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Agenda 12/10/2024 Item #16D10 (Collier County U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Program Year 2023 - Consolidate Annual Performance and Evaluation Report Resolution, Certify the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report)12/10/2024 Item # 16.D.10 ID# 2024-1978 Executive Summary Recommendation to approve and authorize the submission of the Collier County U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Program Year 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership and Emergency Solutions Grant programs as required; approve the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report Resolution; and authorize the Chairman to certify the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. OBJECTIVE: To ensure compliance with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and preserve Collier County’s entitlement status, ensuring continued receipt of annual entitlement funds that benefit the low- to moderate-income citizens of Collier County. CONSIDERATIONS: Collier County became an entitlement community and first received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 2001, HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) entitlement funds in 2003, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) entitlement funds in 2004, Community Development Block Grant-CV (CDBG-CV) entitlement funds in 2020, Emergency Solutions Grant-CV (ESG-CV) entitlement funds in 2020, ESG Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) funds in 2022 and HOME Investment Partnership-ARP (HOME-ARP) entitlement funds in 2021. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires all entitlement communities to prepare a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to evaluate the recipient’s compliance with federal statutes and the organization’s capacity to implement and administer the federally funded programs. The CAPER provides a review of the progress made toward meeting overall goals and objectives identified in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2021-2025) and the One-Year Action Plan (2023-2024). The information contained in this CAPER document for Program Year (PY) 2023 includes accomplishment data for all HUD funded programs. While all projects are not completed, partial data may be reported. The most notable accomplishments for PY 2023 includes: • Public Services: The County funded public services benefited 37,796 low to moderate income (LMI) persons. Funds supported the salary costs of a Youth Advocate at Youth Haven, Inc. to serve a total of 188 LMI persons. Transportation services were provided by Immokalee Boys and Girls Club to serve a total of 634 individuals. Legal services were provided by Legal Aid of Collier County and benefited 124 LMI persons. HELP Homebuyer Academy provided home-buying education and counseling services to 75 LMI persons and families. Immokalee Fire Control District purchased personal protective equipment and public health supplies for use by first responders in Immokalee which served 36,775 residents. • CDBG-CV: Legal Aid of Collier County provided legal, financial, and accounting to small businesses impacted by the pandemic and provided services to 4 individuals in addition to the 71 individuals reported last year. Construction of the Youth Haven Intake Center for Abused, Neglected, Abandoned and Homeless Youth has been completed and beneficiaries will be reported next program year in the PY 24 CAPER. • Affordable Housing: The Collier County Housing Authority through their Tenant Based Rental Assistance program (TBRA) provided rent subsidies to 18 low-income households and acquired 2 new units to increase access to affordable rental housing for low-income persons. The County funded a public facility project that assisted 42 persons through rental housing rehab to install new, environmentally friendly HVAC units at Farm Worker Village. • HOME: CHS implemented a Down Payment Assistance Program that assisted thirteen (13) households with the acquisition of their first home. Habitat for Humanity increased access to affordable homeownership through the new construction of 10 units at Songbird at Whippoorwill which benefits low- Page 7324 of 10663 12/10/2024 Item # 16.D.10 ID# 2024-1978 to- moderate income persons. • ESG funds assisted a total of 396 persons experiencing homelessness or those at risk of becoming homeless through shelter operations, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention programs. • ESG-RUSH funding assisted a total of 70 persons, 11 persons with homelessness prevention, and 59 persons with rapid re-housing rental assistance to assist homeless persons, or those at risk of being homeless, that had been impacted by Hurricane Ian. The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) data is compiled from reports by the subrecipient homeless services providers. The accomplishment data in the CAPER includes the number of beneficiaries served for each of the categories of services for the programs and is accurate based upon the information available. HUD’s official ESG reporting requirement uses the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data uploaded to HUD’s SAGE reporting repository. The completed CAPER must be received by HUD no later than ninety (90) days after the end of the program year. This year the CAPER is due to HUD no later than December 29, 2024. The CAPER was made available for public review and comment during the required fifteen-day comment period (November 22 to December 7, 2024). The draft report was available at all public libraries, the Community and Human Services (CHS) webpage on the County’s website and the CHS office. A public hearing was held on December 2, 2024, and as of the publication, no comments regarding the CAPER were received. FISCAL IMPACT: This action has no new Fiscal impact. $4,276,129.85 in CDBG, HOME, ESG entitlement funds were expended on public services, public facilities, infrastructure, affordable housing, and homeless services in PY 2023-2024. The following table breaks out the allocations and expenditures during the program year ending September 30, 2024. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: The projects identified and funded in the PY 2023-2024 CAPER are consistent with and support the Housing Element and the Future Land Use Element of the Collier County Growth Management Plan by providing infrastructure, public facility improvements and housing assistance to improve the health, safety and welfare of the very low, low and moderate-income residents of the community. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality and requires a majority vote for approval. Page 7325 of 10663 12/10/2024 Item # 16.D.10 ID# 2024-1978 -SAA RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommendation to approve and authorize the submission of the Collier County U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Program Year 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership and Emergency Solutions Grant programs as required; approve the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report Resolution; and authorize the Chairman to certify the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. PREPARED BY: Prepared by: Tracey Smith, Grants Coordinator II, Community and Human Services Division ATTACHMENTS: 1. PY2023 HUD CAPER Resolution 2. Collier County PY 2023 CAPER -Public Comment Draft rev Page 7326 of 10663 Page 7327 of 10663 Page 7328 of 10663 What’s Inside: Program Accomplishments Program Resources Program Investments Prepared by: Florida Housing Coalition HUD Consolidated Annual Peformance and Evaluation Report Program Year 2023 DRAFT Page 7329 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS CR-05 - GOALS AND OUTCOMES ...................................................................................................... 2 CR-10 - RACIAL/ETHNIC COMPOSITION OF FAMILIES ASSISTED ............................................................ 8 CR-15 - RESOURCES AND INVESTMENTS ......................................................................................... 10 CR-20 - AFFORDABLE HOUSING ..................................................................................................... 16 CR-25 - HOMELESS AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS ............................................................................... 19 CR-30 - PUBLIC HOUSING .............................................................................................................. 23 CR-35 - OTHER ACTIONS ............................................................................................................... 25 CR-40 - MONITORING .................................................................................................................. 32 CR-45 - CDBG .............................................................................................................................. 35 CR-50 - HOME ............................................................................................................................. 36 CR-58 - SECTION 3 ........................................................................................................................ 38 CR-60 - ESG ................................................................................................................................. 40 APPENDICES - ESG SAGE REPORTS Page 7330 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 2 CR-05 - Goals and Outcomes Progress the jurisdiction has made in carrying out its strategic plan and its action plan. 91.520(a) Collier County’s 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan identified several strategies to address the county’s affordable housing, community development, and homelessness needs. To address the highest priority needs, the county identified the following goals in the Strategic Plan: 1. Improve Public Infrastructure 2. Improve Public and Other Facilities 3. New Construction, Rehabilitation, or Acquisition of Housing for Rental Housing 4. New Construction, Rehabilitation, or Acquisition of Housing for Homeownership 5. Provide Public Services 6. Emergency Housing and Services for the Homeless 7. HMIS Support 8. Provide Homelessness Prevention 9. Tenant Based Rental Assistance 10. Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Set-Aside For Program Year 2023 (PY23), the third year of the Consolidated Plan period, Collier County made significant strides in meeting strategic plan objectives. Collier County expended over $4 million in PY23 to address housing and community development needs, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations. Estimated expenditures include: • Community Development Block Grant: $1,612,010 • HOME Investment Partnerships Program: $718,416 • Emergency Solutions Grant: $339,981 The county also utilized funds from special purpose grants including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV) Cares Act Funds and Emergency Solutions Grant Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (ESG-RUSH). Estimated expenditures through these programs include: • CDBG-CV: $888,995 • ESG-CV: $30,394 • ESG-RUSH: $678,438 In addressing action plan goals for PY23 the county assisted approximately 37,842 people through public facility and public service activities, 323 households through affordable housing activities, and 1,715 through homeless activities. Grant dollars primarily benefited low-and moderate-income people and Page 7331 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 3 households as well as vulnerable and marginalized populations. In PY23, Collier County was able to fund projects that directly addressed specific strategic plan goals including: Affordable Housing - Rental • The Collier County Community and Human Services Division (CHS) funded a Tenant Based Rental Assistance program (TBRA) which is operated by the Collier County Housing Authority (CCHA). The program provided rent subsidies to 18 low-income households. • Collier County acquired 2 units for the CCHA to increase access to affordable rental housing for low-income persons. • Collier County installed HVAC systems for 42 CCHA units at the Farmworkers Village. This project was funded as a public facilities project in the PY23 Annual Action Plan and has assisted 42 persons with affordable housing. Affordable Housing – Homeowner • CHS implemented a Down Payment Assistance Program that assisted thirteen (13) households with the acquisition of their first home. • Collier County increased access to affordable homeownership through the construction of 10 units. Non-Housing Community Development • CHS awarded funding to Legal Aid Services, Youth Haven Shelter, Immokalee Boys and Girls Club, HELP Homebuyer Academy, and the Immokalee Fire Station to increase access to a suitable living environment. Through the provision of public services, the county benefitted 37,800 persons. • CHS funded public facilities project completed during PY23 assisting 42 persons through the installation of HVAC units. This project also supported affordable housing for those 42 beneficiaries. Homeless • CHS provided funds to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children for Rapid Re-Housing / Homelessness Prevention activities. During PY23 approximately 323 persons were served through the Shelter for Abused Women and Children, 280 persons received assistance through the county’s Rapid Re-Housing activity, and homelessness prevention services benefitted 42 persons. Page 7332 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 4 Comparison of the proposed versus actual outcomes for each outcome measure submitted with the consolidated plan and explain, if applicable, why progress was not made toward meeting goals and objectives. 91.520(g) Categories, priority levels, funding sources and amounts, outcomes/objectives, goal outcome indicators, units of measure, targets, actual outcomes/outputs, and percentage completed for each of the grantee’s program year goals. Goal Category Indicator Unit of Measure Expected – Strategic Plan Actual – Strategic Plan Percent Complete Expected – Program Year 2023 Actual – Program Year 2023 Percent Complete 1 Administration & Planning Administration Other Other 1 1 100% 0 0 100% 2 Improve Public Infrastructure Non-Housing Community Development Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit Persons Assisted 5,625 8,210 100% 0 0 100% Page 7333 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 5 3 Improve Public and Other Facilities Non-Housing Community Development Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit Persons Assisted 900 91,148 100% 10,000 42 0.4% 4 Support New Construction, Rehab/Acquisition Rental Affordable Housing Rental units constructed Household Housing Unit 400 4 1% 2 2 100% Rental units rehabilitated Household Housing Unit 265 80 30% 30 0 0.00% 5 Provide Public Services Non-Housing Community Development Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit Persons Assisted 1,100 112,623 100% 40 37,800 100% 6 New Construction, Rehabilitation/Acq Homeownership Affordable Housing Homeowner Housing Added Household Housing Unit 5 10 100% 0 10 100% Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers Households Assisted 0 17 100% 7 13 100% Page 7334 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 6 7 Emergency Housing and Services for the Homeless Homeless Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing Households Assisted 0 280 100% 5 280 100% Homeless Person Overnight Shelter Persons Assisted 0 1,715 100% 300 1,715 100% Homelessness Prevention Persons Assisted 600 1,047 100% 0 0 100% 8 HMIS Support Homeless Homeless Person Overnight Shelter Persons Assisted 1 1 100% 0 0 100% 9 Provide Homelessness Prevention Homeless Homelessness Prevention Persons Assisted 25 42 100% 0 42 100% 10 Tenant Based Rental Assistance Affordable Housing Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing Households Assisted 20 22 100% 0 18 100% 11 CHDO Affordable Housing Rental units constructed Household Housing Unit 20 0 0.00% 2 0 0.00% Table 1 - Accomplishments – Program Year & Strategic Plan to Date Source: Consolidated Plan and Accomplishments IDIS Microstrategy Report; Collier County PY2021, PY2022 CAPERs, Collier County Project Tracking Spreadsheet. Page 7335 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 7 Assess how the jurisdiction’s use of funds, particularly CDBG, addresses the priorities and specific objectives identified in the plan, giving special attention to the highest priority activities identified. Collier County has demonstrated success in structuring and carrying out its strategies in the 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan. The county included 11 goals and in only the third year has achieved a 100% completion rate for 9 of the goals. Collier County far exceeded proposed accomplishments under several goals, particularly in the provision of public services and making improvements to public and other facilities. These activities were funded through the county’s CDBG and CDBG-CV programs. The county does have multi-year projects still open, specifically under the goal of improvement of public and other facilities. It is important to note that while this goal under the Annual Action Plan has not yet been met, the Consolidated Plan goal has been met at 100%. The county will report multi-year project accomplishments in the year of completion to ensure accurate progress tracking. The PY23 Annual Action Plan included 7 goals of which 6 goals were achieved at 100%. For those goals not met, Collier County continues to track progress and report on barriers faced in achieving goals. The county is still working towards housing objectives including rehabilitation and construction of rental units. The success of housing goals is often dependent on partnerships. Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) are primary partners in developing and redeveloping units and currently Collier County does not have access to a CHDO organization. The county is working with a local non -profit to become a certified HUD CHDO so that the county can meet its housing goals. The county ensures that all funds expended address Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan priority needs and currently only funds activities that will accomplish goals associated with those specific objectives. The county utilizes its CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds to the maximize extent to address the housing, community development, and homeless needs identified in the needs assessment and market analysis of the associated Consolidated Plan. The county assesses those needs annually during the action plan process to ensure goals and objectives are still relevant to addressing the highest priorities for residents, particularly low-income and vulnerable populations. Page 7336 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 8 CR-10 - Racial and Ethnic composition of families assisted Describe the families assisted (including the racial and ethnic status of families assisted). 91.520(a) CDBG HOME White 644 31 Black or African American 275 10 Asian 2 0 American Indian or American Native 1 0 Other 196 0 Total 1,118 41 Hispanic 634 16 Not Hispanic 484 25 Table 2 – Table of assistance to racial and ethnic populations by source of funds Source: Collier County Project Tracking Spreadsheet Describe the clients assisted (including the racial and/or ethnicity of clients assisted with ESG) HESG American Indian, Alaska Native, or Indigenous 0 Asian or Asian American 3 Black, African American, or African 65 Hispanic/Latina/e/o 160 Middle Eastern or North African 0 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0 White 133 Multiracial 2 Client doesn't know 15 Client prefers not to answer 0 Data not collected 1,659 Total 2,037 Table 3A – Table of assistance to racial and ethnic populations by source of funds Source: Collier County SAGE Reports Narrative To best serve its residents, Collier County’s housing and community development programs are open to all eligible low- and moderate-income applicants. As demonstrated above, individuals identifying as Hispanic represent a large portion of beneficiaries which aligns with the county’s population trends. It is Page 7337 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 9 important to note that 28% of Collier County’s population is of Hispanic or Latino origin. According to the American Community Survey 2023 one-year estimates, the county’s racial/ethnic composition is primarily White at 84% followed by African Americans at 8%, and Asian at 2%. In line with population trends, most persons benefitting from Collier County’s housing and community development programs are White (50% of beneficiaries) and/or identifying as being of the Hispanic ethnicity (50% of beneficiaries). Race/ethnicity numbers are reported by projects able to collect such information. Infrastructure projects qualify by low-mod data (at least 51% of target areas must be low mod) and are typically unable to collect race/ethnicity data. The table below only represents projects able to collect race/ethnicity data most likely through an application process, therefore total race/ethnicity numbers may not equal total persons served as reported in this CAPER. Page 7338 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 10 CR-15 - Resources and Investments 91.520(a) Identify the resources made available Source of Funds Source Resources Made Available Amount Expended During Program Year CDBG Public - Federal $3,199,595 $1,612,010 HOME Public - Federal $877,331 $718,416 ESG Public - Federal $211,534 $339,981 Table 4 - Resources Made Available Source: Collier County Project Tracking Spreadsheet, Collier County Finance Department Narrative Going into PY23, Collier County had available a cumulative total of $4,288,460 of entitlement resources (CDBG, HOME, and ESG), including available program income and uncommitted carried forward from previous program years. The county’s expenditure rate in PY23 for these funds was 62%. The county has several ongoing projects that will report expenditures over multiple years, therefore the county is on track with expenditures and continues to meet HUD timeliness requirements. In addition, for PY23 the county spent over $1.5 million of its special purpose funding received through the CDBG-CV, ESG-CV, and ESG RUSH programs to address community needs. Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments Target Area Planned Percentage of Allocation Actual Percentage of Allocation Narrative Description Countywide 100% 100% County Table 5 – Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments Narrative Collier County targeted resources in low-moderate income census block groups to meet regulatory requirements for CDBG grant funds and to focus on areas with the highest level of needs. Maps provided in the 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan show Collier County block groups where 51% or more of the population have incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. These areas are considered “target areas” for use of HUD grant funds for area improvements, such as public infrastructure or facility improvements. To determine these block groups the County used HUD CDBG Low Mod Income Summary Data (LMISD), which has defined the eligible tracts within the jurisdiction. The identified block group tracts within the County that are considered low-moderate income can be found on the HUD Exchange website at: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/acs-low-mod-summary-data/. A portion of HUD funds may have been spent outside of these targeted areas, if activities funded provided services, affordable housing, or other benefits directly for low- and moderate-income households or special needs populations. In addition, Collier County may have spent funds in current Opportunity Zones which align with HUD low-income target areas. These tracts include 104.11, 108.02, 112.05, 113.01, 114. Page 7339 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 11 Leveraging Explain how federal funds leveraged additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements were satisfied, as well as how any publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that were used to address the needs identified in the plan. Leveraging Collier County continued to leverage grant funds with other public and private resources to maximize impact for beneficiaries. Leveraging resources aligns goals cross departmentally and supports interagency collaboration for community revitalization. Collier County routinely emphasizes to applicants the need to leverage federal funds with local funds to stretch the benefit of the federal dollars. These efforts have been successful, and projects funded under CDBG, HOME, and ESG have substantially exceeded accomplishments that could not have been achieved by using federal funds alone. The county requires applicants for entitlement funds to outline any leveraged funds and offers bonus points in the award process for the degree to which this is achieved. Also, in the application process, the county rewards collaborative projects with additional points, which may also constitute leverage. Collier County has further added leverage of funds as a performance indicator for the CHS Division and it is published and tracked in the county budget documents. Federal funds also leveraged state funds received through the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program, which is used to meet the housing needs of low- and moderate-income households and expand or preserve the availability of affordable housing. Collier County was allocated $4,486,496 in SHIP funds during the 2023 program year, which were used for a wide variety of rental, owner occupied, or homeownership programs. CDBG funds awarded to public services providers help to leverage additional public and/or private funding that provide services to the community. An example of leveraging by public services non-profits are state funds received from the Department of Children and Families which support CDBG programs. HOME Match The HOME program requires a 25% local match for any HOME funds drawn. The HOME required match may be reduced by HUD if the county is distressed or suffered a presidentially declared disaster. Due to the impacts of hurricane Ian, HUD has granted the county a 100% match reduction to eliminate the contribution requirements through September 30, 2024. Therefore, there is no match liability for program year 2023. Collier County still recorded and contributed match from prior years to be carried forward, which is detailed in the match contribution table below. The State of Florida has the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program that local entitlement counties and cities can use as match for HOME. When Collier County has a match liability a portion of the SHIP allocation is used as local match. Page 7340 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 12 Fiscal Year Summary – HOME Match 1. Excess match from prior Federal fiscal year $ 959,730 2. Match contributed during current Federal fiscal year $ 0 3 .Total match available for current Federal fiscal year (Line 1 plus Line 2) $ 959,730 4. Match liability for current Federal fiscal year $ 0 5. Excess match carried over to next Federal fiscal year (Line 3 minus Line 4) $ 959,730 Table 6 – Fiscal Year Summary - HOME Match Report Source: Collier County Match Report 40107 ESG Match ESG regulations require grant recipients to make matching contributions equivalent to the ESG annual award- or a 100% match. Matching funds may include contributions to any of the county’s ESG programs, including funds awarded to a subrecipient. The matching requirements are met per 24 CFR Part 576.201. The program year ESG funds allocation for 2023 was $211,534. Community and Human Services requests at the time of application that expenditures are matched by applicant donations, in-kind contributions, other state and local funds, as well as private and foundation donations. ESG sub-recipients can also satisfy the match with volunteer hours. Publicly Owned Land Collier County recently approved $10 million in funding for a new workforce housing project at the former Golden Gate Golf Course, now county owned land. The project will consist of 352 units with 252 units of workforce housing and 100 units of senior housing. Workforce housing is for essential service workers, including government employees, healthcare professionals, and educators. The project is designed to provide affordable housing options in a region where nearly 50,000 households are considered cost- burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Collier County previously provided a land donation for the Ekos on Santa Barbara project, an affordable housing project funded by county Affordable Housing Trust fund dollars from the General Fund, multi- family revenue bonds, and 4% LIHTC tax credits. Ekos on Santa Barbara is an 82-unit, new construction project located in Naples, Florida that will provide desperately needed workforce housing to households making between 30-80% of Area Medium Income. Collier County partnered with MHP on a 99-year ground lease and provided the land for the project. The eighty-two affordable housing units are now open and 100% occupied. Florida Statutes Section 166.0451, Disposition of municipal property for affordable housing, requires that the county create an inventory list of real property with fee simple title appropriate for affordable housing. In compliance with the statute, Collier County maintains the inventory of county-owned surplus land that are potential properties for the development of permanent affordable housing. The county may partner with nonprofit organizations that develop affordable housing for low-income households. The disposition of any of these properties for affordable housing is subject to the discretion of the county. Page 7341 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 13 Match Contribution for the Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Project No. or Other ID Date of Contribution Cash (non-Federal sources) Foregone Taxes, Fees, Charges Appraised Land/Real Property Required Infrastructure Site Preparation, Construction Materials, Donated labor Bond Financing Total Match N/A N/A $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Table 7 – Match Contribution for the Federal Fiscal Year Program Income Program Income Balance on hand at the beginning of reporting period $ Amount received during reporting period $ Total amount expended during reporting period $ Amount expended for TBRA $ Balance on hand at end of reporting period $ $25,257.14 $67,481.43 $22,387.13 $0 $70,351.44 Table 8 – Program Income Source: IDIS Program Income Report Page 7342 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 14 HOME MBE/WBE report Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises – Indicate the number and dollar value of contracts for HOME projects completed during the reporting period Total Minority Business Enterprises White Non- Hispanic Alaskan Native or American Indian Asian or Pacific Islander Black Non- Hispanic Hispanic Contracts Number 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dollar Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sub-Contracts Number 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dollar Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Women Business Enterprises Male Contracts Number 0 0 0 Dollar Amount 0 0 0 Sub-Contracts Number 0 0 0 Dollar Amount 0 0 0 Table 9 - Minority Business and Women Business Enterprises Minority Owners of Rental Property – Indicate the number of HOME assisted rental property owners and the total amount of HOME funds in these rental properties assisted Total Minority Property Owners White Non- Hispanic Alaskan Native or American Indian Asian or Pacific Islander Black Non- Hispanic Hispanic Number 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dollar Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 10 – Minority Owners of Rental Property Page 7343 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 15 Relocation and Real Property Acquisition – Indicate the number of persons displaced, the cost of relocation payments, the number of parcels acquired, and the cost of acquisition Parcels Acquired 0 Businesses Displaced 0 Nonprofit Organizations Displaced 0 Households Temporarily Relocated, not Displaced 0 Households Displaced Total Minority Property Enterprises White Non- Hispanic Alaskan Native or American Indian Asian or Pacific Islander Black Non- Hispanic Hispanic Number 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cost 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 11 – Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Page 7344 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 16 CR-20 - Affordable Housing 91.520(b) Evaluation of the jurisdiction's progress in providing affordable housing, including the number and types of families served, the number of extremely low-income, low-income, moderate- income, and middle-income persons served. One-Year Goal Actual Number of Homeless households to be provided affordable housing units 5 280 Number of Non-Homeless households to be provided affordable housing units 9 43 Number of Special-Needs households to be provided affordable housing units 0 0 Total 14 323 Table 12 – Number of Households Source: Collier County Project Tracking Spreadsheet One-Year Goal Actual Number of households supported through Rental Assistance 5 298 Number of households supported through The Production of New Units 2 12 Number of households supported through Rehab of Existing Units 0 0 Number of households supported through Acquisition of Existing Units 7 13 Total 14 323 Table 13 – Number of Households Supported Source: Collier County Project Tracking Spreadsheet Discuss the difference between goals and outcomes and problems encountered in meeting these goals. Collier County far exceeded annual goals for providing affordable housing to low-income residents and vulnerable populations including those that were homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. Through activities including rapid-rehousing rental assistance, acquisition of units, new construction of units, and down-payment and closing costs assistance, the county was able to increase access to affordable housing for 323 persons or households. While the county met goals, it did not come without challenges. In PY23, the housing market still had not fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented housing boom causing home values, interest rates, and rents to remain high. To offset costs, the county may have had to increase subsidies resulting in less homebuyers or renters being served through purchase assistance or tenant-based rental assistance programs. Inflation also increased the cost of labor and materials, reducing the number of affordable units that could be constructed with available resources. Page 7345 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 17 Collier County is also a community that has experienced significant storm damage from hurricanes including Ian in 2022 and Idalia in 2023, both of which impacted the county’s housing stock. Hurricane recovery is a long-term effort and difficult to navigate because of federal restrictions and cost of replacement. Additionally, the county must consider incorporating resiliency into its housing programs, which can be costly. These are additional challenges the county faced in PY23 in carrying out its housing activities. The county is also currently lacking a key partnership with a local Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) which could increase development and redevelopment opportunities. The county is working with a local organization to become a HUD certified CHDO. Discuss how these outcomes will impact future annual action plans. Collier County does not anticipate significant changes to future Annual Action Plans and the county will continue to utilize its CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds to the fullest extent to assist in meeting goals and assess program performance annually. One opportunity for change is gaining a partnership with a CHDO organization which will increase capacity to carry out construction and rehab goals and outcomes for the remaining years of the Consolidated Plan. Leveraging efforts with public and private funding agencies will be made to supplement federal funds and increase the resources available to address community needs. The county will take into consideration housing market shifts and assess the impact on affordable housing programs including new construction, purchase assistance, rehabilitation, and rental assistance. The county may have to increase subsidies to accommodate increased home values, higher interest rates, inflation, and the cost of construction. Include the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income persons served by each activity where information on income by family size is required to determine the eligibility of the activity. Number of Households Served CDBG Actual HOME Actual Extremely Low-income 0 8 Low-income 2 14 Moderate-income 0 19 Total 2 41 Table 14 – Number of Households Served Source: Collier County Project Tracking Spreadsheet Narrative Information Collier County supports access to affordable housing for all households meeting the definition of low-to moderate-income in accordance with HUD regulation. While the county makes every effort to provide affordable housing to the county’s most vulnerable residents, housing activities such as purchase assistance often serve moderate income households who are buyer ready and able to obtain loan approval. The County served 43 households through affordable housing activities such as direct financial assistance to homebuyers, production of new units for homeowners, and rental assistance. Additionally, Page 7346 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 18 Collier County utilized ESG, ESG-RUSH, and ESG-CV funds to provide housing stability for 280 persons through rapid rehousing rental assistance and 1,715 persons through shelter. Page 7347 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 19 CR-25 - Homeless and Other Special Needs 91.220(d, e); 91.320(d, e); 91.520(c) Evaluate the jurisdiction’s progress in meeting its specific objectives for reducing and ending homelessness through: Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs Collier County participates in and works closely with the Southwest Florida (SWFL) Regional Coalition to End Homelessness, the lead agency of the Continuum of Care (CoC). A primary means by which the county reaches out to homeless persons, identifies individual needs, and understands the landscape of homelessness in the region, is through efficient data collection and analysis through the HMIS system. While Collier County no longer directly funds HMIS, the county supports HMIS data operations to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of the homeless population in Collier County. The county participates in bi-weekly meetings with the CoC to review the housing needs of homeless veterans and general homeless populations. These weekly meetings identify available resources to best facilitate connecting persons experiencing homelessness to available services and assist in housing placement through partnerships with other social service agencies. Collier County funds subrecipients that administer homelessness projects under the ESG program. They work to build trusting relationships with homeless persons living on the streets and in shelters as well as at-risk populations to remain stably housed. The subrecipients perform assessments for homeless persons and those at risk of homelessness to link them to shelter and other supportive services that are appropriate to meet their needs. All subrecipients funded through Collier County ESG participate in coordinated entry. These organizations provide emergency shelter, rental and utility assistance, food and clothing, and other homeless services to individuals, families with children, veterans, unaccompanied youth, and including persons with HIV. Collier County also participates in the SWFL Regional Coalition to End Homelessness annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Survey. The PIT is a snapshot of the homeless population on any given night, typically in the last week of January each year. The survey results help to show the current state of homelessness in the County and identify which homeless subgroups (chronic, veterans, unaccompanied youth etc.) are in need of assistance. The survey is conducted to provide an annual count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons in Collier County meeting the following requirements: (1) unsheltered persons, the number of homeless persons who are living in places not designed or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for humans, who must be counted as unsheltered homeless persons; (2) sheltered persons, persons living in emergency shelters and transitional housing projects; (3) other requirements established by HUD notification. The 2022 PIT showed 350 homeless households including 89 emergency shelter, 121 transitional housing, and 140 unsheltered. The 2023 PIT showed an increase at 500 homeless households including 185 emergency shelter, 188 transitional housing, and 127 unsheltered households. In PY23, having to serve Page 7348 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 20 more households, the county targeted populations most in need according to the PIT count which were victims of domestic abuse and those experiencing chronic substance abuse or mental illness. There were also service needs for veterans and unaccompanied youth. Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons Collier County currently funds a subrecipient for the operation of an emergency shelter, operates a rapid re-housing program, and funds homeless prevention to stably house and individuals and families so they can avoid homelessness. Some emergency shelters and homeless prevention programs are designed to focus their services to the needs of specific populations such as families, victims of domestic violence, human trafficking victims, persons being evicted, and persons with severe mental health disorders or substance abuse histories. The County allocated $126,920 of ESG funding in PY23 to the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, assisting 1,715 homeless persons. The Shelter's 60-bed emergency shelter addresses Collier County's priority to serve homeless individuals. The Shelter seeks to address this need in the community by providing emergency shelter that is available day and night, 365 days per year for homeless victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. In addition to its emergency shelter in Naples, The Shelter offers vital services that are free of charge to assist survivors in becoming safe and independent including wrap- around outreach services and educational programs. As the only state certified domestic violence center in Collier County, The Shelter offers unduplicated services that are not offered by any other agency in the community. These services are vital to helping survivors attain immediate safety from their abusers. Achieving immediate safety is the first step to moving forward and achieving independence, which eventually benefits the entire community. The county also administers special allocations of ESG-RUSH which funds the homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing programs and ESG-CV which provided funds to the Youth Haven Shelter. During PY23 the county served 70 persons through its homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing programs. The Youth Haven Shelter project is a multi-year project where the county is funding the construction of a youth intake center. The shelter serves 4 youth at any one time and the project is expected to be closed out in PY24. Accomplishments will be reported in the PY24 CAPER. In response to the HEARTH Act and 24 CFR part 576, Collier County, in collaboration with its subrecipients, is working to prevent homelessness by helping families remain within their communities and retain their current permanent housing or diverting people to permanent housing solutions. The first step in this process was to streamline the intake of homeless families seeking emergency shelter. The improved coordination has resulted in more families being diverted from homelessness and more families exiting homelessness and being rapidly re-housed in permanent housing. Other than the funds available through this process, emergency shelter and transitional housing needs may be addressed through grant funding opportunities, such as the competitive Continuum of Care process, or through other state or local funding Page 7349 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 21 streams. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, county staff facilitated extensive working groups with community- based organizations to administer subsistence payments for rent. Housing and Federal grants staff have been instrumental in developing policies and data tools to increase efficiency and ensure no duplication of efforts. This work has resulted in millions of dollars being issued and thousands of households maintaining stable housing throughout lockdown. Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: likely to become homeless after 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); and, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs Collier County and the SWFL Regional Coalition to End Homelessness recognize the need to support individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially those who are discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care. Helping these individuals and families leaving these systems of care with housing support and prevention services immediately will help to end chronic homelessness. In PY23 the county continued to help reduce homelessness by utilizing its HOME and ESG funds for homelessness prevention activities including rental assistance to help low-income families avoid becoming homeless. HOME funds were also provided for TBRA service providers to help LMI households find and secure affordable rental housing. The county has a high need for rental assistance for households with extremely low incomes because they lack resources in times of crisis such as health issues and loss of employment. Providing assistance to reduce housing costs, in conjunction with providing supportive services, allows at-risk individuals and families to stay in their homes and gives them the chance to regain economic independence. ESG funds will be allocated to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children for operating costs of the homeless domestic violence shelters to assist adults and children fleeing from domestic violence. A variety of services are offered including the Children’s Protection Investigations Program, the Community Education Program, Collier County Jail Group, youth services and Rapid Rehousing. More details on these programs and others offered by the agency, can be found on their website at: https://naplesshelter.org/programs/. The Collier County Community and Human Services Division also supports the Collier County Sheriff’s Office which offers reintegration services through the Collier County Jail. Reintegration Specialists meet with inmates one-on-one to ask them a series of questions to help assess their needs properly. During this interaction, staff get a detailed look at what the inmate's basic needs are and can assist them in meeting those needs by linking them with community partners. This ensures they have the best chance of success after release. Inmates can also be referred to some of the Inmate Programs that might fit their immediate Page 7350 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 22 needs while in jail. In addition to the one-on-one assistance, the Collier County Jail also has self-help programs on its Mobile Kiosks that assist inmates in areas of education, recovery, life skills and faith-based material. 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 peri od 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 Collier County continued to allocate ESG grant funds during PY23 to help homeless individuals and families make the transition from homelessness to permanent housing and independent living situations. The county supported rapid re-housing activities that housed individuals and families quickly and provided a stable environment for them to be able to pursue employment and stable education for families with children. The county also leveraged its federal funds with state SHIP funds to help increase access and the supply of affordable housing through activities such as housing rehab, rental assistance, and homebuyer assistance. Increasing the affordable housing stock in Collier County helps to provide permanent housing for homeless individuals and families seeking stable housing. The County coordinated with the Collier County Veteran’s Service Division to provide services to Veterans to assist them in accessing benefits from the Veteran’s Administration Department. Local Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers are provided through a regional partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers. The VASH program combines HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Collier County currently has several Veterans receiving rental assistance which helps their homes remain affordable and prevents homelessness. The County’s Social Services/Seniors Section continued to provide prescription and medical assistance and referral services for citizens and seniors. Assistance helps reduce monthly expenditures, making housing costs more affordable for individuals and seniors on fixed incomes and helping to reduce homelessness. Collier County collaborated with other organizations to transition as many people as possible into permanent housing as quickly as possible. Some families or individuals only required limited assistance for a short period of time, such as emergency food and shelter -- until a first paycheck is received or a medical emergency has passed, but others required more comprehensive and long-term assistance, such as transitional housing with supportive services and job training. Due to limited resources, it is important for agencies to eliminate duplication of effort by local agencies, both in intake and assessment procedures, and in subsequent housing and supportive services. The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is continuously improved with common intake forms, shared data, effective assessment instruments and procedures, and on-going coordination of assistance among community organizations. Page 7351 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 23 CR-30 - Public Housing 91.220(h); 91.320(j) Actions taken to address the needs of public housing The CCHA has been awarded CDBG funds through the Collier County Community and Human Services Division to acquire multi-family units to rent to low-income families at affordable rent-rates and to install HVAC systems in Farm Workers Village. By providing quality HVAC systems this project will improve living conditions for current residents and will extend the property’s service life to increase access to affordable housing for future low-income or vulnerable residents. The installation of new HVAC units will also reduce electric bills further supporting affordable housing. By acquiring housing units that can be rented to low-income households, CCHA will be able to address the housing needs of extremely low, very low, low and moderate-income households. The Rental Acquisition Program seeks to further the goal of the 20/20 Vision: A Clear View of Housing for All Members of Collier County, to build on the recommendations of the Emergent Community Solutions study, and fill a community need by providing affordable housing opportunities and connecting clients with supportive services to help improve and stabilize their lives. Other organizations in Collier County offer temporary rental assistance, but it is typically limited to one to three months. For a person or household in crisis who have lost their home or are in danger of losing it, three months of assistance is typically not sufficient to help them get back on track and get their living situation stabilized. Rather, long term help is needed along with connections to other agencies to address other situations such as health problems, mental health, unemployment, etc. The Farmworker Village project will provide HVAC to 30 units. The installation of efficient HVAC systems in the FWV housing units will not only improve the comfort of the families that currently reside in the units, but it will also extend the property's service life to meet the needs of low -income households that cannot otherwise qualify or have the financial means to live in market rate properties. The Housing Authority proposes to address these issues to ensure that these affordable housing units can maintain a vital role in the community for decades to come. Actions taken to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership CCHA offers a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program to promote economic opportunities for HCV assisted families. Through the FSS program, case managers work with families to identify employment goals and access support services to achieve these goals. As a family’s income rises, CCHA deposits the increased rent charges that the family pays in an escrow account. The escrow account may then be used by the family for college or vocational education expenses, work-related expenses, or toward homeownership as they graduate from the program. The CCHA has a Section 8 Advisory Board and interested voucher holders are encouraged to join. This gives voucher participants a formal opportunity to offer input on the voucher program to the CCHA. The Page 7352 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 24 Section 8 Advisory Board also reviews CCHA’s PHA plans and the agency’s progress toward its goals. Actions taken to provide assistance to troubled PHAs The Collier County Housing Authority (FL141) is not designated as troubled. Page 7353 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 25 CR-35 - Other Actions 91.220(j)-(k); 91.320(i)-(j) Actions taken 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 investment. 91.220 (j); 91.320 (i) Actions taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) Affordable housing is a challenge faced nationwide. It is important to foster and maintain affordable housing to keep the housing market balanced and fair. Collier County is committed to maintaining housing opportunities and to eliminating barriers to affordable housing. The county’s land development codes suggest that the residential zoning criteria for the jurisdiction are not inherently prohibitive, and yet there is general consensus among residents, planning officials, housing advocates, and other stakeholders that Collier County and Naples suffer from an affordability gap for both affordable and workforce housing. Currently, the county offers a density bonus, impact fee deferrals, and expedited permitting to support the increase of affordable housing. The county has embarked on a planning initiative to develop additional incentives and programs to address affordable and workforce housing needs in the community. The county has an Affordable Housing Plan in place. The Affordable Housing Plan was accepted in October 2017 and county staff have been working to implement changes identified in the plan. Some changes have been made in recent years while some are still being worked on. While not an exhaustive list of the report’s recommendations, potential strategies include: • Waiving or substantially reducing (rather than deferring) impact fees for affordable housing development for low- and moderate-income households; • Allowing and encouraging the use of Accessory Dwelling Units; • Prioritizing capital improvements in Immokalee; • Providing guidance on suitable types of farmworker housing by zoning district; • Improving code compliance efforts at mobile home parks in Immokalee; • Revisions to the County’s Local Housing Assistance Plan to require 30- or 50-year affordability periods, rather than the previous 15-year requirement. The county has changed the affordability period to 30 years; and • Reviewing the use of Affordable Housing Density Bonus provisions, including determining how many units have been created under the provision and whether enforcement actions were taken against developers that neglected to provide the agreed upon units. Beyond incentives to negate the effect of public policy, the county has further assisted in reducing barriers Page 7354 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 26 to affordable housing by implementing various programs targeted towards low-and moderate-income households. Through its grant programs, the county supports affordable housing by providing homeownership opportunities, new construction, and offering rental assistance. These programs assist in eliminating barriers to affordable housing by providing economic opportunities, minimizing overall household expenses, and increasing the supply of affordable housing. In addition to the activities undertaken by the county, the Housing Authority’s activities are specifically intended to address barriers to affordable housing by providing economic subsidies to those most in need of affordable housing. Towards this end, the Collier County Housing Authority continued to reduce the barriers to affordable housing by providing Section 8 vouchers and assistance programs aimed at transitioning residents from public housing into the private housing market. Applications for housing, and the resulting units to be assisted with CDBG and HOME funds will be reviewed to assure that the housing is fully available to all residents of the community, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, handicap, or familial status. Collier County continued to collaborate with community leaders, stakeholders, and local nonprofit agencies to help remove obstacles to better meet the needs of underserved populations and improve service delivery. Through a coordinated effort with a variety of service providers, the county is better able to identify needs and reduce any gaps in services. The county relied on its nonprofit partnerships to provide social services, disseminate news and information, and spearhead community-wide solutions to local needs. The County also continued to work cooperatively with the SWFL Regional Coalition to End Homelessness, Immokalee Interagency Council, Public Health Department, Collier County Housing Authority, and United Way of Collier County to continue to identify and address underserved and unmet needs. Actions taken to reduce lead-based paint hazards. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) The county did not undertake any housing activities in PY23 that required the mitigation of lead-based paint hazards. When the county does undertake housing activities, it follows all regulations as required by HUD and the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 and HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR Part 35). Prior to any construction activities on a pre-1978 dwelling that could potentially disturb paint, a certified inspection of the structure and testing to detect the presence of lead-based paint is conducted. If lead-based paint is found to exist, a risk assessment is conducted to determine the type, severity and location of the hazards. The findings of the risk assessment may direct abatement as the solution to best protect children from lead exposure. The county makes HUD Lead Hazard Information pamphlets available to all citizens, upon request. Lead poisoning in Collier County has been a relatively minor problem as over 80% of the County’s housing stock was built after 1980 (Source: 2015-2019 ACS). The county has implemented a rental housing rehabilitation program and continued to operate the program within the HUD Lead-Safe Housing Page 7355 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 27 regulations. The rehabilitation program offered through the county is reducing lead hazard by focusing on code compliance. The county also ensured that staff are appropriately trained in lead-based paint, pamphlets are distributed, inspections and assessments are conducted when required, and contractors trained in lead safe practices are used. Collier County’s Health Department has historically monitored and responded to all suspected cases of lead poisoning. Prior to issuing a Notice to Proceed or beginning any type of project, CHS completes an Environmental Review (ER). In addition to the requirements outlined in the ER, the potential for Lead Based Paint is always addressed. When a structure is identified as built prior to 1978 a separate review is completed. A specialist is hired to review the possibility of lead-based paint within the structure. If lead based paint is found in the structure, all individuals doing renovations, repairs and painting are required to be certified to safely complete improvements beyond minor repairs. The county follows procedures as specified in applicable regulations and, specifically, those detailed in Title X. The Division and its representatives and/or subrecipients provide all required notifications to owners and occupants. All Division policies and procedures have been revised to conform to Title X. All projects carried out with federal funds incorporate the current procedures for hazard reduction or LBP abatement guidelines as defined in 24 CFR Part 35 and Section 302(c) of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning and Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4822). These procedures govern projects contracted to subrecipients and developers and funded by CDBG, HOME, and ESG. Collier County has designated staff to act as liaison with the Health Department to address cases of lead poisoning within the community. Actions taken to reduce the number of poverty-level families. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) Collier County recognizes the interrelationship between housing and economic opportunities and the need to pursue both to assist households to attain self-sufficiency. The county recognizes that while it has defined priority strategy areas, they are not separate or isolated strategies. These strategies are inter- related and impact, reinforce, and contribute to each other to achieve the common goal of a viable and vibrant community. Collier County continued to implement critical housing activities such as rental assistance to help reduce the number of households in poverty. All the programs outlined in the Consolidated Plan are intended to provide benefits to residents that are considered low-income and/or fall below the federal poverty line. The Community Development Block Grant Program’s objectives are to develop viable communities that provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities primarily for persons of low- and moderate-income. The county utilizes its CDBG program to make a difference in the lives of its residents by providing resources to address unique community development needs. The county’s HOME and SHIP programs are utilized to help increase the supply of affordable housing for low- to moderate- income households. The county’s housing programs help to reduce housing costs for low-income families and assist in reducing the overall poverty level of the community. Programs include rental subsidies and homebuyer assistance. Page 7356 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 28 Collier County also provides funds to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children which offers emergency shelter facilities and essential services for homeless prevention to assist in reducing the number of households living below the poverty level. The county is proud of its work to eliminate cost burden and target resources in an effective and coordinated manner. In addition to combatting poverty through its housing and community development programs, the county has two designated CRAs and continues to focus much of its HUD funding in those areas. By doing so, the county leveraged complementary initiatives aimed at workforce development, business development, public infrastructure and community programming initiatives, and other quality of life features that connect persons living in poverty with services, and opportunities to lift those families out of poverty. Other actions and strategies the county employed to reduce the number of poverty-level families included: 1. Supporting the collaborative efforts of the service providers in Collier County to attract new business and industry to Collier. 2. Supporting the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce to target certain segments of the economy for business development/job creation. 3. Encouraging nonprofit organizations to expand housing development programs to incorporate job-training opportunities as a part of their operations. 4. Promoting the use of referral services for the existing Human Service Centers which involves a partnership with many human service agencies, including job referrals. 5. Working to develop a CHDO to meet the requirements of the designation in order to develop affordable housing for low/moderate income persons. 6. Participating in the development of a regional social service collaborative to coordinate the work of social service organizations, disseminate news and information, eliminate duplication of efforts, and spearhead community-wide solutions to local needs. 7. Using enhanced accomplishment data as a criterion in the evaluation of applications for ESG funding. 8. Supporting any expansion of local transit service and/or for express transit service. Actions taken to develop institutional structure. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) The Collier County Community and Human Services Division (CHS) serves as the lead entity in carrying out Consolidated Plan objectives and in making sure CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds are carried out in accordance with federal regulations. CHS coordinated with various public, private, and non-profit agencies in carrying out its activities. Collaboration between local, county, and state agencies is important in successfully carrying out the goals and objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan and addressing community needs. Page 7357 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 29 Collier County maintains a robust Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), composed of representatives from the residential home building, banking/mortgage, labor, low-income advocacy, for- profit social service, non-profit social service, real estate, employers, and the local planning industries. These representatives serve as an informed body of experts with unique perspectives on the local landscape of affordable housing needs and market dynamics in Collier County. Collier County continued to work with the AHAC to strengthen its leadership role in guiding affordable housing decisions in the community. Strengthening the institutional expertise and authority of the AHAC will improve the county’s work in the years ahead. The county also partnered with the SWFL Regional Coalition to End Homelessness and is a regular participant in CoC meetings. The county contributes and participates at the requested levels to aid the Coalition in addressing the homeless situation that exists in the area. The county has continued to focus on its mental health and substance abuse treatment services to better serve clients who have both types of needs. The county has instituted an opioid drug response team that helps to improve communication between all levels of those in the medical, mental health and substance and government agencies. The county is also working to establish a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) it can partner with to carry out housing development activities. This will increase capacity and the institutional structure to carry out HOME programs. Actions taken to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) The county will work to foster collaboration through dissemination of services, news, and information across social service organizations, subcontractors, and public and private entities. One way the county will accomplish this is through subrecipient meetings that bring together affordable housing developers and social service agencies. There is a quarterly housing alliance meeting hosted by the Collier County Community Land Trust and they bring together legislators, commissioners, philanthropic and developers to address affordable housing issues and strategies to implement partnerships and pending and upcoming legislation at the state and local level. The county will encourage community-based solutions and regional partnerships and will continue to support and participate in the CoC, whose membership includes both affordable housing and social service agencies. Identify actions taken to overcome the effects of any impediments identified in the jurisdictions analysis of impediments to fair housing choice. 91.520(a) Page 7358 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 30 The county's most recent Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing was developed in June 2021. The AI identified four (4) specific impediments which the CHS staff has been addressing. Impediment #1 Lack of Fair Housing Organization/Fair Housing Education In PY 2023, Collier County addressed this impediment by: • Providing funding to Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Inc. d/b/a Legal Aid Service of Collier to assist low-income families with legal services to address fair housing concerns. • Providing funding to Housing Education Lending Programs (HELP) and other housing entities • Continue to fund educational workshops and a housing fair and other efforts to educate the community. In addition, the Community and Human Services Division continued the following to assist in addressing fair housing impediments: • Fair housing notices and fair housing pamphlets (English/Spanish) are provided to libraries, social service agencies, churches, and the Collier County CHS lobby. Fair Housing Training is conducted, and the website has been enhanced for additional Fair Housing Information. In addition, Fair Housing information is included in the CHS Compliance website for subrecipients and contractors. • Collier County's Communications and Customer Relations Division is tasked with taking calls and/or complaints on housing and job discrimination and referring callers to the appropriate services. They also provide printed materials to the public. • CHS has a Fair Housing plan. • CHS requires all subrecipients/developers to have an Affirmative Fair Housing Policy and submit to CHS within 60 days of agreement execution. • CHS conducts an annual Fair Housing training for all subrecipients Impediment #2 Limited Supply of Affordable Housing Restricts Housing Choice In 2023, the county continued to focus on implementing recommendations outlined in the Community Housing Plan including modifications to existing incentives including impact fee deferral, affordable housing density bonus program, making publicly owned land available for housing construction, identifying additional funding sources for affordable housing, and other recommendations. Impediment #3 High Concentrations of Low-Income Housing Staff is also working to identify publicly owned land that can be used to develop affordable housing for Page 7359 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 31 working families, young professionals, and others; improve family's ability to obtain mortgages through financial counseling & training; and other recommendations. In 2023, the Board of County Commissioners continued to work with the affordable housing developer slated to build affordable rental units on county owned property. Impediment #4 Lack of Accessible/Special Needs Housing Special Needs housing has been addressed in the 2017 Community Housing Plan and many of the plan's recommendations discuss a minimum set-aside for senior and special needs housing; encouraging the creation of a community land trust (CLT) and other recommendations to address these special needs population. The County has also helped fund TBRA assistance to low- and moderate-income households through its partners the CCHA, NAMI, and ROOF. NAMI and ROOF specialize in special needs supportive housing and will continue to be funded in future program years. Page 7360 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 32 CR-40 - Monitoring 91.220 and 91.230 Describe the standards and procedures used to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and used to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements Subrecipients receive information on federal and local regulations relating to their specific activity, along with an explanation as to how they apply to the project. Specific performance objectives are outlined within each subrecipient agreement, giving measurable objectives for the eligible activity to be carried out. Each project is monitored on an ongoing basis and all preconstruction conferences are attended by division staff. Prior to any contract, CHS staff reviews program requirements with prospective subrecipients, including emphasis on conflict of interest and special requirements for each subrecipient’s specific agreement. This process ensures subrecipients are fully aware of program requirements. Documentation submitted with reimbursement requests is reviewed for compliance with applicable regulations and measurable objectives prior to issuing funds. On-site monitoring of selected subrecipients is scheduled by the county and conducted by the CHS Grant Monitoring Team using an enhanced monitoring checklist. The Monitoring Team is typically composed of the Compliance Supervisor, the Project Grant Coordinator, the Monitoring Operations Analyst, and a Senior Accountant. This team is charged with providing a progress monitoring visit and evaluation and a second visit at final project closeout (the timing of which are subject to change based on current divisional policies). The specific number of monitoring visits is based on a risk evaluation, but every project has closeout monitoring. Projects still under construction for more than a year are also monitored until the project is complete. Projects are reviewed to ensure all aspects of the activity are carried out in accordance with applicable regulations. After a monitoring visit, CHS sends a follow-up letter to the subrecipient stating the outcome of the monitoring. Where required by the monitoring outcome, Corrective Action Plans are developed and the subrecipient’s compliance with the Corrective Action Plan is reviewed until the plan is satisfied. After the Corrective Action Plan is satisfied and all monitoring findings are cleared, CHS closes out the monitoring with a letter to the subrecipient identifying future compliance requirements and reporting responsibilities. In addition to the above, any subrecipient determined to need or requests additional training on how to meet grantee and federal requirements receives technical assistance (TA) in the form deemed most appropriate to the circumstances. The county has developed written policies and procedures that are in place for all federal grant programs. CHS continues to monitor and assist subrecipients to become aware of and knowledgeable about all grant requirements. Additionally, CHS provides TA to achieve compliance with all federal requirements and holds a quarterly partnership meeting with each subrecipient to ensure successful project completion. Page 7361 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 33 MBE/WBE Collier County continues to work with local businesses to establish contracts with woman-owned and minority-owned businesses, when applicable. Further, the county complies with Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C 1701u) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 75. In an effort to increase the participation of MBE/WBE businesses in the HUD programs, CHS provides mandatory training to subrecipients on an annual basis. The training outlines the requirements for encouraging MBE/WBE participation in contracting opportunities to increase economic opportunities to businesses that certify as minority or women owned. Comprehensive Planning Requirements The comprehensive planning requirements include the community planning and development process of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, subsequent AAPs, and CAPERs as per 24 CFR 91 Subpart A, C & F. Citizen participation is a vital part of the consolidated plan process, and the county makes sure to follow its HUD approved Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) which helps guide CHS staff to gather community input which is an essential component in identifying the priority housing and community development needs in the County. Page 7362 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 34 Citizen Participation Plan 91.105(d); 91.115(d) Describe the efforts to provide citizens with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on performance reports. Collier County understands the importance of citizen participation in developing its CAPER and related Annual Action Plan establishing the activities that will be reported on for PY23. The county’s citizen participation process began with the development of the PY23 Action Plan. The county ensured compliance with its adopted Citizen Participation Plan and citizen participation requirements by publishing an RFP, notices for public hearings, and recommendations for funding in a local newspaper and on the county’s website. The county included all required information such as deadline dates, dates of public hearings, locations and times of public hearings, and information on how to obtain the RFP or request technical assistance. The county also published its recommendations for funding providing the public with an opportunity to comment. The activities established in the Action Plan are the current activities being reported in this CAPER. The third year CAPER program year covered October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. Pursuant to HUD guidelines, this CAPER allowed for reasonable notice for review and comment, as well as a fifteen (15) day comment period prior to submission. Public notice of comment period was published on November 15, 2024 notifying the public that the CAPER was available for comment from November 22, 2024 through December 7, 2024. The public was provided with proper notice and was given the opportunity to comment on the draft CAPER. Upon request, IDIS reports were also available for citizen review during the 15-day public review period. The public notice included the address of the Collier County Community and Human Services Division, staff contacts, mailing addresses, phone numbers, the website to view the report and information on where to direct comments and questions. Page 7363 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 35 CR-45 - CDBG 91.520(c) Specify the nature of, and reasons for, any changes in the jurisdiction’s program objectives and indications of how the jurisdiction would change its programs as a result of its experiences. Collier County does not foresee any significant changes in program objectives. Housing and community revitalization activities remain as high priority needs and the use of CDBG funds is essential to address these needs. Addressing the objectives identified greatly relies on the amount of funding available from the federal government and effective leveraging of resources. Collier County continues to meet Consolidated Plan objectives utilizing available funding and if at any point in the future determines there is a need to revise objectives, Collier County will provide proper documentation to support the need for a change and will follow proper amendment procedures. Does this Jurisdiction have any open Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) grants? The county does not have any Brownfields Economic Development Initiative grants. [BEDI grantees] Describe accomplishments and program outcomes during the last year. Not applicable. Page 7364 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 36 CR-50 - HOME 24 CFR 91.520(d) Include the results of on-site inspections of affordable rental housing assisted under the program to determine compliance with housing codes and other applicable regulations . Please list those projects that should have been inspected on -site this program year based upon the schedule in 24 CFR §92.504(d). Indicate which of these were inspected and a summary of issues that were detected during the inspection. For those that were not inspected, please indicate the reason and how you will remedy the situation. On-site inspections for HOME units are scheduled to be inspected at three-year intervals. The county completed 11 inspections during PY23 as detailed below. All units passed inspection meaning they had no Housing Quality Standard (HQS) minimum criteria marked in the “fail” or “inconclusive” columns of the HQS checklist. Eden Gardens 1. 1392 Boxwood Drive, Immokalee, Fl 34142 Hatchers 1. 3157 Esperanza Ct, Immokalee, Fl 34142 - Built 2016 2. 3161 Esperanza Ct, Immokalee, Fl 34142 - Built 2016 3. 3165 Esperanza Ct, Immokalee, Fl 34142 - Built 2016 4. 3169 Esperanza Ct, Immokalee, Fl 34142 - Built 2016 5. 3181 Esperanza Ct, Immokalee, Fl 34142 - Built 2016 6. 3182 Esperanza Ct, Immokalee, Fl 34142 - Built 2016 7. 3189 Esperanza Ct, Immokalee, Fl 34142 - Built 2016 Timber Ridge 1. 2746 Cambridge Ct, Immokalee, Fl 34142 - Built 1996 2. 2484 Sanders Pines Cir, Immokalee, Fl 34142 Provide an assessment of the jurisdiction's affirmative marketing actions for HOME units. 24 CFR 91.520(e) and 24 CFR 92.351(a) Collier County Community and Human Services (CHS) monitor sub-recipients for compliance with affirmative marketing requirements by reviewing selection policies, marketing materials, and property management interviews. Any project using HOME funds must provide a marketing plan to the CHS office for review prior to approval of a funding agreement. For new construction, the development entity is responsible for affirmatively marketing the housing units they develop whether it is special needs or senior housing, or housing targeting low-income working families. Page 7365 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 37 HOME applicants or awardees who receive funding submit an affirmative marketing plan that includes the following: 1. Methods for informing the public, owners, and potential tenants about Federal fair housing laws and their fair housing policy (e.g., use of commercial media, use of community contacts, use of the Equal Housing Opportunity logo or slogan in press releases, solicitations to owners, and written communication); 2. Requirements and practices each owner must adhere to in order to carry out affirmative marketing procedures and requirements. 3. Procedures to be used by owners to inform and solicit applications from persons in the housing market area who are not likely to apply for the housing without special outreach (e.g., use of community organizations, places of worship, employment centers, fair housing groups, or housing counseling agencies); 4. Addresses the items in CFR 92.351. Refer to IDIS reports to describe the amount and use of program income for projects, including the number of projects and owner and tenant characteristics. Program income on hand is paid out to projects before entitlement funds for new and existing projects. Program income received during the 2023 program year totaled $67,481.43. Expenditures of program income during the year were $22,387.13, and a balance of $45,094.30 in program income is available to be drawn for eligible activities. Refer to CR-10 and CR-20 for race/ethnicity and income characteristics of beneficiaries that may have been served through activities utilizing program income. Describe other actions taken to foster and maintain affordable housing. 24 CFR 91.220(k) (STATES ONLY: Including the coordination of LIHTC with the development of affordable housing). 24 CFR 91.320(j) During the 2023 program year, CHS Division staff participated in a number of committees and working groups to foster and maintain affordable housing. Staff are active members of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee that evaluates potential opportunities for maximizing affordable housing stock throughout the county. This group focuses on the chronic affordable housing challenges. In addition, staff coordinate with other divisions within the county to facilitate the efficient processing of affordable and special needs housing applications in both the unincorporated county. When project approvals require cooperation between divisions, staff facilitate expedition of permits whenever possible and appropriate. Page 7366 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 38 CR-58 – Section 3 Identify the number of individuals assisted and the types of assistance provided Total Labor Hours CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA HTF Total Number of Activities 0 0 0 0 0 Total Labor Hours 0 0 0 0 0 Total Section 3 Worker Hours 0 0 0 0 0 Total Targeted Section 3 Worker Hours 0 0 0 0 0 Table 14 – Total Labor Hours Qualitative Efforts - Number of Activities by Program CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA HTF Outreach efforts to generate job applicants who are Public Housing Targeted Workers Outreach efforts to generate job applicants who are Other Funding Targeted Workers. Direct, on-the job training (including apprenticeships). Indirect training such as arranging for, contracting for, or paying tuition for, off-site training. Technical assistance to help Section 3 workers compete for jobs (e.g., resume assistance, coaching). Outreach efforts to identify and secure bids from Section 3 business concerns. Technical assistance to help Section 3 business concerns understand and bid on contracts. Division of contracts into smaller jobs to facilitate participation by Section 3 business concerns. Provided or connected residents with assistance in seeking employment including: drafting resumes, preparing for interviews, finding job opportunities, connecting residents to job placement services. Held one or more job fairs. Provided or connected residents with supportive services that can provide direct services or referrals. Provided or connected residents with supportive services that provide one or more of the following: work readiness health screenings, interview clothing, uniforms, test fees, transportation. Assisted residents with finding child care. Assisted residents to apply for, or attend community college or a four year educational institution. Page 7367 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 39 Assisted residents to apply for, or attend vocational/technical training. Assisted residents to obtain financial literacy training and/or coaching. Bonding assistance, guaranties, or other efforts to support viable bids from Section 3 business concerns. 1 Provided or connected residents with training on computer use or online technologies. Promoting the use of a business registry designed to create opportunities for disadvantaged and small businesses. 1 Outreach, engagement, or referrals with the state one- stop system, as designed in Section 121(e)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Other. Table 15 – Qualitative Efforts - Number of Activities by Program Page 7368 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 40 CR-60 - ESG 91.520(g) (ESG Recipients only) ESG Supplement to the CAPER in e-snaps For Paperwork Reduction Act 1. Recipient Information—All Recipients Complete Basic Grant Information Recipient Name COLLIER COUNTY Organizational DUNS Number 076997790 UEI EIN/TIN Number 596000558 Identify the Field Office South Florida Identify CoC(s) in which the recipient or subrecipient(s) will provide ESG assistance ESG Contact Name Prefix Mrs. First Name Kristi Middle Name Last Name Sonntag Suffix Title Community and Human Services Director ESG Contact Address Street Address 1 3339 Tamiami Trail East Street Address 2 Building H Suite 211 City Naples State FL ZIP Code 34112 Phone Number (239) 252-2486 Extension Fax Number (239) 252-2331 Email Address kristi.sonntag@colliercountyfl.gov ESG Secondary Contact Prefix Mr. First Name Donald Last Name Luciano Suffix Title Assistant Director, Community & Human Services Phone Number (239) 252-2509 Extension Page 7369 of 10663 Collier County PY23 CAPER 41 Email Address donald.luciano@colliercountyfl.gov 2. Reporting Period—All Recipients Complete Program Year Start Date 10/01/2023 Program Year End Date 09/30/2024 3a. Subrecipient Form – Complete one form for each subrecipient Subrecipient or Contractor Name: Shelter for Abused Women & Children City: Naples State: FL Zip Code: 34101, 0102 DUNS Number: 836680769 UEI: Is subrecipient a victim services provider: Y Subrecipient Organization Type: Other Non-Profit Organization ESG Subgrant or Contract Award Amount: $126,920 Page 7370 of 10663