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Chuck Robbins, Director
2051 Kaen Rd, Suite 245
Oregon City, OR 97045
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Phone: (503) 655-8591
Fax: (503) 655-8563
Mon - Thurs 7am - 6pm
Closed Friday
Housing Development
The federal HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) is the primary resource that Clackamas County uses to assist in the development of affordable housing for low-income households and to address some of the most pressing housing needs identified in the Consolidated Plan.
The HOME Program was created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. The regulations that govern the Program are found at 24 CFR Part 92. The HOME Program was created to:
- Expand the supply of decent and affordable housing, particularly rental housing, for very low- and low-income Americans;
- Strengthen the abilities of state and local governments to design and implement strategies for achieving an adequate supply of decent, affordable housing; and
- Extend and strengthen partnership among all levels of government and the private sector, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, in the production and operation of affordable housing.
Clackamas County receives an annual allocation of HOME funds through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The allocation for 2009–2010 is approximately $1.2 million. In accordance with federal requirements, 15% is set aside for housing developed by Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO's), and 10% is set aside for program administration.
Applying for Home Funds
Project Sponsors or Developers must submit an application to CDD in order to be considered for funding. Generally, CDD considers applications for project funding on a first come first serve basis; however, proposed projects must meet the Program’s criteria and priorities identified in the County’s Consolidated Plan. CDD evaluates each application and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
Eligible Applicants
Public agencies, CHDOs and other nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for Clackamas County HOME funds.
To be eligible, the agency or organization must provide evidence that it has the administrative and financial capacity and experience necessary to administer the complex requirements of the HOME Program. If the applicant does not have adequate experience administering State, Federal or local programs, the County may require the applicant to contract or partner with an experienced entity to assist in administering and managing the HOME project.
Eligible Beneficiaries
HOME funds may only be used for units that will be occupied by low- or very low-income households which are defined by HUD as follows:
- Very low-income households are those with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income.
- Low-income households are those with incomes between 51% and 80% of the area median income.
Only the units that receive HOME dollars are considered HOME-assisted units, therefore, only HOME-assisted units must adhere to HOME expenditure limits, income targeting guidelines, and affordability requirements. This allows HOME funds to be used in mixed income projects.
Eligible Projects
Clackamas County's HOME Program provides funds to projects that benefit low-income people. Eligible projects are ones that result in:
- Safe, decent affordable rental opportunities for individuals, families, the elderly and persons with disabilities or special needs;
- Assistance for homebuyers;
- Affordable home ownership opportunities; or
- Preservation of existing owner-occupied housing units.
A project may include one or more buildings on a single site under common ownership, management and financing. Structures scattered on more than one site that are under common ownership, management and financing are also considered a single project. There must be at least one HOME-assisted unit in each building of the project. HOME-assisted projects may:
- Contain any number of units;
- Contain any combination of unit sizes and styles; and
- Be privately or publicly owned.
Project Selection Guidelines
To be considered for HOME funding a project must be:
- Located within Clackamas County;
- Eligible under HOME Program regulations; and
- Consistent with Clackamas County's Consolidated Plan and HOME Program priorities.
Projects meeting the threshold requirements are further evaluated based upon the extent to which the project:
- Is ready to proceed;
- Sponsor has the experience and ability to carry out the proposed project;
- Cost-effectively adds to the stock of affordable housing in Clackamas County;
- Increases the supply of housing that is affordable to very low-income and low-income persons, particularly in areas that are accessible to expanding job opportunities;
- Exceeds the HOME Program income targeting requirements in serving very low-income and low-income residents;
- Provides matching resources;
- Has other reliable funding sources committed to the total cost of the project;
- Provides supportive services if proposed project targets persons with disabilities;
- Provides facilities and services that permit elderly or handicapped residents who become frail and need assistance to continue to reside in the project;
- Preserves the affordability of privately owned housing that is vulnerable to conversion, demolition, disinvestment, or abandonment;
- Remedies the effects of discrimination and improves the housing opportunities for disadvantaged minorities; and
- Stimulates investment and participation by the private sector, including nonprofit organizations.
HOME funds are allocated in amounts appropriate to the scope of the proposed project and the needs and resources of the applicant. HOME funds are provided in the form of low interest loans. The County reserves the right to adjust the amount of funds allocated to projects and to negotiate modifications to the proposed work plan and budget prior to executing an agreement.
The County reserves the right to fund those projects which reflect the highest and best use of HOME funds. If the project for which assistance was allocated changes purpose without prior approval by the County and no longer adheres to the original intent as described in the application, the County may revoke use of HOME funds for the project.
