ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director with a Request to APPROVE the CDBG HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Body
BACKGROUND:
As communicated to Council on April 14 and April 28, $300,000 of additional CARES Act Funding will be used for a household assistance program.
Per Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) regulations, CDBG funds can be used for rental/mortgage and utility assistance for up to 3 months per household.
To be eligible:
• The property must be located within the corporate boundaries within the City of Peoria
• Total household income must be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) by household size
• Household must show a negative impact due to COVID-19 and be unable to pay
• No fees or fines can be owed to the City of Peoria and no outstanding code violations on the property.
• Property must complete a code enforcement self-inspection form
Program Details
• Up to $5,000 for up to three (3) months of assistance.
• Rent/mortgage and utilities such as water, electric and gas will be covered.
• Payments must be made by the City directly to landlord or utility company.
Program Process
• Online lottery entry system will be released and be open for two weeks to submit basic eligibility questioned and contact information. (Page 1 and 2 of the attached application.)
• After a lottery is held, households will be provided a timeframe to submit required income documentation and identification for all members of the household (Pages 3 to 6)
• If a household does not qualify, staff will move on to the next person on the waiting list until all 60 spots are full.
The attached application includes the basic contact information and the additional income documentation required for the program. If any waivers are issued by HUD to reduce these paperwork requirements, adjustments will be made to lessen the burden on residents if possible.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $300,000 of CDBG COVID funds will be used by City staff to administer a household assistance program.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: This program was part of the public comment period for the HUD Substantial Amendment.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City of Peoria will administer a household assistance program for residents.
IMPACT IF DENIED: A household assistance program will not be implemented, and an alternative will need to be identified.
ALTERNATIVES: None identified at this time.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City
2. Beautiful Peoria
3. Choose an item.
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
2. Have an efficient government.
3. Choose an item.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development