Athens community, and members of the homeless population. By employing a cooperative effort from a wide array of volunteers, our Continuum of Care gained a more accurate representation of the current state of the homeless community. In addition, the community accomplished its goal of developing a community assessment tool, which will be implemented consistently on an annual basis so that the condition of the local homeless community can be determined over time.

The annual homeless count was performed on Wednesday, January 26, 2005. Every local homeless service provider was given a form requesting demographic information on every homeless person and family currently receiving services at their agency. The demographic information requested included: Gender, Family Status, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Veteran Status, Employment Status, Chronically Homeless, and Unsheltered Status. Additionally, we asked for each person’s date of birth and initials in order to un-duplicate the count. Case workers at the participating facilities were asked to include everyone who fits the definition of homelessness set forth under the HUD Supportive Housing Program (SHP) definition of homeless. Also, case workers were asked to use HUD’s definition of Chronic Homelessness when determining the client’s chronic status.

A coordinated effort was employed to solicit the involvement of social work interns and community volunteers with the intent of surveying members of the homeless population who are currently unsheltered. In addition, members of the unsheltered homeless population assisted with the distribution and gathering of surveys within areas they were familiar with and also helped make this population more accessible for the purposes of this survey.

During the past two years a concerted effort has been made to target the unsheltered population in addition to the overall homeless community. HED enlisted the assistance of several local homeless service providers and community volunteers including the Athens Area Homeless Shelter and the Homeless Day Services Center and several unsheltered homeless individuals. Volunteers were able to go out into the areas where the unsheltered homeless congregate and personally have them answer the questionnaires containing the same information included on the spreadsheets being filled out by our local homeless service providers. The following is the process used to collect data on the local homeless service providers and to survey the sheltered and unsheltered homeless population. HED intends to replicate this process annually to gain an understanding of the sheltered and unsheltered homeless population over time.

Time Line

December:

Homeless Service Provider Survey results and report presented to Northeast Georgia Homeless Coalition.

The homeless count methodology is presented during the monthly coalition meeting. Time schedule for homeless count is presented.

Instructions for administration of surveys are explained to all service providers.

Definition of HUD requirements in determining homelessness is discussed.

January-February:

Follow-up on coordination efforts of local volunteers participating in annual count.

Survey packet including the count schedule and survey administration instructions and homeless count spreadsheets are delivered to all participating service providers.

Annual Homeless Count administration and unsheltered homeless survey distribution.

Periodic follow-up with service providers to discuss progress with count and other questions or issues dealing with survey administration.

Collection of surveys from all agencies and volunteers.

March:

Data compilation and tabulation of surveys.

Development of final report for presentation at annual CoC planning meeting.

April:

Report of findings for inclusion in CoC and Consolidated Plans.

Since developing a standard method for conducting the annual point in time count in 2002, the CoC has continuously improved efforts in collecting necessary information on the local homeless population. As a result of these efforts each year the count produces a more accurate description of the extent of the local homeless population. The number of persons who reported to be chronically homeless has shown a definite increase. This is most likely due to the extensiveness of the outreach efforts in performing the homeless count. This is also the case when comparing the number of chronically homeless in sheltered and unsheltered environments. Each year the CoC has seen a very slow but steady increase in the number of homeless persons counted and being identified as chronically homeless.

5 Year Strategic Plan Priority Homeless Needs response:

Addressing the needs of the homeless is a major concern for the Athens-Clarke County community. Our planning body continues to develop and modify the Continuum of Care (CoC) to provide support towards self-sufficiency for the homeless. The Northeast Georgia Homeless Coaltion (NEGAHC), with assistance from HED, has continued to recruit active community members and organizations into the CoC planning and service prioritization process. Our collaborative planning body has evolved into one comprised of service providers, homeless and formerly homeless persons, the faith-based community, individual advocates, and public and private sector representatives. Members of this collaborative planning body attend monthly meetings and participate in the CoC planning sessions and other public meetings, including those sponsored by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Throughout the 2003-2004 calendar years, members of the NEGAHC, HED, and other local planning groups began developing strategies to address the various needs of our local homeless population. Efforts at involving our local mainstream providers and local housing providers in these strategy sessions have been very successful. As a result of these planning meetings, the need for permanent supportive housing and the importance of accessing mainstream resources occupied a large part of the discussion at our annual Continuum of Care community forum on April 1, 2004. This annual forum is the culmination of our local planning efforts and gives community members the opportunity to assist in the prioritization of local homeless needs.

The purpose of our annual CoC community forum is to prioritize the gaps in services in addressing the needs of our local homeless community. We receive input from interested community members on how resources should be concentrated in order to more effectively address the needs. Thirty-two people participated in the community meeting held on April 1, 2004 during which time, community resources and needs were analyzed and goals were prioritized. In addition, input was received from community members on the existing strengths of our current social services network. Among those mentioned were job training and employment assistance programs, health care services for homeless people, childcare voucher programs, and housing assistance and case management services for homeless individuals and families.

During the prioritization of gaps in homeless services, the process was divided into two sections: Supportive Services Only programs and Permanent Supportive Housing programs. Among the top ranked needs under the supportive services only section was an expanded Day Drop-in Center which would provide central intake and assessment and be the lead agency in coordination of homeless services within our community. Their target population would largely consist of the local unsheltered and chronically homeless population. Also identified, as important service needs were healthcare, job training, childcare, mental healthcare, and education. During our discussion on the need for permanent supportive housing, the members of the forum overwhelmingly determined that the strongest need for permanent supportive housing rested with chronically homeless persons suffering from mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders.

Meeting participants included service providers, interested citizens, local business owners, veterans, homeless consumers, local elected officials, representatives from the University of Georgia, local housing providers, members of the Downtown Development Authority, and government officials. This meeting formed the foundation for continued implementation of the Continuum of Care Plan.

At the annual Northeast Georgia Homeless Coalition community meeting on April 1, 2004, those attending were asked to identify important homeless services and housing needs in Athens-Clarke County.

Participants were asked to determine (a) what population of homeless clients should be housed in permanent supportive housing and (b) what are the general needs of the homeless.

Participants wrote their priorities on Post-It notes, sorted them into categories with other participants, and tabulated and reported results. As a result of this exercise, the priorities were established:

(a) Permanent supportive housing for:

People with mental illnesses (20 Post-Its out of 76)

People with substance abuse problems (12/76)

Homeless families (9/76)

People with physical disabilities (7/76)

Single women (7/76)

Single men (7/76)

Elderly/veterans (5/76)

Children (4/76)

Domestic violence survivors (2/76)

People with developmental disabilities (2/76) and

People with HIV/AIDS (2/76).

(b) General homeless needs:

Day drop-in center (32/137) including providing general intake/referral

service coordination (6/137), intensive case management (7/137),

showers (6/137), mainstream resourcing (5/137), legal assistance (2/137),

language translation services (2/137), mail services (2/137), and

clothing/personal item storage (2/137)

Health care (18/137) including eyeglasses, medication supervision,

medication, and dental care

Housing (17/137) including permanent supportive housing, group homes for

people with mental health problems, single room occupancy units (SROs),

and rental assistance

Jobs/job training (17/137)

Childcare (13/137)

Transportation (12/137)

Mental health and substance abuse treatment (12/137)

Emergency shelters 7/137)

Education of the public about homelessness (6/137)

Food (5/137)

Cooperation between agencies (5/137)

Transitional housing (4/137)

Education (3/137), and

Homeless prevention (2/137)

The jurisdiction shall provide a concise summary of the existing facilities and services (including a brief inventory) that assist homeless persons and families with children and subpopulations identified in Table 1A. These include outreach and assessment, emergency shelters and services, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, access to permanent housing, and activities to prevent low-income individuals and families with children (especially extremely low-income) from becoming homeless. The jurisdiction can use the optional Continuum of Care Housing Activity Chart and Service Activity Chart to meet this requirement.

5 Year Strategic Plan Homeless Inventory response:

Services in place: Preventing homelessness is one of many goals in a community-wide effort to combat poverty in Athens-Clarke County from many fronts.

Rent/utility assistance: ACTION, Inc, the AIDS Coalition, the ARK, Athens Banner Herald, Beechhaven Baptist Church, Christ Life Ministries, Department of Family and Children Services, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Jackson EMC, Project Safe, Saint Joseph's Charities, Salvation Army, and United Way work together in a network of financial assistance providers who assist families and individuals facing eviction or utility disconnection.

Weatherization and emergency repair: ACTION, Inc. provides funds and works with homeowners to insulate their homes to reduce energy costs. In addition they receive $200,000 in local CDBG funds to provide repairs up to $15,000 to keep low-income elderly and disabled homeowners in their homes.

Emergency aid to fire and natural disaster victims: Athens Red Cross assists individuals and families in returning to safe, stable housing after these crises.

Housing counseling (including mortgage default assistance, credit counseling, homebuyer education, predatory lending prevention, and eviction intervention): HED, Housing and Economic Leadership Partnership (HELP), the Hancock Community Development Corporation (HCDC), and the East Athens Development Corporation (EADC) counsel families and individuals in maintaining housing.

Affordable housing development: The Athens Housing Authority, Athens Land Trust, EADC, and Habitat for Humanity develop single family homes throughout Athens to provide affordable housing options for low-income families and help stabilize neighborhoods. In addition, The Athens Housing Authority provides more than 1200 units of family housing and over 500 Section 8 vouchers to Athens-Clarke County residents.

Drop-out prevention: Athens Tutorial Program, Boys and Girls Club, and several mentoring programs provide incentives to keep kids in school and try to decrease the staggering high school drop-out rate.

Employment assistance: Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center (Workforce Investment Act agency), Athens Technical College, Department of Labor Career Center, JobTREC, and Kelley Diversified provide job training, vocational rehabilitation, and employment-related financial assistance (i.e. work clothes, tools, child care vouchers, financial aid, bus passes, etc.)

Economic development: Athens Clarke County Government and the Chamber of Commerce are actively recruiting large employers to locate in Athens to provide quality wages. EADC and the University of Georgia Small Business Association provide business development workshops, and HED and EADC provide small business loans to keep profits in low-income communities and create jobs.

Transportation: the Athens Community Council on Aging, JobTREC, the Northeast Georgia AIDS Coalition, Project Safe, the Public Health Department, and the Clarke County School District Homeless Education Program provide transportation assistance to help people get to work and social service agencies.

Food distribution: Athens Community Council on Aging, the Emergency Food Bank, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, Our Daily Bread, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, and various church food pantries provide hot meals, packaged meals, and groceries at over fifteen locations to hundreds each day.

Substance abuse intervention: the Community Service Board, Advantage Behavioral Health System, provides emergency 24-hour care, detoxification, and residential and outpatient rehabilitation. Many shelters provide residential rehabilitation and support groups for homeless in recovery.

Preventive and subsidized primary health care: the Athens-Clarke County Health Department, Athens Neighborhood Health Center, Athens Regional Hospital, Mercy Health Center, Nurses Clinic, and Saint Mary's Hospital provide free health screenings, life skills classes, pre- and post-natal services, sliding scale and free primary health care, dental care, and discounted prescriptions.

Teen pregnancy prevention: the Public Health Department operates Teen Matters, a 'healthy life choices' program, that provides outreach and education in schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and public housing facilities.

Services Planned

The Homeless Coalition will develop a centralized intake and referral center for homeless and near-homeless persons to link them to the services listed above. The Athens Nurses Clinic and the Mercy Health Center are seeking funding to expand medical and dental services to be in operation for 5 to 7 days a week. Using CDBG monies, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia is expanding freezer space to store more dairy and meat to give to needy families to help them stretch their budget and stay healthy. Moreover, due to a rise in demand for housing counseling, housing counseling agencies are creating a committee to meet regularly and pursue opportunities to increase agency capacity to provide more efficient services and to involve other agencies in the provision of housing counseling.

How persons access/receive assistance: The network of social service providers in Athens is comprehensively interconnected. Many agencies in Athens operate programs in partnership with one another and share resources and client referrals. Several collaborative boards serve as resource and referral networks including Community Connection, Family Connection, and Homeless Coalition. In addition, many organizations serve as intake and referral points to many other agencies for people at risk for homelessness including ACTION, Inc.; Saint Joseph's Charities; Catholic Social Services, which serves the county's growing Hispanic population; East Athens Development Corporation, which works specifically with a large low-income geographic area within the county; Clarke County School Guidance Counseling Offices which employs a homeless children's social worker; Athens Clarke County Police Department which operates community outreach programs in high crime neighborhoods.

Community Connection is the information and referral agency in Athens, operating the 211 resource and referral service. 211 operators assess callers' situations and provide information about the local resources most relevant to the client’s needs.

While these organizations refer clients to services, the resources available to assist people are scarce and may not prevent homelessness. When a person becomes homeless in Athens and enters the network of shelters and service providers, they are entered into the county HMIS system through local participating HMIS users and receive referrals to appropriate agencies. Case managers routinely contact service providers on their client's behalf. A referral or voucher is sent to the provider who initially assesses the client’s needs and provides assistance based on the intake and assessment. Once a homeless person is able to find housing, many homeless service providers operate follow-up programs through which they maintain contact with their formerly homeless clients to help ensure that they maintain housing stability and prevent future episodes of homelessness.

Component: Outreach

Outreach in place:

(1) Outreach to persons living on the street

In 2004, several new outreach activities have been added to the continuum. First, the Homeless Coalition began to invite mainstream resource providers to soup kitchens and shelters to enroll clients into their programs. The Department of