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CITY OF CRANSTONDRAFTCONSOLIDATED PLANJuly 2020 – June 2025Kenneth J. Hopkins Timothy Sanzi MayorDirectorCity of CranstonCommunity DevelopmentJanuary 2021Executive Summary ES-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)1.IntroductionThe City of Cranston (also referred to as “City” or “Cranston”), the second largest city in the state, has a population of 80,760 residents, and a total of 30,210 households, with a median income of $59,701, according to the 2011-2015 ACS 5-year survey.This Plan is both a Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2020-2025) and an Annual Action Plan (2020-2021).? The Five-Year Plan focuses on general priorities and goals, whereas the?Annual Action Plan?focuses on more specific activities which the City believes will achieve the goals of the City and meet the purpose of the CDBG program.?An entitlement jurisdiction, Cranston receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to strengthen and revitalize communities through housing and neighborhood investment.??As a recipient of CDBG funds, the City is required by federal regulations to submit to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development a Five-Year Consolidated Plan which presents a strategic plan to address the three national goals of the program: to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing; to provide a suitable living environment; and to expand economic opportunities – all for principally low to moderate income persons.?The Director of the Cranston Department of Community Development is the individual ultimately responsible for maintaining all reports and records related to and pertaining to the administration of the City's annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ?In accordance with HUD rules and regulations, these reports and records are made available to the public for review. The Director initially receives the questions, comments and suggestions of any citizen concerning an Action Plan. It is the responsibility of the Director to be familiar with the federal regulations which govern the City's implementation of the Block Grant and related programs. This familiarity enables the Director to explain to the inquiring public in an informed manner why certain expenditures can or cannot be made.In order to qualify for funding, HUD requires that entitlement jurisdictions complete a Consolidated Plan every five years. The Plan not only includes an analysis of the jurisdiction’s housing market, affordable housing, and community development conditions, but also provides five-year strategies and goals based on that analysis and through the public participation process. Jurisdictions must also submit an Annual Action Plan to identify yearly strategies and programs it will fund in order to meet the goals covered in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The annual results are captured in the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER).Introduction ContinuedMethodology The City of Cranston Consolidated Plan for 2020-2025 includes a Needs Assessment and Market Analysis and serves as the strategic plan that identifies priority needs of the City to help guide the entitlement funding strategy. The majority of the data utilized is provided by HUD, which periodically receives custom tabulations of data from the U.S. Census Bureau that are generally not available through standard Census products. This data is known as the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, which demonstrates the extent of housing problems and housing needs, particularly for low-income households. The CHAs data is used to plan how to spend HUD funds and may also be used by HUD to distribute grant funds.When CHAS data is not available, other data sources are utilized, including 2000 and 2010 Census data and American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates which are considered more accurate and precise since they reflect a larger sample size.Federal Program RequirementsFederal funds provided under the CDBG program primarily address the housing and community development needs of low- and moderate- income (LMI) households whose incomes do not exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI), as established by HUD, with adjustments for household size. HUD uses three income levels to define LMI households:Very low-income: Households earning 30% or less than the AMILow-income: Households earning greater than 30% and less than 50% of the AMIModerate-income: Households earning greater than 50% and less than 80% of the AMIFive-Year GoalsAs mentioned above, the Consolidated Plan contains five-year goals based on analysis and public input. The goals are identified below and form the basis of the priority needs and strategies:1. Offer programs for affordable housing for low/moderate income households, such as housing rehabilitation, first-time homebuyer’s assistance, and acquisition for rehabilitation.2. Offer Public Service programs for low/moderate income and special needs persons and households.3. Provide assistance for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.4. Provide assistance for Public Facilities/Infrastructure/Revitalization programs to strengthen ??neighborhood revitalization.5. Provide assistance for Economic Development to retain/create jobs, or to assist businesses.2.Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan Needs Assessment OverviewThe major objectives and the desired outcomes of the CDBG program are as follows:Housing Objectives: Preserve existing housing stock:Outcome: Accessibility/Availability: Decrease the number of units with code violation conditions.? Increase/improve energy efficiency.? Increase accessibility for disabled occupants. Address housing subject to expiring use.? Rehabilitate units to preserve and sustain the housing stock. ?Address emergency repairs. Require units to be lead safe.Affordable Homeownership:Outcome: Affordability: Increase affordability by providing homebuyers’ assistance and by acquiring houses for rehabilitation and sale to low/moderate households.Suitable Living Environment Objectives:Public Services: Outcome: Accessibility/Availability: Provide services to maintain/improve health, mental health, education, transitional housing; provide services for the elderly/disabled, for youths, for victims of domestic abuse, for abused/neglected children; for heating assistance; for a neighborhood food bank.Public Facilities:Outcome: Sustainability: Provide assistance for the rehabilitation of structures that serve the elderly or disabled, the cognitively impaired, or that are health/mental health facilities; or for infrastructure improvements to revitalize neighborhoods to stop the spread of blight.3.Evaluation of past performanceBased on information derived from IDIS?for the past five program years (PY15-PY19) of the prior 5-year plan, the following CDBG beneficiary data on accomplishments by national objectives categories was reported:Decent Housing - 115 households benefited from housing rehab activities or the acquisition of houses for rehabilitation and sale to low/moderate households;?25 households benefited from first-time homebuyers’ assistance activities.Suitable Living Environment - 6,637 people were assisted under public service activities;28,431 people benefited from public facilities and infrastructure activities.Expanded Economic Opportunities – zero jobs were created; zero businesses helpedIt must be noted, however, that due to the COVID-19 pandemic during program year 2019-2020 projects and activities were basically suspended for the last four months of the year, which resulted in lower accomplishments for that year.4.Summary of citizen participation process and consultation processThe Consolidated Plan (CP) is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirement that combines the planning and application process for the CDBG program funding the City will receive over the next five years. The City expects to receive approximately $5,000,000 in CDBG funds over the next five years (program year 2020 to program year 2024).? In addition, applicants for funding for a number of other HUD programs, along with the Cranston Housing Authority’s Five-Year and Annual Plans, must demonstrate that its application or annual plan is consistent with the Consolidated Plan of the City.? Moreover, the Continuum of Care (CoC) McKinney-Vento annual funding application must be consistent with the State of Rhode Island Consolidated Plan.The Consolidated Plan is designed to be a collaborative process whereby citizens of the City establish a unified vision to address the affordable housing and community and economic needs of the city over the next five years. The Plan examines current market conditions; identifies the needs for a wide range of specific populations; sets priorities for spending the CDBG funds the City expects to receive; and identifies goals, objectives, and the benchmarks it will use for measuring progress. In addition, the Plan also includes the Annual Action Plan for the use of the $1,098,683 in program year 2020 CDBG funding the City expects to receive. In subsequent years, the Annual Action Plan is submitted separately.?????The development of the Consolidated Plan took place under the supervision of the Department of Community Development, which is responsible for the overall administration of the City’s CDBG Program. The City received input to the Plan from a broad range of housing and community interests, including the local housing authority, non–profit housing agencies, local housing partnerships, various service organizations such as those serving the elderly and the disabled, owners and renters and organizations such as banks, real estate interests, City government, the religious sector, human services and private citizens.The City’s approach to Citizen Participation was to build upon its extensive process used to create prior plans. Groups active in areas that use or could use resources outlined in the Consolidated Plan were notified of the development of the new Consolidated Plan and Action Plan and were invited to submit suggestions, ideas and requests for support.Surveys were sent to local agencies and mailed to random Cranston residents. Surveys were also given to members of the respective boards and committees that were attended. Several agencies were contacted by phone and/or email.HUD citizen participation requirements provide for a 30‐day public review and comment period. The 2020‐2025 Consolidated Plan public review begins Thursday January 28, 2021 and ends Friday February 26, 2021. A summary of comments or views not accepted and reasons for not accepting them will be included in the final production of this report.5.SummaryOrganizations active in areas which use or could use resources outlined in the Consolidated Plan were notified of the development of the plan and were invited to submit suggestions, ideas, and requests for support. The Dept. of Community Development consulted with homeless advocacy groups, human services agencies, nearby communities, and various boards and commissions.? The Department also received responses to a survey mailed randomly to Cranston residents.In terms of general priorities, the following ranked as the highest and above average priorities which should be considered by the City:? affordable housing; public services such as, but not limited to, for the elderly and/or disabled, and youths; and assistance for housing rehabilitation.The draft of the Plan was advertised in a local newspaper and was available to the public on the City’s website and in the office of the Department of Community Development.?A public hearing will be held for public comment after official notice was advertised in a local community newspaper.The ProcessPR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies 24 CFR 91.200(b)1.Describe agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding sourceThe following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.Agency RoleNameDepartment/AgencyCDBG Administrator DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 1 – Responsible AgenciesNarrativeThe following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source:Lead Agency: City of Cranston, Department of Community DevelopmentCDBG Administrator: City of Cranston, Department of Community DevelopmentOther Federal Funding: City of Cranston, Department of Community DevelopmentIn addition, the Rhode Island Continuum of Care [CoC] is statewide, servicing all communities in the State of Rhode Island.? The Rhode Island Housing Resource Commission (HRC) is the lead agency for the CoC Agency. Groups who make up the CoC have been working closely over the years with leadership in each of the communities, including Cranston, to address the needs of homeless those at risk of homelessness.Consolidated Plan Public Contact InformationTimothy Sanzi, DirectorCranston Department of Community Development35 Sockanosset Cross RoadCranston, RI 02920401-780-3147?PR-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.110, 91.200(b), 91.300(b), 91.215(I) and 91.315(I)1.IntroductionCranston consulted with numerous organizations in the development of the Five Year Consolidated Plan.? The process included formal and informal meetings, surveys, and discussions with state and local agencies along with many advocacy groups in the region.? The process of developing the Plan began in November 2019 when community organizations were notified of the Plan and asked to participate in the process.? Meetings and discussions with advocates for the elderly, the disabled and the homeless were held, at which time the City heard views on their housing and community needs.Through 2020 Cranston consulted with a number of agencies, groups and organizations.? They were asked for data and for input on needs, priorities and other issues.? Those groups and organizations included representatives of public and private agencies who serve elderly, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, the homeless and low income residents.? In addition, multiple housing agencies, mental health service agencies, and regional and state government agencies were consulted.Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(I)).Cranston works with numerous public and private organizations to coordinate community development and housing services.? Coordination among entities includes serving on joint committees, on-going communication and long term strategic planning.? Organizations include public institutions on the local, regional, state levels, local nonprofits, faith-based organizations and the private sector.? Financial and technical support is provided to these agencies when and where possible.Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessnessThe Rhode Island Continuum of Care (CoC) is statewide and services all communities in the State of Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Housing Resource Commission (HRC) is the lead agency for the CoC Agencies. Groups who make up the CoC have been working closely over the years with leadership in each of the communities to address the needs of homeless and near homeless people.? This is achieved through coordination, cooperation and partnerships between public and assisted housing providers and governmental health, mental health and additional service agencies.? An update to the Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness was adopted in 2012.? Key initiatives include:? 1) End Homeless among Veterans; 2) Increase Economic Security (create a pilot program targeting homeless youth 18-24); 3) Improve Health and Housing Stability (strengthening behavioral health services to vulnerable populations); 4) Families, Children and Youth (expand the use of rapid re-housing and diversion services to address the needs of families).Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMISCranston does not receive ESG, HOME or HOPWA funds directly.Groups, including the Cranston Housing Authority, operate autonomously and seek their own funds to address needs. The Cranston Housing Authority must submit its own application for funding and is subject to individual requirements from each funding source. Some of these may include establishing performance measures and reporting outcomes in systems such as the HMIS system utilized by HUD.? In the update to the Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness [as a key element in increasing the supply of Permanent Supported Housing], it is recommended that there be a significant expansion of? the partnership with each Public Housing Agency in the Continuum of Care. HMIS is administered through Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless.2.Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdictions consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entitiesTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated1Agency/Group/OrganizationCranston Senior ServicesAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices-Elderly PersonsServices-Persons with DisabilitiesOther government - LocalWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsSenior ServicesHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone, e-mail. Cranston Senior Services, in addition to serving the elderly population in Cranston, has an Adult Care program for the elderly/disabled and those suffering from the early onset of dementia. The consultation resulted in the needs of their service population being clearly communicated. It also provides healthcare supportive services by having a nurse available.2Agency/Group/OrganizationComprehensive Community Action ProgramAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices-HealthNeighborhood OrganizationWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsAnti-poverty StrategyHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. CCAP is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of programs to serve the low income population of Cranston, among them are a health clinic, a dental clinic, behavioral counseling, a GED center, and workforce training. The consultation emphasized the importance of CCAP's services to the community.3Agency/Group/OrganizationElizabeth Buffum Chace CenterAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices-Victims of Domestic ViolenceWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. The Chace Ctr. provides counseling and temporary housing to victims of domestic violence. The consultation emphasized the need for such programs in the community.4Agency/Group/OrganizationHope Alzheimer's CenterAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices-Elderly PersonsServices-Persons with DisabilitiesNeighborhood OrganizationWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. The Hope Center provides day care for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The consultation emphasized the necessity of such a service.5Agency/Group/OrganizationSstarbirthAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices - HousingWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Homeless Needs - Families with childrenHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. Sstarbirth provides transitional housing and counseling to pregnant women and women with children. The consultation emphasized the need for such services.6Agency/Group/OrganizationCRANSTON HISTORICAL SOCIETYAgency/Group/Organization TypeHistorical SocietyNeighborhood OrganizationWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. This organization owns and manages several historical properties in Cranston. The consultation emphasized the need to preserve these structures and their importance to the community.7Agency/Group/OrganizationAccessPoint RIAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices - HousingServices-ChildrenServices-Persons with DisabilitiesNeighborhood OrganizationWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. AccessPointRI operates a school and offers programs for disabled adults and children, in addition to offering housing for the developmentally disabled. The consultation emphasized the need for and the preservation of these programs.8Agency/Group/OrganizationCranston Housing AuthorityAgency/Group/Organization TypePHAServices - HousingWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Public Housing NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. The needs of public housing and how they could be met were discussed.9Agency/Group/OrganizationCity of PawtucketAgency/Group/Organization TypeOther government - LocalWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Homelessness StrategyNon-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone. Discussion centered on the State's homelessness plan and strategy.10Agency/Group/OrganizationCity of Warwick Office of Housing & Community DevelopmentAgency/Group/Organization TypeOther government - LocalWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Homelessness StrategyNon-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone. CDBG issues were discussed, and ideas were exchanged, including partnering with bordering cities and towns.11Agency/Group/OrganizationAIDS CARE OCEAN STATEAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices-Persons with HIV/AIDSWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?HOPWA StrategyHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. ACOS provides services to those with HIV/AIDS, in coordination with RI Housing. The consultation emphasized the need for such services in RI.12Agency/Group/OrganizationCrossroads RIAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices-homelessWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Homelessness StrategyHomeless Needs - Chronically homelessHomeless Needs - Families with childrenHomelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youthHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone, email. Crossroads RI is part of the State's CoC for homelessness. The consultation served to emphasize the scope of the problem and the need for services for the homeless.13Agency/Group/OrganizationCity of CranstonAgency/Group/Organization TypeOther government - LocalWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsEconomic DevelopmentHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. Various departments of the City of Cranston were consulted for this plan, such as Public works, Economic Development, Engineering, Parks and Recreation, Planning, the Public Library, the Office of the Mayor, and various boards and commissions. The consultations communicated the needs of the city for various public facilities that serve low/moderate income people.14Agency/Group/OrganizationGATEWAY HEALTHCARE, INC.Agency/Group/Organization TypeServices-HealthRegional organizationWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. Gateway offers counseling services to those in need. The consultation emphasized the continuing need for these services.15Agency/Group/OrganizationSPURWINKAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices-ChildrenServices-Persons with DisabilitiesWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Phone and email. Spurwink offers supportive services for adults with developmental disabilities and or mental health needs on a full or part time basis, special education for children with emotional and behavioral challenges, and a family support center for parents with developmental delays at-risk of losing their children. The consultation emphasized the need for these services.16Agency/Group/OrganizationBlessed Mother Mary Food Pantry, Inc.Agency/Group/Organization TypeFood Bank for the NeedyNeighborhood OrganizationWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsHow was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Discussions in-person and by phone. The City will continue to support the needs of the food bank.Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consultingThe City consulted all types of agencies.Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the PlanName of PlanLead OrganizationHow do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan?Continuum of Care RI Coalition for the Homeless The City supports the State plan.Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning effortsDescribe cooperation and coordination with other public entities, including the State and any adjacent units of general local government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan (91.215(l))When projects are funded through multiple sources (e.g., HOME, the State’s Abandoned Property Program, Rhode Island Housing), the City works closely with these groups or agencies to coordinate efforts and compliance for individual programs, funding sources, regulations and laws/ordinances.? The City also shares responsibilities in areas such as environmental review and monitoring issues such as Davis/Bacon, Section 3 and other project compliance requirements.?Narrative (optional):In addition to the above organizations, the following were also consulted:Workforce RI: by phone; a job training and placement center for Cranston residents.RI Dept. of Labor & Training: by phone; for information regarding the labor force in Cranston, and job training and placement strategies.Williams & Stuart Realty: by phone; for information about the housing market, foreclosures, housing needs.Housing Works RI: by phone; for information about the housing market, foreclosures, housing needsPR-15 Citizen Participation – 91.105, 91.115, 91.200(c) and 91.300(c)1.Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-settingThe City of Cranston’s Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) was prepared as required for the Consolidated Plan in accordance with 24 CFR Part 91, Section 105.? The purpose of the CPP is to outline the procedures for citizen participation in the development and implementation of the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plans, Annual Action Plans, Consolidated Annual Performance Reports (CAPER), and substantial amendments to the Five Year and Annual Action Plans.The development of the Consolidated Plan took place under the supervision of the Department of Community Development, which is responsible for the overall administration of the CDBG Program. The City has had contributions to the Plan from a broad range of housing and community interests, including the local housing authority, non–profit housing agencies, local housing partnerships, various service organizations such as those serving the elderly, the disabled, owners and renters and organizations such as banks, real estate interests, City government, the religious sector, human services and private citizens.A key element of the Consolidated Planning process is citizen participation.? The CPP is designed to encourage the participation of low income households, particularly those living in slum and/or blighted areas and in areas where CDBG funds are proposed to be used.? The CPP encourages the participation of all citizens, including minorities and non-English speaking persons, as well as persons with mobility, visual and/or hearing impediments.? The CPP also encourages the participation of public and assisted housing residents in the development and implementation of the Consolidated Plan.The community involvement process has three main objectives:To help determine the housing needs of the City.To assess how well the City is meeting these needs.To help determine priorities.It is the policy of the City of Cranston to ensure adequate citizen involvement in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of its housing and community development programs. The City of Cranston has developed this Citizen Participation Plan in an effort to encourage citizen participation in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, specifically in the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, any substantial amendments to the plans, and the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).This Citizen Participation Plan is prepared and implemented in accordance with the guidance provided in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regulations 24 CFR Part 91.105.It is the intent of the City of Cranston to encourage and facilitate the participation of all citizens in the development of the Consolidated Plan, the Annual Action Plan, any substantial amendments to the plans, and the performance report.Additionally, the City encourages involvement of low- and moderate-income persons, and those living in blighted areas where federal funding is proposed to be used are particularly encouraged to be involved in the planning process. The City also welcomes the participation of minority populations, non-English speaking persons and persons with disabilities.In consultation with the Cranston Housing Authority (CHA), the City encourages the participation of residents of public and assisted housing developments in the process of developing and implementing the consolidated plan. The City will provide information to the CHA about Consolidated Plan activities related to its developments so that it can make this information available at public hearings regarding the CHA’s Public Housing Authority Plan including the Capital Fund Program.Consultations, direct mailings and other contact with local and regional organizations, social service agencies, and advocacy groups, as well as their beneficiaries, will be utilized to encourage further participation.Role of Low and Moderate Income People: The primary purpose of the programs covered by this Citizen Participation Plan is to improve communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and growing economic opportunities -?‐ all principally for low and moderate income people.Because the amount of Federal CDBG funds the City of Cranston receives and/or administers each year is primarily based on the severity of both poverty and substandard housing conditions in the City, the City recognizes the importance of public participation that involves people who have experienced these conditions.Citizen's Advisory CommitteeTo ensure citizen participation a Citizen's Advisory Committee is established by this CitizenParticipation Plan.The role of the Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) is to provide citizen participation to include citizens of low and moderate income in planning and evaluation of the City's community development program. The CAC will also be used to help assess community needs, to inform other citizens about the CDBG program and to provide citizen input in the development of the City's Consolidated Plan every five years.Specific responsibilities of committee members are:1. Provide a means of citizen participation in community development programs.2. Assist staff in assessing community needs which may be addressed with community development funds.3. Recommend the allocation of funds for public service organizations for the new program year and advise on possible uses of remaining funds.4. Comment, as appropriate, on the City's Consolidated Plan, plan amendments and the annual performance report.5. Assist staff in marketing the programs to the community.Stages of the Consolidated Plan ProcessThe policies and procedures in this CPP relate to five specific stages of action mentioned in law or regulation. These stages include:1. The needs assessment stage, i.e., the identification of housing and community development needs that generally occurs during development of a Consolidated Plan.2. The plan development stage, i.e., preparation of a Draft Consolidated Plan and/or Draft Annual Action Plan.3. The approval stage, i.e., formal approval by HUD of a final Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan.4. The amendment stage, i.e., when a change is made in the proposed use of funds in an Annual Action Plan or to the priorities established in the Consolidated Plan, a formal Substantial Amendment will be proposed, considered and acted upon.5. The performance review phase, i.e., the assessment of the progress made by the Department as stated in the annual CAPER relative to the goals in the Consolidated Five" Year Plan.Program Year in the City of CranstonThe "program year" established by the City for CDBG funds is July 1 through June 30.PUBLIC NOTICEThe City will provide advanced public notice once any of the following documents is available: the Proposed Annual Action Plan or Consolidated Plan; proposed Substantial Amendment; and the Annual Performance Report (CAPER). In addition, the City will provide public notice of all public hearings related to the funds or to the planning process covered by this CPP.HUD considers two weeks advance public notice to be adequate for the public to permit informed comment. The amount of lead time can also vary, depending on the event. Specific minimum amounts of lead time for different events are described later in this CPP.Forms of Public NoticePublic notices will be published in the non-?‐legal section of local newspapers. Notice will also be given through mailings to other organizations or individuals who have requested receipt of such notices or who have received or are currently receiving CDBG funding. Notices are also placed on the Department's bulletin board, at Cranston City Hall and the Cranston Public Library, at the entrances of the building occupied by the Department, and on the City's website.PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATIONThe City of Cranston will provide citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties with reasonable and timely access to information and records relating to the data or content of the Consolidated Plan, as well as the proposed, actual, and past use of funds covered by this CPP during the preceding five years. In addition, the City will provide the public with reasonable and timely access to local meetings related to the proposed or actual use of funds.TECHNICAL ASSISTANCECity staff will work with organizations representative of low and moderate income people who are interested in submitting a proposal to obtain funding for an activity. Technical assistance includes, but is limited to, developing potential proposals for funding, and information regarding the CDBG program, such as the rules and regulations, and eligible activities.PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGSAt least two public hearings will be held per year to obtain the public's views and to provide the public, to the greatest extent possible, with responses to their questions and comments. The City holds public hearings to obtain input regarding community needs during development of a Consolidated Plan, to review proposed funding of activities in each Annual Action Plan, and to review program performance. At least one of these hearings will be held before the proposed consolidated plan is published for comment.Access to Public HearingsPublic hearings will be held only after there has been adequate notice as described in "Public Notice" of this CPP. At a minimum, there will be an advertisement in the non-?‐legal section of the local newspapers published at least ten to fifteen days before the hearing. The City web-?‐site also posts information on each hearing. These procedures will provide citizens with a reasonable and timely access to local meetings.Public hearings will be held at times and locations convenient to potential and current recipients of CDBG funding. The names and addresses of the people attending and participating in the public meetings and hearings are kept on file in the Department.Public Hearings and Populations with Unique NeedsAll public hearings are held at locations accessible to persons with disabilities. If non-?‐English speaking or hearing-?‐impaired residents request assistance to participate in a public hearing, departmental staff will retain appropriate assistance to allow such residents to participate. Generally, when assistance will consist of obtaining appropriate interpreter services, the Department will consider it mandatory only in instances where it is expected that a significant number of non-?‐English speaking or hearing-?‐impaired.Notice of the above will be placed in a non-?‐legal section of the local newspaper and will be conveyed to the citizens at a public hearing prior to the preparation of the proposed plan. Contact information will be included in the notice so that interested persons can obtainAvailability of a Proposed Plan:The proposed Consolidated Plan will be made available to afford citizens, public agencies and other interested parties a reasonable opportunity to examine its contents and to submit comments. Copies of the proposed Consolidated Plan will be available at the central branch of the Cranston Public Library and at the Department of Community Development, 1090 Cranston Street. The proposed Consolidated Plan will also be posted on the City's website. A reasonable number of free copies of the plan will be made available to citizens and groups upon request.Citizens' Comments:The Department encourages all interested persons to comment on its programs and the manner in which it delivers services. There will be a 30 day public comment period for the proposed Consolidated Plan or proposed Action Plan. Citizen input is reviewed by departmental personnel during preparation of the Consolidated Plan and the annual Action Plan and any amendment thereto, as well as during the preparation of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). It is the Department's policy to respond in writing to every written citizen complaint within 15 working days of receipt. The City will consider any comments or views of citizens received in writing or orally at the public hearing in preparing the final consolidated plan. A summary of these comments or views and a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons therefore, will be attached to the final consolidated plan.Final Annual Action Plan and/or Consolidated PlanCopies of the final Plan and a summary will be made available to the public upon request at no cost.Substantial Amendments to the Consolidated PlanThe Department will take all appropriate steps should it find it necessary to amend the Consolidated Plan or the annual Action Plan. Substantial amendments will require public notice and provision of a comment period. In the event it does become necessary to make a change, the following factors will be taken into account when determining whether the change is substantial and material:Whether the change is in the use of CDBG from one eligible activity to another;Whether the change is in the method by which funds are distributed or in its allocation priorities;Whether the change is to fund an activity not previously set forth in the Consolidated Plan or the Annual Action PlanWhether the change is to alter substantially the purpose of an activity in the plan from one priority category to another, or the scope of an activity, or an increase or decrease of more than twenty percent in funding for an activity, or the location of an activity (from one census tract to another), or the class of people benefiting from an activity (from primarily low-?‐to-?‐moderate income to higher-?‐income recipients).Public Notice for Substantial Amendments:The City will provide reasonable notice of a proposed Substantial Amendment so that residents will have an opportunity to review and comment on it. Notice will be made according to the procedures described in "Public Notice" of this CPP and will allow a 30-?‐day period for public comment. In preparing a final Substantial Amendment, due consideration will be given to all comments and views received in writing or orally. The final Substantial Amendment will have a section that presents all comments and explains why any comments were not accepted.Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation ReportEvery year, the City must submit to HUD the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), within 90 days of the close of the program year. In general, the CAPER describes how funds were actually spent and the extent to which these funds were used for activities that benefitted low and moderate-?‐income people.The City will provide reasonable notice that the CAPER is available so that residents will have an opportunity to review and comment on it. Notice will be made according to the procedures described in "Public Notice" above. Public comments will be accepted during a 15-?‐day comment period described in the public notice.CITIZEN COMMENT ON THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN AND AMENDMENTSThe City will provide citizens with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the citizen participation plan and on substantial amendments to the citizen participation plan. Copies of the plan are available to the public at:Cranston Department of Community Development35 Sockanosset Cross Road, Ste. 6Cranston, RI 02920.JURISDICTION RESPONSIBILITYThe requirements for citizen participation do not restrict the responsibility or authority of theCity for the development and execution of its consolidated plan.Needs AssessmentNA-05 OverviewNeeds Assessment OverviewThrough this Consolidated Plan, the City of Cranston determines the areas of greatest need and identifies those needs in which community investment can have the most impact given the limited resources available. To adequately address the community needs, the City of Cranston has identified and assessed the areas that could benefit most from federal investment from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.?Methodology?The majority of data utilized in this report is provided by HUD for the purpose of preparing the Consolidated Plan. HUD periodically receives custom tabulations from the U.S. Census Bureau? that are not largely available through standard Census products. This data is known as the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data and it demonstrates the extent of housing problems and housing needs, particularly for low-income households. The CHAS data is used to plan how to spend HUD funds and may also be used by HUD to distribute grant funds.When CHAS data is not available other data is utilized, including 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census data and American Community Survey (ACS) 2011-2015 five year estimates. While ACS one year estimates provide the most current data, this report utilizes five year estimates as they reflect a larger sample size and therefore are considered more reliable and precise.Federal Program Requirements?Federal funds provided under the entitlement programs are primarily concerned with activities that benefit low and moderate income (LMI) households whose incomes do not exceed 80 percent of the area median household income (AMI), as established by HUD, with adjustments for household size. HUD uses three income levels to define LMI households, subject to certain adjustments for areas with unusually high or low incomes:?Very low income: Households earning 30% or less than the AMILow income: Households earning more than 30% and less than 50% of the AMIModerate income: Households earning more than 50% and less than 80% of the AMIAccording to the 2011-2015 ACS 5-year survey, 41% of all households (12,470 households) are LMI, with incomes ranging from 0‐80% of Area Median Income (AMI):13% (3,845 households) at 0‐30% AMI12% (3,625 households) at >30‐50% AMI16% (5,000 households) at >50‐80% AMIThe following provides a brief summary of the results of the Needs Assessment, which will bediscussed in more detail in each corresponding section of this chapter:NA –10 Housing NeedsThe most common housing problem within the City is cost burden. Twenty-nine percent ofhouseholds (8,863 households) in the City are cost burdened and paying more than 30percent of their income toward housing costs. This represents 47 percent of renterhouseholds and 53 percent of owner households.A subset of cost burden in the City is severe cost burden. Fifty-three percent of cost-burdened households (4,729 households) in the City are severely cost burdened and paying more than 50 percent of their income toward housing costs. This represents 48 percent of renter households and 52 percent of owner households.NA–15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing ProblemsThe groups most affected are the Very Low Income Black/African American households;?the Low Income Black/African-American, Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Hispanic households; and the Moderate Income?Black/African American households.NA–20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing ProblemsThe groups most affected are the?Low Income Asian?households and the Moderate Income Black/African-American households.NA–25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost BurdenThe only racial/ethnic group in the City that has a disproportionately high cost burden is the American Indian/Alaskan Native cohort in the 30-50% AMI sector - 86% compared to 21% city percentage.NA–35 Public Housing Resident households in Cranston public housing have an average annual income of $15,817 per year.There are 711 applicants on the waiting list, of whom 331 are disabled, comprising 274 households. Of the disabled, 57 are elderly. There are 53 families with children on the waiting list.Of the 711 on the waiting list, 97% have income less than 50% AMI and 83% have incomes less than 30% AMI.NA–40 Homeless NeedsThe 2020 Rhode Island statewide Point-in-Count found 1,104 homeless persons, of which there were 381 persons in 121 families and 723 individuals. All families were sheltered, whereas 108 individuals were unsheltered.Racial and ethnic disparities also exist among the homeless. Black/African American persons comprise 9% of the general population of Rhode Island, but are 40% of the families and 23% of the individuals experiencing homelessness. Hispanic/Latino comprise 16% of the general population, but are 35% of the families experiencing homelessness.NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs Twenty-one percent (21%) of the City’s population is 60 and over, and 15% is 65 and over. Of the 30,210 households, 36% (10,790) have at least one person 62 and over.Of the 10,790 households having at least one person 62 and over, 34% have incomes less than 50% of the AMI.Thirty-five percent (35%) of all elderly 65 and over have some form of disability, with either an ambulatory, self-care, or independent living difficulty being the predominant types.The Cranston Senior Center offers various supportive programs for the elderly population, in addition to a day care program for the elderly/disabled and frail elderly.The Hope Alzheimer’s Center provides a day care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The mentally ill are typically treated through the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health Care, Developmentally Disabled, and Hospitals (BHDDH), which also offers programs for those suffering from substance abuse.Other agencies in Cranston also offer programs for those with a substance use disorder. AIDS Care Ocean State provides services and housing statewide for those with HIV/AIDS.NA–50 Non–Housing Community Development Needs Residents and stakeholders who participated in the community outreach for the Consolidated Plan identified the following community development needs as high priorities:Public Facilities and Improvements: Youth Centers, Playgrounds/Tot Parks, Street Improvements, Reduction of BlightPublic Services: Youth Services; Day Care for the Elderly, the Frail/Elderly and those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia; Health and Counseling Services, Food Banks, Rental Assistance, Health and Mental Health Services, Services for Victims of Domestic Violence and for Abused and Neglected ChildrenNA-10 Housing Needs Assessment - 24 CFR 91.205 (a,b,c)Summary of Housing NeedsThe predominant need is for affordable housing, not only for renters but also for owners. For households having no other housing problems, 100% of renters at or below 80% AMI and 93% of owners at or below 80% AMI have a housing cost burden greater than 50%; for those having a housing cost burden greater than 30%, 95% are renters at or below 80% AMI and 68% are owners at or below 80% AMI. 32% of the 30,210 households in the City are cost burdened, with 16% of all households having a cost burden of greater than 50% and 16% of all households having a cost burden of greater than 30%.Renter households that are cost burdened comprise 44% of all renter households, whereas 26% of all owner households are cost burdened. Renter households with a cost burden of greater than 30% comprise 54% of cost-burdened renter households, compared to 49% of all cost-burdened owner households.Substandard housing and overcrowding are minor issues in Cranston, with only 145 households and 324 households respectively, predominantly for renters.?DemographicsBase Year: 2009Most Recent Year: 2015% ChangePopulation80,38780,7600%Households29,93130,2101%Median Income$58,877.00$59,701.001%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 4 - Housing Needs Assessment DemographicsData Source:2005-2009 ACS (Base Year), 2011-2015 ACS (Most Recent Year)Number of Households Table0-30% HAMFI>30-50% HAMFI>50-80% HAMFI>80-100% HAMFI>100% HAMFITotal Households3,8453,6255,0002,93514,805Small Family Households8551,0101,8751,3158,235Large Family Households2102052152301,090Household contains at least one person 62-74 years of age8508501,1254953,035Household contains at least one person age 75 or older8651,0759403451,210Households with one or more children 6 years old or younger5204854553601,380Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 5 - Total Households TableData Source:2011-2015 CHASHousing Needs Summary Tables1. Housing Problems (Households with one of the listed needs)RenterOwner0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMI>80-100% AMITotal0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMI>80-100% AMITotalNUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDSSubstandard Housing - Lacking complete plumbing or kitchen facilities1015250501025402095Severely Overcrowded - With >1.51 people per room (and complete kitchen and plumbing)3002005000000Overcrowded - With 1.01-1.5 people per room (and none of the above problems)16050100220154201554Housing cost burden greater than 50% of income (and none of the above problems)1,37060014002,1109757357051802,595Housing cost burden greater than 30% of income (and none of the above problems)3258601,1751302,4901505259907952,460Zero/negative Income (and none of the above problems)1450001456000060Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 6 – Housing Problems TableData Source:2011-2015 CHAS2. Housing Problems 2 (Households with one or more Severe Housing Problems: Lacks kitchen or complete plumbing, severe overcrowding, severe cost burden)RenterOwner0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMI>80-100% AMITotal0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMI>80-100% AMITotalNUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDSHaving 1 or more of four housing problems1,56567019002,4259957657702152,745Having none of four housing problems9151,3201,8801,0405,1551708702,1551,6804,875Household has negative income, but none of the other housing problems1450001456000060Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 7 – Housing Problems 2Data Source:2011-2015 CHAS3. Cost Burden > 30%RenterOwner0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMITotal0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMITotalNUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDSSmall Related5454906101,6452304357051,370Large Related13512915279657585225Elderly4956102601,3656807155901,985Other6852954451,42517970320569Total need by income1,8601,5241,3304,7141,1541,2951,7004,149Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 8 – Cost Burden > 30%Data Source:2011-2015 CHAS4. Cost Burden > 50%RenterOwner0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMITotal0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMITotalNUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDSSmall Related54517045760220310300830Large Related854089556525145Elderly295255756255503251651,040Other6051701579017560215450Total need by income1,5305991352,2641,0007607052,465Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 9 – Cost Burden > 50%Data Source:2011-2015 CHAS5. Crowding (More than one person per room)RenterOwner0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMI>80-100% AMITotal0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMI>80-100% AMITotalNUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDSSingle family households16545200230150201550Multiple, unrelated family households254002904004Other, non-family households001001000000Total need by income19049300269154201554Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 10 – Crowding Information – 1/2Data Source:2011-2015 CHASRenterOwner0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMITotal0-30% AMI>30-50% AMI>50-80% AMITotalHouseholds with Children Present00000000Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 11 – Crowding Information – 2/2Data Source Comments:2011-2015 CHASDescribe the number and type of single person households in need of housing assistance.According to the 2011-2015 ACS 5-year survey, of the 30,210 households in Cranston 30.3% or 9,153 households have a person living alone. Of the 30,210 households, 12.3% or 3,715 households have a person 65 years and over living alone. It would be reasonable to surmise that some of these elderly householders living alone would need some type of housing assistance, such as Housing Choice Vouchers.Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance who are disabled or victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.The disabled population is discussed fully in Section NA45.? Although there is no census data available for those covered under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), there are programs within the Cranston community that are addressing the housing and related service needs of this population, such as Sstarbirth and Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center.What are the most common housing problems?Namely, the housing is seriously substandard, or severely overcrowded, or very costly as a percentage of the household income. If we only focus on sub-standard housing, severely over-crowded housing, and households paying more than 50% of their income for housing, the results show that the paramount need is to address those households paying more than 50% of their income for housing. For renter households having a housing cost burden greater than 50% and no other problems, renter households of less than 50% AMI comprise 93% of the renter group, whereas owner households of less than 50% AMI comprise 66% of the owner group. For? renter households having a housing cost burden greater than 30%, renter households of less than 80% AMI comprise 95% of the renter group, whereas owner households of less than 80% AMI comprise 68% of the owner group. Clearly this indicates that the wages of renters is insufficient to meet the definition of affordability for rental housing.100% of all renter households having one or more of the four housing problems are of less than 80% AMI, while 92% of all owner households of less than 80% AMI will have one or more of the four housing problems.Are any populations/household types more affected than others by these problems?Renter households having a housing cost burden? greater than 30% and are less than 50% AMI comprise 71% of all renter households. Of that cohort, the most impacted are the elderly and large related households. The same holds true for owner households having a housing cost burden greater than 30% and are less than 50% AMI. Renter households comprise 53% of all households having a housing cost burden greater than 30%, owners 47%.The above table shows that housing costs for extremely low income households is particularly troublesome as these households have almost no elasticity in their budgets to pay 50% or more for their housing and thus must sacrifice other household essentials such as education, food and health care. The number of households in this category totals 4,729. Of renter households having a cost burden greater than 50%, 67% of the households are very low income. Renter households of very low or low income account for 94%. For owner households having a cost burden greater than 50%, 40% are very low income. Owner households of very low or low income account for 71%.The above tables also show that for the extremely low income, small household renters and elderly owners are the two most affected groups by the cost of housing.Describe the characteristics and needs of Low-income individuals and families with children (especially extremely low-income) who are currently housed but are at imminent risk of either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered 91.205(c)/91.305(c)). Also discuss the needs of formerly homeless families and individuals who are receiving rapid re-housing assistance and are nearing the termination of that assistanceAs discussed in NA-40, Homeless Needs Assessment, the State of Rhode Island categorizes the root causes of homelessness as follows:? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?structural issues such as high housing costs, low household income, preponderance of low-paying? jobs, and/orpersonal issues such as mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence or other physical and mental disabilities, and/orsocial policies such as the availability and effectiveness of assisted housing, mental health programs, substance abuse treatments, service interventions, veteran’s servicesHigh housing?costs are beyond the control of individuals and families, as are the availability of high-paying jobs if one does not have the requisite qualifications for them. Those having personal issues may or may not have the desire, the support of others, or the resources to address them. The social policies may not be available or effective.??The varying degrees of inter-relationships among the root causes of homelessness make the homelessness issue a very difficult problem to resolve.? There are a variety of challenges facing those at risk and those who are formerly homeless individuals and families.? For those who do not have problems associated with chronic homelessness, there are still significant obstacles.Crossroads RI offers some rapid re-housing services such as housing search assistance, case management, financial counseling, life-skills interventions to promote long-term housing stability, and short-term financial assistance. The ESG program now provides funding for the program. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?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:The jurisdiction does not supply "at-risk" estimates.Specify particular housing characteristics that have been linked with instability and an increased risk of homelessnessThe jurisdiction does not specify particular housing characteristics because there is no hard data or definitive information from local agencies that would lead to a conclusion regarding housing characteristics that are linked with instability and an increased risk of homelessness. Based on the number of elderly residents in Cranston, it is reasonable to assume that the inability of elderly households on fixed incomes to maintain their homes including those who also may be living in homes that are no longer suitable for them as they age, have led to displacement.The following housing characteristics are often linked with housing instability and increased risk of homelessness: temporary financial or life crisis, loss of employment, end of a relationship, death of a partner, health emergency, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, racial disparities, mental health and substance abuse disorders, and other medical conditions.DiscussionThe overall conclusion is that the cost of housing is by far the greatest problem being faced by the City. When examining the households paying more than 50% of income for housing, the most expense-stressed group is that below 30% of AMI. The CDBG and other resources of the City are minimal in terms of housing production or lowering the cost of housing. It is a serious challenge for all.NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Problems – 91.205 (b)(2)Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole.IntroductionPer HUD definitions, a disproportionate need exists when any racial or ethnic group has a housing need that is at least 10 percentage points higher than the percentage of persons in category as a whole.HUD breaks down housing problems into three categories: the physical condition of the housing, overcrowding, and the cost of housing.?In turn the physical condition is split into two types:Lacking complete kitchen facilities;Lacking complete plumbing facilities.The overcrowding conditions are more than one person per room but no more than 1.5 persons per room.The housing cost criterion is a cost burden greater than 30% but less than 50%; a severe housing cost burden is that greater than 50%.HUD also has several policies which look at whether there is a disproportionate need as it relates to race or ethnicity.? These vary depending upon what the proposed action might be.? For example, Site and Neighborhood Standards are used to determine the appropriateness of an investment in new housing in an area. These standards are more restrictive than those for disproportionate need.0%-30% of Area Median IncomeHousing ProblemsHas one or more of four housing problemsHas none of the four housing problemsHousehold has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problemsJurisdiction as a whole3,035605205White2,260430130Black / African American1641010Asian2254030American Indian, Alaska Native000Pacific Islander000Hispanic30012524Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 12 - Disproportionally Greater Need 0 - 30% AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHAS*The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% 30%-50% of Area Median IncomeHousing ProblemsHas one or more of four housing problemsHas none of the four housing problemsHousehold has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problemsJurisdiction as a whole2,8208050White2,0707750Black / African American95100Asian4000American Indian, Alaska Native6000Pacific Islander000Hispanic525200Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 13 - Disproportionally Greater Need 30 - 50% AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHAS*The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% 50%-80% of Area Median IncomeHousing ProblemsHas one or more of four housing problemsHas none of the four housing problemsHousehold has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problemsJurisdiction as a whole3,1201,8750White2,6051,4300Black / African American120350Asian55450American Indian, Alaska Native0100Pacific Islander000Hispanic3203300Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 14 - Disproportionally Greater Need 50 - 80% AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHAS*The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%80%-100% of Area Median IncomeHousing ProblemsHas one or more of four housing problemsHas none of the four housing problemsHousehold has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problemsJurisdiction as a whole1,1401,7950White9101,4450Black / African American55750Asian155700American Indian, Alaska Native000Pacific Islander000Hispanic251750Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 15 - Disproportionally Greater Need 80 - 100% AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHAS*The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%Discussion?0%-30% of AMI: Black/African Americans have a disproportionately greater need re: housing problems>30%-50% of AMI: Black/African Americans, Asians, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and Hispanics?have a disproportionately greater need re: housing problems>50%-80% of AMI:??Black/African Americans have a disproportionately greater need re: housing problems>80%-100% of AMI: Asians?have a disproportionately greater need re: housing problemsAs the CDBG program can only address households at or below 80% of median, the groups most affected (i.e., exceed the 10% test above) are the Very Low Income Black/African American households;? the Low Income Black/African-American, Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Hispanic households; and the Moderate Income?Black/African American households.While not in an LMI income category, it is worth noting that 69% of Asian households in the 80-100% AMI category experience severe housing problems, compared to 39% of the jurisdiction as a whole.Please refer to the NA15 Summary table in 'Additional Content'.NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems – 91.205 (b)(2)Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole.IntroductionHUD breaks down severe housing problems into four categories.Lacking complete kitchen facilities;Lacking complete plumbing facilities;More than 1.5 persons per room;Cost Burden greater than 50%.?HUD also has several policies that look at whether there is a disproportionate need as it relates to race or ethnicity.? These vary depending upon what the proposed action might be.? For example, Site and Neighborhood Standards are used to determine the appropriateness of an investment in new housing in an area. These standards are more restrictive than those for disproportionate need.For the analysis in this section we are using a variance of 10 percentage points or higher in the racial or ethnic percentage in the City, to define a “disproportionate” share of a housing problem.0%-30% of Area Median IncomeSevere Housing Problems*Has one or more of four housing problemsHas none of the four housing problemsHousehold has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problemsJurisdiction as a whole2,5601,085205White1,880815130Black / African American997010Asian2155030American Indian, Alaska Native000Pacific Islander000Hispanic28014524Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 16 – Severe Housing Problems 0 - 30% AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHAS*The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% 30%-50% of Area Median IncomeSevere Housing Problems*Has one or more of four housing problemsHas none of the four housing problemsHousehold has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problemsJurisdiction as a whole1,4352,1900White1,1201,7300Black / African American50550Asian35100American Indian, Alaska Native0600Pacific Islander000Hispanic2053350Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 17 – Severe Housing Problems 30 - 50% AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHAS*The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% 50%-80% of Area Median IncomeSevere Housing Problems*Has one or more of four housing problemsHas none of the four housing problemsHousehold has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problemsJurisdiction as a whole9604,0350White8003,2300Black / African American65900Asian25750American Indian, Alaska Native0100Pacific Islander000Hispanic645850Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 18 – Severe Housing Problems 50 - 80% AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHAS*The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% 80%-100% of Area Median IncomeSevere Housing Problems*Has one or more of four housing problemsHas none of the four housing problemsHousehold has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problemsJurisdiction as a whole2152,7200White1852,1650Black / African American301000Asian02200American Indian, Alaska Native000Pacific Islander000Hispanic02000Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 19 – Severe Housing Problems 80 - 100% AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHAS*The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% Discussion>30-50% AMI: Asian households have a disproportionately greater need re: severe housing problems.>50-80% AMI: Black/African American households?have a disproportionately greater need re: severe housing problems.While not in an LMI income category, it is worth noting that 23% of Black/African American households in the 80-100% AMI category experience severe housing problems, compared to 7% of the jurisdiction.As the CDBG program can only address households at or below 80% of median, the groups most affected (i.e., exceed the 10% test above) are the Low Income Asian households and the Moderate Income Black/African-American households.It was noted above in Section NA-10, that there are some other groups that have greater need such as the elderly, but neither HUD nor the Census further break the needs down into racial/ethnic classifications.Please refer to the NA20 Summary table in 'Additional Content'.NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens – 91.205 (b)(2)Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole.Introduction: For this purpose, a disproportionately greater need exists when the percentage of persons in a category?of need who are members of a particular racial or ethnic group is at least 10 percentage points higher thanthe percentage of persons in category as a whole.Housing Cost BurdenHousing Cost Burden<=30%30-50%>50%No / negative income (not computed)Jurisdiction as a whole18,7406,2555,000210White15,8354,8353,885140Black / African American46028521010Asian64529027530American Indian, Alaska Native106000Pacific Islander0000Hispanic1,54572051524Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 20 – Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens AMIData Source:2011-2015 CHASDiscussion: The table above show the percentage shares of each of the racial/ethnic groups of the households with cost burdens.?The only racial/ethnic group in the City that has a disproportionately high cost burden is the American Indian/Alaskan Native cohort in the >30-50% AMI sector - 86% compared to 21% city percentage.However, as noted in prior sections and in NA-10 there are cost burden problems for elderly owners and small household renters, but these are not broken down into racial/ethnic groups.Please refer to NA25 Summary table in 'Additional Content'.NA-30 Disproportionately Greater Need: Discussion – 91.205(b)(2)Are there any Income categories in which a racial or ethnic group has disproportionately greater need than the needs of that income category as a whole?For Housing Problems, NA-15:? ? ?<30% AMI: 89% of Black/African Americans compared to 79% of the jurisdiction a a whole.? ? ?>30-50% AMI: 90% of Black/African Americans, 100% of both Asians and American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and 96% of Hispanics, compared to 78% of the jurisdiction as a whole? ? ?>50-80% AMI: 77% of Black/African Americans, compared to 62% of the jurisdiction as a whole? ? ?>80-100% of AMI: 69% of Asians compared to 39% of the jurisdiction as a whole.For Severe Housing Problems, NA-20:? ? ?0-30% AMI: None? ? ?>30-50% AMI: 78% of Asians, compared to 40% of the jurisdiction as a whole? ? ?>50-80% AMI: 42% of Black/African Americans, compared to 19% of the jurisdiction as a whole? ? ?>80-100% AMI: 23% of Black/African Americans, compared to 7% of the jurisdiction as a wholeFor Housing Cost Burdens, NA-25:?? ?30-50% AMI: 86% of American Indian/Alaskan Native compared to 21% of the jurisdiction as a wholeIf we examine the analyses in NA-10, NA-15, NA-20 and NA-25, we can conclude that there is a disproportionate share of problems in the various income categories based on race and/or ethnicity, with the major groups affected being Hispanic, Black/African-American, and Asian.It should be noted that income elasticity is less the lower one’s household income.? Hence, paying 50% or more for housing when your income is less than 30% of median (Very Low Income) is particularly burdensome as the basic resources needed for food, health and education are severely impacted.If they have needs not identified above, what are those needs?We have not identified any other needs.Are any of those racial or ethnic groups located in specific areas or neighborhoods in your community?Please refer to Table NA-30A "Race and Ethnicity by Census Tract" in ‘Additional Content.' Minority concentration is defined as areas where the percentage of individuals of a particular racial or ethnic group is at least 20 percentage points higher than the citywide average. Minority refers to all ethnic groups other than non-Hispanic white. In accordance with that definition, census tract 147 - Knightsville - has a minority concentration of Hispanic/Latino population of 37.5%, versus 12.8% citywide. This is the only area of minority concentration in the City. Census tract 147 also has a Low/Mod Income percentage of 53.6%.NA-35 Public Housing – 91.205(b)IntroductionIn the area of public housing the Mayor confers with and relies on the five (5) privately owned elderly/disabled housing complexes located throughout the city as well as the Cranston Housing Authority (CHA), which oversees the administration of six (6) high rise “Manors”.? In the past, the City has addressed any need for maintenance and/or improvements to the existing CHA public housing stock with a comprehensive grant from HUD that is awarded directly to the CHA. The Cranston Housing Authority currently receives an annualized amount of approximately $2,322,177 in Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) funds but no Low Income Housing Tax Credits and no McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Funds. The CHA sets rents for these units based on each family's annual adjusted income. Totals in UseProgram TypeCertificateMod-RehabPublic HousingVouchersTotalProject -basedTenant -basedSpecial Purpose VoucherVeterans Affairs Supportive HousingFamily Unification ProgramDisabled*# of units vouchers in use0056900322000Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 21 - Public Housing by Program Type*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home TransitionAlternate Data Source Name:Cranston Housing Authority 2020 data Characteristics of ResidentsProgram TypeCertificateMod-RehabPublic HousingVouchersTotalProject -basedTenant -basedSpecial Purpose VoucherVeterans Affairs Supportive HousingFamily Unification ProgramAverage Annual Income0015,8170016,15700Average length of stay00800800Average Household size00100200# Homeless at admission00000000# of Elderly Program Participants (>62)00376007500# of Disabled Families00252009700# of Families requesting accessibility features005348034260# of HIV/AIDS program participants00100000# of DV victims00000100Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 22 – Characteristics of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Alternate Data Source Name:Cranston Housing Authority 2020 dataRace of ResidentsProgram TypeRaceCertificateMod-RehabPublic HousingVouchersTotalProject -basedTenant -basedSpecial Purpose VoucherVeterans Affairs Supportive HousingFamily Unification ProgramDisabled*White0052300278500Black/African American00290038100Asian004006000American Indian/Alaska Native0011000000Pacific Islander002000000Other000000000*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home TransitionTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 23 – Race of Public Housing Residents by Program TypeAlternate Data Source Name:Cranston Housing Authority 2020 dataEthnicity of ResidentsProgram TypeEthnicityCertificateMod-RehabPublic HousingVouchersTotalProject -basedTenant -basedSpecial Purpose VoucherVeterans Affairs Supportive HousingFamily Unification ProgramDisabled*Hispanic660000133000Not Hispanic5030000190000*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home TransitionTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 24 – Ethnicity of Public Housing Residents by Program TypeAlternate Data Source Name:Cranston Housing Authority 2020 dataSection 504 Needs Assessment: Describe the needs of public housing tenants and applicants on the waiting list for accessible units:Public housing residents who are disabled generally require units which have been modified for mobility impairments. There are limited units which feature mobility, vision and hearing impairment assistive devices.The information the Housing Authority collects determines if there is a need for mobility impairments. This information is collected during the application process and used to identify if applicants require these features. Additionally if an applicant requires hearing or vision accessibility features these are completed as a reasonable accommodation.Mobility impairment is the most common disability. The Housing Authority estimates that there are 331 mobility applicants are on the waitlist for public housing in the City, comprising 274 households, of which 57 are elderly/disabled. This is within the resources of the CHA to accommodate without major physical changes. The non-disabled elderly, while not needing physically accessible units, will need consideration of their growing frailty as they age in place.Most immediate needs of residents of Public Housing and Housing Choice voucher holdersThere are 53 families with children on the current waiting list and 77 non-elderly single persons. The most immediate needs of Public Housing residents and holders of Housing Choice Vouchers are affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing.How do these needs compare to the housing needs of the population at largeThe needs of public housing and Housing Choice Voucher residents do not differ from the needs of the general population. However there are additional services provided to public housing and Housing Choice Voucher residents which incorporate resident and social services.DiscussionThe residents of public housing and recipients of housing choice vouchers are generally of much lower income. The Cranston Housing Authority has no vehicle, other than participation in public meetings, to encourage residents of public housing to become involved in the management of the Authority-owned property, nor is it involved in any activities for the homeless. It does, however, offer homeless people a place on the Section 8 housing list. The Authority does contract with a Resident Services Coordinator to coordinate supportive services for the elderly, frail, and disabled.??NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment – 91.205(c)Introduction:All cities and towns in Rhode Island are part of the Rhode Island Statewide Continuum of Care. ?The Continuum of Care is led by the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission (HRC). The HRC was created in 1998 to be the state policy and planning agency for housing issues. Its mission is to provide housing opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, to maintain the quality of housing in Rhode Island, and to coordinate and make effective the housing opportunities of the agencies and subdivisions of the state. HRC members represent every segment of the public and private sectors that have involvement or concern with homelessness in Rhode Island. The HRC is responsible for the development and adoption of the state’s homelessness plan, and for overseeing its implementation.In 2012, Opening Doors Rhode Island, a Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, was adopted.? It represented an effort of over 130 representatives of agencies that provide services, housing, and employment to the homeless as well as housing developers, State Agencies and the homeless.? Its ambitious goals were to end chronic homelessness in five years; to prevent and end homelessness among veterans in five years, and for families, children and youth in ten years; and to set a path for ending all types of homelessness. The HRC and ICH have both adopted this plan.Another key partner in implementing Opening Doors Rhode Island is the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH). The ICH was originally established by Executive Order in August 2007 to examine problems associated with homelessness and to develop and implement strategies and programs for assuring a coordinated, effective response to reduce homelessness in Rhode Island. The Executive Order establishing the Interagency Council expired in July 2009, but subsequently was reauthorized in February, 2011 by Governor Chafee, and then made permanent through legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Chafee.The ICH is made up of the Directors of all the key state agencies whose programs assist the homeless and is chaired by the Executive Director of the HRC. The ICH is responsible for coordinating services for the homeless among state agencies, community organizations, faith based organizations, volunteer organizations, advocacy groups and businesses, and for identifying and addressing gaps in services to the homeless. The ICH will play a key role in implementing those strategies in the strategic plans that rely on state programs and services and for overcoming barriers that the homeless face in accessing those services.?The problems of homelessness are complex; the state’s Department of Behavioral Health Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH), the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), the division of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) – all of which fund services for many homeless families and individuals and those at risk of homelessness - categorizes the root causes as:structural issues such as high housing costs, low household income, preponderance of low-paying? jobs, and/orpersonal issues such as mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence or other physical and mental disabilities, and/orsocial policies such as the availability and effectiveness of assisted housing, mental health programs, substance abuse treatments, service interventions, veteran’s servicesHomeless Needs Assessment PopulationEstimate the # of persons experiencing homelessness on a given nightEstimate the # experiencing homelessness each yearEstimate the # becoming homeless each yearEstimate the # exiting homelessness each yearEstimate the # of days persons experience homelessnessShelteredUnshelteredPersons in Households with Adult(s) and Child(ren)03810000Persons in Households with Only Children000000Persons in Households with Only Adults1086150000Chronically Homeless Individuals251710000Chronically Homeless Families0300000Veterans8820000Unaccompanied Child000000Persons with HIV000000Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 25 - Homeless Needs Assessment Alternate Data Source Name: RI 2020 Point-In-Time CountData Source Comments: RI Coalition for the Homeless Point-in-Time Count 22 January 2020. Data is for the State of Rhode Island as a whole.Cranston has no rural homeless population.If data is not available for the categories "number of persons becoming and exiting homelessness each year," and "number of days that persons experience homelessness," describe these categories for each homeless population type (including chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth):Chronically Homeless:? Of the 1104 total persons in the 2020 Rhode Island Point-In-Time Count on January 22, 2020, 226 persons and 11 households were identified as being chronically homeless.? Of the 226 chronically homeless persons, 25 individuals were identified as being unsheltered. All chronically homeless families were sheltered.Families with Children:? Of the 1104 total persons in the 2020 Rhode Island Point-In-Time Count on January 22, 2020, there were 121 households of adults with children, consisting of 381 persons. All of these were sheltered.Veterans and their families:? Of the 1104 total persons in the 2020 Rhode Island Point-In-Time Count on January 22, 2020, 92 veterans were identified. Of these, 90 were adult only households and 2 households were adults with children. There were no unsheltered veterans households with children.?The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the local VA medical center. Since 2008, 280 VASH vouchers have been given to several Housing Authorities in Rhode Island. ?The Providence VA Medical Center , the primary service provider for veterans in RI, provides Supportive Services to Veteran Families (SSVF) funds to several non-profit veterans organizations for security deposits, first months rents and past due utilities, to assist veterans in avoiding homelessness and to help those already homeless secure housing.Person with HIV/AIDS: The primary need of persons with AIDS is access to affordable housing. Frequently, those with HIV/AIDS are unemployed and dependent on disability income. The need for housing ranges from independent living to a supportive environment for the sickest. An individual who has adequate housing is more likely to use other services and maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition. AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS), the largest provider of HIV/AIDS care housing in the state, provides both housing and case management for both individuals and families that face homelessness, poverty, health care costs, substance abuse, and mental illness. ACOS reports there are about 129 units of HIV/AIDS housing in Rhode Island. ACOS also operates the only licensed assisted living for HIV/AIDS individuals, and also provides 19 SRO residences. ACOS also has seven scattered sites units available in Cranston, funded through HOPWA, down from 16 in the last Plan due to the high cost of rent. Most of those with HIV/AIDS are low income, typically receiving SSI, SSDI, or state-aided healthcare. According to ACOS, there is a significant need for affordable units of permanent supportive housing. , for their waiting list includes 90 individuals. ACOS currently serves seven households in Cranston and 122 in the rest of the state.Unaccompanied Youth: The 2020 Rhode Island Point-In-Time Count did not include any data on unaccompanied youth. There is no additional data available. There is, however, anecdotal reporting of youths "couch surfing", but these individuals do not appear in any counts. Adults only Households: According to?the 2020 Rhode Island Point-In-Time Count, the 108 households with adults only consisted of 108 individual adults, of which 68% were White and 22% were Black/African American and all were over the age of 18. Options for Adults-only households include Couple's Shelter, an emergency shelter for four couples without children; Harrington Hall, a men's only overnight shelter for 112 men; and Crossroads RI, which has 370 residences for individuals and families, in which the most vulnerable are provided safe housing first along with access to supportive services in order to achieve housing stability.Nature and Extent of Homelessness: (Optional)Race:Sheltered:Unsheltered (optional)White58373Black or African American29824Asian33American Indian or Alaska Native222Pacific Islander60Ethnicity:Sheltered:Unsheltered (optional)Hispanic23512Not Hispanic76196Alternate Data Source Name:RI 2020 Point-In-Time CountData Source Comments:RI Coalition for the Homeless Point-in-Time Count 22 January 2020. Data is for the State of Rhode Island as a whole.Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance for families with children and the families of veterans.There were a total of 1104 homeless persons counted in the 2020 annual PIT survey, of which there were 381 persons in 121 households and 723 individuals.?Of the 121 households, all were in shelters, with 68 in emergency shelters and 53 in transitional housing. None were unsheltered.? ?The use of permanent supported housing is considered preferable to transitional settings.? In some cases, those identified as transitional units have changed their approach so that the environment and services are similar to permanent housing units.? However, in some cases, these families have extended their stays in transitional settings, because of a lack of availability of affordable housing.? This is less than ideal for both the family who needs to have a permanent home in accord with the Housing First model and is also problematic since it removes a possible “emergency” shelter opportunity from being available for a homeless family.?There were 92 veterans identified in the 2020 RI PIT. Of these. 82 adults-only households were sheltered, 2 adults with children households were sheltered, and 8 individual veterans were unsheltered.Describe the Nature and Extent of Homelessness by Racial and Ethnic Group.For all 1104 homeless persons in the 2020 RI PIT Count, 247 were Hispanic/Latino (22%) and 857 were non-Hispanic/Latino (78%); 321 were in families and 723 were individuals.Race: White- 656 persons (59%); Black/African American- 322 (29%); Asian- 6 (0.5%); Multiple Races - 90 (8%); Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander - 9 (0.5%); American Indian/Alaskan Native - 24 (2%).Unsheltered (Note-all families were sheltered): Of the 108 unsheltered individuals, 12 (11%) were Hispanic/Latino, 96 (89%) were non-Hispanic/Latino.Race: White- 73 persons (67%); Black/African American- 24 (22%); Asian- 3 (3%); Multiple Races - 6 (6%); Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander - 0(0%); American Indian/Alaskan Native - 2 (2%).Sheltered (Note-all families were sheltered):Of the 996 persons in the RI 2020 PIT, 235 were Hispanic/Latino (24%) and 761 were non-Hispanic/Latino (76%). ?Of the 996, 381 were in 121 families and 615 were individuals.Race: White:? 583 (59%), Black/African American: 298 (30%), Asian: 3 (0%), Multiple Races: 84 (8%) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 6 (1%), American Indian/Alaskan Native: 22 (2%)Families (Note- all families were sheltered):Of the 381 persons in the RI 2020 PIT, 132 were Hispanic/Latino (35%) and 249 were non-Hispanic/Latino (65%).Race:?White:? 160 (42%), Black/African American: 153 (40%), Asian: 0 (0%), Multiple Races: 56 (15%), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 5 (1%), American Indian/Alaskan Native: 7 (2%)Individuals:Of the 723 persons in the RI 2020 PIT, 115 were Hispanic/Latino (16%) and 608 were non-Hispanic/Latino (84%).Race:? White:? 496 (69%), Black/African American: 169 (23%), Asian: 6 (1%), Multiple Races: 34 (5%), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 1 (0%), American Indian/Alaskan Native: 17 (2%)Describe the Nature and Extent of Unsheltered and Sheltered Homelessness.Sheltered:Of the 1104 persons in the RI 2020 PIT, 996 were sheltered – 381 in 121 families and 615 individuals. All homeless ?families were in a shelter. Of the 121 families sheltered, there were 11 chronically homeless households consisting of 30 chronically homeless persons. The 121 families had 238 persons under 18 years of age.Of the 615 sheltered individuals 171 were chronically homeless and there were 566 adults-only households. Of those sheltered, 84 were veterans, 75% were male and 24% were female.Unsheltered:?Of the 108 unsheltered individuals, 25 were chronically homeless, 12 were Hispanic/Latino, 96 were non-Hispanic/Latino, 76 were male, 31 were female, one was transgender, 3 were 18-24 years of age, 105 were 25+ years of age, and 8 were veterans.Discussion:Homelessness appears to be a very difficult problem to solve, either partially or completely.? The varying degrees of interrelationships among the root causes - structural issues, personal issues, and social policies - at any one time may not make it possible for a resolution to be achieved. Since the adoption of “Opening Doors Rhode Island” in 2012, the number of homeless persons in the Point-in-time count has only decreased by 13.5%, from 1277 to 1104. It has not been ended, as initially proposed, in five years. Homelessness among veterans has been relatively steady, decreasing only 4%, from 96 to 92 in the PIT. It has not been ended, as initially proposed, in five years. The number of chronically homeless persons has fluctuated wildly, rising to 251 in 2013 from 148 in 2012, then dropping to 130 in 2015 only to double to 264 in 2018, then dropping again to 226 in 2020. The only cohort that has shown a reduction is that of homeless families, dropping 33% from 182 in 2012 to 121 in 2020. The goal for families was zero homelessness in ten years.Racial and ethnic disparities also exist among the homeless. Black/African American persons comprise 9% of the general population of Rhode Island, but are 40% of the families experiencing homelessness and 23% of the individuals experiencing homelessness. Whites, on the other hand, comprise 84% of the population, but are 42% of the families and 69% of the individuals. Hispanics/Latino comprise 16% of the population, but are 35% of the families experiencing homelessness.NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs Assessment - 91.205 (b,d)Introduction: Throughout the City, there are households in various subpopulations who are not homeless but have specific housing needs and who may also require special attention due to their current or prospective service requirements.? These subpopulations include:? elderly, frail elderly, persons with severe mental illness, developmentally disabled, physically disabled, substance abusers and persons with HIV/AIDS.The City is aware of the needs of special populations and is committed to supporting initiatives which target these populations.? One of the most effective strategies is the use of Project Based Section 8 (PBA), which is made available through the CHA and through the State’s Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) allocation.?Describe the characteristics of special needs populations in your community: ElderlyThe elderly designation varies in terms of how agencies classify people and households.? HUD uses age 62, while the Census generally classifies the elderly as persons who are 65 or older.Examining the tables in the 'Additional Content' Attachment", it can be seen that there are a significant number of elderly 60 and over - 21% of the City's population - and 65 and over - 15%.? ?As is the case across Rhode Island, the elderly population is expected to increase in the City during the next few years.? Although many elderly households require no supportive services to live independently, the continuing increase in housing costs has left many elderly severely cost burdened as has been noted in Section NA10 Table 10.? For the purpose of this analysis, the elderly with priority need are those at less than 80 percent of median income who are severely cost burdened (paying more than 50 percent of their income for housing).? This translates to 1,640 elderly households in the City.? If you consider that extremely low income elderly households paying more than 30% of the income for housing, the number rises to 2,950 cost burdened? elderly households.? These figures exclude the 373 elderly households who are living in public housing, the 61 using HCV vouchers and an additional estimated 3,315 households living in other subsidized units, since they are not cost burdened.? In addition there are many elderly households with housing vouchers, exercising them in the City. ?Then there are a number of private landlords housing elderly households without the use of subsidies and for whom the housing cost burden is less than 30% of median income.Frail elderly are defined as those elderly with mobility or self-care limitations.? Typically, this population requires some assistance in daily living.? This assistance may include adaptive housing and/or supportive services.? The 2011-2015 ACS census data identified 2,931 people 65 or older who either have a self-care limitation or an independent living difficulty or both. This amounts to 24% of the City’s elderly population 65 or older.? Please refer to?Table NA45-D: Elderly Groups Served by the Housing Authority in the 'Additional Content' Attachment for the age composition of residents of the Cranston Housing Authority.As part of its Department of Senior Services, the City of Cranston operates a Senior Center. Many of its members are at less than 80% of median income and many are considered frail. The Adult Day Care unit serves about 50 frail elderly daily.Physically DisabledAccording to the ACS 2011-2015 5-year estimates, 11.5% of the non-institutionalized population (8,811) have some type of disability, including a cognitive disability. Excluding this cohort of 3,155 persons results in 7% of the general population having a physical disability. Of the 12,031 persons 65 and over, 26% of this age group has some type of physical disability. Whites alone, not Hispanic or Latino, account for 13% having any disability, whereas Hispanics/Latinos account for 8% and Black/African American 9%Mentally Ill The mentally ill are typically treated through the state department of Behavioral Health Care, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH), which services adults through both its residential and supportive services programs. Currently, BHDDH has 11 group home beds for the mentally ill. The Eleanor Slater Hospital, a public hospital located in the Pastore Center in Cranston, treats institutionalized patients with psychiatric disorders. Several organizations in the City, such as Comprehensive Community Action Program, offer behavioral counseling.Developmentally DisabledThe developmentally disabled are also serviced by BHDDH, as well as providers throughout the state. According to the ACS 2011-2015 5-year estimates, 3,155 residents of Cranston have a cognitive disability, of which 976 are 65 and older and 776 are 75 and older. It is difficult to determine the actual number of people with developmental disabilities in the City, for cognitively disabilities may not necessarily be the same as developmental disabilities. Three organizations, as previously mentioned, provide supportive housing and services for the developmentally disabled.Substance AbuseHouseholds with substance abuse problems are at a high risk of homelessness. Those who undergo treatment for addiction frequently require a transitional setting and supportive services in order to fully recover. According to the RI Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH) there were 354 admissions of Cranston residents to residential treatment programs in the City in 2019. Of the 354 admissions, 43% was for either opioid or cocaine or amphetamine addiction and 48% was for alcohol addiction. The BHDDH also reported 2,497 Cranston residents received services in 2019 for substance abuse (The RI BHDDH terminology is ‘Substance Use Disorder, or SUD). Of the 2,497 individuals 71% had opioid/cocaine/amphetamine addiction and 22% had alcohol addiction. Opioid addiction has been a growing problem not only throughout the area, but also nationally. As is the case with counts on the mentally ill, all counts are based on the client’s city of residence as reported to the behavioral health provider. For homeless clients in residential treatment, their city of residence is typically reported as the city in which the residential facility if located. HIV/AIDS:Please refer to the section concerning the MSA for a narrative of HIV/AIDS statewide, for data for the City is not available.What are the housing and supportive service needs of these populations and how are these needs determined? The elderly generally face unique housing needs, largely due to physical limitations, lower household incomes, and the rising costs of health care. Other important concerns for the elderly are unit sizes, access to transit, health care, other services, and especially housing affordability.The frail elderly, as mentioned above, require some assistance in daily living.HUD defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities for an individual.? Persons with disabilities can face unique barriers to securing affordable housing that provides them with accommodations they need, for they may require units having wheelchair accessibility or other special features to accommodate physical or sensory limitations. ?For this population, access to transit, health care, services and shopping are also important factors.For persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families, stable and affordable housing is essential, in addition to access to medical care and supportive services. Additional needs may include housing assistance such as rental or mortgage assistance, or supportive services especially for those with multiple diagnoses such as mental health, substance abuse, or other health challenges.For those with a mental health condition, the lack of safe and affordable housing is a powerful barrier to recovery.? Safe and affordable housing can provide the stability needed not only to enable recovery, but also to prevent hospitalizations, homelessness, and involvement in the criminal justice system. For the severely mentally ill, institutionalization may be the only option. Housing options range from independent living to 24/7 care.? Supervised group housing provides the most support for its residents, whereas supportive housing provides very limited assistance, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Housing support is available through either the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) or the Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities Program (Section 811).Those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) face a severe housing crisis, according to The Arc, the nation’s largest community-based organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many adults with I/DD may be at-risk of homelessness or institutionalization.? There is a need for affordable, accessible housing for those with I/DD. In a “worst-case” scenario, they may pay too much in rent to afford other basics or may be living in severely inadequate conditions. Housing options include living with parents or other family members, Section 8 housing (for those with mild to moderate special needs), group homes/supportive housing, assisted living facilities (especially older individuals), or nursing homes for those who need 24/7 medical care. Several organizations in Cranston have group homes for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.Those with substance abuse issues (or as the RI Department of Behavioral Health Care, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals prefer to call it, ‘substance use disorders’) have many options for treatment. Currently there are 61 treatment centers statewide in Rhode Island. In addition, Rhode Island Hospital and its Lifespan partner Gateway Healthcare offer substance use residential programs for those with co-occurring mental health problems and transitional housing for adults completing a treatment program.? Support, education, and guidance are provided to individuals with substance use disorders, their families, and community providers.Discuss the size and characteristics of the population with HIV/AIDS and their families within the Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area: The MSA which includes Cranston is defined by the Census Bureau as Providence-Warwick RI-MA. HOPWA funding in this area is administered by Aids Care Ocean State and is used to provide services and rental subsidies to those living with HIV/AIDS in Cranston.? Cranston is located within this Eligible MSA.? Cranston does not receive HOPWA funds and is not seeking funding on behalf of an eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?HIV Surveillance Data Tables?2020, there were 1,868 adult and adolescent males and 742 adult and adolescent females diagnosed with HIV living in the Providence-Warwick RI - MA MSA as of December 31, 2018 (the most current data). ?Of the males, 72% were older than 45 years of age and 43% were older than 55. Of the females, 74% were older than 45 years of age and 41% were older than 55. Combined, 72% were older than 45 years of age and 42% were older than 55.For males, 56% were White, 25% were Hispanic/Latino, and 18% were Black/African American. For females, 40% were White, 27% were Hispanic/Latino, and 32% were Black/African American. Combined, 52% were White, 25% were Hispanic/Latino, and 22% were Black/African American.AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) is the largest provider of HIV/AIDS supportive housing in Rhode Island.? They also provide case management for individuals and families with HIV/AIDS who are frequently facing homelessness, poverty, health care costs, substance abuse and mental illness.?ACOS has 19 properties statewide to serve their clients. Currently, ACOS has 127 clients residing in 48 ACOS-owned apartments. In addition, Federal funding sources allow ACOS to sub-lease 47 apartments to assist 76 more clients.Please refer to Table NA45-I in Additional Content.Discussion:Clearly there are substantial non-homeless populations described above who have supportive services needs and affordable housing needs.? These specialized needs cannot be met by the HOME program and can only be assisted in a limited way when HOME funds are used in conjunction with other funding sources, especially those which can fund supportive services or provide development funds for supportive housing such as group homes, assisted living etc.Cranston does not receive HOME funds.NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs – 91.215 (f)Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Facilities:Cranston’s public facilities serve many segments of the population. The Cranston Senior Center offers many programs for the elderly,?the elderly/disabled, and the frail elderly. It also serves as an emergency shelter for this part of the city.? The Hope Alzheimer’s Center serves as a day care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The City has many tot parks and recreational facilities that serve not only youths, but also families. Buildings owned by non-profits provide healthcare services and mental health counseling. Cranston is also home to several historical properties.?How were these needs determined?The needs were determined by discussions with the City’s Director of Public Works, the Cranston Historical Society and non-profit organizations providing services in the city.Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Improvements:A major public improvement that needs to be addressed is the paving and resurfacing of roads. In order to maintain its linear footage of?roads, the City needs to upgrade and resurface its roads on an ongoing basis, which requires both internal and external sources of funding.? In addition to the paving of roads, sidewalks are simultaneously rehabilitated, to make them ADA compliant.How were these needs determined?The needs were determined by discussions with the City’s Director of Public Works.Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Services:Every city has inherent public services needs that address common problems, such as, but not limited to, elderly services, low income services or activities, youth programs, and educational activities.? Unfortunately, the city receives funding requests from agencies?that exceed the available amount of CDBG funds allocated for public services. Decisions have to be made to fund those services that best meet the needs of the city in the most effective and efficient manner.How were these needs determined?The needs were determined through the public participation process, public surveys, and discussions with various organizations providing services to the City’s residents. When projects are proposed for funding, the City will have a variety of assessments of the needs and will prioritize agencies for the funding.? This information will further document the needs and in more detail.Housing Market AnalysisMA-05 OverviewHousing Market Analysis Overview:As discussed in the Needs Assessment, many households in Cranston struggle to afford the cost of housing. Household incomes are not keeping pace with the high cost of housing, whether rental housing or ownership, thus adding to the challenges low-income households face.The following provides a brief overview of the results of the Market Analysis, with more detail included in each corresponding section.MA-10 Number of Housing UnitsThe largest proportion of housing units in the City are single-family residences (1-unit detached or attached structures), at 64%. Thirty five percent (35%) are multi-family attached units. The City's housing stock favors owners’ households, with 65% of housing units owner-occupied (19,775)?and 35% renter-occupied (10,435).MA-15 Cost of HousingThe cost of housing is THE overwhelming challenge facing not only Cranston, but the nation as a whole.?The most common housing problem in the City is cost burden, for 32% of all occupied households are cost burdened to some degree. Forty-four percent (44%) of all renter households are cost burdened, whereas 26% of all owner households are cost burdened.The greatest need is for affordable units for renters with household earnings less than 30% of HUD Area Median Family Income (HAMFI) ?– 2400 units?For owners, the greatest need is for affordable units for households with 30+% to 50% of HAMFI – 1560 unitsMA-20 Condition of Housing33% of all owner-occupied units have at least one housing condition, whereas 46% of all renter-occupied units have at least one housing condition78% of all housing units (23,570) in the City were built before 1980 and are at-risk for a lead-based paint hazardMA-25 Public and Assisted HousingThe Cranston Housing Authority (CHA) manages and maintains 604 public housing units in the CityThe CHA annually spends over one million dollars on rehabilitating these unitsMA-30 Homeless FacilitiesThe main services are provided through the state’s Continuum of CareMany agencies in Cranston provide services to the homelessMA-35 Special Needs FacilitiesThe City directs program and project funding to specific groups in need of assistance, such as the elderly, the frail elderly, victims of domestic violence, abused and neglected children, and persons with substance abuse problems.MA-40 Barriers to Affordable HousingThe primary barriers to affordable housing are of an economic natureThe relaxation of some of the strict provisions of the 2012 law on federal flood insurance may be advantageous to some low/moderate income householdsMA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets Education and healthcare services, retail trade, and the arts provide the largest proportion of jobs in the City69% of the labor force have some college , or an Associate’s degree, ?or a Bachelor’s degree or higherMA-60 Broadband Needs of HousingBroadband internet competition is above average in Cranston compared to other Rhode Island cities and townsAt least 94% of the City has access to two broadband optionsMA-65 Hazard MitigationCranston has a 3 ? mile shoreline along the Providence River, which broadens into Narragansett BayThe Pawtuxet River forms a lengthy border with the City of WarwickMA-10 Number of Housing Units – 91.210(a)&(b)(2)IntroductionThe largest proportion of housing units in the City are single-family residences (1-unit detached or attached structures), at 64%. Thirty five percent (35%) are multi-family attached units. The City's housing stock favors owner's households, with 65% of housing units owner-occupied (19,775) and 35% renter-occupied (10,435). The large percentage of single-family units reflects a more suburban land development pattern.All residential properties by number of unitsProperty TypeNumber%1-unit detached structure20,00562%1-unit, attached structure6452%2-4 units6,81521%5-19 units1,9906%20 or more units2,7058%Mobile Home, boat, RV, van, etc1450%Total32,305100%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 26 – Residential Properties by Unit NumberData Source:2011-2015 ACSUnit Size by TenureOwnersRentersNumber%Number%No bedroom150%1802%1 bedroom4302%3,27031%2 bedrooms4,18521%4,75546%3 or more bedrooms15,14577%2,23021%Total19,775100%10,435100%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 27 – Unit Size by TenureData Source:2011-2015 ACSDescribe the number and targeting (income level/type of family served) of units assisted with federal, state, and local programs.In accordance with the Cranston Housing Authority’s Admissions and Occupancy Policy, at least 40% of new admissions must have incomes that do not exceed 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as published by HUD. Currently, 73% (418 of 570) of the public housing residents have incomes that do not exceed 30% of AMI, of which 58% (243 of 418) are federal voucher participants. (Refer to Table MA10-A in Additional Content).Referring to Table MA10-A?in 'Additional Content', the other Cranston subsidized properties target the elderly or disabled, individuals or families, whose incomes also do not exceed 30% of AMI.Provide an assessment of units expected to be lost from the affordable housing inventory for any reason, such as expiration of Section 8 contracts.According to data from the National Housing Preservation Database presented in Table MA10-B in ‘Additional Content’, 664 units? in four housing developments (all Section 8 and all owned by for-profit entities) are scheduled to expire by June 30, 2025 – the ending date ?of this Consolidated Plan.? All of these units are also HUD-Insured for decades beyond the expiration dates.? Properties owned by for-profit organizations are at a greater risk for conversion to market rate housing, although the decision to do so may not be because of the non-renewal of the attached subsidy.We should also note that developments owned in-whole or in-part by mission driven non-profits have demonstrated a clear commitment to extending the affordability restrictions and/or securing replacement subsidies.Does the availability of housing units meet the needs of the population?Based on the number of households that are cost burdened and severely cost burdened, it would appear that the available housing units do not meet the needs of the City's low income residents.Of the 10,430 renter-occupied households 4,880 (47%) have a cost burden of greater than 30%. Of the 4880, 4705 (96%) of the renter-occupied households have household incomes less than 80% of the HAMFI. Of the 19,775 owner-occupied households, 6375 (32%) have a cost burden of greater than 30%.? Of the 6375, 4135 (65%) owner-occupied households have household incomes less than 80% of HAMFI. Based on the number of households that are cost burdened and severely cost burdened, it would appear that the available housing units do not meet the needs of the City's low/moderate income residents. There are approximately 2200 subsidized units in the City, of which nearly 100% are occupied. There are certainly not enough available to meet the demand of those on waiting lists. This indicates that there is not enough affordable housing to meet the needs of the City’s residents.It should be noted that the State also manages HUD HCV vouchers and that many of these are being used in Cranston.? The actual numbers are not known at this time.Describe the need for specific types of housing:Through a review of existing data, there is no one specific housing type that has been identified as needed.? All types of housing (rental and ownership) are needed, provided it is affordable.DiscussionThe overall number and type of housing being provided with subsidies by government entities, by subsidy mechanisms, and by private owners without the benefit of subsidies may face losses due to expiring use and diminished resources.? In addition we know that the major problem facing those households not in such housing is that they are paying more than 30% and in a large number of instances more than 50% of their income for housing.? So the major conclusion is that there is a growing need to preserve what we have and to increase the amount of affordable housing.MA-15 Housing Market Analysis: Cost of Housing - 91.210(a)IntroductionThe cost of housing is THE overwhelming challenge facing not only Cranston, but the nation as a whole.?As noted below, the median home value has decrease 14% since 2009, but that is a reflection of the financial crisis of 2008-2009 that dramatically reduced home prices, until recovery began. The fact is that the cost of homes for first time homebuyers generally results in a housing cost burden of at least 30%. Housing affordability is an important factor for evaluating the housing market, as well as the quality of life, for many housing problems relate directly to the cost of housing. HUD standards measure affordability by the number of households paying no more than 30% of their gross income towards housing costs, including utilities.Data from the Needs Assessment, NA10, indicates that the most common housing problem in the City is cost burden, for 32% of all occupied households are cost burdened to some degree. Forty-four percent (44%) of all renter households are cost burdened, whereas 26% of all owner households are cost burdened. Renter households having a cost burden of greater than 30% comprise 54% of all cost burdened renter households, whereas for the same owner households it is 49%.?According to the 2000 Census and the 2014-2018 American Community Survey, median family income increased 20% to $66,283 in 2018. From the same data sources, median rent increased 66% to $1,021 in 2018, and the median home value increased 86% to $228,300 in 2018. Clearly, this demonstrates that since 2000 the cost of either renting or owning a residence far exceeded the ability to afford it. Since 2000, incomes are not keeping pace with the increasing cost of housing, which poses significant challenges for those seeking to find decent, safe, and affordable housing.?Cost of HousingBase Year: 2009Most Recent Year: 2018% ChangeMedian Home Value265,800228,300(14%)Median Contract Rent7951,02128%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 28 – Cost of HousingAlternate Data Source Name:US Census Quick Facts 2014-2018Rent PaidNumber%Less than $5002,01019.3%$500-9995,65554.2%$1,000-1,4992,34022.4%$1,500-1,9993553.4%$2,000 or more800.8%Total10,440100.1%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 29 - Rent PaidData Source:2011-2015 ACSHousing Affordability% Units affordable to Households earning RenterOwner30% HAMFI990No Data50% HAMFI2,28549580% HAMFI6,6203,825100% HAMFINo Data6,345Total9,89510,665Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 30 – Housing AffordabilityData Source:2011-2015 CHASMonthly Rent Monthly Rent ($)Efficiency (no bedroom)1 Bedroom2 Bedroom3 Bedroom4 BedroomFair Market Rent7868891,0601,3281,565High HOME Rent7868891,0601,3281,488Low HOME Rent7177689221,0651,188Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 31 – Monthly RentData Source Comments:Data for rents is from 2019 HUD Providence-Fall River, MA HUD Metro FMR.Is there sufficient housing for households at all income levels?From the data in this section and NA10, it is clear that there is insufficient affordable housing available for renter households earning 30% HAMFI - 990 affordable units are in the City but 1860 renter households have cost burdens greater than 30% and 1530 households have cost burdens greater than 50%.? There is a sufficient supply of affordable units for renters in the other income categories. Please refer to Table MA15-A? in 'Additional Content'.For owners, it is clear that there is insufficient affordable housing available for owner households earning 50% HAMFI - 495 affordable units are in the City but 1295 owner households have cost burdens greater than 30% and 760 households have cost burdens greater than 50%. There is a sufficient supply of affordable units for owners in the 80% HAMFI category, but no data is available for the others. Please refer to Table MA15-B in 'Additional Content'.Clearly more production of housing could create competition and drive prices lower.? However, the cost of production is such that almost all newly constructed housing is beyond the rental or purchase capacity of households earning 80% of median or less.? Thus without subsidies for households already housed or seeking to be housed, there is no chance of meeting the affordable housing demand.How is affordability of housing likely to change considering changes to home values and/or rents?Realistically, it is unlikely to change for the better. The real estate market is an auction market, subject to supply and demand and whatever the market will bear. The City does not engage in rent control, either. As noted above, housing purchase and rental values have increased disproportionately to income and therefore more and more families are either going to have to pay more for housing, or double up and/or move to communities which have lower housing prices.? Clearly, it will not affect anyone receiving a rental subsidy or a housing purchase subsidy, but these subsidies have declined in recent years.In addition many homeowners have lost their homes through foreclosure and some rental properties have been lost to conversion to for-sale use.How do HOME rents / Fair Market Rent compare to Area Median Rent? How might this impact your strategy to produce or preserve affordable housing?A 2019 study conducted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that the average renter in Rhode Island earns an estimated $14.03 per hour, or $2,431 per month assuming a 40-hour work week for 52 weeks. According to the definition of affordability, 30% of income should be for housing costs, including rents and utilities. For the average renter, 30% of monthly income is $729 per month. The only rent that would be affordable, not counting utilities, is the low HOME rent for an efficiency. Fair market rent for an efficiency and a Low HOME rent would be 32% of income, not counting utilities. Rental expenses alone for a two bedroom at FMR would be 43% of monthly income, before utilities are included. A median contract rent of $1021 would be a cost burden of 42%. The only conclusion is that the average renter would be cost-burdened to rent anything but an efficiency at the Low HOME rent limit.The City of Cranston does not receive HOME funds. The construction of new units is an ineligible activity with CDBG funds. The Department's housing rehabilitation program would preserve the existing housing stock for income eligible households.?DiscussionOverall, as the affordable housing subsidy system in the country is undergoing retrenchment, the use of resources to build new units is a failing strategy if it comes at the expense of preserving and sustaining existing housing that is serving low income households. It is very unlikely that housing affordability for either renters or owners will change for the better in the foreseeable future if the cost of housing continues to increase disproportionately to household incomes.MA-20 Housing Market Analysis: Condition of Housing – 91.210(a)IntroductionHUD defines housing “conditions” similarly to the definition of housing problems previously discussed in the Needs Assessment. These conditions are:More than one person per roomCost burden greater than 30 percentLack of complete plumbingLack of complete kitchen facilitiesThe Minimum Housing Division of the City’s Building Inspections Department is responsible for enforcing minimum standards governing the condition and maintenance of properties. The purpose of this division is to protect public health, safety and welfare by ensuring that structural integrity, utility installation and maintenance, and safe and sanitary conditions are maintained, thereby alleviating urban blight, decay and substandard housing stock.State of Rhode Island reports on lead paint poisoning are available to the City. Information about the condition of occupied or vacant units is sporadic.?The only other information from which one can infer conditions could be the age of housing and the census analysis of conditions. However there is no evidence to indicate that units built since 1979 (now up to 40 years old) are in any better condition than units built up to 40 years prior to 1980, except for the absence of lead paint.?The HUD data provided in the Table below shows that 34% of owner-occupied units and 48% of rental housing units have one or more of the above conditions, but the data does not break out the condition of housing.DefinitionsAny unit lacking complete bathroom and/or kitchen facilities would be considered to be "substandard'. Any unit not condemned and not to be demolished would be considered to be "substandard but suitable for rehabilitation".Condition of UnitsCondition of UnitsOwner-OccupiedRenter-OccupiedNumber%Number%With one selected Condition6,46033%4,84546%With two selected Conditions1051%2402%With three selected Conditions00%00%With four selected Conditions40%00%No selected Conditions13,20067%5,34551%Total19,769101%10,43099%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 32 - Condition of UnitsData Source:2011-2015 ACSYear Unit BuiltYear Unit BuiltOwner-OccupiedRenter-OccupiedNumber%Number%2000 or later1,1096%4454%1980-19993,70019%1,38013%1950-19797,56038%4,18040%Before 19507,41037%4,42042%Total19,779100%10,42599%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 33 – Year Unit BuiltData Source:2011-2015 CHASRisk of Lead-Based Paint HazardRisk of Lead-Based Paint HazardOwner-OccupiedRenter-OccupiedNumber%Number%Total Number of Units Built Before 198014,97076%8,60082%Housing Units build before 1980 with children present9055%7257%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 34 – Risk of Lead-Based PaintData Source:2011-2015 ACS (Total Units) 2011-2015 CHAS (Units with Children present)Vacant UnitsSuitable for RehabilitationNot Suitable for RehabilitationTotalVacant Units000Abandoned Vacant Units000REO Properties000Abandoned REO Properties000Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 35 - Vacant UnitsData Source:2011-2015 CHASNeed for Owner and Rental RehabilitationThis information is not known, but characteristics commonly used to evaluate the housing supply are age of housing stock, the number of vacant/abandoned units, and the risk of lead-based paint. Approximately 78% of all units were built before 1980. ?Data on the number of units which are classified as substandard because they lack complete plumbing or kitchen facilities are also often used to assess the condition of the jurisdiction’s housing stock. The 2011-2015 ACS data indicates that 195 occupied units (either owner or renter) lack complete plumbing facilities and 110 occupied units (either owner or renter) lack complete kitchen facilities, or 1% of the occupied units.According to the 2011-2015 ACS, there are 2009 vacant units, but their condition is not known.Estimated Number of Housing Units Occupied by Low or Moderate Income Families with LBP HazardsThe exact number is not available, but a rough approximation follows.Cranston’s Low/Moderate Income percentage is 35.61%. According to the above tables, 23,570 housing units were built before 1980 and therefore at risk of a LBP hazard. A rough estimate would be 35.61% of the units built before 1980, or 8,393 units occupied by LMI families.DiscussionData is not available for the vacant houses in Cranston. It is not unreasonable, however, to speculate that many need significant rehabilitation in order to be made habitable, at significant costs.?Children have the highest risk of lead poisoning, as they are more likely to place their fingers in their mouths after coming in contact with flaking lead-based paint and LBP dust. As shown in the above tables, 1630 housing units built before 1980 (7% of all units built before 1980) have children living in a potential LBP hazard environment.MA-25 Public and Assisted Housing – 91.210(b)IntroductionThe Cranston Housing Authority is the largest affordable housing provider in the City, with 604 units. The other properties, whether for-profit or non-profit, add another 955 more, for a total of 1,559 units in the City.Totals Number of UnitsProgram TypeCertificateMod-RehabPublic HousingVouchersTotalProject -basedTenant -basedSpecial Purpose VoucherVeterans Affairs Supportive HousingFamily Unification ProgramDisabled*# of units vouchers available 604 257 000# of accessible units 36 *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home TransitionTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 36 – Total Number of Units by Program TypeAlternate Data Source Name:Cranston Housing Authority 2020 dataData Source Comments:Describe the supply of public housing developments: Describe the number and physical condition of public housing units in the jurisdiction, including those that are participating in an approved Public Housing Agency Plan:There are 604 units in the Public Housing Agency Plan, all of which are in good/very good condition.?Public Housing ConditionPublic Housing DevelopmentAverage Inspection ScoreCranston Housing Authority67Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 37 - Public Housing ConditionCHA ScoreThis data came from the REAC Physical Inspection Scores report from HUD dated April 4, 2019 - the most recent inspection.Describe the restoration and revitalization needs of public housing units in the jurisdiction:Restoration and revitalization for the next five years consists primarily of renovating the bathrooms, replacing existing walkways, painting the apartment's interior and the building's corridors and doors, replacing the asphalt parking lots and concrete driveways, and replacing the building's roof.?Describe the public housing agency's strategy for improving the living environment of low- and moderate-income families residing in public housing:The strategy is to maintain what they have and to rehabilitate and revitalize the manors and units as needed. The Cranston Housing Authority makes regular capital investments for the long-term viability of its public housing facilities.Discussion:Please see discussion above.MA-30 Homeless Facilities and Services – 91.210(c)IntroductionThe main services for the homeless are provided through the State of Rhode Island Continuum of Care.? In some cases its delivery agencies are located in Cranston even though they may serve the whole state. Conversely, agencies located in other communities may serve Cranston's homeless.? In addition, many organizations in Cranston may serve the homeless even though they are not charged by the State to provide McKinney-Vento funded services.Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless HouseholdsEmergency Shelter BedsTransitional Housing BedsPermanent Supportive Housing BedsYear Round Beds (Current & New)Voucher / Seasonal / Overflow BedsCurrent & NewCurrent & NewUnder DevelopmentHouseholds with Adult(s) and Child(ren)19101546550Households with Only Adults47101368630Chronically Homeless Households0009250Veterans00683530Unaccompanied Youth00050Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 38 - Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless HouseholdsAlternate Data Source Name:RI 2019 Continuum of Care Housing Inventory CountData Source Comments:Describe mainstream services, such as health, mental health, and employment services to the extent those services are used to complement services targeted to homeless personsPlease refer to Table MA30 - Agencies Providing Services in 'Additional Content'.List and describe services and facilities that meet the needs of homeless persons, particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth. If the services and facilities are listed on screen SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure or screen MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services, describe how these facilities and services specifically address the needs of these populations.Emergency Shelters are meant to be short-term residential facilities that respond to a household emergency of homelessness.? Guests may not have rooms but are often assigned a bed in a large open area.?Transitional Housing is temporary.? Individuals staying in transitional housing are homeless and referred by emergency shelters, detoxification programs and outreach and assessment programs working with emergency shelter providers.? Transitional housing is intended to facilitate the movement of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to permanent housing within 24 months.?Permanent supportive housing is community-based housing without a designated length of stay.? It incorporates supportive services into the design to enable the homeless to maintain long term tenancy.? Residents of this type of housing often include the chronically homeless who cannot stabilize in permanent housing without the supportive services.There are multiple organizations that provide assessment, support services and shelter to the City’s general homeless population. ?Additional programs provide housing assistance to veterans and to homeless families.? The VA Supportive Housing and Treatment (VASH) program provides services and housing vouchers to homeless veterans.? This program is run through the Veterans Administration Healthcare System and operates out of the Providence, Rhode Island Office.?Supportive services are critical to address the special needs of homeless persons and families.??MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services – 91.210(d)IntroductionThe City of Cranston directs program and project funding to specific groups in need of assistance. These groups are traditionally underserved, vulnerable and/or threatened with homelessness, and are persons with disabilities, the elderly, the frail elderly, victims of domestic violence, abused and neglected children, and persons with substance abuse problems.?Including the elderly, frail elderly, persons with disabilities (mental, physical, developmental), persons with alcohol or other drug addictions, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, public housing residents and any other categories the jurisdiction may specify, and describe their supportive housing needsSupportive housing for the elderly, the frail elderly, persons with disabilities, and those living with HIV/AIDS is designed to allow individuals to live as independently as possible. Supportive housing services generally involve more accessible units, greater access to transportation and healthcare, and possibly larger units to accommodate those who need assistance with one or more daily activities. More challenging or ongoing conditions might require supportive services that include long–term assisted living as well as transportation and nursing care.Elderly/Frail Elderly PersonsElderly and frail elderly residents generally face a unique set of housing needs, largely due to physical limitations, lower household incomes, and the rising costs of health care. They have a range of housing needs, including retrofits to facilitate aging in place, downsizing to more convenient, urban, amenities–rich communities, and more intensive care facilities. Aging in place supports older adults remaining in their homes as long as possible and is an important and cost effective strategy for a growing older adult population.For the elderly, when aging in place or living alone is no longer possible, there are a number of other housing types and services that cater to the specific needs of elderly residents. These housing types and services include, but are not limited to: shared housing, senior condos, senior residential communities, life care communities, continuing care, assisted living, residential care, nursing facilities, and hospice care.The City provides CDBG funding for low or no interest loans for low income senior homeowners to rehabilitate their houses and for heating assistance during the winter. The City also provides funding for therapists at a day care for the elderly/frail elderly and for nursing supportive services, both located at a senior center.Persons with DisabilitiesPersons with a disability may have lower incomes and often face barriers to finding employment or adequate housing due to physical or structural obstacles. This segment of the population often needs affordable housing that is located near public transportation, services, and shopping. Persons with disabilities may require units equipped with wheelchair accessibility or other special features that accommodate physical or sensory limitations.Depending on the severity of the disability, people may live independently with some assistance in their own homes, or may require assisted living and supportive services in special care facilities. The Cranston Housing Authority estimates that there are 331 disabled applicants on the waitlist for public housing in the City.Several organizations have group homes in Cranston for the developmentally disabled. One such organization, AccessPoint RI, has 33 residents in nine group homes; Gateways to Change has 14 residents in four group homes; and Opportunities Unlimited has 8 residents in three group homes. The City also provides CDBG funding to assist in the rehabilitation of these homes.??The City provides CDBG funding to subsidize counseling services for those suffering from substance abuse and other addictions.The City also provides CDBG funding to subsidize the payroll expenses of the caregivers at a facility that serves as a daycare for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.?Persons with HIV/AIDSThe fatality rate due to HIV/AIDS has significantly declined since 1995. Many people with HIV/AIDS are living longer lives, and therefore may require assistance for a longer period of time. These individuals may have lower income and may be homeless, may have more mental health and substance abuse issues, and may require basic services, such as housing and food, to ensure they adhere to the medication plans necessary to prolong their lives.AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) provides supportive services and supportive housing statewide to persons with HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) funds the Rhode Island State health department to implement cost-effective and programs and policies that will have the greatest impact on HIV prevention. Funding supports monitoring and service delivery. CDC also funds the RI State education department for HIV prevention programs, youth-friendly health services, and effective education programs.The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program of the state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services offers services that can help persons with HIV/AIDS. Examples include outpatient health care services (including dental), housing services, food bank/home delivered meals, and mental health counseling.?The City of Cranston does not receive HOPWA funds.Describe programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health institutions receive appropriate supportive housing??The state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) also offers long-term services and supports at home, which include licensed therapies, personal care, or a homemaker. Another service is a home care provider offered by an organization licensed and regulated by the state’s health department. The Shared Living program is an option for adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this program, a trained caregiver receives a daily stipend to live with and provide services for the person. A community agency provides ongoing support to the person and caregiver.PACE is a health plan from EOHHS which offers primary and acute care services, such as but not limited to nutrition, pharmacy, social services, and behavioral health counseling.There are two privately owned assisted living facilities in Cranston – the Scandinavian Home and Victoria Court. Victoria Court also offers a special care unit and a limited health service. There are several other facilities in neighboring communities.For individuals returning from psychiatric units/mental institutions, state law requires the facility to make every effort to avoid discharge to a shelter or the street. Facilities must take steps to identify and offer alternative options to patients and document such measures.? In the cases where patients refuse such options, the facilities much identify post discharge support and clinical services.Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. 91.315(e)CDBG funds support the Adult Day Service at the Cranston Senior Center, which provides day care for the elderly/disabled, and the Hope Alzheimer’s Center, a day care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Opportunities Unlimited currently operates three houses in Cranston, comprising 8 residents, for the developmentally disabled while Gateways to Change currently operates four houses, comprising 14 residents. AccessPointRI currently operates 9 group homes in Cranston for the developmentally disabled, housing 33 residents in total. CDBG funds in the past have also been provided to rehabilitate houses owned by non-profits for the developmentally disabled.?CCAP's Family Life Resources program provides counseling services to those suffering from alcohol addiction and other substance abuse addictions. Sstarbirth not only provides transitional housing to women and mothers with children but also counseling services to enable them to cope when they are on their own.?For entitlement/consortia grantees: Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. (91.220(2))Please see above narratives.MA-40 Barriers to Affordable Housing – 91.210(e)Negative Effects of Public Policies on Affordable Housing and Residential InvestmentFederal Government PoliciesThe relaxation of some of the strict provisions of the 2012 law on federal flood insurance may be advantageous to some low/moderate income residents.State Government PoliciesChanges to the state’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act provided municipalities with the authority and incentive to subsidize the development of affordable homes through density bonuses, fee waivers and other tools.? These changes also expanded development capacity in the state by attracting for-profit developers, whereas most affordable housing development is being carried out by non-profit community development corporations with often limited capacity and geographic focus.?The primary barriers to affordable housing are of an economic nature. The generally accepted definition of affordability is for a household to pay no more than 30% of its annual income on housing, including utilities. The cost of housing is influenced by interest rates, land and construction costs, the real estate market, and regulatory costs.A 2019 study conducted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) found that the hourly wage a person should earn to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island needs to be $20.86; the average renter in Rhode Island, however, earns an estimated $14.03 per hour, or $2,385 per month assuming a 40-hour work week for 52 weeks. The fair-market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island, according to the 2019 study, is $1,085 per month. This translates to 45% of a renter’s earnings earmarked for rental housing (excluding utilities), far above the 30% considered to be the definition of affordability.A study by the Rhode Island Association of Realtors for the year ended December 31, 2019 stated that the median sales price of a single-family house in Cranston is $257,000.? With a representative 30-year mortgage rate of?2.95%, and assuming no down-payment, the mortgage payment for the December 2019 house would be $1076 per month or $12,912 per year, not counting payments for utilities, insurance, or taxes. To conform to the generally accepted definition of affordability, a household would require at least $43,040 in household income just to make the mortgage payments. The average Rhode Island renter earns $14.03 per hour, according to the NLIHC study for 2019.? Assuming a 40 hour work week for 52 weeks, his gross annual income would be $28,621 or $2,385 per month – which means that 45% of his annual income would be spent on the mortgage payments alone, excluding utilities, insurance, and taxes. In essence, the purchase of the $257,000 house would result in a cost burden ranging from moderate to severe, according to the definition of affordability.MA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets – 91.215 (f)IntroductionCranston has many public and private non-housing community development assets within the City.? There are several public recreational facilities that provide access to such activities as baseball, basketball, football, field hockey, soccer, ice skating, hockey, and a public swimming pool. The parks and recreation department also conducts a summer camp for low income children that provides a safe and healthy environment for summer activities. There are cultural exhibits that include two historical properties and several branches of the public library. There are open space parks that allow for activities such as picnics, games, walking, and nature trails. There are private facilities that provide indoor and outdoor activities such as bowling. There are also educational facilities and opportunities available to local residents.The City continues to support and encourage expanding opportunities and access to its diverse population. The City places a high priority on continued support of public services activities that provide services to low and moderate income people.Economic Development Market AnalysisBusiness ActivityBusiness by SectorNumber of WorkersNumber of JobsShare of Workers%Share of Jobs%Jobs less workers%Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction4249000Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations4,1093,4321312-1Construction1,2501,084440Education and Health Care Services7,9734,3702515-10Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate2,5071,24584-4Information9042,410385Manufacturing3,2903,41310122Other Services1,4611,723561Professional, Scientific, Management Services3,1883,04710111Public Administration00000Retail Trade4,7645,19215183Transportation and Warehousing91562332-1Wholesale Trade1,6912,056572Total32,09428,644------Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 39 - Business ActivityData Source:2011-2015 ACS (Workers), 2015 Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (Jobs)Labor ForceTotal Population in the Civilian Labor Force42,965Civilian Employed Population 16 years and over38,830Unemployment Rate9.61Unemployment Rate for Ages 16-2421.80Unemployment Rate for Ages 25-656.92Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 40 - Labor ForceData Source:2011-2015 ACSOccupations by SectorNumber of PeopleMedian IncomeManagement, business and financial8,605Farming, fisheries and forestry occupations1,780Service3,800Sales and office10,280Construction, extraction, maintenance and repair2,455Production, transportation and material moving2,070Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 41 – Occupations by SectorData Source:2011-2015 ACSTravel TimeTravel TimeNumberPercentage< 30 Minutes28,25077%30-59 Minutes6,52518%60 or More Minutes2,0956%Total36,870100%Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 42 - Travel TimeData Source:2011-2015 ACSEducation:Educational Attainment by Employment Status (Population 16 and Older)Educational AttainmentIn Labor ForceCivilian EmployedUnemployedNot in Labor ForceLess than high school graduate1,3803902,190High school graduate (includes equivalency)8,5851,3403,350Some college or Associate's degree9,1408802,550Bachelor's degree or higher12,8054801,490Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 43 - Educational Attainment by Employment StatusData Source:2011-2015 ACSEducational Attainment by AgeAge18–24 yrs25–34 yrs35–44 yrs45–65 yrs65+ yrsLess than 9th grade443302351,0701,2659th to 12th grade, no diploma1,2506805351,1001,650High school graduate, GED, or alternative2,2402,7853,0007,5154,610Some college, no degree2,9552,3202,0903,8551,935Associate's degree5058658102,645645Bachelor's degree8052,7452,2054,4101,165Graduate or professional degree859051,4553,0551,060Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 44 - Educational Attainment by AgeData Source:2011-2015 ACSEducational Attainment – Median Earnings in the Past 12 MonthsEducational AttainmentMedian Earnings in the Past 12 MonthsLess than high school graduate22,920High school graduate (includes equivalency)31,593Some college or Associate's degree37,153Bachelor's degree52,371Graduate or professional degree68,736Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 45 – Median Earnings in the Past 12 MonthsData Source:2011-2015 ACSBased on the Business Activity table above, what are the major employment sectors within your jurisdiction?Clearly the above tables indicate that? education and health care services; retail trade; arts, entertainment and accommodations; manufacturing; information services; and professional, scientific, and management services sectors provide the most jobs in the City - 21,864 or about 76%. These same sectors also provided 76% of the jobs in Cranston at the time of submission for the Consolidated Plan for 2015-2019, even though the total number of jobs has increased 7% for the submission of this Consolidated Plan. Manufacturing was the only sector to experience a decrease in jobs, from 3897 to 3413 - a loss of 484 - during that time period, in keeping with the trend toward a service-oriented economy. The professional, scientific, and management services sector had the highest increase in jobs - 889 more than the previous 2158 - followed by retail trade and information and wholesale trade. Please refer to Table MA45-A in 'Additional Content'.Describe the workforce and infrastructure needs of the business community:Workforce:Of the civilians employed in the labor force, 69% have some college or an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree or higher, and 40% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. In the previous Consolidated Plan, the total number of workers almost equaled the number of jobs in the City – 26,641 vs. 26,675. For this Consolidated Plan, the number of workers exceeds the number of jobs by 3450 – 32,094 vs. 28,644.The Education and Healthcare Services sector had the largest increase in the number of workers from the previous Con Plan (1,089), ?followed by Retail Trade and Professional, Scientific, and Management Services – which also had the largest increase in number of jobs at 889, followed by Retail Trade and Information. ?Manufacturing had the largest decrease in the number of jobs (484) even though the number of workers increased by 398. This is indicative of the trend toward a more service-oriented economy.Sectors in which the number of jobs exceeds the number of workers are information services (1506), retail trade (428), wholesale trade (365), other services (262), and manufacturing (123). The education and health care services sector, on the other hand, has 3603 more workers than jobs; while the finance, insurance, and real estate sector has 1262 more workers than jobs. Please refer to Table MA45-B in 'Additional Content'.Priority workforce training areas are Providence/Cranston Workforce Solutions, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and the Community College of RI. In addition, some training grants are available.Infrastructure:The City has two main active industrial parks, one in the southeastern part, and the other in the northwestern part of the city. In addition, there are three main business parks:? Garden City, essentially an outdoor shopping mall, and Chapel View, both located south centrally; and the Brewery Parkade, located north centrally on the site of the former Narragansett Brewery. These existing business and industrial areas need street and utility infrastructure maintenance and landscaping so there are better “curb appeal” and productivity capabilities, in order to attract development and other professional industries.Streets are re-paved and improved on a prioritized basis. The RI Dept. of Transportation inspects and repairs bridges also on a priority basis. Waste treatment facilities and sewers are managed and maintained by an independent organization.Describe any major changes that may have an economic impact, such as planned local or regional public or private sector investments or initiatives that have affected or may affect job and business growth opportunities during the planning period. Describe any needs for workforce development, business support or infrastructure these changes may create.The City is currently negotiating with the Town of Johnston, located directly on Cranston’s northern border, to develop a joint strip mall complex on both sides of Plainfield Pike, which separates the two communities. ?There currently is no vacant land available In Cranston for new commercial/industrial development, for the only vacant land that is undeveloped is protected as ‘Open Spaces’ not subject to development. The commercial areas/industrial parks are currently 99% to 100% full, with no vacancies. Currently, this is the lowest available inventory of commercial/industrial facilities in Cranston in the last 30 years.The City strives to retain its existing businesses and help them expand and create additional jobs. Any vacancies that do occur generally are occupied in a timely manner by new businesses, such as the Dollar Tree occupying the former site of a hardware store, Family Dollar occupying the former site of a pharmacy, and a bakery occupying the former site of a barbeque restaurant. Other properties have been repurposed for new commercial ventures, such as a former K-Mart now redeveloped into three stores. In addition, the Chapel View and Garden City commercial developments continue to attract new tenants to available facilities. All new occupants require additional workforce to satisfy the needs.How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment opportunities in the jurisdiction?One must first bear in mind that the data in the above tables are from the 2011-2015 ACS and as such do not reflect data current as of 2020.According to the above tables, 31% of those in the labor force do not have at least some college or an Associate's degree.?Without knowing the specific job requirements of employers in Cranston or the number of each type of job needed by the employers, it is reasonable to speculate that this sector of the labor force would occupy the low-skilled or unskilled jobs, such as servers, sales associates, supportive restaurant staff, and unskilled manufacturing jobs. The professional and managerial positions generally go to those with either extensive long-term experience in the field or college degrees, possessed by 40% of those in the labor force.According to the above tables, there are about 1500 more information jobs available in Cranston than there are workers, and about 800 more retail trade and wholesale trade jobs than workers. Considering that 5500 people ‘Not in the Labor Force’ according to the tables do not have some college or an Associate’s degree, there would appear to be more than enough to at least attempt to fill some of the newly created low-level or unskilled positions.?It would appear that in some sectors the biggest problem is not that there are enough jobs, but that there are not enough people qualified for the available positions. Many jobs in today’s digital age require the use of some digital device, along with some basic mathematical and logical skills. According to NetworkRI, which is managed and operated by the RI Department of Labor and Training, many job applicants do not possess these skills and hence are unqualified for anything but manual labor. Whether they have the ability and the desire to acquire these skills is another issue.Describe any current workforce training initiatives, including those supported by Workforce Investment Boards, community colleges and other organizations. Describe how these efforts will support the jurisdiction's Consolidated workRI, funded by the Workforce Investment Act, is a joint effort between Providence and Cranston. It offers training programs, workshops, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships. In the past four years, 791 Cranston residents attended weekly orientations to receive services.The Cranston Skills Center, a CCAP program, offers job skills and GED classes to youths and adults. In the most recent three-year period, 1384 Cranston residents have participated in the program, of whom 201 have earned their GED.Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)?YesIf so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be coordinated with the Consolidated Plan? If not, describe other local/regional plans or initiatives that impact economic growth.Yes, as part of Rhode Island Rising, the economic development element of the State Guide Plan, which serves as the State’s CEDS, funded by grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. ?Given the small size of the state, the State Guide Plan was developed to serve the entire state more efficiently than having each city or town function independently.Current funding opportunities from the EDA that may benefit Cranston are also funded by the CARES Act. Cranston has already been awarded a grant from the CARES Act which is currently being administered.The City of Cranston will provide economic development and will focus its economic activities on these areas:Foster an environment that leads to the creation of new jobs and the retention of existing jobsEncourage the establishment of new businessesWork with existing businesses to encourage them to stay in Cranston and to expand and create additional jobsAttract new job creating businesses in Cranston.The City of Cranston also works closely with Network RI, the Cranston Chamber of Commerce, and Providence/Cranston Workforce Development Solutions, which provides employee training, On-the-job training, job placement, and workplace related resources.The City’s Department of Economic Development provides assistance in finding available properties to businesses wanting to relocate to Cranston, in addition to providing financing through its Revolving Loan Fund for companies seeking to purchase, to finance renovations, for job training, and for capital. The City also has a tax incentive program for new construction, or purchase or renovations to both commercial and industrial facilities.DiscussionEducation and health services; retail trade; arts, entertainment and accommodations; information services; and professional, scientific, and management services sectors provide the most jobs in the City. Each sector does require either post-secondary education and/or the requisite skills and experience. Many jobs go unfilled because employers are unable to find individuals having the necessary skills to fill them. At the same time, individuals who need jobs are not able to take advantage of the open positions because they do not have the requisite skills or experience. In many situations, where an unskilled person is able to find a job, that job may not pay a sustainable wage to support a family. Without additional skill training there is little opportunity to break this cycle.The City will continue to support Network RI, the CCAP GED Center, and other institutions that focus on workforce development, skill training, and adult education.MA-50 Needs and Market Analysis Discussion Are there areas where households with multiple housing problems are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration")It is not possible to identify specific areas where households with multiple housing problems are concentrated.? There are areas where the need may be greater, such as low income census tracts and older neighborhoods but for the purposes of this plan, while the City looks at concentration of housing problems in general, it does not rely on these when approving proposed projects for the use of CDBG funds.? It may use them from time to time in choosing between otherwise “equal” proposals.Cranston defines “concentration” as areas within which the cost burden of housing, which has been identified as the predominant housing problem, is more prevalent.? The City focuses its funds on rehabilitation for developing affordable housing.As discussed in the Needs Assessment section, housing problems disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations. For the disproportionate needs by racial/ethnic group, please see the discussion in the Needs Assessment section.?Are there any areas in the jurisdiction where racial or ethnic minorities or low-income families are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration")Minority concentration is defined as census tracts where the percentage of individuals of a particular racial or ethnic minority group is at least 20 percentage points higher than the citywide average.?Cranston has a citywide minority population percentage of 19.0%. Referring to Table MA50-A in 'Additional Content', no census tract has a minority population of 39%, but two are close – tract 141 at 38.7% and tract 142 at 37.0%. Neither tract has a low/mod percentage greater than 51% - 141 at 46.3% and 142 at 41.7%. ?The three tracts that do have a low/mod income percentage greater than 51% - 135, 137.01, and 147 – have minority percentages of 7.1%, 5.6%, and 12.5% respectively.?What are the characteristics of the market in these areas/neighborhoods?In terms of the most affected neighborhoods, it is clear that the tract 141 seems to be the location where the most disproportionate minority concentration occurs.? The disproportion also occurs in tracts 135, 137.01, 137.02, 142, and 147. Tract 141 is also an area where the proportion of the Asian population is higher. The disproportion also occurs in tract 137.02. Tract 142 is the only area in which African- Americans are concentrated disproportionately.Generally, market characteristics information is not readily available at the census tract or neighborhood level. Areas with higher numbers of low/moderate income and minority households may face disproportionate housing problems such as cost burden and overcrowding.The detailed analysis of the tracts are in Table MA50-A: Poverty and Racial Concentration by Census Tract, and in Table MA50-B: Block Group LMI Eligibility, both of which are in the 'Additional Content' Attachment.Are there any community assets in these areas/neighborhoods?There are community assets located throughout the City including schools, libraries, open space, and recreational facilities.Are there other strategic opportunities in any of these areas?There are two major industrial parks within the City, and a residential/commercial complex in the City,?but none in the aforementioned tracts, which are heavily residential.MA-60 Broadband Needs of Housing occupied by Low- and Moderate-Income Households - 91.210(a)(4), 91.310(a)(2)Describe the need for broadband wiring and connections for households, including low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods.Broadband wiring and connections allow people to access the world at their fingertips. Areas of personal interest, travel planning, job hunting, and educational opportunities are all available in the comfort of one's home. With the advent of online educational programs, low/moderate income persons could possibly learn of opportunities to enhance their economic status, in addition to applying for jobs via online job postings.?Describe the need for increased competition by having more than one broadband Internet service provider serve the jurisdiction.Broadband Internet competition is above-average in Cranston compared to other Rhode Island cities, with an average of 3.12 providers serviceable in each census block. Cranston is currently the 16th most connected city in Rhode Island. Only 5% of the area have fewer than two choices for home broadband services.?Cox Communications is the most widespread option in Cranston, accessible to 94.7% of Cranston. Verizon Fios is the most common second choice, providing 94.6% of Cranston with Fiber Internet service.?Verizon High Speed Internet provides a second choice, serving 67.9% of Cranston with a top speed of 15 Mbps. EarthLink DSL covers 55.7% of Cranston, Satellite service is not a strong choice for customers within city limits because of the data limitations and long contract minimums.?Increased competition in any segment of the economy usually results in lower prices for the service, such as when a low-fare airline starts to offer flights from an airport it previously never served, thus challenging the existing airlines. In addition, increased competition may result in faster Internet speeds.?MA-65 Hazard Mitigation - 91.210(a)(5), 91.310(a)(3)Describe the jurisdiction’s increased natural hazard risks associated with climate change.The City of Cranston has a 3 1/2 mile shoreline along the Providence River, which broadens into the Narragansett Bay. The shoreline is heavily populated with houses having direct access to the water. Significant rising of Bay water levels would potentially flood those housing parcels, rendering the houses uninhabitable. Also, if climate change results in more frequent torrential rainstorms, the Pawtuxet River could cause more frequent flooding along its banks, endangering more houses.Describe the vulnerability to these risks of housing occupied by low- and moderate-income households based on an analysis of data, findings, and methods.According to the 2018 HUD Low Moderate Income Summary Data, the percentage of low/moderate income households in block groups having a shoreline on the Providence River is 26%.? Households having direct access to the water probably are not low/moderate,?given that waterfront property is expensive.??Also, according to the 2018 HUD Low Moderate Income Summary Data and a map of the river, there are eight (8) block groups bordering on the Pawtuxet River. Of the eight, only one has a percentage of?low/moderate income households above 51%. All are vulnerable to the flooding of the river.??Strategic PlanSP-05 OverviewStrategic Plan OverviewThe Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was initiated by the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) of 1974. The statutory objectives of this program stated by Congress are to develop viable urban communities by creating and supporting?? decent, safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities, all for primarily low and moderate income people.Regulations governing the CDBG program require that each activity undertaken with CDBG funds meet one of the following three broad national objectives:????? ? Benefit people with low and moderate incomes???? ? Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight???? ? Meet an urgent need (such as earthquake, flood, or hurricane relief)?Since CDBG funds are primarily to benefit low/moderate income people, the City focused its citizen meetings and research efforts on those activities which would best apply to this vulnerable population.? The City believes that CDBG funds are best applied and residents within the City are better served by core projects such as supporting affordable housing through housing rehabilitation and homebuyers’ assistance, and acquisition for rehabilitation for resale to a low/moderate household; public health and mental services for the frail elderly, the disabled, and youths; and public facilities and infrastructure improvements.Based on the results of the citizen participation process, data provided through IDIS, and data generated by research, the City established goals and priorities for this 5-year plan.? The priorities are outlined in this document and the annual goals are outlined in the Annual Action Plan.SP-10 Geographic Priorities – 91.215 (a)(1)General Allocation PrioritiesDescribe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction (or within the EMSA for HOPWA)There are no geographic allocation priorities under our CDBG programs. Programs are allocated to serve income eligible beneficiaries living anywhere in the City or to projects in areas designated low-mod by HUD and therefore eligible by rule.Housing rehabilitation for owner-occupied residences and homebuyers’ assistance activities can take place anywhere in the city, with no specific area being prioritized, but on a first-come, first-served basis.Public Services are a priority, since there are many valuable programs that serve low/mod clientele and are beneficial to the community as a whole.Neighborhood revitalization, also a priority for the city, could include infrastructure, sidewalks, street improvements, recreational improvements, open space, or a number of other eligible activities.As can be seen from the Table MA-50A in Additional Content, there are three tracts in which there were at least 51% of the persons in the area who were low and moderate income. Citywide there are 13 block groups which have a low/mod population of at least 51% (Table MA-50B in Additional Content).?The City, however, has not designated any particular area/neighborhood as a target area, for it utilizes its CDBG allocation as needed throughout the City, keeping in mind the low/mod census tracts.Cranston does not receive HOPWA funds. SP-25 Priority Needs - 91.215(a)(2)Priority NeedsTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 46 – Priority Needs Summary1Priority Need NameOwner Occupied HousingPriority LevelHighPopulationExtremely LowLowModerateLarge FamiliesFamilies with ChildrenElderlyGeographic Areas Affected Associated GoalsHousing RehabilitationAcquisition for RehabilitationFirst Time Homebuyers AssistanceDescriptionMaintain existing affordable housing stock through rehabilitation, first time homebuyers assistance, and acquisition for rehabilitation.Basis for Relative PriorityAffordable housing is the most important issue in Cranston, as evidenced by the Needs and Market analysis.2Priority Need NamePublic ServicesPriority LevelHighPopulationExtremely LowLowModerateLarge FamiliesFamilies with ChildrenElderlyElderlyFrail ElderlyPersons with Mental DisabilitiesPersons with Physical DisabilitiesPersons with Developmental DisabilitiesPersons with Alcohol or Other AddictionsPersons with HIV/AIDS and their FamiliesVictims of Domestic ViolenceNon-housing Community DevelopmentGeographic Areas Affected Associated GoalsPublic ServicesDescriptionProvide basic and essential services to eligible individuals and families. Such services include, but are not limited to, health care, mental health services, day care for the disabled, food banks for the impoverished, senior services for the elderly or frail elderly or the disabled, heating assistance, victims of domestic violence, abused and neglected children, educational programs, youth programs, support for transitional housing, and rental assistance.Basis for Relative PriorityDiscussions with local organizations providing those services, census data indicating the number of elderly and disabled, citywide surveys indicating the need and support of such programs.3Priority Need NamePublic FacilitiesPriority LevelHighPopulationExtremely LowLowModerateLarge FamiliesFamilies with ChildrenElderlyElderlyFrail ElderlyPersons with Mental DisabilitiesPersons with Physical DisabilitiesPersons with Developmental DisabilitiesPersons with Alcohol or Other AddictionsPersons with HIV/AIDS and their FamiliesNon-housing Community DevelopmentGeographic Areas Affected Associated GoalsPublic Facilities/Infrastructure/RevitalizationDescriptionRenovation or rehabilitation of public facilities that serve low/moderate income people or areas, or groups of people with special needs such as the elderly or disabled; or the preservation of historical structures within the city.Basis for Relative PriorityCranston is home to many public facilities that not only serve the elderly and/or disabled or people with special needs, but is also home to several historical properties.4Priority Need NameNeighborhood Revitalization/InfrastructurePriority LevelHighPopulationExtremely LowLowModerateGeographic Areas Affected Associated GoalsPublic Facilities/Infrastructure/RevitalizationDescriptionThe creation and rehabilitation of infrastructure and general public improvements in low/moderate income areas, to prevent the spread of blight.Basis for Relative PriorityMany areas in Cranston, particularly in the eastern section which was first developed, are low/moderate income areas, and consequently are in dire need of revitalization to prevent the spread of blight.5Priority Need NameNon-Homeless Special NeedsPriority LevelHighPopulationExtremely LowLowModerateLarge FamiliesFamilies with ChildrenElderlyElderlyFrail ElderlyPersons with Mental DisabilitiesPersons with Physical DisabilitiesPersons with Developmental DisabilitiesPersons with Alcohol or Other AddictionsPersons with HIV/AIDS and their FamiliesVictims of Domestic ViolenceNon-housing Community DevelopmentGeographic Areas Affected Associated GoalsPublic ServicesDescriptionTo support and encourage supportive services and affordable housing for those with special needs by providing CDBG funding for human service agencies serving low/moderate income populations.Basis for Relative PriorityDiscussions with organizations providing those services and census data indicating the number of people in Cranston that are in those categories.6Priority Need NameEconomic DevelopmentPriority LevelLowPopulationExtremely LowLowModerateGeographic Areas Affected Associated GoalsEconomic DevelopmentDescriptionProvide job training or job retention/creation, or spur economic growth.Basis for Relative PriorityThe overwhelming priorities for Cranston are in the areas of housing, public services, public facilities, neighborhood revitalization/infrastructure, and non-homeless special needs.7Priority Need NameHomeless/HIV/AIDSPriority LevelHighPopulationExtremely LowLowModerateLarge FamiliesFamilies with ChildrenElderlyChronic HomelessnessIndividualsFamilies with ChildrenMentally IllveteransPersons with HIV/AIDSUnaccompanied YouthGeographic Areas Affected Associated GoalsHomelessDescriptionAssist in providing housing or services to those in need.Basis for Relative PriorityDetermined by the state's Continuum of Care.8Priority Need NameRental HousingPriority LevelHighPopulationExtremely LowLowModerateLarge FamiliesFamilies with ChildrenElderlyGeographic Areas Affected Associated GoalsHousing RehabilitationDescriptionCreate/rehabilitate affordable housing units.Basis for Relative PriorityAs the Needs section suggests, the overwhelming need in Cranston is for affordable housing.Narrative (Optional)The priority needs for the 2020-2025 Five Year Consolidated? Plan were established through the prepopulated IDIS information, the research of the Community Development department, the public participation and consultation process, and research by the City.SP-30 Influence of Market Conditions – 91.215 (b)Influence of Market ConditionsAffordable Housing TypeMarket Characteristics that will influence the use of funds available for housing typeTenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)Due to the short term nature of TBRA and the rules which permit more focus on their use, the most likely conditions would be the emergence of a program which would enable people to achieve economic self-sufficiency if their housing costs were lowered for a two year period.TBRA for Non-Homeless Special NeedsAs noted above, the most efficient use of TBRA would be persons who can become self-sufficient within a two year period.New Unit ProductionThe emergence of increased demand for affordable housing requires either multiple subsidies or a significantly increased amount of a single subsidy.RehabilitationThe increased costs of new or existing homes and higher rents will require more focus on the preservation of existing affordable housing.? Aging and low income owner occupied households require assistance in maintaining or upgrading basic structural components.Since approximately 79% of the housing stock is at least 40 years old, having been built before 1980, it could reasonably be expected that many would require some rehabilitation.?In addition, the expiration of contract subsidies for housing will increase the demand for affordable housing unless these subsidies can be extended or replaced.Acquisition, including preservationThe most common housing problem within the City is cost burden. Thirty-two percent (32%) of all households in the City are cost burdened and paying more than 30% of their income toward housing costs. This represents 44% of all renter households and 26% of all owner households.?Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 47 – Influence of Market ConditionsSP-35 Anticipated Resources - 91.215(a)(4), 91.220(c)(1,2)Introduction Anticipated resources are based on the actual grant for program year 2020 of $1,098,683 and estimated grants of $1,000,000 for the following four years, estimated annual program income of $160,000 for each of the five years, and estimated unallocated?resources of $766,861 available for use in program year 2020.Anticipated ResourcesProgramSource of FundsUses of FundsExpected Amount Available Year 1Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan $Narrative DescriptionAnnual Allocation: $Program Income: $Prior Year Resources: $Total:$CDBGpublic - federalAcquisitionAdmin and PlanningEconomic DevelopmentHousingPublic ImprovementsPublic Services1,098,683160,000766,8612,025,5444,640,000 Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 48 - Anticipated ResourcesExplain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfiedThere are no matching requirements for CDBG funds. Public service subrecipients usually have other sources of funds from private, state, or local sources. CDBG funds subsidize their programs. Public facility projects for non-profits are generally subsidized by the non-profits resources. The City's funds available for infrastructure, from bonds and taxes, varies annually.The Cranston Housing Authority's funds for public housing, from HUD, varies annually.If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the planCurrently no publically owned land can be used to address priority needs within the City, but if it could, the City would assist in accomplishing these goals. The building that houses the Hope Alzheimer's Center is owned by the City.The City has previously acquired, and intends to acquire, vacant?houses in order to rehabilitate them for subsequent sale to an income eligible household, as part of the goal of creating and providing affordable housing.DiscussionThe City of Cranston recognizes the importance of the high priority placed on housing programs for its residents. Accordingly, 60% of the funds available for 2020-2021, excluding those for program administration, have been allocated to either housing projects and rental assistance or for public services for?transitional housing. In addition, 37% of all public service funding has been allocated to projects that benefit the elderly/disabled. The balance of the funds addresses projects that benefit low/mod programs for youths, educational programs, victims of domestic violence, the needy, and public facilities. When this plan is considered in its entirety, it is apparent that it is citywide in scope. As in the past, the primary beneficiaries of the CDBG program will be of low/moderate income.?SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure – 91.215(k)Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions.Responsible EntityResponsible Entity TypeRoleGeographic Area ServedRI Coalition for the HomelessNon-profit organizationsHomelessness Comprehensive Community Action ProgramNon-profit organizationsNon-homeless special needspublic services Day OneSubrecipientNon-homeless special needspublic services Hope Alzheimer's CenterSubrecipientNon-homeless special needspublic services Cranston Housing AuthorityPHAPublic Housing Cranston Senior ServicesGovernmentNon-homeless special needspublic facilitiespublic services Elizabeth Buffum Chace CenterSubrecipientNon-homeless special needspublic services CRANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLSGovernmentNon-homeless special needspublic services Blessed Mother Mary Food Pantry, Inc.SubrecipientNon-homeless special needspublic services SstarbirthSubrecipientNon-homeless special needspublic services Cranston YMCASubrecipientNon-homeless special needspublic services City of CranstonGovernmentNon-homeless special needsneighborhood improvementspublic facilities Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 49 - Institutional Delivery StructureAssess the Strengths and Gaps in the Institutional Delivery SystemStrengths:The City of Cranston manages the institutional delivery structure surrounding the acceptance and allocation of federal entitlement grant funds for Consolidated Programs. The City conducts public outreach with various institutions in the city and its residents. The goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan could not have been formulated without their input.? Generally, subrecipients comply with CDBG regulations, and cooperate in the monitoring and administration of the program.Gaps:The amount of funds available to meet the needs of subrecipients is always a problem. Most subrecipients are not awarded the amount they initially request. Subrecipients new to the CDBG program need to be made aware of the program requirements at the beginning of the year, and monitored more extensively during the year to ensure compliance.In addition, the City’s institutional structure ensures that no one or more agency is involved in fulfilling each institutional role. Public housing is provided through the Cranston Housing Authority; the needs of the homeless are addressed by the RI Continuum of Care; non-homeless special needs are addressed primarily by the local community based organizations which receive CDBG funds to carry out eligible activities; planning and administration are provided by the City. Affordable housing is addressed by the City’s housing programs.Availability of services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV and mainstream servicesHomelessness Prevention ServicesAvailable in the CommunityTargeted to HomelessTargeted to People with HIVHomelessness Prevention ServicesCounseling/AdvocacyXXXLegal AssistanceX Mortgage AssistanceX Rental AssistanceX Utilities AssistanceX Street Outreach ServicesLaw EnforcementX Mobile Clinics Other Street Outreach ServicesX Supportive ServicesAlcohol & Drug AbuseX Child CareX EducationXX Employment and Employment TrainingX XHealthcareX XHIV/AIDSX Life SkillsX Mental Health CounselingX XTransportationX OtherFood, shelterXX Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 50 - Homeless Prevention Services SummaryDescribe how the service delivery system including, but not limited to, the services listed above meet the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth)Much direct work is done through the State’s CoC. The homeless are registered with the CoC and their needs are determined. The State proposes to increase the supply of and access to permanent housing that is affordable to very low income households; to create or subsidize affordable housing for households with little or no income; to partner with PHAs?and the VA for homeless veterans. Crossroads Rhode Island, part of the state's Continuum of Care, offers essential programs such as housing, emergency shelter, and education and employment training.For the above table, much information concerning those services targeted to the homeless was not available.Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for special needs population and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed aboveThe Rhode Island Coordinated Entry System (CES) is a partnership of all the homeless providers in the state and is an initiative of the Rhode Island CoC. The daily operations of this program are led by the RI Coalition for the Homeless and Crossroads RI. The RI CoC requires the use of the Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) – a triage tool which enables providers to determine quickly the proper housing intervention for an individual or family. Each homeless individual or family assessed for services is prioritized based on vulnerability, with families with children being a high priority.Provide a summary of the strategy for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needsCoordinating services is one of the most efficient ways to use resources. Referrals by one local community based organization for services provided only by another can efficiently utilize the resources of the community.As a strategy to overcome gaps in the service delivery system for the homeless population, the City supports the state’s plan to end chronic homelessness. This plan’s vision, in conjunction with the RI CoC, is to provide the City’s residents with access to resources and support services needed to prevent and break the cycle of chronic homelessnessSP-45 Goals Summary – 91.215(a)(4)Goals Summary Information Sort OrderGoal NameStart YearEnd YearCategoryGeographic AreaNeeds AddressedFundingGoal Outcome Indicator1Housing Rehabilitation20202024Affordable Housing Owner Occupied HousingRental HousingCDBG: $2,250,000Rental units rehabilitated:5 Household Housing Unit Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated:145 Household Housing Unit2Public Services20202024Non-Homeless Special NeedsNon-Housing Community DevelopmentPublic Services Public ServicesNon-Homeless Special NeedsCDBG: $1,000,000Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit:5000 Persons Assisted3Acquisition for Rehabilitation20202024Affordable Housing Owner Occupied HousingCDBG: $2,000,000Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated:5 Household Housing Unit4First Time Homebuyers Assistance20202024Affordable Housing Owner Occupied HousingCDBG: $200,000Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers:50 Households Assisted5Public Facilities/Infrastructure/Revitalization20202024Non-Housing Community Development Public FacilitiesNeighborhood Revitalization/InfrastructureCDBG: $1,000,000Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit:5000 Persons Assisted6Homeless20202024Homeless Homeless/HIV/AIDS Housing for Homeless added:5 Household Housing Unit7Economic Development20202024Non-Housing Community Development Economic DevelopmentCDBG: $215,544Jobs created/retained:50 Jobs Businesses assisted:5 Businesses AssistedTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 51 – Goals SummaryGoal Descriptions1Goal NameHousing RehabilitationGoal DescriptionProvide funding for rehabilitation and preservation of the existing housing stock in Cranston.2Goal NamePublic ServicesGoal DescriptionProvide funding for non-homeless special needs and community development needs such as, but not limited to, health care, mental health services, youth programs, services for the elderly and/or disabled, heating assistance, food banks, transitional housing, and educational programs.3Goal NameAcquisition for RehabilitationGoal DescriptionProvide funding for the purchase of a vacant abandoned house for rehabilitation and subsequent sale to an income eligible household.4Goal NameFirst Time Homebuyers AssistanceGoal DescriptionProvide funding for either closing cost assistance or down payment assistance to income eligible first time homebuyers in Cranston.5Goal NamePublic Facilities/Infrastructure/RevitalizationGoal DescriptionProvide funding for public facilities, infrastructure, or neighborhood revitalization that benefits low/moderate income people or low/moderate income areas, or to rehabilitate historical properties to prevent the spread of blight.6Goal NameHomelessGoal DescriptionThe State of Rhode Island's Continuum of Care sets the strategies for the homelessness program.7Goal NameEconomic DevelopmentGoal DescriptionProvide funding to create/retain jobs, or assist businesses.Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.315(b)(2)It is impossible to estimate the number of each income bracket that will be served during the next five years.? It is, however, reasonable to expect to serve a certain number of income eligible beneficiaries during this time period, as follows:??????????? Housing Rehabilitation: 30 LMH/yr., 150 total??????????? Homebuyers’ Assistance:? 10 LMH/yr., 50 total??????????? Acquisition for Rehabilitation: 1 LMH/yr., 5 totalSP-50 Public Housing Accessibility and Involvement – 91.215(c)Need to Increase the Number of Accessible Units (if Required by a Section 504 Voluntary Compliance Agreement) The CHA is not under any Section 504 Compliance Agreement and does not need to increase the number of accessible units.Activities to Increase Resident InvolvementsResidents are encouraged to become members of the Resident Advisory Board, which assists? the housing authority in developing its PHA Plan. The CHA meets annually with its Resident Advisory Board and regularly with its residents.Is the public housing agency designated as troubled under 24 CFR part 902?NoPlan to remove the ‘troubled’ designation Not Applicable - not designated as 'troubled'.SP-55 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.215(h)Barriers to Affordable HousingFederal Government PoliciesThe relaxation of some of the strict provisions of the 2012 law on federal flood insurance may be advantageous to some low/moderate income residents.State Government PoliciesChanges to the state’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act provided municipalities with the authority and incentive to subsidize the development of affordable homes through density bonuses, fee waivers and other tools.? These changes also expanded development capacity in the state by attracting for-profit developers, whereas most affordable housing development is being carried out by non-profit community development corporations with often limited capacity and geographic focus.?The primary barriers to affordable housing are of an economic nature. The generally accepted definition of affordability is for a household to pay no more than 30% of its annual income on housing, including utilities. The cost of housing is influenced by interest rates, land and construction costs, the real estate market, and regulatory costs.A 2019 study conducted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) found that the hourly wage a person should earn to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island needs to be $20.86; the average renter in Rhode Island, however, earns an estimated $14.03 per hour, or $2,385 per month assuming a 40-hour work week for 52 weeks. The fair-market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island, according to the 2019 study, is $1,085 per month. This translates to 45% of a renter’s earnings earmarked for rental housing (excluding utilities), far above the 30% considered to be the definition of affordability.A study by the Rhode Island Association of Realtors for the year ended December 31, 2019 stated that the median sales price of a single-family house in Cranston is $257,000.? With a representative 30-year mortgage rate of? 2.95%, and assuming no down-payment, the mortgage payment for the December 2019 house would be $1076 per month or $12,912 per year, not counting payments for utilities, insurance, or taxes. To conform to the generally accepted definition of affordability, a household would require at least $43,040 in household income just to make the mortgage payments. The average Rhode Island renter earns $14.03 per hour, according to the NLIHC study for 2019.? Assuming a 40 hour work week for 52 weeks, his gross annual income would be $28,621 or $2,385 per month – which means that 45% of his annual income would be spent on the mortgage payments alone, excluding utilities, insurance, and taxes. In essence, the purchase of the $257,000 house would result in a cost burden ranging from moderate to severe, according to the definition of affordability.Strategy to Remove or Ameliorate the Barriers to Affordable HousingThe City has no control over either the real estate sales or rental?market. The City can, however, undertake the following actions to address barriers to affordable housing:Rehabilitate housing, upgrade infrastructure, and improve services necessary to increase the supply of safe, decent, and affordable housing for low-income households, including minority, persons with disabilities and large family households. The City of Cranston will continue to fund its Housing Rehabilitation Program, Public Infrastructure, Closing Cost and Down Payment Assistance Programs, and Emergency Rehabilitation Program.Continue to promote diversity of composition on all appointed Boards, Committees, Task Forces and Commissions that reflect the cultural, social, racial, economic, gender, health, disabilities, age, and other characteristics of the population. Continue to promote volunteerism and participation in community activities affecting housing.Improve City codes and ordinances in a manner that enhances affordability and accessibility; reasonably accommodates all who seek housing; and decrease unnecessary housing costs or construction delays by streamlining bureaucratic processes.Improve and increase enforcement and permitting processes to ensure all local, state and federal laws and other construction regulations related to accessibility are fully implemented, and that designers and builders of single family homes and remodels are aware of programs of including accessibility features in projects that are not required to include them.Document, investigate, and monitor complaints of housing discrimination. Increase community awareness and knowledge of fair housing rights and responsibilities.Improve services and increase opportunities for the homeless and those threatened with homelessness, including minorities, the disabled and large family households.SP-60 Homelessness Strategy – 91.215(d)Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needsThe City of Cranston has been addressing homelessness through a cooperative Continuum of Care effort developed by the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission’s Office of Homelessness.? The Office of Homelessness coordinates the statewide Continuum of Care planning process, working year-round to plan and to coordinate an effective response to homelessness.? The small area of the State enables Rhode Islanders, including the homeless, to move readily between cities and towns to accomplish activities of daily living. Services tend to be centralized and most agencies have statewide or regional service delivery areas.? Due to the unique geography and close relationship among service providers in Rhode Island, the Office of Homelessness and other community providers continue to promote a coordinated statewide Continuum of Care as the best system for addressing homelessness in the state.? The Continuum of Care strategy is an outgrowth of initiatives that has been underway through statewide planning and funding entities such as the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission, Rhode Island Housing, and the United Way since the early 1990’s.? The priorities and goals continue to be refined each year through the Office of Homelessness as well as through meetings of the shelter and housing provider’s network and the Rhode Island Coalition for Homeless.Addressing the emergency and transitional housing needs of homeless personsThe City of Cranston is not a recipient of HOME, ESG, HOPWA or other similar funds. The City will, however, consider providing and does provide assistance to social services organizations that offer such supportive services to the underserved.The State of Rhode Island’s plan to end homelessness, renamed ‘Opening Doors Rhode Island’, addresses the needs of Rhode Island residents in five main areas: more affordable housing, sufficient income, service and treatment alongside housing, homelessness prevention strategies, and greater political will and community involvement.Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again.Much direct work is done through the State’s CoC.The SSTARBIRTH program, with the support of CDBG funding this fiscal year, will provide housing and supportive services to approximately 20 families, all of whom will be Cranston residents while they are at SSTARBIRTH.? SSTARBIRTH is the only residential substance abuse treatment program in the State of Rhode Island specifically designed for pregnant and postpartum women and their children.? The program allows for 6 to 9 months of treatment in a home environment with a capacity for 14 women and 26 children.? By providing treatment in a safe and caring environment, SSTARBIRTH allows clients to strengthen their health, find recovery, and nurture their children. CCAP’s NOH (New Opportunity Homes) Program operates the Bradford House in Cranston, which is a pregnancy and parenting residential family home with 24/7 supervision and counseling.The Cranston Housing Authority offers homeless people a place on the HCV (Section 8) housing list.Help low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families who are likely to become homeless after being discharged from a publicly funded institution or system of care, or who are receiving assistance from public and private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education or youth needsAgain, much direct work is done through the State’s CoC. The City of Cranston, however, does attempt to make housing affordable via its housing rehab and homebuyers’ assistance programs.A Discharge Planning service is administered by the Northern RI Community Mental Health Center. This program assists minimum security male and female inmates make the transition back to home and community. The OpenDoors Resource Center also offers discharge planning. Their program works with participants up to six months prior to release from prison. OpenDoors is contracted through the Rhode Island Department of Corrections to provide discharge plans to inmates in the Men’s Minimum Security Facility at the DOC in both individual and group formats in order to reach as many as possible of the over 1200 discharges per year from that facility.The City does provide funding for health and behavioral services administered by CCAP, which also operates a GED center for youths and adults so they may obtain the education and skills for better employment.SP-65 Lead based paint Hazards – 91.215(i)Actions to address LBP hazards and increase access to housing without LBP hazardsCranston has one of the oldest housing stocks in the state, with 40% of its housing units built by 1949 and 79% built by 1979, according to the 2011-2015?American Community Survey.Cranston places a high priority on the reduction of lead based paint hazards. The department’s Closing Cost Assistance and Down Payment Assistance programs require a lead clearance certificate in order for funds to be released to qualified applicants. The department’s Housing Rehabilitation program requires lead inspections before any work begins, remediation to be performed as needed in accordance with the Lead Safe Rule, and a lead clearance certificate at the end of the work. In addition, CCAP and the Cranston Housing Authority all complete environmental assessments before funds are committed.The 2011-2015 American Community Survey states that 25,522 housing units were built by 1979. Lead paint was prohibited for housing units in 1978. Lead-based paint hazards exist primarily in older homes having chipping, peeling, or crumbling paint. Unfortunately, these older homes are usually in areas of low or very low income.Budget cuts for the Centers for Disease Control's lead prevention programs for states imply?that Rhode Island will be challenged to meet state and federal mandates for lead poisoning prevention while simultaneously trying to help more families of children with elevated blood lead levels.Also, in 2012 the Centers for Disease Control and the RI Dept. of Health revised the Lead Screening Guidelines to define child blood lead levels (BLL) of greater than or equal to 5 mcg/dL (5 micrograms per deciliter) as elevated, down from the prior standard of 10 mcg/dL. Consequently, this resulted in higher numbers of children having elevated blood lead levels.Rhode Island requires all children younger than six years of age to be screened for lead poisoning. Child care providers and elementary schools are asked to document that children are screened prior to enrollment. Health insurers based in Rhode Island are required to cover lead screening analysis, the results of which are reported to the Dept. of Health and maintained in a database. Rhode Island also requires healthcare providers to report results of all blood lead levels tests for children younger than six years old who live in Rhode Island.Rhode Island's Healthy Housing and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (HHLPP) is committed to decreasing the number of children with BLL greater than or equal to 5mcg/dL and decreasing the lead hazards in housing and other exposure sources. Statewide, the incidence of elevated blood lead levels has decreased from 4.9% in 2012 to 3.2% in 2017. For Cranston, the incidence has decreased to 1.6% in 2018?from 4.6% in 2011, according to state data. This indicates that Rhode Island's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, consisting of inspections, case management, public outreach and education, remediation, compliance, and enforcement, is working.How are the actions listed above related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards?The 2011-2015 American Community Survey states that 25,522 housing units were built by 1979, 79% of Cranston’s housing stock. Mandatory lead safe compliance for all housing rehab and homebuyers’ assistance activities will help? increase the number of lead safe housing units in the City, albeit very gradually – on the order of 30 to 40 per year. Mandatory screening of children under six years of age will also alert the authorities for lead remediation.How are the actions listed above integrated into housing policies and procedures?All housing rehabilitation activities and homebuyers’ assistance activities require lead safe compliance, in accordance with the Lead Safe Rule.SP-70 Anti-Poverty Strategy – 91.215(j)Jurisdiction Goals, Programs and Policies for reducing the number of Poverty-Level FamiliesSince most households being provided housing assistance end up with a reduced level of housing costs, they are more able to allocate their scarce resources to other needs such as nutrition, education and other activities which can help lead them out of poverty.? According to the 2011-2015 ACS S1703, 9.7% of all families and 11.6% of all people in Cranston are at or below the poverty level, of which 16.2% are foreign born. All percentages have increased since the previous Consolidated Plan.Through implementation of this plan, the City hopes to make an impact on the reduction of the number of families with incomes at or below the area’s poverty level. To the extent that the City can support the creation of affordable housing - especially for extremely low income households - that will lessen the housing cost burdens on these households and will enable those households to have resources to meet other pressing needs. The creation of ownership housing for very low income households can also enable those families to build assets. Finally, the City will support all efforts in the region to protect low income households in deed restricted ownership units from losing their assets through foreclosure.While the City’s programs and resources can have some, albeit a very limited, impact on moving households out of poverty, there are other agencies in the region that have more impact and resources to address this issue. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV also a.k.a Section 8) voucher holders can use the Family Self Sufficiency [FSS] program and the mobility feature and the homeownership feature to encourage them to increase their economic self-sufficiency.The City of Cranston will continue to address the needs of the homeless, by supporting the State’s Continuum of Care homeless program, and at-risk-of-homelessness residents.? The City will continue to support the food assistance programs, employment counseling services, health care services, and CCAP’s programs designed to help ward off the possibility of homelessness. The City recognizes that reducing the number of persons with incomes below the poverty level can best be achieved through supportive services and counseling provided by the Cranston Housing Authority and by CCAP, such as CCAP’s? ‘Learn to Earn’ which is a GED and JOBS program for youths and adults.The high number of elderly below the poverty level (10.1%) demonstrates the continuing need for financial relief.? Property taxes and maintenance costs severely burden the elderly, even those with no mortgage on their property.? The City will continue to provide tax relief in the form of exemptions for the elderly, and low or no cost rehabilitation financing to eligible homeowners. These programs are intended to help the elderly live independently for as long as possible.Employment opportunities are also a part of any anti-poverty strategy.? The City of Cranston has services in place to meet this need.? The RI Department of Human Services is a source for information concerning employment, training services, child care, transportation and housing that are provided by other organizations.? The WIA office provides testing, employment counseling and job referral as well as special assistance for veterans, youth, older workers and persons with disabilities.?The CCAP GED Center not only offers youths and adults the opportunity to obtain their GED but also provides training in fields such as medical billing. This combination provides the participants a chance to improve their economic and social condition.How are the Jurisdiction poverty reducing goals, programs, and policies coordinated with this affordable housing planThe City allocates funding for housing, including rehabilitation, closing cost and down payment assistance, and acquisition for rehabilitation for subsequent sale to an income-eligible household; and funding to agencies and organizations that provide programs to assist the homeless and those at-risk of becoming homeless. Services and activities provided offset household costs so that low-income persons can use their income for other expenses. Some examples follow.Cranston Senior Services provides seniors low cost or free meals at the Senior Center and the Meals-on-Wheels Program, as well as Transvan transportation to the Center.The Blessed Mother Mary Food Pantry provides a food basket to those in AP provides health care and counseling services, and dental services to low-income persons, as well as case management and referrals to other services and programs.The City’s scholarship program helps low-income households defray the cost of post-secondary education.SP-80 Monitoring – 91.230Describe the standards and procedures that the jurisdiction will use to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirementsAll CDBG funded projects that fall within stipulated guidelines/regulations are monitored for compliance to the applicable regulation or law. All CDBG-funded projects involving the City’s public facilities are overseen by the City’s Department of engineering, which must approve all requisitions for payment.Prior to entering into an agreement or contract the City will review the project to determine what laws and regulations apply to the individual project and incorporate language into the contract regarding applicable requirements.? The City will then monitor the project as it proceeds to ensure compliance.? The following are major areas the City focuses on when reviewing or considering potential projects.Housing RehabilitationHousing rehabilitation projects funded with CDBG funds are intensely monitored, sometimes daily.? Inspections are calculated to coincide with the near completion of stages so that code compliance and/or compliance with contract specifications is ensured.? A contractor cannot be paid until such time as a satisfactory final inspection has been completed.?SubrecipientsA typical monitoring not having to do with housing rehab will usually include a visit to a site or an address at which the monitored activity is taking place.? For some activities as many as two visits per year are made.? These visits are conducted primarily for the purpose of confirming that the project being paid for or supplemented actually exists.? Close attention is paid to the number of staff on duty.? Before such a visit, the Department staff person making the visit will have prepared him or herself by reviewing the “scope of work” submitted by the sub-recipient at the time that the contract with the City was executed.If there is a deviation from the sub-recipient’s scope of work and/or the means by which the sub-recipient stated in its application how it intended to accomplish its stated goals, the sub-recipient will be made aware of such and be cautioned to address the underlying cause of its noncompliance.? A sub-recipient is always dealt with respectfully and is always given sufficient time to correct a default.Davis Bacon Compliance:Community Development staff oversee federally funded projects which require Davis Bacon compliance for prevailing wage. The City’s agreements include all necessary language and the appropriate wage determination which must be included in a contract for construction related projects.The staff conducts site visits, conducts employee interviews, and checks the weekly payroll forms for accuracy and compliance.Section 3 and MBE/WBE Compliance:?Community ?Development ?staff ?make ?contractors ?aware ?of ?Federal ?Section ?3 ?and ?MBE/WBE compliance issues and work with contractors to ensure low and moderate income residents and minority and women owned businesses are given due consideration under their contracts, which contain specific language addressing these issues.?Section 504 and ADA:Federal laws dictate and regulate accessibility issues regarding construction. Contract language stipulates compliance to these laws and regulations.Relocation/Displacement and 104dThe City is mindful of relocation and “one for one” replacement issues. We seldom encounter temporary relocation in our rehabilitation projects when lead abatement activities occur, but rarely have to deal with permanent relocation or displacement.Fair Housing:When assisting in the rehab or construction of rental units, language is included in contracts to assure units are affirmatively marketed and equal access is provided to all potential occupants.Leases:When assisted units are leased or rented to tenants the Staff will review lease agreements for language and ensure that tenants are income eligible and rents do not exceed allowable limits.Occupancy and Property Standards:Assisted housing rehab units are also monitored to ensure that owner-?‐occupied units remain the primary residence, or the assisted party and unit is maintained to applicable property standards.Lead Paint:Before assisted units are occupied by a family with children under the age of 6, staff will ensure the unit is in compliance with State and Federal lead paint regulations and proper procedures are followed when abatement activities occur. A lead-?‐safe certificate is required prior to the disbursement of any funds for either Closing Cost Assistance or Down Payment Assistance. All housing rehab projects which disturb paint also require a lead-?‐safe certificate upon completion.The monitoring process for CDBG follows the goals, outputs, outcomes and evaluation measures stipulated in the Consolidated Plan and in all contracts with sub-?‐recipients, contractors and other providers.PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT HUD has issued a rule on its Outcome Performance Measurement System. The system incorporated the following three objectives of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974: 1) create suitable living environments; 2) provide decent housing; and 3) create economic opportunities.The system also directed grantees to select from one of the following three outcomes to help define the intent of the activity: 1) availability/accessibility; 2) affordability; and 3) sustainability-?‐ promoting livable or viable communities.Therefore, for each proposed activity the grantee selects one of the nine Outcome Statements. In accordance with HUD’s directive, the City reports its activities using this format. The City will use the following annual performance measures for its programs:For Housing Rehabilitation: DH-?‐1, Availability for the purpose creating housingFor Homebuyers’ Assistance and Acquisition for Rehabilitation: DH-?‐2, Affordability for the purpose creating housingFor Public Services: Either SL-?‐1, Availability for the purpose of creating suitable living environments; or SL-?‐2, Affordability for the purpose of creating suitable living environmentsFor Public Facilities: Either SL-?‐1, Availability for the purpose of creating suitable living environments; or SL-?‐3, Sustainability for the purpose of creating suitable living environment Expected Resources AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)IntroductionAnticipated resources are based on the actual grant for program year 2020 of $1,098,683 and estimated grants of $1,000,000 for the following four years, estimated annual program income of $160,000 for each of the five years, and estimated unallocated?resources of $766,861 available for use in program year 2020.Anticipated ResourcesProgramSource of FundsUses of FundsExpected Amount Available Year 1Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan $Narrative DescriptionAnnual Allocation: $Program Income: $Prior Year Resources: $Total:$CDBGpublic - federalAcquisitionAdmin and PlanningEconomic DevelopmentHousingPublic ImprovementsPublic Services1,098,683160,000766,8612,025,5444,640,000 Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 52 - Expected Resources – Priority TableExplain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfiedThere are no matching requirements for CDBG funds. Public service subrecipients usually have other sources of funds from private, state, or local sources. CDBG funds subsidize their programs. Public facility projects for non-profits are generally subsidized by the non-profits resources. The City's funds available for infrastructure, from bonds and taxes, varies annually.The Cranston Housing Authority's funds for public housing, from HUD, varies annually.If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the planCurrently no publically owned land can be used to address priority needs within the City, but if?it could, the City would assist in accomplishing these goals. The building that houses the Hope Alzheimer's Center is owned by the City.The City has previously acquired, and intends to acquire, vacant?houses in order to rehabilitate them for subsequent sale to an income eligible household, as part of the goal of creating and providing affordable housing.DiscussionThe City of Cranston recognizes the importance of the high priority placed on housing programs for its residents. Accordingly, 60% of the funds available for 2020-2021, excluding those for program administration, have been allocated to either housing projects and rental assistance or for public services for?transitional housing. In addition, 37% of all public service funding has been allocated to projects that benefit the elderly/disabled. The balance of the funds addresses projects that benefit low/mod programs for youths, educational programs, victims of domestic violence, the needy, and public facilities. When this plan is considered in its entirety, it is apparent that it is citywide in scope. As in the past, the primary beneficiaries of the CDBG program will be of low/moderate income.?Annual Goals and ObjectivesAP-20 Annual Goals and ObjectivesGoals Summary Information Sort OrderGoal NameStart YearEnd YearCategoryGeographic AreaNeeds AddressedFundingGoal Outcome Indicator1Housing Rehabilitation20202024Affordable Housing Owner Occupied HousingRental HousingCDBG: $500,000Rental units rehabilitated: 1 Household Housing UnitHomeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 29 Household Housing Unit2Public Services20202024Non-Homeless Special NeedsNon-Housing Community DevelopmentPublic Services Public ServicesNon-Homeless Special NeedsCDBG: $235,300Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 1000 Persons Assisted3Acquisition for Rehabilitation20202024Affordable Housing Owner Occupied HousingCDBG: $500,000Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 2 Household Housing Unit4First Time Homebuyers Assistance20202024Affordable Housing Owner Occupied HousingCDBG: $42,000Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers: 10 Households Assisted5Public Facilities/Infrastructure/Revitalization20202024Non-Housing Community Development CDBG: $488,000Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 1000 Persons AssistedTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 53 – Goals SummaryGoal Descriptions1Goal NameHousing RehabilitationGoal Description Provide funding to preserve existing housing stock.2Goal NamePublic ServicesGoal Description Provide funding for non-homeless special needs.3Goal NameAcquisition for RehabilitationGoal Description Provide funding to purchase and rehabilitate vacant houses for sale to eligible households.4Goal NameFirst Time Homebuyers AssistanceGoal Description Provide funding for homebuyers’ assistance in the City.5Goal NamePublic Facilities/Infrastructure/RevitalizationGoal Description Provide funding for public facilities and infrastructure to reduce blight.Projects AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)Introduction The City of Cranston recognizes the importance of the high priority placed on housing programs for its residents. Accordingly, 60% of the funds available for 2020-2021, excluding those for program administration, have been allocated to either housing projects or for public services for transitional housing. In addition, 37% of public service funding has been allocated to projects that benefit the elderly/disabled. The balance of the funds addresses projects that benefit low/mod programs for youths, educational programs, victims of domestic violence, the needy, and public facilities. When this plan is considered in its entirety, it is apparent that it is citywide in scope. As in the past, the primary beneficiaries of the CDBG program will be of low/moderate income.Projects#Project Name1Program Administration2Hope Alzheimer's Center3Senior Services - Adult Day Care4CCAP-Family Life Resources5CCAP-Family Health/Minority Outreach6Housing Rehabilitation7Heating Assistance8Neighborhood Food Bank9Sr. Services- Nursing Supportive Services10Day One11Scholarship Program12Chace Ctr.13After School Remedial Classes14Closing Cost Assistance15Down Payment Assistance16Sstarbirth17YMCA18Rental Assistance19Affordable Housing Acquisition20Street Improvements21Hope Center Improvements22Senior Center ADS ImprovementsTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 54 – Project InformationDescribe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needsThe biggest obstacle to addressing underserved needs is the limited availability of funds. Historically the City received about $1 million per year.?Given the needs for affordable housing; for services to address the health and wellness of the elderly and?the disabled, youths, and the increased minority population; and for public facilities and infrastructure, the City believes the best use of CDBG funds is toward these areas.AP-38 Project SummaryProject Summary Information1Project NameProgram AdministrationTarget Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed FundingCDBG: $219,736DescriptionTo provide funding for program administrative expenses, such as, but not limited to, salaries and payroll expenses, and office expenses.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesN/ALocation Description35 Sockanosset Cross Road Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesTo provide funding for program administrative expenses, such as, but not limited to, salaries and payroll expenses, and office expenses.2Project NameHope Alzheimer's CenterTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesNon-Homeless Special NeedsFundingCDBG: $36,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance to support an organization that serves as a day care for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities70 presumed benefit personsLocation Description25 Brayton Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesA day care for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia.3Project NameSenior Services - Adult Day CareTarget Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed FundingCDBG: $25,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance to support senior programs that meet the social, nutritional,and recreational needs of our seniors suffering from the initial stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, or from the effects of strokes.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities50 presumed benefit personsLocation Description1070 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesA day care for the elderly and/or disabled, or frail elderly.4Project NameCCAP-Family Life ResourcesTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesFundingCDBG: $16,000DescriptionTo provide funding for professional counseling to families in need of assistance to improve their social and economic situations.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities44 personsLocation Description1090 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesProfessional counseling to families in need of assistance to improve their social and economic situations.5Project NameCCAP-Family Health/Minority OutreachTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesFundingCDBG: $21,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance to a program that provides health care services to disadvantaged minority and low income people.Target Date3/30/2026Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities78 personsLocation Description1090 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesHealth care services to disadvantaged minority and low income people.6Project NameHousing RehabilitationTarget Area Goals SupportedHousing RehabilitationNeeds AddressedOwner Occupied HousingRental HousingFundingCDBG: $500,000DescriptionTo provide funding for the rehabilitation of residential units owned by low/moderate income people to preserve the housing stock, to ensure that the properties conform to minimum housing codes, thus revitalizing and stabilizing the neighborhood, and for related rehabilitation administration expenses.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities30 eligible households.Location DescriptionCitywidePlanned ActivitiesHousing rehab such as roofing, siding, gutters.7Project NameHeating AssistanceTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesFundingCDBG: $20,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance to eligible households to help them heat their homes during the winter season.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities50 eligible householdsLocation DescriptionCitywidePlanned ActivitiesFinancial assistance to eligible households to help them heat their homes during the winter season.8Project NameNeighborhood Food BankTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds Addressed FundingCDBG: $32,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance to a non-profit food bank serving hundreds of low/mod people, to address their basic nutritional needs and to help to improve their economic or social situations.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities600 eligible householdsLocation Description181 Princess Ave., Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesA non-profit emergency food bank serving hundreds of ?low/mod people.9Project NameSr. Services- Nursing Supportive ServicesTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedNon-Homeless Special NeedsFundingCDBG: $25,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance for a nursing program at a facility that serves as a senior center and an emergency shelter.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities300 LMCLocation Description1070 Cranston St., Cranston, RIPlanned ActivitiesA nursing program at a facility that serves as a senior center and an emergency shelter.10Project NameDay OneTarget Area Goals Supported Needs AddressedPublic ServicesFundingCDBG: $6,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance for a center for crisis intervention and counseling for abused and neglected children and for child victims of sexual assault.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities50 LMCLocation Description100 Medway St., Providence, RIPlanned ActivitiesCrisis intervention and counseling for?abused and neglected children and for child victims of sexual assault.11Project NameScholarship ProgramTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesFundingCDBG: $18,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance for students from low/moderate households for post-secondary education.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities18 LMCLocation Description35 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesFinancial assistance for students from low/mod households for post-secondary education.12Project NameChace Ctr.Target Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesFundingCDBG: $6,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance to an organization that provides counseling and safe houses to individuals and families suffering from the repercussions of domestic violence.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities60 LMCLocation DescriptionWarwick, RIPlanned ActivitiesCounseling and safe houses to individuals and families suffering from the repercussions of domestic violence.13Project NameAfter School Remedial ClassesTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesFundingCDBG: $9,000DescriptionTo provide financial assistance to Cranston Public Schools for after school remedial classes for those students most at-risk of failing the school year.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities30 LMCLocation Description845 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910Planned ActivitiesAfter school remedial classes for those students most at-risk of failing the school year.14Project NameClosing Cost AssistanceTarget Area Goals SupportedFirst Time Homebuyers AssistanceNeeds AddressedOwner Occupied HousingFundingCDBG: $12,000DescriptionTo provide closing cost assistance to income eligible first time homebuyers in Cranston.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities4 LMHLocation Description35 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesClosing cost assistance to income eligible first time homebuyers in Cranston.15Project NameDown Payment AssistanceTarget Area Goals SupportedFirst Time Homebuyers AssistanceNeeds AddressedOwner Occupied HousingFundingCDBG: $30,000DescriptionTo provide down payment assistance to income eligible first time homebuyers in Cranston.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities6 LMHLocation Description35 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesDown payment assistance to income eligible first time homebuyers in Cranston.16Project NameSstarbirthTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesNon-Homeless Special NeedsFundingCDBG: $3,300DescriptionTo provide financial assistance to a public service organization that offers transitional housing and supportive services to pregnant women and women with children, with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities20 LMCLocation Description80 East St., Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesTransitional housing and supportive services to pregnant women and women with children, with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.17Project NameYMCATarget Area Goals SupportedPublic ServicesNeeds AddressedPublic ServicesFundingCDBG: $8,000DescriptionTo provide funding to subsidize wages and benefits of counselors in an after school program.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities20 LMCLocation Description1225 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910Planned ActivitiesTo provide funding to subsidize wages and benefits of counselors in an after school program.18Project NameRental AssistanceTarget Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed FundingCDBG: $10,000DescriptionTo provide temporary, less than three months, rental assistance to those eligible households at risk of becoming homeless.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities10 LMCLocation Description35 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesTo provide temporary, less than three months,? rental assistance to those eligible households at risk of becoming homeless.19Project NameAffordable Housing AcquisitionTarget Area Goals SupportedAcquisition for RehabilitationNeeds AddressedOwner Occupied HousingFundingCDBG: $500,000DescriptionTo provide funding for the purchase of a two vacant foreclosed houses that will be rehabilitated and subsequently sold to an income eligible household.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities2 LMHLocation Description35 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesTo provide funding for the purchase of a vacant foreclosed house that will be rehabilitated and subsequently sold to an income eligible household.20Project NameStreet ImprovementsTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic Facilities/Infrastructure/RevitalizationNeeds AddressedNeighborhood Revitalization/InfrastructureFundingCDBG: $338,000DescriptionTo provide funding for street improvements such as, but not limited to, repaving and installation of curbing as needed in eligible low/moderate income areas.Target Date6/30/0021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesCensus dataLocation DescriptionCranston, RIPlanned ActivitiesStreet improvements such as, but not limited to, repaving and installation of curbing as needed in eligible low/moderate income areas.21Project NameHope Center ImprovementsTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic Facilities/Infrastructure/RevitalizationNeeds AddressedPublic FacilitiesNon-Homeless Special NeedsFundingCDBG: $75,000DescriptionTo provide funding for capital improvements at a facility that serves as a day care for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and dementia.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities60 LMCLocation Description25 Brayton Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesCapital improvements at a facility that serves as a day care for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and dementia.22Project NameSenior Center ADS ImprovementsTarget Area Goals SupportedPublic Facilities/Infrastructure/RevitalizationNeeds AddressedPublic FacilitiesNon-Homeless Special NeedsFundingCDBG: $75,000DescriptionTo provide funding for capital improvements for a facility that serves as a daycare for the frail elderly or elderly disabled.Target Date6/30/2021Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities50 LMCLocation Description1070 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920Planned ActivitiesCapital improvements for a facility that serves as a daycare for the frail elderly or elderly disabled.AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed There will be no geographic focus for the investment of CDBG funds in Cranston. Assistance will be available city-wide to income eligible beneficiaries and for projects in?eligible low/moderate income areas as determined by HUD.Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically As previously stated, CDBG funds will not be directed to a specific geographic area, but will be available city-wide to income eligible beneficiaries and in eligible low/moderate income areas as determined by HUD.DiscussionThe program is best served by having the funds made available city-wide, rather than targeting a specific geographic area.The City remains committed to supporting many of the City’s public service organizations that provide services to people of low-to-moderate income and/or with special needs throughout the City.? Some examples are the Blessed Mother Mary Food Pantry, a non-profit organization that serves hundreds of individuals living in the western section of Cranston, to address their basic nutritional needs; and the Cranston Senior Center Adult Day Care Service and the Hope Alzheimer’s Center, which provide supportive programs to Cranston’s elderly and disabled and those suffering from early to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, thus keeping these individuals in the community as opposed to living in a long term care facility.The City is also committed to improve and enhance the quality of life for households by supporting such programs as the? Emergency Fuel Assistance Program which assists households that might not qualify for LIHEAP funding, but which are in urgent need of heating oil; and the Scholarship Program, which is available to students of qualified households citywide.In addition, the Department of Community Development continues its goal to revitalize neighborhoods by allocating $500,000 to a Residential Rehabilitation Program. The department also offers low interest loans to make necessary structural renovations and correct code violations to their homes.? Down payment and closing cost programs are also available, to eligible beneficiaries.AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)IntroductionPrograms for homelessness in Cranston, and for all of the state, are maintained by the State of Rhode Island's Continuum of Care.In addition to the 30?households estimated to be supported by the City's housing rehab program, 10 households are expected to be supported by the City's first time homebuyers’ assistance program. Two houses are?projected to be acquired for rehabilitation and subsequent sale to an income eligible household.One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be SupportedHomeless0Non-Homeless42Special-Needs0Total42Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 55 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support RequirementOne Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported ThroughRental Assistance10The Production of New Units0Rehab of Existing Units30Acquisition of Existing Units2Total42Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 56 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support TypeDiscussionIn order to foster and maintain affordable housing, and to preserve the existing housing stock,? the City will continue to offer a low-interest-loan housing rehabilitation program to low to moderate income homeowners in Cranston. This program is designed to help income eligible homeowners keep and maintain their homes.To encourage income eligible first-time homebuyers to purchase a home in Cranston, the Department of Community Development will again offer its Closing Cost Assistance and Down Payment Assistance programs. A maximum of $3,000 will be provided for eligible closing costs; and the Department will match the homebuyer’s personal down payment up to a maximum of $5,000In conjunction with CCAP, the City in prior years acquired fourteen abandoned houses for rehabilitation and subsequent sale to a low/moderate income household.? For fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 the Department of Community Development has allocated $500,000 for the purchase of two houses for rehabilitation and sale to an eligible homebuyer.?The City does not receive HOME funds, nor can CDBG funds be used for new construction. Other than the completed United Cerebral Palsy 8-unit complex and the acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant houses for subsequent sale, affordable housing units are being planned by for-profit and not-for-profit developers in the renovation/conversion of a former mill complex.? Additional affordable units are also proposed for a transit-oriented development in the Wellington/Elmwood area. Both of these projects, however, are currently in the earliest stages of discussion. CCAP owns a 19-unit residence facility at 1303 Elmwood Avenue, for low/moderate income persons.AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)IntroductionIn the area of public housing the Mayor confers with and relies on the five (5) privately owned elderly/disabled housing complexes located throughout the city as well as on the Cranston Housing Authority (CHA), which oversees the administration of six (6) high rise “Manors”.? In the past, the City has addressed any need for maintenance and/or improvements to the existing CHA public housing stock with a comprehensive grant from HUD that is awarded directly to the CHA. The Cranston Housing Authority currently receives an annualized amount of? $2,322,177 in Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) funds but no Low Income Housing Tax Credits and no McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Funds.? Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housingThe Cranston Housing Authority continues to address annually the maintenance needs of its senior manors, and to upgrade the facilities.Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownershipThe Cranston Housing Authority has no vehicle, other than participation in public meetings, to encourage residents of public housing to become involved in the management of the Authority-owned property, nor is it involved in any activities for the homeless. It does, however, offer homeless people a place on the Section 8 housing list. The Authority does contract with a Resident Services Coordinator to coordinate supportive services for the elderly, frail, and disabled.?If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance The Cranston Housing Authority is not designated as “troubled”.DiscussionThe Cranston Housing Authority strives to meet the needs of its residents and to provide affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing.AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i)IntroductionCranston does not receive HOME, HOPWA, or ESG funds. The city, however, supports and consults with the Rhode Island Continuum of Care and ‘Opening Doors Rhode Island’, the state’s strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness and its programs for street outreach, emergency shelter and transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and prevention to assist the homeless and other special needs populations. The State of Rhode Island is a member of ‘Built for Zero’,?a rigorous national change effort working to help a core group of committed communities end veteran and chronic homelessness. Coordinated by Community Solutions, the national effort supports participants in developing real time data on homelessness, optimizing local housing resources, tracking progress against monthly goals, and accelerating the spread of proven strategies.Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness includingreaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needsThe City of Cranston has been addressing homelessness through a cooperative Continuum of Care effort developed by the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission’s Office of Homelessness.? The Office of Homelessness coordinates the statewide Continuum of Care planning process, working year-round to plan and to coordinate an effective response to homelessness.? The small area of the State enables Rhode Islanders, including the homeless, to move readily between cities and towns to accomplish activities of daily living. Services tend to be centralized and most agencies have statewide or regional service delivery areas.? Due to the unique geography and close relationship among service providers in Rhode Island, the Office of Homelessness and other community providers continue to promote a coordinated statewide Continuum of Care as the best system for addressing homelessness in the state.? The Continuum of Care strategy is an outgrowth of initiatives that has been underway through statewide planning and funding entities such as the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission, Rhode Island Housing, and the United Way since the early 1990’s.? The priorities and goals continue to be refined each year through the Office of Homelessness as well as through meetings of the shelter and housing provider’s network and the Rhode Island Coalition for Homeless.Cranston does not receive HOME, HOPWA, or ESG funds. The city will support the Rhode Island Continuum of Care and the state’s strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. As a member of ‘Built for Zero', the State’s goal is to end veteran and chronic homelessness.By funding its ‘Housing Rehabilitation’ program, the City strives to reduce homelessness by performing needed affordable rehabilitation so homeowners can stay in their homes. In that regard, the City’s goal is 20 units.Since the City does not receive HOME, HOPWA, or ESG funds, the City tries to meet its obligation to reduce homelessness by funding organizations that provide transitional housing for those suffering from substance abuse, and victims of domestic violence and their families, such as the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center and Sstarbirth.?The State’s priority and goal is to end veteran and chronic homelessness as part of ‘Built for Zero’, which Cranston supports. The City’s priority is to fund those organizations that provide transitional housing such as those mentioned above, with the goal of assisting 130 people.Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless personsThe City of Cranston is not a recipient of HOME, ESG, HOPWA or other similar funds. The City will, however, consider providing and does provide assistance to social services organizations that offer such supportive services to the underserved, such as CCAP which provides behavioral and health care services; the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, and Sstarbirth, which provides transitional housing and counseling services.The State of Rhode Island’s plan to end homelessness in ten years, renamed ‘Opening Doors Rhode Island’, addresses the needs of Rhode Island residents in five main areas: more affordable housing, sufficient income, service and treatment alongside housing, homelessness prevention strategies, and greater political will and community involvement.Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless againMuch direct work is done through the State’s CoC.The SSTARBIRTH program, with the support of CDBG funding this fiscal year, will provide housing and supportive services to approximately 20 families, all of whom will be Cranston residents while they are at SSTARBIRTH.? SSTARBIRTH is the only residential substance abuse treatment program in the State of Rhode Island specifically designed for pregnant and postpartum women and their children.? The program allows for 6 to 9 months of treatment in a home environment with a capacity for 14 women and 26 children.? By providing treatment in a safe and caring environment, SSTARBIRTH allows clients to strengthen their health, find recovery, and nurture their AP’s NOH (New Opportunity Homes) Program operates the Bradford House in Cranston, which is a pregnancy and parenting residential family home with 24/7 supervision and counseling.Rainbow House in Cranston has transitional housing available for veterans.The Cranston Housing Authority offers homeless people a place on the HCV (Section 8) housing list.Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needsAgain, much direct work is done through the State’s CoC. The City of Cranston, however, does attempt to make housing affordable via its housing rehab and homebuyers’ assistance programs.A Discharge Planning service is administered by the Northern RI Community Mental Health Center. This program assists minimum security male and female inmates make the transition back to home and community. The OpenDoors Resource Center also offers discharge planning. Their program works with participants up to six months prior to release from prison. OpenDoors is contracted through the Rhode Island Department of Corrections to provide discharge plans to inmates in the Men’s Minimum Security Facility at the DOC in both individual and group formats in order to reach as many as possible of the over 1200 discharges per year from that facility.The City does provide funding for health and behavioral services administered by CCAP, which also operates a GED center for youths and adults so they may obtain the education and skills for better employment.DiscussionHomelessness has been primarily addressed on the state level through the Continuum of Care developed by the State’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Affordable Housing.?? The State of Rhode Island believes that, due to the unique geography and close relationships among service providers within the state, community providers should continue to promote a coordinated statewide Continuum of Care as the best system for addressing homelessness in the state.??The Harrington Hall for the homeless is operated by the House of Hope and is located in Cranston.? In addition SSTARBIRTH operates a program for pregnant women and mothers with substance abuse problems.? All of these have excellent programs that both outreach and assess individual needs.? Homeless persons are tied into the State program that links homeless individuals with assistance.? Crossroads, RI conducts street outreach, provides supportive services,?and maintains a statewide hotline of information on shelter and human services.AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)Introduction: In general, public policies affecting the cost and production of affordable housing are governed by specific zoning by-laws.? Cranston does not have inclusionary zoning, in which a percentage of housing developed in the marketplace is set aside for affordable use and is usually placed within mixed income developments. Cranston does allow accessory apartments which are particularly effective in enabling low income elderly owners to generate income and continue living in the community, subject to strict limitations on the square footage of the main living area. Variances in the size of the area are subject to the approval by the zoning board.Western Cranston, where most available land is located, has zoning for larger lots due to the absence of sewers and/or public water service. Since larger lots are expensive, the associated development costs are higher and larger homes are usually built on large lots. The resultant high cost of the home effectively precludes the average first time homebuyer from purchasing the property to conform to affordability.Sewer impact fees and sewer user fees have remained constant over the last five years, after the sewer user fees increased 10% during the previous five year period to finance the wastewater treatment facility upgrades mandated by the State, which were completed in 2019.Areas in Cranston are zoned to allow multi-family housing, and there has been significant multi-family development through the years. Cranston is exempt from the Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income Housing Act due to its percentage of rental housing (35% per the 2016 American Community Survey) and/or its current affordable housing inventory.It must be stated, however, that the foremost primary barriers to affordable housing are of an economic nature. The generally accepted definition of affordability is for a household to pay no more than 30% of its annual income on housing, including utilities. The cost of housing is influenced by interest rates, land and construction costs, the real estate market, and regulatory costs. Recent studies over the past few years by the National Low Income Housing Coalition have indicated that the average hourly wage for the average renter in Rhode Island results in a cost burden in excess of the 30% definition of affordability. Moreover, similar recent studies by the Rhode Island Association of realtors have indicated that the average renter's hourly wage would result in moderate to severe cost burdens if these renters were to purchase a house. The unavoidable conclusion is that the average renter's hourly wage is insufficient to result in affordable housing, either by renting or by home ownership.Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investmentCranston has no growth limitations, no tax policies affecting land, no zoning ordinances (other than those specifying lot sizes for lots that do not have public water service and/or public sewers), and no policies affecting the return on residential investment that are barriers to affordable housing.Discussion: The requirement for large lots in western Cranston is not going to change, due to the absence of sewer connections and/or public water. Consequently, housing in this area will continue to be unaffordable to many households. Either wages must increase substantially enough, or rents or costs of homes must decrease equally as dramatically, in order for housing to become affordable. Neither is likely to happen. The reality is that the economics of the real estate market will continue to result in housing remaining unaffordable to a significant percentage of households.In an effort to ameliorate some economic barriers to affordable housing, Cranston, through its CDBG funding, will continue to offer a housing rehabilitation program and first-time homebuyers’ assistance to income eligible households.AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)Introduction: The City will take other actions to address obstacles to underserved needs, foster and maintain affordable housing, reduce lead based paint hazards, reduce the number of poverty-level families, develop institutional structure, and enhance coordination among agencies.Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needsThe greatest obstacle to meeting underserved needs is the limited availability of funds. Given the approximately one million dollars of CDBG funds available to Cranston annually, the City believes that the best way to conform to the objectives of promoting a suitable living environment, providing decent housing, and economic development, primarily for low to moderate income beneficiaries is via its housing rehabilitation and homebuyers’ assistance programs; its public services for health and wellness, neighborhood food bank, youth services, a day care for the elderly/disabled and those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, heating assistance, battered and abused spouses and children; and public facilities such as street improvements, tot parks, and rehabilitation of a day care facility for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and of a day care for the elderly/disabled.Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housingIn order to foster and maintain affordable housing, and to preserve the existing housing stock,? the City will continue to offer a low-interest-loan housing rehabilitation program to low to moderate income homeowners in Cranston. This program is designed to help income eligible homeowners keep and maintain their homes.To encourage income eligible first-time homebuyers to purchase a home in Cranston, the Department of Community Development will again offer its Closing Cost Assistance and Down Payment Assistance programs. A maximum of $3,000 will be provided for eligible closing costs; and the Department will match the homebuyer’s personal down payment up to a maximum of $5,000In conjunction with CCAP, the City in prior years acquired fifteen?abandoned houses for rehabilitation and subsequent sale to a low/moderate income household.? For fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, the Department of Community Development has allocated $500,000 for the purchase of two houses for rehabilitation and sale to eligible homebuyers.?The City does not receive HOME funds, nor can CDBG funds be used for new construction. Other than the completed United Cerebral Palsy 8-unit complex and the acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant houses for subsequent sale, affordable housing units are being planned by for-profit and not-for-profit developers in the renovation/conversion of a former mill complex.??CCAP owns a 19-unit residence facility at 1303 Elmwood Avenue and two 2-unit houses, which benefit low to moderate income people.At the time of the preparation of the Action Plan for 2020-2021, almost 100% of the funds projected to be available as of June 30, 2020 were allocated for fiscal year 2020-2021.?Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazardsThe City conforms to the Lead Safe Rule as part of the Housing Rehabilitation program and the Homebuyers’ Assistance program. For each project, a lead clearance certificate is required. Also, a lead safe certificate is required for any house purchased, rehabbed, and subsequently sold to an income eligible household.The State of Rhode Island requires testing for lead for children enrolling in elementary schools and subsequent actions and treatments.Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level familiesEducation and job training are instrumental in helping reduce the number of poverty-level families. NetworkRI, part of the Workforce Investment Act, serves the entire state, and has a facility staffed by Providence and Cranston employees in the Providence office. This agency offers services such as, but not limited to, workshops, training programs, and apprenticeships. Their programs deliver services to adults, displaced workers, and youths. CCAP’s Skills Center offers GED classes and work readiness training for youths and adults.?The City’s housing rehabilitation program offers low interest loans to eligible households, to maintain and preserve the housing stock. For those under 50% of the median income, the loans may be 0% deferred, thus enabling the rehab to be done at no cost to the owner-occupant.The City’s homebuyers’ assistance program subsidizes closing costs and down-payments, thus reducing the purchase costs of housing for low/moderate income households.Actions planned to develop institutional structure None needed. There are organizations - whether public, private, non-profit, or local government - which provide the services necessary to carry out our consolidated plan such as but not limited to CCAP, Hope Alzheimer's Center, Cranston Senior Services, Neighborhood Food Bank, and the programs offered by the Cranston Department of Community Development, to name a few.Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agenciesNone needed.Discussion: The many and various agencies, such as but not limited to those mentioned above, in addition to those subrecipients and projects proposed in this Action Plan and programs and services offered by the State, comprise the institutional structure to carry out our consolidated plan. ?Moreover, other organizations involved in the delivery of housing, homeless, non-homeless special needs, and community development activities include many of the agencies consulted during the Consolidated Planning process. ?Their fields of interest include but are not limited to social services, youth services, elderly services, disability services, HIV/AIDS services, abused children services, health services, homeless services, and domestic violence assistance. Each agency contributes valuable resources and expertise to benefit low and moderate income people.Program Specific RequirementsAP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)Introduction: Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1) Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out. 1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed02. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan.03. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements04. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan05. The amount of income from float-funded activities0Total Program Income:0Other CDBG Requirements 1. The amount of urgent need activities02. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan.100.00%Urgent needs activities are things that cannot be foreseen, so planning and budgeting is impossible. Should they occur, Cranston would follow HUD protocol for the utilization of these funds.This Annual Action Plan is for the program year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021.Appendix - Alternate/Local Data Sources 1Data Source NameUS Census Quick Facts 2014-2018List the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.United States CensusProvide a brief summary of the data set.Population Estimates, July 1, 2019 - Population, Housing, Education, Health, and Economy data for Cranston.What was the purpose for developing this data set?To provide statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5000 or more.How comprehensive is the coverage of this administrative data? Is data collection concentrated in one geographic area or among a certain population?Data for the city of Cranston, for the entire population.What time period (provide the year, and optionally month, or month and day) is covered by this data set?Population Estimates, July 1, 2019 for 2014-2018What is the status of the data set (complete, in progress, or planned)?Complete.2Data Source NameRI 2020 Point-In-Time CountList the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.Rhode Island Coalition for the HomelessProvide a brief summary of the data set.Total homeless count was 1104, of which 723 were individuals and 381 persons in families; 92 veterans; 226 chronic homeless; and 48 young adults.What was the purpose for developing this data set?Count the number of homeless annually only on one night in January.How comprehensive is the coverage of this administrative data? Is data collection concentrated in one geographic area or among a certain population?Only the State of Rhode Island homeless on the night of January 22, 2020.What time period (provide the year, and optionally month, or month and day) is covered by this data set?Only on the night of January 22, 2020.What is the status of the data set (complete, in progress, or planned)?Complete.3Data Source NameRI 2019 Continuum of Care Housing Inventory CountList the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.RI Continuum of CareProvide a brief summary of the data set.Data from RI 2019 Point-in-time count.What was the purpose for developing this data set?Annual one night statewide point-in-time count.How comprehensive is the coverage of this administrative data? Is data collection concentrated in one geographic area or among a certain population?Statewide.What time period (provide the year, and optionally month, or month and day) is covered by this data set?One night in January, 2019.What is the status of the data set (complete, in progress, or planned)?Complete.4Data Source NameCranston Housing Authority 2020 dataList the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.Cranston Housing AuthorityProvide a brief summary of the data set.Current data from CHA for its 5-year plan regarding units, households, housing needs, waiting list, and resident characteristics.What was the purpose for developing this data set?To prepare the CHA 5-year plan.How comprehensive is the coverage of this administrative data? Is data collection concentrated in one geographic area or among a certain population?Data pertains to all CHA manors and current residents.What time period (provide the year, and optionally month, or month and day) is covered by this data set?Data gathered in 2020 to prepare the CHA 5-year plan.What is the status of the data set (complete, in progress, or planned)?Complete.CITY OF CRANSTONAdditional ContentCONSOLIDATED PLANJuly 2020 – June 2025Needs Assessment TablesNA-15 Summary: Percentage of Disproportionate Housing ProblemsHousing Problems0-30% AMI30-50% AMI50-80% AMI80-100% AMI#%#%#%#%Jurisdiction as a Whole303579%282078%312062%114039%White226080%207073%260565%91039%Black/African American16489%9590%12077%5542%Asian22576%40100%5555%15569%American Indian, Alaska Native0------60100%00%0-----Pacific Islander0------0------0--------0-----Hispanic30067%52596%32049%2513%Source: 2011-2015 CHASNA20 Summary: Percentage of Disproportionate Severe Housing Problems Severe Housing Problems0-30% AMI30-50% AMI50-80% AMI80-100% AMI#%#%#%#%Jurisdiction as a Whole256066%143540%96019%2157%White188066%112039%80020%1858%Black/African American9955%5048%6542%3023%Asian21573%3578%2525%00%American Indian, Alaska Native0-----00%00%0-----Pacific Islander0-----0------0------0-----Hispanic28062%20538%6410%00%Source: 2011-2015 CHASNA25 Summary: Percentage of Disproportionate Housing Cost Burdens Housing Cost Burden<30%30-50%>50%#%#%#%Jurisdiction as a Whole1874062%625521%500017%White1583564%483520%388516%Black/African American46048%28530%21022%Asian64552%29023%27522%American Indian, Alaska Native1014%6086%0%0%Pacific Islander0------0------0-----Hispanic154555%72026%51518%Source: 2011- 2015 CHASTable NA30-A: Race and Ethnicity by Census TractCranston Census TractCommon Cranston Neighborhood NameWhite AloneBlack/African American aloneAmerican Indian or Alaskan Native aloneAsian aloneNative Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderHispanic or LatinoHUD Low/Mod Income Pct.Cranston Race & Ethnicity %73.7%4.8%0.3%5.3%0.0%12.8%134Pawtuxet 85.2%4.6%0.0%0.8%0.0%6.8%27.8%135Edgewood65.8%6.0%0.2%1.3%0.0%23.8%52.8%136Park View68.4%9.7%0.0%4.2%0.0%14.4%34.6%137.01Auburn East63.9%4.8%0.1%10.6%0.0%18.7%51.2%137.02Auburn West73.6%2.1%0.0%16.6%1.0%4.5%31.3%138Eden Park 81.3%6.9%0.0%4.3%0.0%5.8%34.3%139Garden City 79.3%1.4%0.0%9.0%0.0%9.6%36.8%140Forest Hills70.2%3.7%0.0%7.7%0.0%16.3%41.0%141 Arlington42.2%10.7%0.0%16.2%0.0%28.7%46.2%142Pettaconsett61.3%10.5%1.4%5.2%0.0%13.7%41.7%143Dean Estates82.4%2.9%0.0%3.4%0.0%1.6%32.8%144Garden Hills90.5%1.7%0.0%0.9%0.0%5.3%27.1%145.01Comstock91.8%4.0%0.0%2.1%0.0%2.0%13.3%145.02Meshanticut, East89.5%1.8%0.9%0.0%0.0%7.7%41.3%146Oaklawn85.9%1.5%0.3%6.3%0.0%3.8%15.9%147Knightsville50.9%6.2%1.3%2.2%0.0%37.5%53.6%148Thornton86.4%1.6%0.0%4.2%0.0%3.3%30.3%Source: City of Cranston, ACS 2011-2015 B03002, HUD Low/Moderate Income Summary Data 2015Table NA30-A: Race and Ethnicity by Census TractCranston Census TractCommon Cranston Neighborhood NameSome other race aloneTwo or more racesTwo or more races, including Some other raceTwo or more races, excluding Some other race, and three or more racesHUD Low/Mod Income Pct.Cranston Race & Ethnicity %0.6%2.4%0.2%2.1%134Pawtuxet 0.2%2.4%0.8%1.6%27.8%135Edgewood0.5%2.6%0.7%1.8%52.8%136Park View1.4%1.8%0.0%1.8%34.6%137.01Auburn East0.0%1.9%0.3%1.7%51.2%137.02Auburn West0.0%2.3%0.0%2.3%31.3%138Eden Park 0.0%1.7%0.0%1.7%34.3%139Garden City 0.050.7%0.0%0.7%36.9%140Forest Hills0.0%2.0%0.0%2.0%41.1%141Arlington1.6%0.6%0.0%0.6%46.2%142Pettaconsett1.0%7.0%1.1%5.9%41.7%143Dean Estates 3.2%6.4%0.0%6.4%32.8%144Garden Hills0.0%1.6%0.0%1.6%27.1%145.01Comstock0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%13.3%145.02Meshanticut East0.0%0.1%0.0%0.1%41.3%146Oaklawn0.8%1.4%0.0%1.4%15.9%147Knightsville0.2%1.7%0.6%1.1%53.6%148Thornton0.0%4.6%0.1%4.4%30.3%Source: City of Cranston, ACS 2011-2015 B03002, HUD Low/Moderate Income Summary Data 2015Table NA30-B: Race, Poverty, and Elderly by Census Tract. Cranston Total Population Poverty = 11.6%Cranston Census TractCommon Cranston Neighborhood NameTract Poverty %White AloneBlack/African American aloneAmerican Indian or Alaskan Native aloneAsian aloneNative Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderHUD Low/Mod Income Pct.Cranston Citywide Poverty %9.7%19.4%17.4%21.2%0.0%134Pawtuxet 14.0%12.2%53.4%--------45.2%-------27.8%135Edgewood22.0%20.2%10.0%0.0%46.9%------52.8%136Park View16.6%12.5%3.0%-------82.2%-------34.6%137.01Auburn East12.6%12.7%1.1%0.0%24.3%------51.2%137.02Auburn West9.1%10.5%36.8%------2.7%0.0%31.3%138Eden Park 7.0%7.9%0.3%------0.0%------34.3%139Garden City 8.0%7.5%0.0%------6.3%------36.8%140Forest Hills10.9%6.0%66.4%0.0%33.5%------41.0%141Arlington28.4%21.0%56.9%100.0%32.6%-------46.2%142Pettaconsett13.1%13.0%10.8%------13.8%-------41.7%143Dean Estates6.1%2.7%0.0%------10.8%------32.8%144Garden Hills3.1%3.2%3.4%------0.0%------27.1%145.01Comstock0.9%0.9%2.0%------0.0%------13.3%145.02Meshanticut, East9.4%9.8%1.2%0.0%------------41.3%146Oaklawn2.0%1.9%1.0%0.0%4.6%------15.9%147Knightsville19.5%21.3%0.0%0.0%47.4%------53.6%148Thornton13.3%11.1%0.0%------10.3%------30.3%Source: City of Cranston, ACS 2011-2015 S1701, HUD Low/Moderate Income Summary Data 2015Table NA30-B: Race, Poverty, and Elderly by Census Tract. Cranston Total Population Poverty = 11.6%Cranston Census TractCommon Cranston Neighborhood NameTract Poverty %Some other race aloneTwo or more racesHispanic or LatinoElderly-65 and overHUD Low/Mod Income Pct.Cranston CitywidePoverty %15.0%29.4%21.5%10.1%134Pawtuxet 14.0%0.0%14.4%5.5%5.9%27.8%135Edgewood22.0%39.7%17.9%41.8%17.4%52.8%136Park View16.6%66.7%0.0%20.0%11.0%34.6%137.01Auburn East12.6%0.0%0.0%15.4%6.3%51.2%137.02Auburn West9.1%0.0%0.0%0.0%4.5%31.3%138Eden Park 7.0%0.0%10.7%0.4%10.6%34.3%139Garden City 8.0%------100.0%8.1%10.9%36.9%140Forest Hills10.9%0.0%13.5%0.0%19.9%41.1%141Arlington28.4%22.1%60.0%32.6%32.2%46.2%142Pettaconsett13.1%0.0%16.7%28.6%6.0%41.7%143Dean Estates 6.1%0.0%54.1%0.0%6.6%32.8%144Garden Hills3.1%0.0%0.0%3.1%5.5%27.1%145.01Comstock0.9%0.0%------0.0%0.0%13.3%145.02Meshanticut East9.4%------0.0%27.8%5.0%41.3%146Oaklawn2.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%7.0%15.9%147Knightsville19.5%0.0%51.7%23.1%14.8%53.6%148Thornton13.3%100.0%42.3%74.6%3.5%30.3%Source: City of Cranston, ACS 2011-2015 S1701, HUD Low/Moderate Income Summary Data 2015Table NA45-A: Cranston Elderly ProfileHouseholds with one or more persons 60 and overPersons Age 65+Persons Age 75+Persons Age 85+12,02512,0315,9122,342Source 2011-2015 ACS Table NA45-B: Cranston Elderly by Income StrataCranston Income Cohorts0-30% HAMFI>30-50% HAMFI>50-80% HAMFI>80-100% HAMFI>100% HAMFITotals =< 80% HAMFI% =< 80% HAMFITotal City Households3,8453,6255,0002,93514,80512,11040%Household contains at least one person 62-74 years of age8508501,1254953,0352,82544%Household contains at least one person age 75 or older8651,0759403451,2102,88065%Household contains at least one person 62 and over1,7151,9252,0658404,2455,70553%Source: ACS 2011-2015, CHAS 2011-2015Table NA45-C: Cranston Elderly DisabledEstimated Numbers% of Total Disability Population% of Elderly Disabled% of All Elderly 65+Disabled Population 65 years and over4,17447%100%35%With a hearing difficulty1,72220%41%14%With a vision difficulty6517%16%5%With a cognitive difficulty97611%23%8%With an ambulatory difficulty2,79632%67%23%With a self-care difficulty1,23614%30%10%With an independent living difficulty1,69519%41%14%Source: ACS 2011-2015 S1810, CHAS 2011-2015Table NA45-D: Public Housing & Voucher Elderly Needs AnalysisTotal Public Housing Elderly & Disabled Residents559Total Elderly & Disabled Voucher Participants172Estimated # in Need of Supportive Housing8Estimated # in Need of Supportive Services37Estimated # Participating in Supportive Services in 2019133 Source: Cranston Housing Authority Table NA45-D: Public Housing & Voucher Elderly Needs AnalysisTotal Public Housing Elderly & Disabled Residents559Total Elderly & Disabled Voucher Participants172Estimated # in Need of Supportive Housing8Estimated # in Need of Supportive Services37Estimated # Participating in Supportive Services in 2019133 Source: Cranston Housing AuthorityTable NA45-E: Elderly Groups Served by the Housing AuthorityElderly Age Cohorts62-7475+ 85+Public Housing Residents20611154 HCV Participants54 16 4 Source: Cranston Housing Authority Table NA45–F: Mentally Ill being serviced by the BHDDHGroup Home Beds forMentally IllHousing Units in Subsidized and Public Housing for Mental Health ClientsRental Assistance(including CoC, State Project-?‐Based, Road Home110----Data Source: RI BHDDHTable NA45–G: Cranston Cognitively Disabled Population under 18 years287Population 18 to 64 years1,892Population 65 years and over976Source: US Census ACS 2011-2015 Table NA45-H: Developmentally Disabled By ResidencePopulation CohortTotal for the CityIn Residential Settings funded through BHDDHIn Residential Settings funded by OthersLiving withFamiliesLivingIndependentlyDevelopmentally Disabled371127018064 Source: RI BHDDHTable NA45-I: HIV/AIDS -Providence-Warwick-MA MSAAdult and Adolescent Males Living with Diagnosed HIV Infection by Age13-24 years25-34 years35-44 years45-54 years≥ 55 yearsTotal442222655417961,8682.4%11.9%14.2%29.0%42.6%100.0%??????Adult and Adolescent Females Living with Diagnosed HIV Infection by Age13-24 years25-34 years35-44 years45-54 years≥ 55 yearsTotal16541202483047422.2%7.3%16.2%33.4%41.0%100.0%??????All Adults and Adolescents Living with Diagnosed HIV Infection by Age13-24 years25-34 years35-44 years45-54 years≥ 55 yearsTotal602763857891,1002,6102.3%10.6%14.8%30.2%42.1%100.0%??????Adult and Adolescent Males Living with Diagnosed HIV Infection by Race/EthnicityAmerican Indian/ Alaskan NativeAsianBlack/ African AmericanHispanic/ LatinoWhiteTotal5243184461,0191,8120.3%1.3%17.5%24.6%56.2%100.0%??????Adult and Adolescent Females Living with Diagnosed HIV Infection by Race/EthnicityAmerican Indian/ Alaskan NativeAsianBlack/ African AmericanHispanic/ LatinoWhiteTotal452351982937350.5%0.7%32.0%26.9%39.9%100.0%??????All Adults and Adolescents Living with Diagnosed HIV Infection by Race/EthnicityAmerican Indian/ Alaskan NativeAsianBlack/ African AmericanHispanic/ LatinoWhiteTotal9295536441,3122,5470.4%1.1%21.7%25.3%51.5%100.0%Source for all data: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: HIV Surveillance Tables 2020Market Analysis Tables Table MA10-A: PHA and Other Subsidized Housing AffordabilitySubsidized Households in the CityNumber of Very Low Income (0%-30% AMI) HouseholdsNumber of Low Income (31%-50% AMI) HouseholdsNumber of Moderate Income (51%-80% AMI) HouseholdsTotals 0%-80% AMI HouseholdsNumber of Higher Income (80% + AMI) House-holdsTotal AllFederal Public Housing Residents418125275700570Federal Voucher Participants of above24358163172319Other Subsidized Housing Residents--------------------------------------------------966State Voucher Participants------------------------------------------------------------Source: Cranston Housing Authority, National Housing Preservation DatabaseTable MA10-B: Affordable Housing Properties with Expiring Affordable Housing SubsidiesPropertyAddressSubsidy End DateTotal UnitsSubsidy NameOwner TypeTarget GroupPct. 0%-30% AMIVLI unitsScituate Vista115 Scituate Vista Dr.7/31/2023230Section 8For ProfitElderly55%1262/1/2046232HUD InsuredMeshanticut Vista225 New London Ave.3/21/2021139Section 8For ProfitElderly50%702/1/2047140HUD InsuredRiverbend Apts.575 Dyer Ave.02/28/2023168Section 8For ProfitFamily66%11002/1/2051168HUD InsuredD’Evan Manor1214 Cranston St.02/28/2023127Section 8For ProfitElderly80%10106/1/2058127HUD InsuredSource: National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Housing Preservation Database. Total = 664 units. Very Low Income units = 407.Table MA10-C: Cranston Subsidized PropertiesPropertyAddressSubsidy End DateTotal UnitsSubsidy NameOwner TypeTarget GroupPct. 0%-30% AMIVLI unitsCranston Commons East1303 Elmwood Ave. 10/1/205219HUD InsuredNon-Profit----------------------Harris House28 Harris Ave.6/1/2043133HUD InsuredMultipleElderly85%1125/31/2031132Section 81/1/2037132LIHTCPresidential Place70 Lincoln Ave.10/31/204050Section 8Non-ProfitElderly86%43Wentworth Apartments91 Wentworth Ave.3/31/203215Section 8Non-ProfitDisabled93%13Scituate Vista115 Scituate Vista Dr.7/31/2023230Section 8For ProfitElderly55%1262/1/2046232HUD InsuredSource: National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Housing Preservation DatabaseTable MA10-C: Cranston Subsidized PropertiesPropertyAddressSubsidy End DateTotal UnitsSubsidy NameOwner TypeTarget GroupPct. 0%-30% AMIVLI unitsMeshanticut Vista225 New London Ave.3/21/2021139Section 8For ProfitElderly50%702/1/2047140HUD InsuredRiverbend Apts.575 Dyer Ave.02/28/2023168Section 8For ProfitFamily66%11002/1/2051168HUD InsuredD’Evan Manor1214 Cranston St.02/28/2023127Section 8For ProfitElderly80%10106/1/2058127HUD Insured315 Park Ave.315 Park Ave.03/1/205271HUD InsuredFor ProfitElderly75%5310/31/202571Section 81/1/204070LIHTCSource: National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Housing Preservation DatabaseTable MA15-ARenter - Affordable Units vs Need Households earningUnits affordable Cost Burden >30% Cost Burden >50%Cost Burden >30% (Need) ExcessCost Burden >50% (Need) Excess30% HAMFI990 1,860 1,530 (870)(540)50% HAMFI2,285 1,524 599 761 1,686 80% HAMFI6,620 1,330 135 5,290 6,485 100% HAMFI ******----------------Total9,895 4,714 2,264 5,181 7,631 Source: 2011-2015 CHAS**NoDataTable MA15-BOwner - Affordable Units vs Need Households earningUnits affordable Cost Burden >30% Cost Burden >50%Cost Burden >30% (Need) ExcessCost Burden >50% (Need) Excess30% HAMFI**1,154 1,000 ------------------50% HAMFI495 1,295 760 (800)(265)80% HAMFI3,825 1,700 705 2,125 3,120 100% HAMFI6,345 ****-----------------Total10,665 4,149 2,465 1,325 2,855 Source: 2011-2015 CHAS **No DataTable MA15-C: Housing Costs as % of Gross Income?<15%15-19.9%<20%20-24.9%25-29.9%30-34.9%35+%TotalOwnerN/AN/A4,7742,1841,8311,0214,18913,999Rental1,3631,2252,5888631,2988394,2129,800Total Units1,3631,2257,3623,0473,1291,8608,40123,799 Source: 2011-2015 ACS DP04 Table MA20-E Vacancy Data for the CityTotal housing units32,307Total Occupied30,208Total Vacant2,099 For rentN/A Rented, not occupiedN/A For sale onlyN/A Sold, not occupiedN/A For seasonal, recreational, or occasional useN/A For migrant workersN/A Other vacantN/A Source: 2011-2015 ACS 5 Year EstimatesTable MA30 – Agencies Providing ServicesAgencyServices ProvidedAIDS Care Ocean StateHousing, supportive servicesSstarbirthTransitional housingChace CenterCounseling, housingCranston Senior CenterAdult Day Care, NursingHope Alzheimer’s CenterDay CareBlessed Mother Mary Food PantryFood pantryRI Council on Alcoholism Counseling, referralsHarrington HallShelterComprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP)Healthcare, counseling, food pantryRI Dept. of Children, Youth, and FamiliesCounseling, supportive services, referralsRI Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and HospitalsSocial services, counseling, nutritionTable MA45-A Comparison of Current Workers/Jobs to Previous Con PlanCon Plan 15-20Con Plan 20-25Current ConPlan less previous ConPlanBusiness by SectorNumber of WorkersNumber of JobsNumber of WorkersNumber of JobsworkersJobsAgriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction2857424914-8Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations3,4823,1714,1093,432627261Construction9249141,2501,084326170Education and Health Care Services6,8844,3657,9734,3701,0895Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate2,0911,1232,5071,245416122Information9122,0639042,410-8347Manufacturing2,8923,8973,2903,413398-484Other Services1,4251,7891,4611,72336-66Professional, Scientific, Management Services2,2722,1583,1883,047916889Public Administration000000Retail Trade3,8474,7674,7645,192917425Transportation and Warehousing701662915623214-39Wholesale Trade1,1831,7091,6912,056508347Total26,64126,67532,09428,6445,4531,96920,421+20%+7%2,26076%21,86476%Source: 2009-2013 ACS, 2011-2015 ACSTable MA45-B Comparison of Current Workers vs JobsBusiness by SectorNumber of WorkersNumber of JobsWorkers less JobsAgriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction4249-7Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations4,1093,432677Construction1,2501,084166Education and Health Care Services7,9734,3703,603Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate2,5071,2451,262Information9042,410-1,506Manufacturing3,2903,413-123Other Services1,4611,723-262Professional, Scientific, Management Services3,1883,047141Public Administration000Retail Trade4,7645,192-428Transportation and Warehousing915623292Wholesale Trade1,6912,056-365Total32,09428,6443,450Source: 2011-2015 ACS Table MA50-A: Poverty and Minority Concentration by Census TractCranston Census TractCommon Neighborhood NamePercentageof Total CityMinorityPercentageof Total CityPovertyTractMinority PercentageTractPoverty PercentageHUD Low/ModIncome %134Pawtuxet 3.5%6.2%13.4%14.0%27.83%135Edgewood7.1%11.1%22.5%22.0%52.82%136Park View3.6%5.2%20.1%16.6%34.67%137.01Auburn East5.6%5.6%21.6%12.6%51.22%137.02Auburn West4.5%2.7%25.7%9.1%31.32%138Eden Park4.8%3.8%15.7%7.0%34.36%139Garden City 2.1%2.6%11.1%8.0%36.89%140Forest Hills8.6%7.4%21.9%10.9%41.08%141Arlington13.5%17.1%38.7%28.4%46.25%142Pettaconsett14.5%3.4%37.0%13.1%41.73%143Dean Estates5.3%3.4%16.6%6.1%32.83%144Garden Hills1.3%1.3%5.6%3.1%27.15%145.01Comstock2.1%0.5%6.5%0.9%13.37%145.02Meshanticut East1.5%4.8%5.2%9.4%41.32%146Oaklawn5.5%1.6%12.3%2.0%15.90%147Knightsville12.5%15.5%27.2%19.5%53.65%148Thornton 4.0%7.8%11.3%13.3%30.32%City Wide19.0%11.6%35.61%Data Source: City of Cranston, ACS 2011-2015, HUD Low/Moderate Income Summary Data effective July 1, 2015Minority concentration is defined as census tracts where the percentage of individuals of a particular racial or ethnic minority is at least 20 percentage points higher than the city average. Table MA50-B: Block Group Low/Moderate Income EligibilityCensus TractBlock GroupLMI%13500255.07%13500377.18%13500464.41%13701261.41%13702151.20%13800252.19%14000251.95%14100164.42%14100261.38%14502365.87%14700262.50%14700581.82%14700677.33%Source: HUD Low/Moderate income Summary Data July 27, 2015 ................
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