AP - Cherokee County, Georgia



Executive Summary AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)1.IntroductionA Consolidated Plan and an Annual Action Plan are submitted to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] as a prerequisite to receiving Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] Program Funds.? Cherokee County’s 2014-2018 Consolidated Plan is a comprehensive planning document that identifies Cherokee County’s overall needs for affordable housing, homeless needs and services, community and economic development, and public services.? The Consolidated Plan outlines the County’s strategies, priorities, and objectives for addressing identified needs.An Annual Action Plan is required for each of the five years of the Consolidated Plan.? This document is the third year of the 2014-2018 Consolidated Plan for the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016.? The 2016 Annual Action Plan identifies the specific projects that are proposed for the $1,077,823 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] allocation, that were identified as priorities in Cherokee County’s Consolidated Plan, and are modified as a result of input from various agencies and organizations in Cherokee County.2.Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan? This could be a restatement of items or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to another location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs assessment, the housing market analysis or the strategic plan.See Table BelowPublic FacilityProjectFundingNorth Georgia Angel HouseRenovations and Connecting to Sewer$45,243Habitat for Humanity-North Central GeorgiaEmergency Home Repair$100,000Boys & Girls ClubRenovations$300,000Living WatersDrainage Improvements$100,000Cherokee County-Senior CenterAddition of Portico$177,898TOTAL$723,141Non-profit OrganizationProjectFundingBethesda Community ClinicVolunteer Coordinator Staff Support$18,471Boys & Girls ClubTransportation Program$22,000Cherokee Family Violence CenterChildren's Program/Child Advocate$31,783Child Advocacy Center [Anna Crawford]Trilingual Staff Position$18,665Goshen Valley FoundationAcquisition of Van$12,500MUST Ministries, Inc.Case Management-Supportive Housing$13,936City of WoodstockAcquisition of Bus for Senior Center$44,318Total$161,673Cherokee CountyPlanning and Administration$193,009TOTAL$1,077,823Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC1 - PY 2016 Allocations3.Evaluation of past performance This is an evaluation of past performance that helped lead the grantee to choose its goals or projects.Prior to 2015, Cherokee County received HOME funds through the Georgia Urban County Consortium [GUCC].? The HOME funds were used by Cherokee County to address Affordable Housing for Low-to-Moderate Income [LMI] Persons and to Eliminate Substandard Housing for LMI Individuals and Families.? The GUCC, with Cobb County as the lead agency, was disbanded on December 31, 2014.? As a result, the CDBG goals were modified to address this change.Whereas? HOME funds were used for a senior home rehabilitation program, a Minor/Emergency Home Repair Program was developed to address Affordable Housing for LMI Persons and to Eliminate Substandard Housing for LMI Seniors and Families.? Cherokee County has partnered with Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia to administer the program.MUST Ministries, Inc. continues to work with the homeless and near homeless persons of Cherokee County.? In addressing the President’s initiative to end homelessness, the County provided funding in 2015 for the acquisition of four (4) transitional housing units for homeless vets and families.? In planning for?2016, a new service provided by?MUST that would assist with?Case Management in these new supportive housing units was identified as a proposed activity to fund. In an effort to meet the timelessness criteria, the County has evaluated all activities and the subrecipients by reviewing past performance and the ability to have shovel-ready projects.? Timeliness will continue to be a concern for the County as long as the amount of the allocation is not available until after the program year begins.??Typically, the subrecipients are not in a position to begin a project until the award is known.4.Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process Summary from citizen participation section of plan.Citizens are encouraged to participate in the planning process for the development of each year’s Action Plan.? The County advertises in the Cherokee Tribune and posts on its website the availability of funding and holds two workshops to address the requirements of the program during the application period.? Public Comments are solicited for a 30-day period prior to the approval by the Board of Commissioners for the submission of the plan to HUD.? At the Public Hearing for the Annual Action Plan and CAPER, as well as at each of the workshops, community needs are discussed.? Staff also meets with individuals as well as the community stakeholders throughout the year to assess the on-going needs for the County.5.Summary of public commentsThis could be a brief narrative summary or reference an attached document from the Citizen Participation section of the Con Plan.Public comments received were limited during the planning process for this action plan.? The organizations that attended the workshops provided information about their organizations and the needs within the community.6.Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting themNo comments or views were not accepted.7.SummaryThe County will use the $1,077,823 CDBG allocation to serve the LMI residents of Cherokee County.PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies – 91.200(b)1.Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated PlanDescribe the agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.Agency RoleNameDepartment/AgencyLead AgencyCHEROKEE COUNTY CDBG AdministratorCHEROKEE COUNTYFinanceHOPWA Administrator HOME Administrator HOPWA-C Administrator Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 1 – Responsible AgenciesNarrative (optional)Cherokee County has a designated staff to administer the CDBG program that reports to the Chief Financial Officer.Consolidated Plan Public Contact InformationMarianne Pieper, CDBG CoordinatorCherokee County1130 Bluffs ParkwayCanton, GA? 30114770-721-7806mpieper@?AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)1.IntroductionThroughout the course of each year, staff meets with non-profit organizations to determine the needs of the Community which has been instrumental in bringing organizations together.? Bethesda Community Clinic now has Memorandum of Understandings with Cherokee Family Violence and North Georgia Angel House to provide health care to the victims of abuse and abused and neglected children.? 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(l))Staff’s involvement with the Housing Collaborative has brought together veteran organizations, Habitat for Humanity and the areas Congressman to address the needs of homeless, near homeless, preserving housing stock and finding affordable housing. ?Sharing of available services and resources have provided insight into unmet needs.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 homelessness.Cherokee County is under the Balance of State Continuum of Care.? At the present time, MUST Ministries is the only local organization that competes for this funding.? Certificates of Consistency with the County’s Consolidated Plan have been signed for Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing and for Hotel/Motel shelter.Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMISNot applicable2.Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdiction’s consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entitiesTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated1Agency/Group/OrganizationCherokee Family Violence CenterAgency/Group/Organization TypeHousingServices - HousingServices-ChildrenServices-Victims of Domestic ViolenceServices-HealthService-Fair HousingServices - VictimsWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Housing Need AssessmentBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Staff meets with this non-profit multiple times during the year to address the needs of victims of domestic violence and their families. CFVC coordinates with other non-profits to include providers of health care and participates in the Housing Forum.2Agency/Group/OrganizationNORTH GEORGIA COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONAgency/Group/Organization TypeHousingServices - HousingService-Fair HousingWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Housing Need AssessmentBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Staff meets with Habitat throughout the course of the year to discuss housing needs. In addition, in 2015 the County partnered with Habitat to administer the Emergency Home Repair Program which provided insight into the issues involving housing stability. Habitat participates with the Housing Forum and the Housing Collaborative. Staff also volunteers with Habitat builds.3Agency/Group/OrganizationMUST MinistriesAgency/Group/Organization TypeHousingServices-Persons with DisabilitiesServices-homelessServices-EducationServices-EmploymentService-Fair HousingWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Housing Need AssessmentHomeless Needs - Chronically homelessHomeless Needs - Families with childrenHomelessness Needs - VeteransHomelessness StrategyBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?MUST Ministries is the primary non-profit that provides services to the homeless and near homeless within the community which includes housing, clothes closet, food pantry, education and employment assistance. MUST Ministries receives ESG funds through the Balance of State and also coordinates the PIT homeless counts in Cherokee County.4Agency/Group/OrganizationNorth Georgia Angel House, Inc.Agency/Group/Organization TypeHousingServices - HousingServices-ChildrenServices-HealthServices-EducationServices-EmploymentService-Fair HousingServices - VictimsHealth AgencyChild Welfare AgencyWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Housing Need AssessmentHomelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youthBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?North Georgia Angel House provides group home foster care for girls. These girls are referred through the Court system or through DFACS. NGAH, as a recipient of CDBG funds, provides on-going input regarding the needs for services to these residents, concerns with aging out of the system, and preparing these young adults for further education and/or employment.5Agency/Group/OrganizationHousing Authority of CantonAgency/Group/Organization TypeHousingPHAServices - HousingServices-Persons with DisabilitiesService-Fair HousingWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Housing Need AssessmentPublic Housing NeedsHomeless Needs - Families with childrenHomelessness Needs - VeteransBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?The Housing Authority of Canton is separate from Cherokee County. They provide the County with an update of the PHA and the services provided to residents and the need for additional housing for veterans and persons with disabilities. The CHA currently has a 2+ year waiting list for housing. Section 8 housing vouchers are handled through the State of Georgia.6Agency/Group/OrganizationBethesda Community Clinic, Inc.Agency/Group/Organization TypeServices-HealthHealth AgencyWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsAnti-poverty StrategyHealthBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Bethesda provides healthcare services to the uninsured or underinsured LMI residents of Cherokee County. The County has provided funding to expand these services in the past. In addition, Bethesda works with other non-profits to provide affordable healthcare to its residents.7Agency/Group/OrganizationGoshen Valley Boys RanchAgency/Group/Organization TypeHousingServices-ChildrenServices-HealthServices-EducationServices-EmploymentService-Fair HousingServices - VictimsHealth AgencyChild Welfare AgencyWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Housing Need AssessmentHomelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youthBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?Goshen Valley Boys Ranch provides group home foster care for boys. Candidates for services are referred through the court system or through Department of Children and Family Services. Funding for programs/services and facility improvements affords the County several opportunities to consult with the subrecipient at on-site monitorings and regular program reports regarding the needs for services for these residents, concerns with aging out of the system, and preparing the young adults for further education and/or employment. The need for increased access to transportation for the boys in foster care to attend school meetings and other appointments was one of the outcomes of the consultation process.8Agency/Group/OrganizationBoys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta-Malon D. Mimms BranchAgency/Group/Organization TypeServices-ChildrenServices-EducationWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsAnti-poverty StrategyBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?The Boys & Girls Club received funding for the acquisition of a bus and support of the costs of its transportation program in 2015. At the agency's on-site monitoring, the staff were consulted and asked to discuss what they perceived as needs in the county. Transportation services are one of the most underserved needs in the county.9Agency/Group/OrganizationCherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc.Agency/Group/Organization TypeServices-ChildrenServices - VictimsChild Welfare AgencyWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Non-Homeless Special NeedsBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?The County's CDBG Program office has funded multi-lingual staff positions which provide forensic interviews, individual counseling, and group support for victim children. Part of the process of on-site monitoring, agency staff was asked to give input on what they perceived as needs in the community. Statistics for the County and services the agency provides indicate a staggering trend of unfortunate increase in child abuse cases and a need for the services the agency provides. The agency's standards and model are being emulated in other jurisdictions and counties.10Agency/Group/OrganizationCity of Woodstock, GAAgency/Group/Organization TypeOther government - LocalWhat section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?Transportation ServicesBriefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?The County holds two public meetings during the program funds application process. Needs assessment questionnaires are distributed to attendees to garner input from the community to determine perception of needs. The City indicated as one of the needs that the seniors in Woodstock were underserved in the area of transportation services.Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consultingOther 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 CareState of Georgian - DCAThe Continuum of Care provides insight into the homeless needs in the community. The County is able to coordinate or fund activities that support/enhance these efforts.Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning effortsNarrative (optional)AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)1.Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participationSummarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-settingCherokee County, through?the process of preparing the Annual Action Plan, offers several opportunities for citizens and other interested parties to participate?and provide input through many avenues.? The CDBG?Office advertises in the County's legal organ, The Cherokee Tribune,?to solicit input from citizens and the community for activities seeking funding?for program activities.? During the application?phase,?non-profit agencies, participating cities, and the community are invited to public meetings to provide input.? The CAPER public hearing also proivdes citizens with an opportunity to provide input for upcoming planning periods.? Needs-assessment questionnaires are passed?out?as part of each?meeting.??The?County's website has a news-feed that announces important dates and deadlines for?the program and asks for input during the planning of program activities.? Our office also uses social media to disseminate program information with posts to the?County's Facebook page.?Citizen Participation OutreachSort?OrderMode?of?OutreachTarget?of?OutreachSummary?of?response/attendanceSummary?of?comments?receivedSummary?of?comments not accepted and?reasonsURL?(If applicable)1Newspaper AdNon-targeted/broad communityThe Annual Action Plan affords an opportunity to the public, non-profit agencies, participating cities, and housing providers to participate in planning of the program and to offer input on funding applications received. No response was received as a result of the placement of the advertisement.No comments were received.No comments were received. 2Public MeetingNon-targeted/broad communityThe County conducts two public meetings during the application-for-program-funds phase to solicit input from the public and interested parties. Non-profit agencies and participating cities are encouraged to attend one of the meetings that, generally, are well-attended. Community Needs Assessment questionnaires are handed out to garner information about needs in the county.These meetings, structured as workshops for program fund applications, allow non-profit agencies, participating cities, and other interested parties to provide input on individual needs and activities for which they are interested in being supported. 3Internet OutreachNon-targeted/broad communityThe CDBG Program Office maintains a list of all individuals and organizations who have expressed an interest in CDBG funding and/or have applied for CDBG funding. An email blast is sent out to announce the deadlines for the application phase and the dates for the public meetings/workshops. In addition, a news-feed is posted to the County's website to provide program information to news-feed subscribers.The summary for comments is included in the summary for public meetings. 4Social MediaNon-targeted/broad communityThe CDBG Program Office also utilizes social media to pass along program information to followers on Facebook. CherokeeCountyGa/Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 4 – Citizen Participation OutreachExpected Resources AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c) (1, 2)IntroductionThis plan has been developed using the 2016 allocation of $1,077,823.? The activities presented in this plan do not generate program income and therefore the plan will not be funding any activity using program income.?Priority TableProgramSource of FundsUses of FundsExpected Amount Available Year 1Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan $Narrative DescriptionAnnual Allocation: $Program Income: $Prior Year Resources: $Total:$CDBGpublic - federalAcquisitionAdmin and PlanningEconomic DevelopmentHousingPublic ImprovementsPublic Services1,077,823001,077,8232,000,000This represents a conservative estimate of $1,000,000 for each of the next two years.Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 5 - 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 satisfiedCDBG funds do not require a match, but the County?requires subrecipients to provide a portion of the activity cost from non-federal sources such as private donations and fundraising activities.? Funding for capital projects such as infrastructure projects is often leveraged with state and local funds.If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the planThe Senior Center is publically owner and the addition of the portico will address the need of providing services to the senior populations within the County.DiscussionDuring 2016, the County will continue to complete activities funded from prior year awards.Annual Goals and ObjectivesAP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives - 91.420, 91.220(c)(3)&(e)Goals Summary Information Sort OrderGoal NameStart YearEnd YearCategoryGeographic AreaNeeds AddressedFundingGoal Outcome Indicator1Increase Capacity of Public Facilities20162017Non-Housing Community DevelopmentCountywide LMI persons/householdsNon-housing Community Development-Public FacilityCDBG: $623,141Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 511 Persons Assisted2Increase Capacity of Public Services20162017Non-Housing Community DevelopmentCountywide LMI persons/householdsIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesCDBG: $161,673Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 2271 Persons Assisted3Eliminate Substandard Housing20162017Affordable HousingCountywide LMI persons/householdsAffordable HousingCDBG: $100,000Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities for Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 18 Households AssistedTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 6 – Goals SummaryGoal Descriptions1Goal NameIncrease Capacity of Public FacilitiesGoal Description 2Goal NameIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesGoal Description 3Goal NameEliminate Substandard HousingGoal Description Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 7 – Goal DescriptionsEstimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.215(b):Cherokee County does not receive HOME funds.AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)Introduction The 2016 Annual Action Plan identifies the specific projects that are proposed to address the prioroty needs identified in Cherokee County's Consolidated Pland and have been modified as a result of input from various agencies and organizations in Cherokee County.? The $1,077,823 allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develeopment will be directed toward these activities.#Project Name1North Georgia Angel House2Habitat for Humanity - North Central Georgia3Mimm's Boys & Girls Club-Renovations4Living Waters for Girls5Cherokee County Senior Services6Bethesda Community Clinic7Transportation Program-Mimm's Boys & Girls Club8Cherokee Family Violence Center9Anna Crawford Children's Center10Goshen Valley Foundation11MUST Ministries, Inc.12The City of Woodstock13Mimm's Boys & Girls Club-Transportation14Planning & AdministrationTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 8 – Project InformationDescribe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needsThe Georgia Urban County Consortium disbanded in 2014.? With Cobb County as the lead agency, the County received HOME funds to address affordable and sustainable housing needs.? A pilot program for emergency/minor home repairs, funded with CDBG monies,?began in 2015 through?a partnership with Habitat for Humanity- North Central Georgia, and,?its success supported continuation of the program in 2016. Improvement in transportation services has been identified in the Consolidated Planning process as being a high priority need.? CATS, the County’s transportation service, provides a limited fixed-route passenger bus and a countywide on-demand bus service during limited hours of operation.? The limited service does not always serve the needs of low-to-moderate income persons or the public at large who need transportation outside the service hours or outside the fixed route service area.? Through its CDBG annual funding, Cherokee County has expanded the services that are offered by non-profit public services providers.? For 2016, Goshen Valley Foundation has been allocated funding toward the purchase of a van to serve boys in foster care at their group home facility.? The Boys and Girls Club has been allocated funding to support their transportation program transports countywide youth to afterschool programs at their facility.? The City of Woodstock has been allocated funding to purchase a bus to transport senior citizens.? The balance of funding designated for the Public Service activities will go to the non-profit agencies that serve victim children of domestic violence, children who are victims of abuse and neglect, uninsured or underinsured persons in need of low-cost healthcare services, and homeless or near-homeless persons in need of supportive housing services.In 2015, North Georgia Angel House erected a fence around its property to address safety concerns for the girls residing in long-term foster care.? Safety concerns identified additional needed repairs;?however, the fence and gate were far more expensive than originally planned.? In 2016, additional funds have been allocated to address safety.? In the event that additional CDBG funds are available, the County will provide up to $100,000 to replace the septic system with a tap into sewage at an adjacent neighborhood.The Mimm’s Boys and Girls Club will be able make renovations and updates to its aging facility.? The Club is located near the Cherokee Senior Center and makes its facilities available for seniors' activities while not in use by the youth. Living Waters operates a facility for victims of sex trade and their families.? The County, along with local civic groups, have provided volunteer hours for painting, interior and exterior cleanup, and landscaping.? Through CDBG, the facility will be able to address drainage concerns that have been identified. The Senior Center was renovated and expanded in 2010 with CDBG funds.? During this renovation, a portico was added to the front of the building to shelter the seniors from inclement weather.? Volunteers providing Meals on Wheels services and case workers use the rear entrance for loading vehicles for delivery.? A portico is planned for volunteers and personnel to drive under to be protected from the elements.Projects AP-38 Projects SummaryProject Summary InformationTable SEQ Table \* ARABIC 9 – Project Summary1Project NameNorth Georgia Angel HouseTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public FacilitiesNeeds AddressedNon-housing Community Development-Public FacilityFundingCDBG: $45,243DescriptionInterior renovations to office area for more secure reception area of a group home for girlsTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities63 girls in foster care are expected to benefit from the renovations.Location Description Planned Activities 2Project NameHabitat for Humanity - North Central GeorgiaTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedEliminate Substandard HousingNeeds AddressedAffordable HousingFundingCDBG: $100,000DescriptionMinor/emergency home repairs to qualified persons limited to a maximum of $5,000Target Date6/30/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesEighteen families or households are expected to benefit from the Emergency Home Repair program.Location DescriptionScattered sitesPlanned Activities 3Project NameMimm's Boys & Girls Club-RenovationsTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public FacilitiesNeeds AddressedNon-housing Community Development-Public FacilityFundingCDBG: $300,000DescriptionImprovements made throughout the facility for new flooring and paint, expansion of kitchen facilities, improvements to toilets, gymnasium, learning center, game room, teen room, tech lab, and entrance and storage areasTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesIt's estimated that 340 youth will benefit from the renovations to the facilityLocation Description1082 Univeter Road, Canton, GAPlanned Activities 4Project NameLiving Waters for GirlsTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public FacilitiesNeeds AddressedNon-housing Community Development-Public FacilityFundingCDBG: $100,000DescriptionDrainage Improvements made to public facility that provides services to girls (and boys) rescued from the sex industryTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesFifty-three youth are expected to benefit from the renovations to the facilities.Location Description Planned Activities 5Project NameCherokee County Senior ServicesTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public FacilitiesNeeds AddressedNon-housing Community Development-Public FacilityFundingCDBG: $177,898DescriptionBuilding improvements to the Cherokee County Senior Services Facility exterior will be made for rain/weather protection for Meals-on-Wheels Program volunteers loading/unloading vehicles with the addition of a porticoTarget Date6/30/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesIt is expected that 55 seniors will benefit from the addition of the portico to the Senior Center.Location Description1001 Univeter Road, Canton, GAPlanned Activities 6Project NameBethesda Community ClinicTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesNeeds AddressedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesFundingCDBG: $18,471DescriptionStaff support for a volunteer coordinator to increase professional medical services volunteersTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesThe staff support of the Volunteer Coordinator is estimated to serve approximately 1,200 clients.Location Description107 Mountain Brook Drive, Suite 100, Canton, GAPlanned Activities 7Project NameTransportation Program-Mimm's Boys & Girls ClubTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesNeeds AddressedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesFunding: DescriptionTransportation CostsTarget Date12/31/2016Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities 8Project NameCherokee Family Violence CenterTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesNeeds AddressedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesFundingCDBG: $31,783DescriptionStaff support for Children's Program/Child Advocate designed to assist children exposed to domestic violence through individual support, counseling, and group supportTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesThe number of persons expected to benefit from the program is 55 persons.? Clients are?victim children of domestic violence.Location Description Planned Activities 9Project NameAnna Crawford Children's CenterTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesNeeds AddressedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesFundingCDBG: $18,665DescriptionMulti-lingual staff support providing assistance in forensic interviews, assessment, and therapeutic services for abused childrenTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesTwo hundred thirty persons are estimated to benefit from the staff support of child services.Location Description Planned Activities 10Project NameGoshen Valley FoundationTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesNeeds AddressedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesFundingCDBG: $12,500DescriptionAcquisition of van for transportation of boys in foster care living in a group home facilityTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesTen boys in foster care are expected to benefit from the acquisition of a van.Location Description Planned Activities 11Project NameMUST Ministries, Inc.Target AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesNeeds AddressedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesFundingCDBG: $13,936DescriptionCase management staff support for Supportive Housing programTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesThe number of persons served through this program is expected to be 66 homeless?and near homeless persons.Location Description Planned Activities 12Project NameThe City of WoodstockTarget AreaThe City of WoodstockGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesNeeds AddressedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesFundingCDBG: $44,318DescriptionAcquisition of Senior Center bus to serve the seniors of WoodstockTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesThree hundred sixty seniors are expected to benefit from the acquisition of a bus.Location Description232 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, GAPlanned Activities 13Project NameMimm's Boys & Girls Club-TransportationTarget AreaCountywide LMI persons/householdsGoals SupportedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesNeeds AddressedIncrease Capacity of Public ServicesFundingCDBG: $22,000DescriptionTransportation costsTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activitiesThe transportation program is expected to benefit 350 youth.Location Description1082 Univeter Road, Canton, GAPlanned Activities 14Project NamePlanning & AdministrationTarget Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed FundingCDBG: $193,009DescriptionPlanning and administration costs for the program yearTarget Date3/31/2017Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities 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 The Cities of Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Nelson, Waleska and Woodstock participate with Cherokee County.? Rather than a pro-rated share each year, the Cities are allocated funding through an application process.? During 2016, the Woodstock Senior Center receives funding to acquire a new bus.? However, the Center serves people throughout the County.? This year's receipients of CDBG funds go to organizations that serve the County at large and target LMI persons/families or presumed benefit categories.Geographic DistributionTarget AreaPercentage of FundsCountywide LMI persons/households96The City of Ball Ground The City of Woodstock4Palm Street Repair Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 10 - Geographic Distribution Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically As stated above, each of the participating cities?applies for CDBG funding for specific activities.? During the 2016 application period, the City of Woodstock requested?funding for a new bus for?its Senior Center which meets the need?of providing transportation.? The City of Ball Ground requested funding for?sidewalks on Old Canton Road.??The?activity was not recommended for funding until prior year awards are completed.?DiscussionAffordable Housing AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)IntroductionIn the Consolidated Planning process for the years 2014-2018, the County did not identify any housing activities with its CDBG allocation as HOME funds were received through the Georgia Urban County Consortium with Cobb County, the lead agency.? In 2014, Cobb County?disbanded the GUCC, and our office subsequently began to include housing goals in the annual action plans.? A pilot program for emergency home repairs was developed in 2015 and its success has spawned a continuation of the program, which entails a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.? Habitat administers the program, and the County reimburses?them after projects are completed.? In 2016, our plan is to increase funding to assist more households with home repairs.? In addition, in 2015 funding was used to?assist MUST Ministries Inc., in the acquisition and rehab of transitional rental units to help house veterans, LMI families, and the homeless and near homeless.? For 2016, MUST will receive an allocation to support?case management of low-to-moderate persons entering their transitional housing program.One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be SupportedHomeless20Non-Homeless0Special-Needs0Total20Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 11 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support RequirementOne Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported ThroughRental Assistance0The Production of New Units0Rehab of Existing Units18Acquisition of Existing Units0Total18Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 12 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support TypeDiscussionThe emergency home repair program is designed to assist seniors, veterans, and LMI families with repairs costing up to $5,000.? Qualified applicants must meet income requirements, which limit household income to 60% of area mean income.AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)IntroductionActions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housingCherokee County public housing is provided through the Housing Authority of the City of Canton, an independent agency.? The?Housing Authority provides housing units, 145 in total, on three campuses, but it does not handle Section?8 vouchers.? Those are managed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).DCA will reciebe preliminary applications during the first week of February for its Voucher Choice (Section 8) program.Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownershipStaff and residents of public housing meet periodically during the year to discuss needs and to give feedback on planned improvements to property. Annually, the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate connects with the residents by hosting a housing application meeting at the Housing Authority.? All residents are encouraged to participate in this informative meeting.If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance The Canton Housing Authority is not designated as troubled.DiscussionAP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i)IntroductionThe County has limited resources and does not qualify as an entitlement for Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funding.? MUST Ministries is the non-profit that brings the most resources to the homeless and near homeless populations.? MUST applies for Balance of State funding to address temporary shelter and they take the lead role to coordinate the Point in Time Counts and participate with the State on the Continuum of Care.? 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 needsIn 2015 an allocation was awarded to MUST Ministries to acquire four units to be used as transitional housing for homeless vets and families.? This plan will provide a portion of the public service funds to assist MUST with the increased case management staff cost. MUST Ministries through its many programs provides food, clothing, education and job training. ??Clients served by MUST work with case workers who assess the needs and offer a plan to become more self-sufficient. Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless personsThere is not a permanent shelter in Cherokee County for the homeless population, however, MUST Ministries will often provide transportation to the MUST shelter in Cobb County.? With the addition of the four transitional units in 2015, MUST now operates sixteen transitional units.? Action Church began operating a warming shelter in the winter of 2014.? This shelter operates when temperatures drop below freezing.? The warming shelter prepares a meal and is staffed by volunteers who spend time talking with the persons seeking shelter.Cherokee Family Violence Center provides?emergency housing for victims of domestic violence and their families.? Once the emergency is over, CFVC has transitional housing for these families while they put their lives back together to include access to job training, transportation, and family rebuilding.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 againMUST provides services to the homeless and near homeless individuals within Cherokee County.? They receive Rapid Rehousing support from the Balance of the State to provide limited rental housing units. 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 needs.There is not currently a discharge plan for the County.? Individual non-profits such as North Georgia Angel House and Goshen Valley Boys Ranch have programs in place to work with the foster youth as they age out of foster care.? These programs provide support through housing, job training, education and counseling as they move forward in life.Bethesda Community Clinic is able to provide health care to persons leaving hospitals.DiscussionCherokee County does not receive HOPWA funds directly but are part of the City of Atlanta award.? One year goals for the number of households to be provided housing through the use of HOPWA for:Short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to prevent homelessness of the individual or familyTenant-based rental assistanceUnits provided in housing facilities (transitional or permanent) that are being developed, leased, or operatedUnits provided in transitional short-term housing facilities developed, leased, or operated with HOPWA fundsTotalAP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)IntroductionThe cost of living as it relates to housing and utilities is not affordable to many owner and renter households, namely those households that earn less than 50% of the area median income. The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing for Cherokee County indicated several barriers to fair housing.? They included zoning laws, building codes, and fees.? The AI also noted responses that indicated much of the affordable housing located in the County was situated in neighborhoods with high concentrations of minority residents.? These areas generally lack much-needed facilities and services such as sidewalks, transportation, medical services, curb cuts for accessibility, and access to better schools.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 investmentIn 2016, the County will fund a public service provided by MUST Ministries which is case management in their supportive housing program that assists the homeless and near-homeless people of Cherokee County.DiscussionAP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)IntroductionActions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needsWork with non-profit organizations to improve the transportation services in the county.The County will continue to participate in the Housing Collaborative group to further the goal of meeting the housing needs of the homeless and near-homeless persons in the county.Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housingContinue the Emergency/Minor Home Repair Program for the rehabilitation of homes of homeowners within the 60% of Area Median Income in the county.Support developers seeking low-income tax credits [LITC] for the development of affordable housing communities.Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazardsWhere possible, older homes with lead-based paint, will have the hazard abated as appropriate per the Minor/Emergency Home Repair program guidelines. Homes assisted with Minor/Emergency Home Repair program funds will be tested for lead-based paint in disturbed areas.Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level familiesThe County participates in a Housing Forum that holds periodic meetings to discuss needs in the community and to share information.? While meeting frequency has waned, the host agency maintains a website to disseminate information about programs and services.? Targeted needs and topics covered include transportation services, jobs, housing, and healthcare services.In 2015, the County became part of a Housing Collaborative to coordinate efforts to assist homeowners with needed home repairs.? This partnership helps provide candidates to the Emergency/Minor Home Repair program.? The plan for 2016 is to continue the program with additional funding. In 2016, the County will provide funding to MUST Ministries’ Supportive Housing program case management to assist the homeless and near-homeless population of the county.? The services MUST provides helps persons increase skills and/or income with a free computer lab, resume assistance, business clothes from their clothes closet, coordination with Chattahoochee Tech to get GED’s, and other services.Actions planned to develop institutional structure The County will coordinate with MUST Ministries, Inc., Cherokee Focus, and DCA to address needs for the Balance of State Continuum of Care.? MUST applies for ESG funds and Cherokee Focus hosts the Housing Forum that shares information about needs in the community.? Both agencies are primary instruments in coordinating and organizing the County’s PIT homeless count.Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agenciesThe County will continue to encourage collaborative efforts between Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia and the Canton Housing Authority to advance first-time home ownership for public housing residents.? The County will ask for workshop/meeting dates scheduled for this effort. Furthermore, the County will support for-profit organizations or developers seeking low-income tax credits for projects targeted in the county.DiscussionProgram Specific RequirementsAP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)IntroductionCommunity 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 reprogrammed2. 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 plan3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements4. 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 plan.5. The amount of income from float-funded activitiesTotal Program IncomeOther CDBG Requirements 1. The amount of urgent need activitiesDiscussion ................
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