Post on 30-May-2020
City of Columbia Community Development Department 1225 Lady Street, Suite 102 Columbia, South Carolina 29201 Phone: (803) 545-3373 Fax: (803) 988-8014
www.columbiasc.net
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation
Report
1 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Columbia City Council
Honorable Stephen K. Benjamin Mayor
Council Members
Honorable Sam Davis, District 1
Honorable Tameika Isaac-Devine, At-Large Honorable Leona Plaugh, District 4
Honorable Brian DeQuincey Newman, District 2 Honorable Cameron Runyan, At-Large Honorable Moe Baddourah, District 3
Steven A. Gantt City Manager
Teresa Wilson Assistant City Manager Economic & Commerce
Deborah J. Livingston Community Development Director
Deborah J. Livingston
Community Development Director
2 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Table of Contents
Letter from the City Manager
Section 1: Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 4
Funding Summary ........................................................................................................................ 6
Five-Year Assessment of Progress ............................................................................................... 9
Self - Evaluation ......................................................................................................................... 12
Performance Highlights - Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) ............... 14
Performance Highlights - Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids (HOPWA) Program . 17
Section 2: Financial Reporting .......................................................................................................................... 18
Funding Sources ......................................................................................................................... 18
Total Budget & Expenditures ..................................................................................................... 19
Section 3: Federal Reports ................................................................................................................................. 20
Leveraging Resources ................................................................................................................. 20
Other Actions .............................................................................................................................. 22
HOME Match Report ................................................................................................................. 26
HOPWA CAPER Measuring Performance Outcomes Report .................................................. 27
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program Report (HPRP) ..................................... 27
Section 4: Projects, Accomplishments & Performance Measurements ......................................................... 28
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Projects .......................................................... 29
Economic Development .............................................................................................................. 36
Housing Accomplishments ......................................................................................................... 37
Housing Development Corporations .......................................................................................... 40
Homeless & Special Needs ......................................................................................................... 41
Section 5: Fair Housing ..................................................................................................................................... 51
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Report ........................................................................... 51
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) Update .............................................................. 52
Appendices ........................................................................................................................................................... 55
Appendix 1: Citizen Participation & Public Comments ............................................................. 55
Appendix 2: PR26 Financial Summary ...................................................................................... 55
Appendix 3: Total Budget........................................................................................................... 55
CDBG Budget ........................................................................................................ 55
HOME Budget ....................................................................................................... 55
HOPWA Budget ................................................................................................... 55
3 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Appendix 4: HOPWA CAPER Measuring Performance Report Outcome ................................ 55
Appendix 5: Fair Housing Reports ............................................................................................. 55
Appendix 6: PR02 – Activity Status Report ............................................................................... 55
PR27 – HOME Status Report ................................................................................ 55
Tables ................................................................................................................................................................... 55
4 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Section 1: Introduction
Executive Summary
Community Development Mission
To improve the quality of life for citizens by making the City of Columbia and its neighborhoods a
better place to live, work and play.
National Goals
Federal law requires that housing and community development grant funds primarily benefit low-and
moderate-income persons in accordance with the following U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) goals:
Provide a suitable living environment
This includes improving the safety and livability of neighborhoods; increasing access to quality
facilities and services; reducing the isolation of income groups within areas by de-
concentrating housing opportunities and revitalizing deteriorating neighborhoods; restoring and
preserving natural and physical features of special value for historic, architectural, or aesthetic
reasons; and conserving energy resources.
Provide decent housing
Included within this broad goal are the following: assist homeless persons in obtaining
affordable housing; retain the affordable housing stock; increase the availability of permanent
housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income Americans without discrimination; and
increase supportive housing that includes structural features and services to enable persons
with special needs to live with dignity.
Expand economic opportunities
These goals encompass creating jobs accessible to low- and very low-income persons;
providing access to credit for community development that promotes long-term economic and
social viability; and empowering low-income persons in federally assisted and public housing
to achieve self-sufficiency.
Understanding the HUD Process
The City of Columbia is required by law every five years to prepare a Consolidated Plan to receive
federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The
Consolidated Plan combines in one report important information about Columbia’s demographics and
economic activity as well as detailed information on the housing and job needs of its residents. The
Plan also includes comments from the public received during public hearings, stakeholder meetings
and in writing.
All funding recommendations for programs operated with these funds were evaluated based on their
ability to help the City meet the goals and priorities established in this Plan.
For each succeeding year, the City of Columbia is required to prepare a one-year Action Plan to notify
citizens and HUD of the City’s intended actions during that particular fiscal year. The Action Plan
includes citizen and stakeholder input and is due annually to HUD by May 15th.
5 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
The Action Plan is developed under HUD guidelines and serves as the application for the following
three formula grant programs:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
At the end of each fiscal year, the City must also prepare a Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER) to provide information to HUD and citizens about that year’s
accomplishments. This information allows HUD, city officials, and the public to evaluate the City’s
performance and determine whether the activities undertaken during the fiscal year helped meet the
City’s five-year goals and to address priority needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. This annual
performance report, prepared with public review and comment, must be submitted to HUD annually
by September 30th
.
City of Columbia Fiscal Year 2011-2012
Section 1: Introduction
Executive Summary
Federal Requirements City Requirements
HUD and City of Columbia Allocation Process
5 Year Consolidated Plan
Rep
ort
Citizens of Columbia
Provide input to Citizens Advisory Committee, Council and staff on reports
Annual Action Plan
Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report
Annual Budget
Annual Audit
Columbia City Council
Approves 5 Year-Consolidated Plan
Citizen Advisory Committee
Recommends reports with citizen input to City Council
Columbia City Council
Authorizes submission of reports to HUD
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Approves reports and allocate funds
Columbia City Council
Approves Annual Budget based on Annual Action Plan
6 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Citizen Participation
The City Manager and City Council of the City of Columbia wish to provide for maximum citizen
participation in the development and implementation of the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action
Plan in accordance with the objectives of the Housing and Community Development Action of 1974.
Accordingly, the City of Columbia will take affirmative actions to provide adequate opportunity for
citizens to participate in the development of the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plans.
These actions will include placing advertisement in the local newspapers, meetings with stakeholders,
community forums, appointment of Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development, and a
public hearing at the televised city council meeting.
The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), appointed by City Council, consists of seven (7) members,
with at least one member from each of the four (4) City Council Districts. The CAC was formally
established by City Council through the adoption of a resolution on August 6, 1975, which outlined
the Committee’s responsibilities. See Appendix 1 for Citizen Participation Plan.
During the reporting period the following schedule of public meetings were held to solicit community
input and comments into the preparation of FY 2012 Annual Action Plan. Public notices were
published in the State Newspaper (March 11, 2012), City’s Website, and available at the Community
Development Department, 1225 Lady Street. Additionally, a community needs assessment survey was
posted on the City’s Website/Community Development page at www.columbiasc.net. Community
Liaisons distributed notices at community/neighborhood meeting and via e-blast. The following
schedule of public meetings and notices were provided:
Comment Period March 11, 2012 through May 11, 2012
On-line Survey April 12 – May 11, 2012
Public Forum March 22, 2012
Public Hearing April 12, 2012
Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings February 2, March 1, April 5, May 3, 2012
Public Hearing and City Council Approval May 8, 2012
Action Plan Submitted to HUD May 15, 2012
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report Public Hearings will be held August
23rd
and September 18th
at 6:00 p.m. An Annual Performance Showcase is scheduled to be held at the
September 18th
City Council Meeting along with a Consolidated Performance Tour of Projects on
September 7th
. The final public hearing and City Council approval will be held on September 18,
2012 at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
Funding Summary
Federal funds are made available for furthering the objectives of the consolidated plan. For each
formula grant program, the grantee shall identify the total amount of funds available (including
estimated program income), the total amount of funds committed during the reporting period, and the
total amount expended during the reporting period.
7 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
HUD provides federal funds through three entitlement grants with amounts determined by statutory
formulas: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); HOME Investment Partnerships Program
(HOME); and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA). In Fiscal Year 2011-2012, the
City received $ 3,036,217.00 million in new funding through these three formula grants and
$ 2,711,447.54 in program income. A total of $2,118,262.32 was expended from the three entitlement
grants.
Table 1: Funding and Expenditures Fiscal Year 2011-12
The local jurisdiction must also submit an updated CDBG Financial Summary Report (PR26). See
Appendix 2. The City submits the CDBG Financial Summary report along with the CAPER to HUD.
The PR26 and other IDIS reports are available for public review.
FY2011-2012 Entitlement Funds
FY2011- 2012 TOTAL BUDGET & EXPENDITURES - ALL FUNDING SOURCES
Federal Source
Allocation
FY2011 Expenditures Encumbered
Estimated
Carried
Forward
CDBG
703,080.00
575,393.76
535.66
127,150.58
CDBG Program Income
1,425,429.58
144,735.32
-
1,280,694.26
Sub-total for CDBG Funds
1,103,080.00
720,129.08
535.66
382,415.26
HOME
792,521.00
148,598.68
1,511.36
642,410.96
HOME Program Income
1,286,017.96
313,764.12
972,253.84
Sub-total for HOME Funds
2,078,538.96
462,362.80
1,511.36
1,614,664.80
HOPWA
1,540,616.00
1,373,694.84
167,495.78
(574.62)
Sub-total for HOPWA Funds
1,540,616.00
1,373,694.84
167,495.78
(574.62)
Total Entitlement Funds
4,722,234.96
2,118,563.32
169,542.80
1,996,505.44
FY2009-2012
Stimulus Funds
HPRP (3 Years)
524,731.00
197,490.41
6,762.31 -
NSP (3 Years)
3,829,249.45
499,932.46
770.00 -
Total Stimulus Funds 4,353,980.45
696,652.87
7,532.31 -
8 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Basis for Allocating Investments within Jurisdiction
Jurisdictions are encouraged to include maps in describing the geographic distribution and location of
investment (including areas of low-income and minority concentration). The geographic distribution
and expenditure requirement may be satisfied by specifying the census tracts where expenditures were
concentrated and the percentage of funds expended in target areas.
All CDBG funds were allocated to projects that benefit low and moderate income persons and/or
areas. HOME funds were allocated to eligible beneficiaries (at or below 80% of area median income)
throughout the corporate city limits. However, the City targeted funds to those neighborhoods with
the highest concentration of need for affordable housing and economic development: Eau Claire
Redevelopment Area, King/Lyon Street Redevelopment Area, Booker Washington Heights
Redevelopment Area and Edisto Court Redevelopment Area.
In addition the previously HUD-approved Empowerment Zone area - comprised of contiguous Census
Tracts 2, 5, 9-10, 13-16, 18, 20.02, 28, 106, and 109 - was established as a Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) for the term of the Consolidated Plan to ensure continued
revitalization and community development efforts.
The following HUD Tables identify the City of Columbia’s priority needs for the next five years. The
priorities are based on the following:
High priority = expects to fund in the coming 5 years
Medium priority = may fund in the coming five years based on funding availability
Low priority = not expected to fund in the coming five years.
Table 2: Priority Community Development Needs Fiscal Year 2011-12
Priority Need
Priority
Need
Level
Priority Need
Priority
Need
Level
Acquisition of Real Property H Sidewalks H
Clearance and Demolition H Solid Waste Disposal Improvements M
Clearance of Contaminated Sites H Flood Drainage Improvements H
Code Enforcement H Public Services (General)
Public Facility (General) Senior Services M
Senior Centers H Handicapped Services L
Homeless Facilities H Legal Services L
Youth Centers H Youth Services H
Neighborhood Facilities H Child Care Services M
Child Care Centers M Transportation Services H
Health Facilities M Substance Abuse Services M
Mental Health Facilities M Employment/Training Services H
Parks and/or Recreation Facilities H Health Services H
Parking Facilities L Lead Hazard Screening H
Tree Planting M Crime Awareness M
Fire Stations/Equipment M Fair Housing Activities H
Abused/Neglected Children Facilities L Other Services
9 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Asbestos Removal M Community Liaison/Citizen Participation H
Non-Residential Historic Preservation M Keep Midlands Beautiful H
Infrastructure (General) Economic Development (General)
Water/Sewer Improvements H C/I Building Acq/Const/Rehab H
Street Improvements H
The City of Columbia will continue to provide programs and services to low-moderate income
neighborhoods. For instance, the current efforts planned in the Booker Washington Heights
Redevelopment area provides for the renovation of the Kathryn Bellfield Cultural Arts Center,
homeowner and rental rehabilitation, demolition and in-fill housing.
Priorities for Funding
The City of Columbia assigned priorities in the expenditure of funds based on the housing market
analysis, housing needs assessment and community input with the overarching goal to provide
affordable housing opportunities, revitalized neighborhoods, and economic stimulation. In addition,
strategies and objectives were reviewed from various studies and development plans covering areas
within its municipal limits. Based on the overall assessment the City’s priority needs are:
1. Increase decent, safe and affordable housing for Columbia citizens
2. Revitalize neighborhoods and improve quality of life
3. Provide financial assistance to prevent homelessness and provide housing and supportive
services for the homeless
4. Create jobs and business redevelopment to stimulate economic development
5. Provide permanent housing for persons living with HIV/AIDS
6. Provide financial assistance to prevent homelessness for persons living with HIV/AIDS
7. Provide quality supportive services to assist clients with achieving and maintaining housing
stability
Five-Year Assessment of Progress
Federal guidelines require entitlement cities to describe the accomplishments in attaining the goals and
objectives for the reporting period. This should be summary information so that HUD and citizens can
easily assess progress made toward meeting longer term goals.
Table 3: 2011 Annual Performance Assessments
Obj
#
Specific Objectives Sources
of
Funds
Performance Indicators Expected
Number
Actual
Number
Rental Housing Objectives
1.1.2 Provide technical assistance to
CHDO’s
HOME
CHDO contacts
2
8
1.1.3 Rehabilitate existing housing units for
rental tenants
HOME
Assisted units
2
8
10 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Owner Housing Objectives
1.1 Increase access to affordable housing
HOME
# participants homebuyer
training courses;
# participants credit counseling
sessions;
# home ownership workshops
75
100
23
15
178
11
1.1.1 Provide low interest loans through
City Living Initiative
HOME
Loan closing
15
3
2.6 Rehab Owner-occupied housing
CDBG
Assisted houses
12
5
2.6 Rehab Owner-occupied housing
HOME
Assisted Houses
6
2
2.6 Weatherize existing housing
CDBG
Assisted houses
10
8
Homeless Objectives
1.2 Increase access to homeless
prevention and rapid re-housing for
housing stability
HPRP
# of units
25
23
3.5 Increase organizational capacity of
local service providers
CDBG
# of TA sessions
5
10
3.6 Increase program efficiencies by
regional collaboration
CDBG
# of MACH Meetings
12
4
Special Needs Objectives
3.1 Provide supportive permanent housing
for persons living with HIV/AIDS
HOPWA
# of leased units
95
98
3.2 Provide case management to persons
living with HIV/AIDS
HOPWA
# of clients with access to care and
support
408
579
3.4 Provide short term housing and utility
assistance to persons living with
HIV/AIDS
HOPWA
# of clients with stable housing
320
121
Community Development
Objectives
1.1 Increase access to affordable housing
CDBG
Loan closings;
50
17
2.5 Increase safety of neighborhoods
CDBG
# of CCN groups
106
111
Public Facilities Objectives
11 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
2.4 Improve neighborhood stability
CDBG
# of grants
5
2
Public Services Objectives
1.3 Provide access to transportation,
education, and job training
CDBG
# of participants
150
77
1.4 Provide resources for lifelong learning
CDBG
# of persons
70
498
2.1 Increase asset wealth of
neighborhoods with infusion of capital
CDBG
# of neighborhoods
# of events
#of volunteers
50
15
5
760
Economic Development Objectives
2.2 Provide resources to stimulate job
creation
CDBG
# of loans
10
16
The Annual Objectives for 2011-2012 area based on the Five Year Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Improve quality of life for Columbia citizens
Objective 1.1: Increase access to affordable housing (Decent Housing)
Strategy 1.1.1 Provide low interest loans through City Living Initiative
Strategy 1.1.2 Provide technical assistance to CHDO’s
Strategy 1.1.3 Rehabilitate existing housing units for rental tenants
Objective 1.2: Increase permanent housing stability for chronically homeless (Decent Housing)
Objective 1.3: Provide access to medical care, transportation, education, and job training
(Suitable Living Environment)
Objective 1.4: Provide resources for life-long learning (Suitable Living Environment)
Goal 2: Revitalize low income or blighted neighborhoods
Objective 2.1: Increase asset wealth of neighborhoods with infusion of capital (Suitable Living
Environment)
Strategy 2.1.1 Provide neighborhood improvement grants to non-profits
Objective 2.2: Increase green spaces and parks (Suitable Living Environment)
Objective 2.3: Integrate economic development policy with a long term vision for Columbia
(Economic Opportunity)
Strategy 2.3.1 Implement catalysts from existing development plans
Objective 2.4: Improve and maintain streets, sidewalks, parks and green space (Suitable Living
Environment)
Objective 2.5: Increase safety of neighborhoods (Suitable Living Environment)
Objective 2.6: Preserve stable housing in neighborhoods (Decent Housing)
Goal 3: Increase housing stability for special needs populations, including persons living with
HIV/AIDS
Objective 3.1: Increase access to affordable housing (Decent Housing)
Objective 3.2: Provide supportive services to households to maintain housing stability (Decent
Housing)
12 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Objective 3.3: Use HMIS to identify gaps in needed services and avoid duplication of services
(Decent Housing)
Objective 3.4: Prevent homelessness by providing financial housing and utility assistance
(Decent Housing)
Objective 3.5: Increase organizational capacity of local service providers (Suitable Living
Environment)
Objective 3.6: Increase program efficiencies by regional collaboration (Suitable Living
Environment)
Self - Evaluation
The City of Columbia annually assesses its progress in meeting the goals of the FY 2010-15
Consolidated Plan through the development of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation
Report (CAPER). The CAPER provides the best opportunity for the City to evaluate the performances
of its programs and whether adjustments to current City-sponsored programs, activities, measurements
or five-year goals are needed.
The partnerships and collaboration of the City of Columbia, the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD), community partners, and the citizens of Columbia, contribute to the
success of the programs featured in the Fiscal Year 2011-12 CAPER. HUD, through three formula
grants, continues to make a substantial financial commitment to low- and moderate-income
households in the City of Columbia. The Community Development Department which is responsible
for the City’s oversight of the federal funds is committed to making Columbia and its neighborhoods a
better place to live and work. In fiscal year 2011-12, the City received $3,036,217.00 million in three
formula grants: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships,
and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). This is a substantial decrease in
previous funding years due to the reduction of the city’s fiscal year 2011 CDBG grant by $424,845,
reducing the award from $1,127,925 to $703,080 for failure to meet timeliness deadline in the prior
fiscal year. The Department also works with lending institutions to leverage private dollars and make
available low-interest housing loans through the Housing Division of the Community Development
Department. Reduction in federal funding highlights the importance of the City’s local commitment to
the programs and priorities outlined in the Consolidated Plan.
During the second year of the five-year Consolidated Plan period, the City of Columbia has continued
to experience rapidly changing market conditions and demographics that can serve as barriers to
program implementation and new development of affordable housing properties. The economic
recession has increased the number of households that need assistance and has placed new burdens on
Columbia’s most vulnerable residents. Columbia continues to experience changing demographics and
economic dynamics that highlight the growing demand for services and the need for the City to
continue to evaluate how to better serve its clients and the community.
As a result of the changing needs and continued effort to provide quality services, the Community
Development Department staff developed a creative strategy to delivery services and to meet the needs
of its citizens. The Annual Neighborhood Leadership Summit and the Ownership, Maintenance and
Gardening-“OMG” of Homeownership were established during the 2011-12 program year. These two
events promotes the concept of “Community Investment” that provides opportunities for citizens and
13 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
neighborhood organizations to access education and resources that enhance livability, sustainability
and a suitable living environment.
City of Columbia – Changing Demographic & Economic Trends
Columbia continues to experience growth and is the largest city in South Carolina with population of
130,591. Growth is not the only notable change for 2011. Columbia elected a new Mayor in 2010 for
the first time in over 20 years, and in 2012 two (2) new council members were appointed.
Program Administration
The ability of the City to efficiently and effectively plan, implement, and deliver housing and
community development services is based on how well it administratively manages required federal
and local processes and procedures. Program accounting, tracking, and reporting provide the necessary
documentation on eligibility and financial allowance. The following represents an assessment of the
City’s management of federal and non-federal funding for housing and community development
services.
Consolidated Planning/Budget Process Coordination
The City continues to improve its reporting to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), local officials, and the public and increase public participation in its planning
processes through increased outreach, website improvements, and increased email communication.
Key reports for fiscal year 2011-12: City of Columbia Action Plan, City of Columbia Annual Budget,
and the annual CAPER. These documents reflect all funding sources consistent with goals and
priorities. Reporting efforts allow the Columbia community to have complete information about the
resources being directed to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents.
To improve the citizen participation process, the Community Development Department established the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)/Request for
Applications (RFA) for the 2012-13 fiscal year funding process. Applicants were required to attend a
technical assistance workshop prior to submitting applications. Over 100 applicants attended the
workshop session and 30 applications were submitted for funding. The primary objective was to fund
projects and activities that were consistent with the City’s priorities and to address the Five Year
Consolidated Plan objectives.
Expenditure and Timeliness Ratio Information
The City of Columbia met the required deadline and exceeded the commitment and drawdown of its
grant funds for fiscal year 2011-12. The City is required to disburse all grant funds in a timely manner
after drawdown from HUD. For CDBG funds, the balance of the CDBG line-of-credit must not exceed
1.5 times the annual grant on May 2nd of every year. During 2011, the City exceeded its CDBG
drawdown ratio by expending over $1.6 million on eligible activities and for the first time in two
years, met the timeliness test for Program Year 2011-12. The current system has been evaluated and
measures placed that ensure that federal expenditure and timeliness requirements will be met each
year. For HOME funds, the City must commit all HOME funds in two years and spend the funds
within five years. The City met these HOME requirements in fiscal year 2011-12. However, in the
City’s efforts to reconcile financial records and ensure proper accountability of HUD Community
14 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Development funds, the City reported an additional $1,286,017.96 in HOME program income in
Program Year 2011-12. Therefore, an amendment to the 2012 Annual Action was required and
completed September 18, 2012.
Performance Highlights - Community Development Block Grant Program
(CDBG)
Public Service Activities
Keep the Midlands Beautiful
Keep the Midlands Beautiful continues to work in partnership with the
City to ensure that all neighborhoods and communities within the City
limits are healthy and safe by guaranteeing that the environment is
protected
Organized 3 Community Clean-ups
85 streets enrolled in Adopt-A-Street program
16,090 pounds of litter removed from the City streets and waterway.
Coordinated 760 volunteers who completed 1,676 hours in volunteer service
4 recycle containers obtained for Owens Field Park through a grant.
Community Liaisons
The Community Liaison’s provide technical assistance to neighborhoods organized through the
Columbia Council of Neighborhoods (CCN).
Attended 200 neighborhood meetings
Copied and distributed 4,300 neighborhood information flyers and literature
Completed 437 neighborhood tours to assist with and identify complaints and concerns.
Organized 3 Community Clean-ups
Organized 2 Community Outreach Workshops Events
Technical assistance and support to 111 Neighborhood Organizations
Organized Neighborhood Cluster Meetings
Enrolled 6 participants into IDA Program
Public Facilities Projects
Bellfield Cultural Arts Center
The Bellfield Cultural Arts Center strategically located neighborhood recreation
center will offer convenient, one-stop sources for recreation, cultural and arts
activities, fitness, after-school programs, mentoring programs, job training and
education, counseling, and other supportive services.
Architectural Plans Completed
Environmental Review Completed
Programmatic plans completed
Proposed Construction to Begin 2013
15 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Parks & Recreation Administrative Complex and Earlewood Park Communiy Building
Parks & Recreation Administrative Complex and Earlewood Park Community Building will be used
for community events, increasing access by Columbia citizens to parks and community services.
Project is in its final stages of completions and grand opening scheduled for Fall of 2012.
Parks & Recreation Facility/Leisure Study
Park Facilities Assessment Completed
Neighborhood Needs Assessment Completed
Project in progress, consultant selected to complete study for all park facilities
Educational & Youth Programs
College Summit
College Summit is designed to help young people to first see their value and
strengths, then to raise their expectations for what they can accomplish in
life, and finally provide them with the tools, information and support to
work towards their future goals and aspirations for the benefit of their
families and their community.
95% (Eau Claire) and 99% (Keenan) of seniors completed a senior plan
93% (Eau Claire) and 90% (Keenan) of seniors have generated a comprehensive list of college
options
95% (Eau Claire) and 90% (Keenan) of seniors have applied to college
498 enrolled in the program
31 Peer Leaders received training
Trained 12 educators at Educator’s Academy
Eau Claire Promise Zone
Eau Claire Promise Zone is developing a cradle-to-college continuum of services
beginning with children ages 0-5 in targeted geographic service areas within the larger
Promise Zone boundaries, with intentions to expand gradually within those
boundaries.
Baby College is now serving 5 to 12 young parents in the Latimer Manor
Camp We Care enrolled 28 children in program with 79% completing
program
2 of the 2011 Camp We Care counselors were Eau Claire residents
All 9 counselors for 2012 Camp We Care camp either lived in or work in the 29203 zip code
Eau Claire Child Care Network is assisting in professional development goals of 25 locally-
owned childcare businesses in the North Columbia Area.
380 participants in Summer Parenting Program outreach events (49 in grades K-3rd)
Homeless Services
Housing First (USC School of Medicine)
Housing First (USC School of Medicine) is a collaborative partnership between USC Supportive
Housing Services (USHS) and Columbia Housing Authority (CHA).
42 Placed in a Housing First Unit (Total)
16 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
18 Homeless Persons Obtained Permanent Housing
57 Served through Housing First Outreach Services
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) HPRP (USC School of Medicine) & (The Cooperative Ministry)
The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program a three year stimulus grant program ended
on June 30, 2012. The HPRP provided homelessness prevention assistance to households who would
otherwise become homeless and provide assistance to rapidly re-house persons who are homeless.
The City was awarded $524,731 in HPRP funding to provide financial assistance for housing, case
management for housing search and placement, outreach and engagement and for legal services. All
funds were expended on eligible activities in a timely manner and with the Nation’s first “No
Finding” monitoring report from HUD.
57 Households Served by USC Homeless Prevention and Rapid-Rehousing 243 Household Served TCM Homelessness Prevention and Homeless Assistance
Housing Services
Community Development Housing Loan Programs
The Housing Services Division continues to market and facilitate the housing loan programs to the
citizens of Columbia
Closed 32 housing loans
Launched the Weatherization Program
178 persons received credit or financial literacy counseling
Leveraged $1,747,820 in private funding
Organized and/or participated in 23 events to market and showcase housing programs
Columbia Housing Development Corporation (CHDC)/Two Notch Developemnt
Community Development partnered with TN Development Corporation and successfully
Economic Development
Façade Improvement Program
The City of Columbia’s Façade Improvement Program aimed to
improve the appearance of commercial corridors throughout the city
that are significantly deteriorated through a forgivable loan
program.
City invested $425,829 in public dollars for BID
16 businesses completed façade projects with 24 individual
loans
Private investment leveraged $ 6,176,060
34 new jobs added to downtown
5 new events attracted to BID
16 new retailers opened in the BID
118, 300 square feet now available
17 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Performance Highlights - Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids
(HOPWA) Program
Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services of South Carolina, Inc. (PALSS)
Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services of South Carolina, Inc. (PALSS) far
surpassed the proposed deliverables or both Supportive Services and Housing
Information Services.
Provided 362 persons with Supportive Services and 110 persons with Housing Information
Services.
Additionally, 90% of clients receiving PALSS’ case management services report being
permanently housed.
University of South Carolina Department of Medicine (USC)
University of South Carolina Department of Medicine HOPWA Case Management
had a goal of providing supportive services to 250 individuals for this fiscal year.
Through comprehensive case management services:
Provided services to 213 individuals (85.2% of the fiscal year goal of 250
individuals).
Between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, 100% of the 213 individuals
receiving supportive services have been categorized as low income clients.
We report 100% of clients were appropriately referred to other services.
The Cooperative Ministry (TCM)
The Cooperative Ministry’s yearly goals are based on the number eligible STRUMU applications
submitted for payment by partner agencies and case managers. They had a goal of providing
STRUMU services to 256 individuals.
Provided 114 persons with Short-Term Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance
35 persons provided Permanent Housing Placement Services
Upper Savannah Care Services (USCS)
Upper Savannah Care Services continues to provide the best in housing
services and opportunities for persons living with HIV/AIDS in Saluda
County with an annual goal of providing TBRA to 3 individuals and
Supportive Services to 10 for the fiscal year
Provided 3 persons with Tenant-Based Rental Assistance and 4
persons with Supportive Services
Columbia Housing Authority (CHA)
Columbia Housing Authority continued to provide rental assistance through
HOPWA vouchers in coordination with PALSS, TCM, and USC.
Provided Tenant-Based Rental Assistance to 86 persons
Provided housing assistance to 25 persons through Housing First Program.
18 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Section 2: Financial Reporting
Funding Sources
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is authorized under
Title I of the housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended. The
primary objective of CDBG is the development of viable communities by:
Providing decent housing.
Providing a suitable living environment.
Expanding economic opportunities.
To achieve these goals, any activity funded with CDBG must meet one of three national objectives:
Benefit to low- and moderate-income persons.
Aid in the prevention of slums or blight.
Meet a particular urgent need (referred to as urgent need).
Program Income
CDBG Program Income (CDBG PI) is the gross income received by the City of Columba directly
generated by the use of CDBG funds. Program income is available to activities that do not have
established revolving loan funds.
Revolving Loan Fund
A Revolving Loan Fund (CDBG – Rev. Loan) is a dedicated source of funds to a particular activity
from which loans are made for housing or small business development projects. Once loans are repaid
to the City, the funds revolve back into the original activity as available new funding.
HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
The HOME Program was created by the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990
(NAHA), and has been amended several times by subsequent legislation. There are
three objectives of the HOME Program:
Expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing to very low- and
low-income individuals.
Mobilize and strengthen the ability of state and local governments to provide decent, safe,
sanitary, and affordable housing to very low- and low-income individuals.
Leverage private sector participation and expand the capacity of non-profit housing providers.
Program Income
HOME Program Income (HOME PI) is the gross income received by the City of Columbia directly
generated by the use of HOME funds.
19 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
HOME CHDO
A Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO) is a private nonprofit, community-based
organization that has obtained or intends to obtain staff with the capacity to develop affordable
housing for the community it serves, and meets the definition at 24 CFR 92.2. The City of Columbia
must set aside a minimum of 15 percent of the HOME allocation for housing development activities in
which qualified CHDOs are the owners, developers, and/or sponsors of the housing.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
The Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
Program was established by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) to address the specific needs of low-
income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. HOPWA
makes grants to local communities, states, and non-profit
organizations. HOPWA funds provide housing assistance and related supportive services in
partnership with communities and neighborhoods.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Housing and Economic Recovery Act
(HERA) - Federal Stimulus
The City of Columbia has received additional funding in FY 2009-10 as
part of federal economic stimulus programs. This includes funding
made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA) of 2009 and the Housing and Economic Recovery Act
(HERA) of 2008. The City has received $524,731in stimulus funds, for
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) by
submitting a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008
Action Plan to HUD and $3.1 million in Neighborhood Stabilization
Program (NSP) funds in response to applications submitted to the South
Carolina State Housing Development and Finance Authority. These funds are one-time grants (3-year
period) released by the federal government for the purpose of stimulating the economy during the
current recession and addressing foreclosures at the local level. The HPRP (July) and NSP (May)
grants will end in 2012.
Total Budget & Expenditures The financial information below provides a summary of the 2011 entitlement allocations and
expenses. For detailed information of expenditures for the CDBG, HOME and HOPWA entitlement
program go to Appendix 3.
20 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Table 4: FY 2011 – 2012 Entitlement Budget Allocation NO. Funding Description New Funding
11-12
Expenditures Ending Balance Funding Source
1 CDBG Administrations 495,514.00 437,347.05 58,166.95 CDBG - Current
2 CDBG Programs 207,566.00 138,046.71 69,519.29 CDBG - Current
3 HOME (CHDO) Loan Program 713,263.25 63,738.19 649,524.06 HOME - Current
4 HOME Administration 79,252.20 105,736.53 0 HOME - Current
5 HOPWA Grants Administration 76,218.00 45,246.83 30,971.17 HOPWA - Current
6 HOPWA Resource ID - Administration 20,000.00 4,782.89 15,217.11 HOPWA - Current
7 HOPWA Programs 1,444,398.00 1,323,665.12 120,732.88 HOPWA - Current
TOTALS: 3,036,211.45 2,118,563.32 944,131.46
Financial Reports
Current Entitlement (Only) Budget Allocations and Expenses
Section 3: Federal Reports
Leveraging Resources
Federal Guideline: Identify progress in obtaining “other” public and private resources to address
needs; how Federal resources from HUD leveraged other public and private resources; and how
matching requirements were satisfied.
CDBG Administration
21%
CDBG Programs
7%
HOME (CHDO) Loan
Programs
3%
HOME Administration
5%
HOPWA Grants
Administration
2% HOPWA Resource ID
Administration
0%
HOPWA Programs
62%
2011-2012 Entitlment Budget Allocations
21 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
In general, the City of Columbia Community Development Housing Division leveraged over $46.5
million from various sources for its housing initiative over the past five years. These resources include
private lenders such as First Citizens, BB&T, Carolina First, Regions Bank, NBSC, South Carolina
Bank and Trust, Wachovia and Bank of America. On October 31, 2011, the Community Development
Department sponsored the “Mayor’s Luncheon” to honor the lending institutions that participated in
the City’s housing initiative. Mayor Steve Benjamin presented the award that recognized each
partner’s contribution to over $36 million in total private funding and the City’s contribution of over
$10 million in City funds. Other programs such as Housing Loans, Eau Claire Promise Zone, College
Summit and various in-fill redevelopments, the Parks and Recreation Community Building Project,
Homeless Services for the Emergency Winter Shelter, other community investment projects and
initiatives have leveraged over $2.3 million for this year.
The following chart shows leveraging in fiscal year 2011- 2012. Matching requirements can be found
in the HOME Match reported later in this section.
Table 5: Leveraged Funding FY 2011-2012 Programs
Program Activity Fund Source Unit Unit Funding Leveraged
Eau Claire Promise
Zone
Capacity Building-PS
CDBG
1
$ 40,000.00
$ 83,600.00
College Summit
Training
CDBG
1
$ 40,000.00
$ 295,476.72
Keep the Midlands
Community Clean-up
CDBG
1
$ 15,000.00
$ 64,470.00
Waters Crest
Townhomes
Rental Rehabilitation
HOME
8
$ 276,000.00
$ 880,457.76
City Lender I/City
Lender II
Loan Purchase HOME/CDBG
6
$ 953,200.00
$ 833,200.00
ADDI
Loan Purchase
HOME/CDBG
7
$ 734,000.00
$ 589,000.00
Employee Loan
Loan Purchase
HOME/City General
Funds (GF)
2
$ 394,500.00
$ 303,250.00
Burton Heights
Redevelopment
Project
New Construction
HOME
$ 1,541,905.22
$ -
Parks & Recreation
Community Building
New Construction
CDBG
1
$ 800,000.00
$ 1,758,904.00
Homeless Services
Housing First
GF
1
$ -
$ 178,003.00
Commercial
Revolving Loan Fund
Commercial Loans
CDBG
1
$ 282,387.00
$ 6,549,183.00
Homeless Services Emergency Winter
Shelter
GF
$ -
$ 738,367.00
Homeless Services Transitions Homeless
Shelter
GF
$ -
$ 409,515.00
Total Federal Funded
29
$ 5,076,992.22
$ 12,683,426.48
22 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
All activities that represent the Federal units are completed in the HUD Integrated Disbursement Information Systems
(IDIS).
Other Actions
Federal Guideline requires the City of Columbia to report on action plan taken to address obstacles to
meet underserved need.
City of Columbia Community Development Department administers all HOPWA funds for the City of
Columbia and Columbia Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which include Fairfield, Kershaw,
Lexington, Richland and Saluda Counties. These programs provide housing assistance for income-
eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. The goals of these programs are to prevent
homelessness and to support independent, self-sufficient living among persons living with HIV/AIDS.
The services ensure clients have improved access to primary medical care and other supportive
services.
Continuum of Care
The Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) is the coordinating body for the HUD
Continuum of Care process for a 14 county area in South Carolina which all counties in the Columbia
area. MACH was formed in July 1994 and is a 501(c) 3 non-profit which advocates and coordinates
services for Columbia's homeless. The all-volunteer organization consists of over sixty (60) private,
public, nonprofit, city, state and federal agencies. These entities provide shelter, housing, and/or other
assistance to the homeless and the indigent population and continue the MACH’s vision “...to prevent
homelessness, to compassionately serve people in crisis and to integrate homeless people into the
community.”
The MACH applied for the 2011 HUD Continuum of Care, Supportive Housing Program (SHP) and
Shelter Plus Care (S+C) funding to provide housing and services for the homeless in the
Midlands. The City provided the required certifications for the grant applications after the proposals
were reviewed by Community Development staff. In addition, City Council voted to support the
Columbia Housing Authority and Lexington Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (LRADAC)
in their application for funding.
Every two years the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
requires that communities that receive
federal HUD homeless funding conduct a
one-day ‘count’ of people experiencing
homelessness during the last two weeks of
January. This report summarizes the efforts
of the 2011 Point-in-time Homeless Count
conducted January 2011 by the Midlands
Area Consortium for the Homeless
(MACH). The report only offers a
‘snapshot’ of homelessness based on the efforts of volunteers and agencies serving homeless people
on one day. The report is not intended to be an exact count of the number of homeless people in our
community and uses a limited definition of homelessness. We would expect an annual count to be as
much as 3-6 times higher depending on the county.
23 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
In the 2011 Homeless Count, 1,621 people in the 14 counties of MACH were identified as homeless
using the narrow HUD definition, which does not include people who are ‘doubled-up’. A total of
1,185 of the 1,621 people counted or 73% were in Richland and Lexington Counties. This reflects an
overall increase of 16% from one-day count conducted in 2009. The 2011 ‘count’ identified people as
homeless if they were in the following conditions on January 27, 2011:
Currently living on the street;
Staying in emergency or transitional shelter;
Temporarily in a hospital or psychiatric hospital that will have nowhere to live upon
release;
The City of Columbia continues to participate in the planning efforts of the local HUD Continuum of
Care, Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless. The City takes to lead through its funding efforts
of the emergency winter shelter. During the reporting period the City of Columbia’s Emergency
Shelter was in operation from November 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012 and had a 33% increase in
the total number of unduplicated persons served during the same period in 2010 Table 6 below
illustrates the data compiled on clients served at the shelter.
Table 6: Emergency Shelter Data 2011
Total Percent of Total
Total Number of guests served 852
Men 687 80.63%
Women 165 19.37%
Black American 589 69.13%
White American 229 26.88%
Other American 34 3.99%
Hispanic/Latino(a) 15 1.76%
Non-Hispanic Latino(a) 837 98.24%
Survivors of domestic violence 36 4.22%
Veterans 60 7.04%
Chronically homeless 163 19.10%
First time homeless 283 33.20%
Reasons for Homelessness
Loss of job/underemployed 257 30.16%
Seeking employment 662 77.69%
Disabled 297 34.85%
Born in South Carolina 485 56.92%
Became homeless while living in SC 673 78.99%
24 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
The City of Columbia receives formula grant funding for HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People
with AIDS). The City will work with its partner agencies to continue to provide housing assistance and
supportive services to low income persons living with HIV/AIDS. In 2011, HOPWA funds through the
(CCHAP) Columbia Cares Housing Assistance Program, provided rental assistance to 86 clients for
this reporting period.
The City of Columbia issues an annual Request for Proposals to solicit non-profit service providers.
Non-profit project sponsors assisted 121 households with short term rental assistance and utility
payments. HOPWA funds supported 579 households with case management services.
The City of Columbia provided funding through General Funds for the Housing First Program which
serves the chronic homeless population, Housing First is an approach to ending homelessness that
centers on providing homeless people with housing as quickly as possible – and then providing
services as needed. This approach has the benefit of being consistent with what most people
experiencing homelessness want and seek help to achieve.
Housing First programs share critical elements:
A focus on helping individuals and families access
and sustain permanent rental housing as quickly as
possible without time limits;
A variety of services delivered to promote housing
stability and individual well-being on an as-needed
basis;
A standard lease agreement to housing – as
opposed to mandated therapy or services
compliance.
During the funding period, the following unduplicated
persons were housed through alternative placement using:
Housing First Outreach Services 57
From shelters/streets in City of Columbia 100%
Housing First clients who transitioned to independent housing 25
Housing First clients who returned to homelessness 4
Demographics of persons served are as follows:
Average: 50.88 (age range 31-61) Veterans: 2 Men: 8 Women: 1 Black: 5 White: 4
Average 6.66 (years since last permanent housing (1-19 years)
Average 7.94 (years total homeless (1-29 years)
Table 7: Housing First Client Benefit Information
Current Client Benefit Information
Prior to Housing During
Housing
Primary medical care 7 8
Income (includes VA benefits, social security) 6 5
25 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Current mental health/substance use treatment 5 7
Food stamps 8 9
Social Security Income 2 4
Medicaid/Medicare 2 4
Employed since housed 0 2
Federal Guideline requires the City of Columbia to report on action plan taken to foster and maintain
affordable housing.
Housing with Lead-Based Paint Hazards
According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development in September 1995, as many as 64 million homes (83% of the
privately-owned housing units built before 1980) have lead-based paint
somewhere in the building. Twelve million of these homes are occupied by
families with children who are six years old or younger. An estimated 49 million
privately-owned homes have lead-based paint on their interiors. Although a large
majority of pre-1980 homes have lead-based paint, the affected areas are
relatively small. The amounts of lead based paint per housing unit vary with the
age of the dwelling unit. Pre-1940 units have, on average, about three times as
much lead-based paint as units built between 1960 and 1979.
According to the National Survey of Lead-based Paint in Housing1, there are no statistically significant
differences in the prevalence of lead-based paint by type of housing, market value of the home,
amount of rent payment, household income or geographic region. The following table includes data
from the 2008 American Community Survey based on the year housing units throughout the city of
Columbia were built. By applying the estimated national percentages of housing with lead-based paint
somewhere in the building, the number of housing units in Columbia with lead-based paint can be
estimated: approximately 22,940 housing units in Columbia may contain lead-based paint. The
following table also estimates the units within the city of Columbia.
Table 8: Lead-Based Paint
The city is working to insure that the lead based paint is addressed and has revised the policy
addressing lead-based paint and secured a lead-based paint consultant during the reporting period to
assess the need for mitigation or abatement. A total of 16 homes were assessed for lead-based paint
through the City’s Weatherization and Housing Rehabilitation Programs.
1 EPA, National Survey of Lead-based Paint in Housing, DocNo024EPA., June, 1995
Construction
Year
Housing
Units Units Percent
Total 27,976 22,940 82%
1960 to 1979 11,866 9,018 76%
1940 to 1959 16,110 14,821 92%
Before 1940 4,669 4,109 88%
Columbia
Housing with Lead-Based
Paint
26 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
HOME Match Report
HOME match is satisfied through private lenders contributions to the City’s affordable housing loan
program for homebuyers. The banks the City partners with provide mortgage financing to eligible
borrowers at reduced interest rates. The City calculates match using the difference between the
interest rate the borrower is receiving through obtaining the City’s financing and the interest rate that
they would have normally received if they had received financing solely through the partner lender.
The difference in payment over the life of the loan is what the City uses as match requirement. The
amount of match required equals 25% of the amount drawn down for HOME projects during the
Federal reporting period. The Match report below reflects match for the 2011 fiscal year in which the
City contributed $875,840.40. The City exceeded the match requirement by $802,451.
27 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
HOPWA CAPER Measuring Performance Outcomes Report and Beneficiary Verification Worksheet Information
(CAPER) provides annual performance reporting on client outputs and outcomes that enables an
assessment of grantee performance in achieving the housing stability outcome measure. The CAPER,
in conjunction with the Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS), fulfills statutory and
regulatory program reporting requirements and provides the grantee and HUD with the necessary
information to assess the overall program performance and accomplishments against planned goals
and objectives
HOPWA formula grantees are required to submit a CAPER, and complete annual performance
information for all activities undertaken during each program year in the IDIS, demonstrating
coordination with other Consolidated Plan resources. HUD uses the CAPER and IDIS data to obtain
essential information on grant activities, project sponsors, housing sites, units and households, and
beneficiaries (which includes racial and ethnic data on program participants). The Consolidated Plan
Management Process tool (CPMP) provides an optional tool to integrate the reporting of HOPWA
specific activities with other planning and reporting on Consolidated Plan activities. To see the
HOPWA CAPER Measuring Performance Outcomes Report Appendix 4.
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program Report (HPRP)
The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program a three year stimulus grant program ended
on June 30, 2012. The HPRP provided homelessness prevention assistance to households who would
otherwise become homeless and provide assistance to rapidly re-house persons who are homeless.
The City was awarded $524,731 in HPRP funding to provide financial assistance for housing, case
management for housing search and placement, outreach and engagement and for legal services. See
full report in Appendix 5.
28 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Section 4: Projects, Accomplishments & Performance Measurements
The City of Columbia has assigned priorities in the expenditures of funds based on the housing market
analysis, housing needs assessment and community input with the overarching goal to provide
affordable housing opportunities, revitalize neighborhoods, and thriving economies. The Annual Plan
for 2011-2012 was building on the foundation for of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan.
The City received the following 2011 Federal Entitlement funds:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $ 703,080
HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) $ 792,521
Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) $ 1,540,616
Table 9: Priority Needs
During Program Year 2011-2012, Entitlement
funding was used to address the following
priority needs, which were identified in the
2010-2015 Consolidated Plan.
Increase decent, safe and affordable
housing for Columbia’s citizens.
Revitalize neighborhoods and improve
quality of life.
Provide financial assistance to prevent
homelessness and provide housing and
supportive service for the homeless.
Create jobs and business redevelopment to
stimulate economic development.
Provide permanent housing for persons
living with HIV/AIDS.
Provide financial assistance to prevent
homelessness for persons living with
HIV/AIDS.
Provide quality supportive services to
assist clients with achieving and
maintaining housing stability.
5-Yr. Yr. 1 Yr. 2
Priority Housing Needs Goal Goal Goal
Plan/ Act
Plan/ Act
Plan/ Act
2010 2011
CDBG
Rental assistance 125 25 0
Rehabilitation of existing owner units
110 22 13
HOME
Acquisition of existing rental units
15 3 0
Production of new rental units
2 0 0
Rehabilitation of existing rental units
15 3 8
Acquisition of existing owner units
75 15 0
Rehabilitation of existing owner units
30 6 2
HOPWA
Rental assistance 475 95 98
Short term rent/mortgage utility payments
1600 320 121
Supportive services 2000 400 579
29 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Projects
The Community Development Department responded to the needs expressed in community forums
and on surveys completed by citizens stating that revitalizing neighborhoods and preserving the
existing stock are critical. To improve the quality of life of all citizens in Columbia, the Community
Development Department continues to address both the needs for additional homebuyer units and
rental units. Because the lower income households are more heavily burdened with housing costs,
rental housing will be developed. Elderly and low income homeowners will benefit from housing
rehabilitation to improve housing quality and housing weatherization to reduce utility costs. Citizen
participation is strongly encouraged in Columbia Council of Neighborhoods events such as National
Night Out, Community Development Week, Fair Housing Month, Neighborhood Clean Ups, and
Neighborhood Meetings. While businesses will attract more customers through the business façade
program, commercial loan programs, and increase economic development.
Table 10: Performance Measures - Neighborhoods & Quality of Life
Performance Measurements for Fiscal Year 2011 -2012
Consolidated Plan Priority Need Objective: Revitalize neighborhoods and improve quality of life
Activity
Activity
Descriptions
Funding
Amount
Leveraged
Dollars
Accomplishment
Goal
Accomplishment
Community Liaison
(CDBG)
Technical
Assistance
provided to
neighborhood
organizations to
promote better
communication.
$ 31,954
N/A
4 new
neighborhood
organizations
established
- 3 New
Neighborhoods
Organized
- 2 Community
Outreach Events
“NLS” & “OMG”
-Attended 200
meetings
- IDA Program
launched
-6 Participants
enrolled in IDA
Program
Citizen Participation
(CDBG)
Increase citizen
participation
amount 108
Council of
Neighborhood
Organizations
(CCN) and other
citizen based
groups.
$ 6,612
N/A
Support 108
neighborhood
groups
- CAC
Re-appointment
finalized. 13
meetings held
- 7 Public Hearings
- 1 Public Forum
- 4,300 information
flyers and/or
literature copied
College Summit
(CDBG)
Provider
operational
support low-to-
moderate income
high school
students to access
resources to
implement post
$ 40,000
$ 295, 476
Increase student
application to
college, 100
enrolled in
program
- 498 students
enrolled in
program
- 31 Peer leaders
trained
30 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
secondary
education.
Keep the Midlands
Beautiful
(CDBG)
Service programs
to help Columbia
become cleaner,
safer, healthier
more beautiful
place.
$15,000
$ 64,470
Beautify streets,
sidewalks, green
Spaces, and
remove 12,000 lbs
of trash.
- Coordinated
760 volunteers
- Removed an
estimated 16,676
pounds of litter
- 85 streets enrolled
in Adopt-A-Street
program
- 3 Community
clean-ups
Eau Claire Promise
Zone
(CDBG)
Funding to
establish local
office to
implement
program that
ensure low-to-
moderate income
children are
prepared for
school.
$ 40,000
$ 83,600
Increase
educational
success of
kindergarteners.
Prepare 75% of
students for
school.
- Camp We Care
enrolled 28
children with 79%
completion rate
- Baby College
now serving 5 to
12 parents
-380 participants in
Summer Parenting
outreach events
-Child Care
Network assisting
25 locally owned
childcare
businesses
Earlewood Park
Community Building
(CDBG)
Construct
Community
Center portion of
Administrative
Complex within
Earlewood Park.
$ 800,000
$1,758,904
Improve access to
parks and
community
service.
- Construction
completed on
Community Center
Parks & Recreation
Facility
Assessment/Leisure
Study
(CDBG)
Assessment of
park and
recreational
facilities for
recommendations
to increase
citizens’ access to
community events
and green space.
$ 70, 000
$ 30,000
Analyze and
prioritize park
improvements.
- Assessment
completed.
- Consultant
completing leisure
study.
General
Administration
(CDBG)
Oversight and
management of
CDBG program.
$ 239,393
N/A
Serve population
of 127,605
persons.
- Serve population
of 127,605
- 1 National
Award
- 1 Statewide
Award
Housing
Rehabilitation
(CDBG)
Administration
and operation of
loan portfolio.
$ 237, 980
$ 1,724,450
Close 50 new
housing loans
- Weatherization
program launched
- 32 housing loans
closed
31 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
- 178 persons
received housing
counseling
- 23 Financial
literacy, credit,
homebuyer and
fair housing
sessions held.
Façade Improvement
Program
(CDBG)
Forgivable loan
program for
exterior
renovations to
commercial
properties.
$ 150,000
$ 6,176,060
Commercial
facades for 10
businesses
- Program
launched in
Columbia BID.
- 16 businesses
completed
projects
- 24 loans
- 34 new jobs
added to
downtown
Bellfield Cultural Arts
Center Renovations
(CDBG)
Funding to
complete
renovations to
community center
that will serve as a
catalyst project in
the Booker-
Washington
Heights
Redevelopment
area.
$ 1, 067,000
-0-
Renovate center
and host 1 event.
Access for 50
citizens.
- Architectural
plans completed
- Environmental
Assessment
Completed
-Programmatic
plans completed
-Construction to
begin 2013
Commercial
Revolving Loan Fund
(CDBG)
GAP Financing
for businesses
located within
City limits
$282, 387
Commercial loans
for 10 businesses
- 2 loans closed
Totals
The Community Liaisons continue to work with and
provide technical assistance and support to neighborhood
organizations through the Columbia Council of
Neighborhoods (CCN) by assisting CCN with organizing and
notifying communities of monthly meetings. Community
Liaisons provide assistance to the residents of the City of
Columbia as well as community partners, agencies, and
businesses. There are currently 120 organized
neighborhoods in the City of Columbia, The Liaisons
maintains and updates CCN membership database of
neighborhood presidents and continues to serve as City
representative at the Richland County and CCN meetings.
32 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
During the reporting period the Community Liaisons
successfully organized events, and implemented several
programs aimed at providing direct technical assistance and
education to the citizens of Columbia.
Through Citizen Participation technical assistance is provided
to citizens, councils and other citizen-based groups such as
the City Council appointed Citizens Advisory Committee,
Economic and Community Development Committee, Arts
and Historic Preservation Committee, Environment and
Infrastructure Committee, and the Administrative Policy
Committee. As a requirement of the Citizen Participation Plan
for Community Development, during the reporting period, seven (7) Public Hearings and one (1)
Public Forum were held to engage the citizen’s input with Community Development planning.
Additionally, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee held thirteen (13) committee meetings during the
fiscal year.
The Liaisons attend neighborhood meetings and other community wide events to encourage and
engage neighborhoods in building capacity and taking pride in their neighborhoods through individual
community clean-ups and neighborhood events. They organized and participated in Neighborhood and
Community Clean-up Events in partnership with Keep the Midlands Beautiful and held three (3)
community clean-ups. The Liaisons recruited local organizations and residents to volunteer as well as
participated in each clean-up.
The Community Liaisons have been instrumental in disseminating information to various
neighborhoods and organizations on the many available programs and projects in Community
Development and continue to assist and provide community information to one-hundred and eleven
(111) neighborhoods with any issues and/or concerns.
During the reporting period the Community Liaisons attended over 200 community and neighborhood
meetings and organized Cluster Neighborhood Meetings within Districts to provide collaboration
among neighborhood groups and organizations. The meetings are designed to help residents identify
and focus on neighborhood challenges and concerns.
The Community Liaisons served on National Night
Out Kick-Off committee. The 2011 National Night
Out Kick-Off received a national award for its
outstanding participation in the 28th
National Night
Out. National Night Out is a community wide event
to kick-off individual neighborhood national night
out events that focus on crime, drug and violence
prevention in the City. Additionally, the Liaisons
helped organize and attended the individual
neighborhood events Citywide.
33 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
The Community Liaisons have actively partnered with other
organizations to improve the quality of life in the City
neighborhoods by serving on various committees and
representing the City at several external events such as the
Building Bridges Training, the SC Association of Community
Development Corporation, Emergency Food and Shelter
Program, Fast Forward, and Winter Shelter.
The Community Development Department introduced the
Individual Development Account Program (IDA) to encourage
residents to utilize the savings grant program to purchase a
home. Individual Development Accounts are savings accounts
that can be used only for purchasing a first home, capitalizing a small business, or for educational or
job training expenses. Accounts are held at a local financial institution (BB&T). Contributions by
lower income participants are matched using both private and public sources. All participants receive
economic literacy training that includes workshops for cleaning up one’s credit, setting up a budgeting
and savings schedule, and other basics of money management. After holding several informational
sessions throughout the City, six (6) participants have enrolled into the program to-date.
The Neighborhood Leadership Summit (NLS) was established
during the reporting year by Community Development staff and
held at Dreher High School on Saturday, April 28th
, 2012 from 9:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The NLS focused on giving neighborhood leaders
tools and training sessions that may be helpful in their
neighborhoods and will be an annual event. Training topics were:
Building Partnerships, Engaging Youth, Social Media/Networking,
Fair Housing, Fund Raising and Energy Efficiency. With the
training topics listed above, we had over 100 participants for the
NLS. The success of this event has opened a larger venue by
establishing a partnership with Richland County for the 2nd
Annual
Neighborhood Leadership Summit.
The Community Development successfully held the kick-off to
introduce the Weatherization Program to the Booker-Washington
Heights Neighborhood. The Community Liaisons and Loan Officers attended community events and
informational sessions to assist with marketing program and encouraging participation from residents.
They also participated in a door-to-door campaign to educate residents on qualification requirements
and processes for the program.
The Community Development Department celebrated 35
years of service during 2012 Community Development
Week (CD Week) events and activities held April 9-14,
2012. Community Development worked diligently in
preparing for the CD Week event that recognized and
showcased Elmwood Park Neighborhood for its
dedication and community investment success in
homeownership and community development.
34 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
The City of Columbia Community Development
Department was selected for the 2012 John A. Sasso
National Community Development Week Award which
was given in recognition of the good works through the
activities and events held during National Community
Development Week. The City was awarded for its
recognition of 35 Years of Action in the Elmwood Park
Neighborhood, the first neighborhood in Columbia to
receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds in 1977 and also celebrated the grand opening of a
new affordable housing community, Waters Crest
Townhomes. The two activities were a part of the
Community Development Week activities in Columbia.
The award was presented at the 2012 National Community
Development Association Annual Conference.
The Community Development Department also organized and held its first Ownership, Maintenance
and Gardening “OMG” of Homeownership Workshop event to promote homeownership and
address concerns in the Columbia housing market. Topics discussed during the event were buying a
home, credit repair, landscaping tips, home maintenance, upkeep and repair, affordable remodeling,
creative home makeover tips and crime prevention. One-hundred and thirty (130) attended and
participated in the event. This evnt was sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and attracted vendors that
provided information as well as prizes for give-a-ways. The grand prize was a $250 Mini-Room
Makeover.
The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation serves communities that are located in neighborhoods
that are poverty stricken and have a high rate of youth and gang violence. Eighty-five percent (85%) of
the families receive public assistance and are a part of the free lunch program in the local school
system. Projects such as the Earlewood Park Community Building and Bellfield Cultural Arts
Renovations demonstrate the need to improve park and recreational facilities within the City.
The Bellfield Cultural Arts Center Renovations project will utilize $1 million dollars in CDBG
funding to renovate the community center located within the Booker-Washington Heights
neighborhood. This project is a catalyst project in the Booker-Washington Heights Redevelopment
area. The Bellfield Cultural Arts Center Renovations project is still in the design phase. An
Environmental Assessment has been completed and the City is working to finalize the architectural
and design based on the assessment of all public parks and community buildings. Construction is
scheduled to begin in the Sprin of 2013.
The Earlewood Park Community Building
construction project was initiated and broke ground
during the 2010 reporting year. The project has utilized
CDBG funding to construct a separate Community
Center Building on the Parks and Recreation
Department Administrative Complex. The project is in
its final stages of completion. The Community Center
portion of the complex is 3,367 square foot of public
access space that will be used for community events
35 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
within the Earlewood Park and surrounding area. The project is scheduled to be completed the fall of
2012.
The City of Columbia’s Parks & Recreation Department is also responsible for hundreds of acres of
parks land and open spaces throughout the City. The City is currently developing plans for the
expanded use or capital improvement of its parks and recreational facilities. Improved facilities
contribute to healthier lifestyles, revitalized neighborhoods and safer communities. During the
reporting period, the City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department put the Parks & Recreation
Assessment out to bid. This assessment will review existing park and recreational facilities within the
City of Columbia. The outcome of the assessment will be recommendations and priorities for
improvement to ensure that Columbia citizens will have increased access to community events and
green space.
Keep the Midlands Beautiful continues to work in
partnership with the City to ensure that all
neighborhoods and communities within the City limits
are healthy and safe by guaranteeing that the
environment is protected from littering and
contaminations. Keep the Midlands partnered with the
City in organizing various community wide programs
including: Community Clean-Up, Adopt-A-Street ,
Great American Clean-up, Grinding the Greens,
Telephone Recycling, Recycling, programs, the and
providing the tools, equipment and volunteers to ensure
that all community clean up events were successful.
During the reporting period, Keep the Midlands
providing assistance with three (3) Community Clean-ups and eighty-five (85) Adopt-A-Street
locations that together removed over 16,090 pounds of litter from the City streets and waterway.
Keep the Midlands coordinated 760 volunteers who completed 1,676 hours in volunteer service and
they also received four (4) recycle containers for Owens Field Park through a grant. The recycle
containers are now being placed by the City of Columbia Public Works Division.
The College Summit program is designed to help young people to first see their value and strengths,
then to raise their expectations for what they can accomplish in life, and finally provide them with the
tools, information and support to work towards their future goals and College Summit continues to
work with Richland One School District to increase the
enrollment rates of youth from low-income
communities by giving them the opportunity to
become educated, productive citizens and ultimately
helping to make Columbia “the most educated city in
the Southeast”. College Summit served 498 students
during the FY 2011-2012 school year. There were 257
twelfth graders at Eau Claire and WJ Keenan high
schools (25 Peer Leaders), and 210 ninth graders at CA
Johnson Preparatory Academy and Lower Richland
High. In June 2012, 31 Peer Leaders from Eau Claire
W.J. Keenan and Dreher High Schools that are now
36 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
prepared to mentor their classmates in the 2012-2013 school years. Additionally, College Summit
trained 12 educators at their Educators’ Academy.
The Eau Claire Promise Zone’s (ECPZ’s) strategy for
reducing the number of persons living below poverty is
to break the cycle of poverty for the next generation in
entire neighborhoods. To-do so, they are developing a
cradle-to-college continuum of services beginning with
children ages 0 to 5 in targeted geographic service areas
within the larger Promise Zone boundaries, with
intentions to expand gradually within those boundaries
The ECPZ’s Baby College is now serving 5 to 12 young
parents in the Latimer Manor community of the
Columbia Housing Authority. Baby College will be a
regular, recurring parent education program and in its current form will run for eight weeks. The next
course will begin fall of 2012.
Camp Wee Claire is their second annual kindergarten readiness program for four and five year old
children from the community who will be attending public school in August. The Camp’s first day was
in July 2012 and ran through early August 2012. Twenty-eight children (28) enrolled in the session
with twenty-two (22) completing the program. The host site was Hyatt Park Elementary School in
Richland One School District. Two (2) of the 2011 Camp counselors were Eau Claire residents, and all
nine (9) counselors for 2012 camp either lived in or work in the 29203 zip code.
Eau Claire Child Care Network is assisting in professional development goals of all twenty-five (25)
locally-owned childcare businesses in the North Columbia Area. ECPZ also provided access to City-
wide training throughout the reporting period, by providing access to educators and getting off to the
right start during the school year to ensure successfulness.
Summer Parenting Program was held a J.P. Thomas Elementary
School of Richland One. ECPZ hosted special events to educated
low-income neighborhood residents and parents on the
importance of becoming “parent educators” over the summer
months while students were away from school. The events
provided outreach activities and information to over three-
hundred and eighty participants (380) (including forty-nine in
grades K – 3rd
).
Economic Development
The City of Columbia’s Façade Improvement Program aimed
to improve the appearance of commercial corridors throughout
the city that are significantly deteriorated. Through a forgivable
loan program, business owners are able to make improvements to
the front exterior portion of commercial buildings. The City
invested $425,829 in public dollars in the downtown Business
Paradise Ice – Façade Program
BAJS – Façade Program
37 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Improvement District (BID) set service area. Sixteen (16) businesses utilized the forgivable loan
program and loans averaged $17,743. The total public investment was $425,829 and total private
investment was $6,176,060. Total investment infused into the project was $6,601.889. The City’s
Commercial Revolving Loan Program provides GAP financing for borrowers with bank-financing
of up to 25 years at below market rates. CRLF is dedicated toward assisting businesses that are located
within the city limits of Columbia. Funds are used to facilitate the additional financing at low interest
rates for small businesses that need to purchase or improve property, equipment, machinery, inventory,
or just need working capital. The two main goals of the CRLF are to create or retain jobs and stimulate
private lending through bank participation. Through the CRLF program two (2) local businesses were
assisted with CDBG funding with loans totaling $156,500 and leveraging $6,549,183 in private
funding.
The City of Columbia is dedicated to supporting the small business community in Columbia, and
continues to focus additional resources on re-building the commercial and retail corridors within the
City.
Table 11: Performance Measures – Economic Development
Performance Measurements for Fiscal Year 2010 -2011
Consolidated Plan Priority Need Objective: Create jobs and business redevelopment to stimulate economic development
Activity
Activity
Descriptions
Funding
Amount
Leveraged
Accomplishment
Goal
Accomplishment
Retail Façade
Improvement Program
(CDBG)
Forgivable loan
program for exterior
renovations and
installation of
commercial facades
in redevelopment
areas.
$ 150,000
$6,176,060
Improve 10
commercial
building Facades
and 20 jobs
annually
- Program
launched
-16 businesses
complete facades
- applications
submitted
Commercial Revolving
Loan Fund
(CDBG)
Planning and
professional service
activities for
development of the
Mast General Store
on Main Street.
$ 282,387
$ 6,549,183
GAP Financing
for 10 small
businesses to
create or retain
jobs and stimulate
private lending.
- 2 Commercial
Loans completed
Total $ 432,387 $ 12,725,243
Housing Accomplishments
With the tightening of credit market and the vulnerability of low-income and minority households to
sub-prime loans and loan denials, the City of Columbia Community Development Department
continues to prioritize the creation of quality, affordable housing as an integral component of its
development programs. Homebuyer counseling for current rents provides education on the steps
necessary to purchase a home and protection from sub-prime mortgages and foreclosure. In addition,
38 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
the City provides foreclosure prevention counseling to
current homeowners at risk of losing their homes.
The City has created partnerships with local banks and will
continue to increase local partnerships to leverage private
dollars.
The City Lender I program offers a low down payment of
$500 with a maximum loan of $200,000. The City also has
a Housing Emergency Loan Program (HELP) designed to
assist qualified low-income home owners within the City
limits with financing for emergency home repairs that are
health and safety related. The program, targets households
with 80% or less of area median income, and provides
homeowners with a maximum loan amount of $5,000 at
0% interest.
The CD Housing Credit Counseling program has been
marketed to increase the number of qualified applicants who are ready to become homeowners. During
the reporting year the Housing Loan department offered several credit Counseling and informational
sessions to educate the public on the City’s loan programs. The Housing Loan Officers provide
Financial Management Workshops and Credit Counseling Sessions throughout the program year. The
various workshops and sessions were designed to discuss topics such as the importance of managing
your finances, credit repair and rebuilding, selecting a financial institution, budgeting, the lending
process and predatory lending and scams.
Throughout the program year, the Loan Officers provided
one-on-one credit counseling to over one-hundred and
seventy-eight (178) persons. Additionally, twenty-three
(23) Financial Literacy, Credit and Homebuyer
Counseling, Fair Housing sessions were provided to the
public and internal sessions were made available to City
employees only. The Loan Officers also partnered with
other agencies that held housing, homeownership, or
financial literacy, events throughout the City to provide
information to the general public as requested by other
agencies and organizations.
Table 12-A: Performance Measures - Affordable Housing
Loan Type No. of Loans Amount City Contribution Leveraged Amount
ADDI 7 734,000 145,000 589,000
City Lender I (Purchase) 5 782,800 100,000 682,800
City Lender II (Purchase) 1 170,400 20,000 150,400
HELP (ER Rehab) 5 46,345 46,345 0
Employee (Purchase) 2 394,500 91,250 303,250
Affordable (Purchase) 3 355,000 355,000 0
Weatherization (Rehab) 9 90,986 90,986 0
Total 32 $ 2,574,031.00 $ 848,581.00 $ 1,724,850.00
CDBG Funded
Housing Loans
HELP
Loans
ADDI
Affordable Housing
City Lender
I & II
39 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
The Weatherization Program was launched in the Booker-Washington Heights Neighborhood and
Lyon/King Street Neighborhood. The program offered opportunities for low to moderate income
homeowners to obtain weatherization and energy efficiency improvements to their homes. The
program targets owner-occupied households that are interested in reducing their fuel costs and
contributing to national energy conservation through increase energy efficiency and consumer
education. The Loan Officers completed several community information sessions to provide
information the neighborhood and to also take applications for the program. To-date nine (9)
weatherization loans have been closed totaling over $90,986.00 in improvements.
The Housing Division has several Housing Loan Programs available and during the program year
closed thirty-two (32) loans totaling approximately $2,574,031.00 leveraging approximately. The City
received $1,724,850.00 dollars in private funding from financial institutions with the City contributing
approximately $848,581.00 (33%) of the total amount of loans.
Table 12-B: Performance Measures - Affordable Housing
Performance Measurements for Fiscal Year 2011 -2012
Consolidated Plan Priority Need Objective: Increase decent, safe and affordable housing for Columbia citizens
Activity
Activity
Descriptions
Funding
Amount
Leveraged
Dollars
Accomplishment
Goal
Accomplishment
Weatherization Program
(CDBG)
Program will assist
low-to-moderate
income households
with reducing energy
costs through home
assessments and
repairs.
$ 150,000
-0-
Increase energy
efficiency in 10
homes
- Program
launched
- 9 homes
completed
Housing Loan &
Rehabilitation
Administration
(CDBG)
Administer loan
portfolio of 738
loans
$ 228,217
$1,724,850
50 new housing
loans.
-23 loans closed
Fair Housing Education
(CDBG)
Increase Fair
Housing Education
and information to
Columbia citizens.
$ 5,023
N/A
Complete 4 Fair
Housing
Workshops
- 23 Housing
Informational
Sessions
Totals $ 383,240 $ 1,724,850
40 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Chart: Housing Loan Program Accomplishments
Additionally, to provide Fair Housing Education and information to the citizens of Columbia, the
Community Development Department held several Housing Education and Information sessions
during the reporting year. Additionally, in conjunction with Community Development Week and Fair
Housing Month, the Community Development Department sponsored the “Neighborhood Leadership
Summit (NLS)” and the “OMG of Homeownership Expo”. During both events citizens were provided
an opportunity to meet with housing counselors, vendors, specialist, and other housing, financial, and
community organizations to discuss fair housing options and gain information on fair housing rights.
During NLS specifically, a workshop was conducted by HUD’s Director of the Fair Housing and
Equal Opportunities Office. The City partnered with the Greater Columbia Community Relations
Council, Richland County, the SC Human Rights Commission, US Department of HUD, and the SC-
National Association of Real Estate Brokers to sponsor a Fair Housing Month Forum entitled
“Creating Equal Opportunity in Fair Housing”. Additionally, during several public hearings,
information was also provided to the citizens with regards to the Fair Housing Act and how to report
housing discrimination.
Housing Development Corporations
TN Development Corporation - Water’s Crest Townhomes
As a result of HOME funds, the Community Development partnered with TN
Development Corporation and successfully held the grand opening of the
Waters Crest Townhomes on April 12, 2012 in conjunction with National
Community Development Week. Waters Crest Townhomes consists of
seven, two-bedroom units and one, three-bedroom unit. The development
represents the absolute best in affordable rental housing for individuals and
families with income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
$- $100,000.00 $200,000.00 $300,000.00 $400,000.00 $500,000.00 $600,000.00 $700,000.00 $800,000.00
City Lender I
City Lender II
ADDI
Affordable Housing
Employee AffordableLoan
HELP
$782,800.00
$170,400.00
$734,000.00
$355,000.00
$394,500.00
$46,345.00
5
1
7
3
2
5
Housing Loan Programs FY 2011-2012
41 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Built utilizing “Green” features, these town homes provide low maintenance, energy efficient
appliances and fixtures, to allow for significantly reduced utility cost. The total development cost for
this project was approximately $1.2 million. The new Water’s Crest Townhomes replaced 10, blighted
and unsafe units that were an eyesore and provided a “hot bed of crime” for the community. This event
was hailed as a major success due to the fact that 7 of the 8 units were pre-leased and the new residents
were able to attend the grand opening.
Homeless & Special Needs
Homeless Services
The City of Columbia continues to participate in planning efforts of the local HUD Continuum of
Care, Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless and has coordinated funding efforts of the
Emergency Winter Shelter with The Cooperative Ministry, the Housing First Program, and the
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP).
Table 13: Performance Measures - Financial Assistance Homeless
Performance Measurements for Fiscal Year 2010 -2011
Consolidated Plan Priority Need Objective: Provide financial assistance to prevent homelessness and provide housing
and supportive services for the homeless.
Activity
Activity Descriptions
Funding
Amount
Leveraged
Dollars
Accomplishment
Goal
Accomplishm
ent
Housing First
Program
(General Funds)
Funding to provide
supportive services for
housing program designed
to address the reduction of
costs associated with
homelessness.
$250,000
$ 250,000
Provide 25
permanent
housing units for
chronically
homeless.
-42 persons
obtained
permanent
housing
The Cooperative
Ministry (HPRP)
Financial assistance,
prevention and rapid re-
housing
$ 422,058
-0-
Financial
assistance and
prevention and
rapid re-housing
-163 persons
served
-60 persons
served
USC School of
Medicine and
Supportive Housing
(HPRP)
Supportive service and
case management
$ 99,252
-0-
Supportive
services and case
management
-47 homeless
prevention
-446 homeless
assistance
The Cooperative
Ministry (HOPWA)
Funding for short-term
rent, mortgage and utility
assistance
$ 206,488
$ 681,143
Provide short-term
rent, mortgage and
utility assistance
for 150
-114 STRMU
served
-35 Permanent
Housing
Placement
USC – School of
Support services and case
$ 438,637
$745,500
Provide case
management and
-6 STRMU
42 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Medicine and
Supportive Housing
(HOPWA)
management access to medical
care for 400
served
- 213
Supportive
Services
served
- 9 Permanent
Housing
served
- 157 Housing
Information
Palmetto Aids Life
Support Services
(HOPWA)
Supportive services and
case management
$ 259,765
-0-
Provide case
management and
access to medical
care for 400
- 362
Supportive
Services
served
- 150 Housing
Information
provided
Columbia Housing
Authority (HOPWA)
Tenant Base Rental
Assistance
$ 504,676
$ 277,931
Provide 95 tenant
rental subsidies
- 86 rental
subsidies
provided
Upper Savannah
Care Consortium
(HOPWA)
Supportive services and
case management
$ 14,402
$471,754
Provide support
services and case
management to 8
households
- 3 rental
subsidies
provided
- 1 STRMU
served
- 4 Supportive
Services
served
Totals $2,195,278 $ 2,426,328
The Community Development Department serves as the City of Columbia’s liaison for Homeless
Services. During the reporting period, CD organized and served dinner to homeless in partnership with
the Salvation Army and assisted with organizing and preparation for opening of the Winter Homeless
Shelter and Overflow Shelter and the services provided.
The Community Development Department remains concerned with addressing the growing issue of
homelessness in Columbia and providing services that directly benefit those individuals. The
Community Liaisons served as the department’s representative by participating in various homeless
services activities, programs and collaborating with organizations that directly serve the Homeless
population by:
Attending the planning meetings to help develop guidelines and procedures for operation of the
Winter Homeless Shelter.
Participating in Project Challenge/Homeless Summit at the Dorn VA Center.
Collaborating with other homeless service agencies to assist with the Winter Shelter
Educating neighborhoods with services available to the homeless populations.
Participated in meetings and discussions with Transitions Homeless Center, The Cooperative
Ministries, Columbia Housing Authority, Christ Central Ministries, Catholic Charities,
Richland County, MACH (Midlands Area Consortium for Homeless) and the Salvation Army.
43 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Attending and participating in four (4) quarterly MACH meetings throughout the reporting
period.
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP)
The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program a three year stimulus grant program ended
on June 30, 2012. The HPRP provided homelessness prevention assistance to households who would
otherwise become homeless and provide assistance to rapidly re-house persons who are homeless.
The City was awarded $524,731 in HPRP funding to provide financial assistance for housing, case
management for housing search and placement, outreach and engagement and for legal services.
During the final reporting year of the three-year grant, homeless prevention activities such as case
management, financial assistance and housing support were provided. Community Development staff
continued to monitor the progress and provide technical assistance with both sub-recipients, University
of South Carolina and The Cooperative Ministry. In January 2012, the City of Columbia HPRP
Program was monitored by HUD Washington. The City had no Findings and one (1) Concern which
was corrected in the quarterly reporting system. The HPRP program is ramping down and expenditure
rates have been processed and the final draw was completed on July 6, 2012. 100% of the HRPR
allocation for the City of Columbia was drawn down by July 10, 2012.
The Cooperative Ministry (TCM)
During the reporting period, The Cooperative Ministries (TCM) new Case Manager developed a
spending plan for eligible individuals for homelessness prevention financial assistance. Outreach and
referrals from the Cooperative Ministry Emergency Assistance Department was effective and spending
was consistent in order to maintain spending rate and execute closeout plan. Partnerships with local
services agencies and attending the quarterly meetings of the Midlands Area Consortium on
Homelessness (MACH) has assisted TCM with maintaining a study source of eligible individuals
access to the HPRP program. TCM continued to monitor it spending plan for eligible individuals for
homelessness prevention financial assistance. Outreach and referrals from the Cooperative Ministry
Emergency Assistance Department was effective and the spending rate was consistent in order to meet
the 100% expenditure rate by June 30, 2012.
University of South Carolina Department of Medicine (USC-DOM)
During the reporting period, the University of South Carolina, Supportive Housing (USC) continued to
provide case management for clients eligible for Rapid Re-housing and was on target with the closeout
plan that ensured the City would meet its 100% expenditure rate by July 30, 2012.
Housing First (USC School of Medicine) is a collaborative partnership between USC Supportive
Housing Services (USHS) and Columbia Housing Authority (CHA). The successful outcomes of the
Housing Frist program are due to the comprehensive case management services offered by USHS.
Services include outreach, case management, treatment therapy, employment/education support and
medical assistance.
42 Placed in a Housing First Unit (Total)
18 Homeless Persons Obtained Permanent Housing
57 Served through Housing First Outreach Services
44 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Table 14: FY 2009 – 2012 Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Performance
Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA
The Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) services currently funded through
the City of Columbia include: Supportive Services to assist clients in maintaining stable housing,
Short-term Emergency Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance (STRMU), and Permanent Housing
through two voucher programs for persons living with HIV/AIDS. The City was awarded $ 1,540,616
in HOPWA funds for Program Year 2011 services.
These services are available to clients residing in all six counties of the Columbia EMSA (Richland,
Kershaw, Lexington, Fairfield, Calhoun, and Saluda). Supportive Services are provided by the
University of South Carolina, Department of Medicine (USCDOM), Upper Savannah Care
Consortium (USCC) and Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services (PALSS). The STRMU services are
available to income eligible clients for 21 weeks (non-consecutive) during the program year in cases of
evictions, foreclosure, or utility shut-off in order to prevent homelessness. Applicants must
demonstrate financial need and attempt to utilize other funding sources. The Cooperative Ministry
(TCM) provides STRMU services in partnership with USCDOM and PALSS. The housing voucher
programs, similar to Section 8 housing vouchers, are provided in Richland and Lexington counties
through the Columbia Housing Authority.
Homeless Prevention
Homeless Assistance
Total
Financial Assistance Activities
Persons
Households
Persons
Households
Persons
Households
Rental assistance 289 121 0 0 289 121
Security and utility deposits 38 15 0 0 38 15
Utility payments 33 13 0 0 33 13
Moving cost assistance 0 0 0 0 0 0
Motel & Hotel vouchers 7 3 0 0 7 3
Total 292 124 0 0 292 121
Housing Relocation &
Stabilization Services
Persons
Households
Persons
Households
Persons
Households
Case Management 298 125 463 463 761 588
Outreach and engagement 0 0 0 0 0 0
Housing search and placement 0 0 0 0 0 0
Legal services 0 0 0 0 0 0
Credit repair 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 298 125 463 463 761 588
45 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services (PALSS)
There were three major achievements to highlight for the program year. First, Palmetto AIDS Life
Support Services of South Carolina, Inc. (PALSS) far surpassed the proposed deliverables for both
Supportive Services and Housing Information Services. Second, PALSS hired a clinical case manager
who specialized in the delivery of comprehensive housing services for challenging clients and
facilitated the delivery of services into outlying areas of the EMSA to include Kershaw and Fairfield
Counties. This staff member was able to assist five clients who presented with issues that impeded
their maintaining stable housing which required a skill level beyond customary case management.
Additionally, this staff member conducted outreach to Kershaw and Fairfield County and assisted
several clients in accessing HOPWA services. Third, PALSS was able to increase the effectiveness of
internal quality assurance utilizing the services of the clinical case manager.
PALSS has over 25 years’ experience providing culturally competent, responsive, non-judgmental
care and support services to those living with HIV/AIDS in the Midlands of South Carolina.
Remaining true to its original mission, PALSS has expanded services in recent years in order to
leverage funding to more comprehensively serve the community. PALSS has provided HOPWA case
management services to eligible clients in the EMSA since 1993 with the goal of assisting clients with
developing the skills necessary to obtain and maintain stable, suitable, permanent housing. Housing
and health care are critical to persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Common barriers which prevent clients from maintaining permanent housing include mental illness,
disability due to addition, frequent hospitalization, unstable employment, under unemployment,
incarceration and failure to comply with rental regulations, e.g. not paying rent on time, or adding
unauthorized tenants. Case management services provided by highly trained, skilled and experienced
case managers are vital to the success and improved quality of life for those infected by HIV and their
families. Currently 90% of clients engaged in case management services at PALSS report being
permanently housed. The remainder report living in transitional housing, residing in shelters, or
surviving on the streets. The case management program at PALSS attempts to increase stability of
clients and decrease client dependence on financial services. This is accomplished by meeting with
clients to discuss overall medical, social, psychological and daily living needs; developing an
individualized, comprehensive services plan (to include housing) based on the client’s identified
needs, both within the agency and the community; and monitoring and making necessary adjustments
to the initial services plan in coordination with other providers as the needs of the clients change or
evolve. PALSS provides an array of services and supports to benefit those infected, affected and at-
risk for HIV/AIDS. In order to increase effectiveness of all programs, PALSS staff is crossed-trained,
meet as multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinates services both within the agency and within the
community.
PALSS remains committed to assisting the City of Columbia and HUD in meeting the outcomes set
forth for increased housing stability, increase access to care and support services and to reduce the risk
of homelessness.
The PALSS Housing Case Management Department provided services to 362 individuals through its
HOPWA case management staff in FY 11-12. Of these, about 12% of unduplicated clients accessed
STRMU assistance. The overall percentage of clients accessing STRMU was 40% with the average
receiving assistance 1.35 times per year. PALSS’ case managers are working with clients to develop
and follow individualized housing service plans in order to decrease dependences on STRMU
assistance and increase the maintenance and acquisition of stable housing. PALSS Housing Liaisons
46 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
assist in ensuring a direct contact with clients at least every 90- days for updates on housing status,
concerns and potential pitfalls which could increase the risk of homelessness. Over the last several
years, the demand for intensive case management services and subsequent documentation has
increased. The result is PALSS case managers needed to provide direct services for large case loads of
high need HOPWA clients. To this end, PALSS has worked to make resource and programmatic
adjustments in order to seek resolution to these challenges.
During the 2011/12 Fiscal Year, Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services (PALSS) served 362 clients
with HOPWA supportive services. Approximately 146 of these clients received short-term rent,
mortgage and utility assistance. The remaining persons served received other supportive services
including housing information, referrals to other providers, budget counseling, emergency food pantry
services, and participation in support groups. The 362 clients served this year are consistent with the
average number of clients served in the recent fiscal years prior to 2011/2012.
PALSS also provides case management for 55 clients in the Columbia Cares Housing Assistance
Program (CCHAP). One of our success stories involves a client that received his CCHAP voucher in
February 2001 shortly after the program was implemented. Prior to entering the program, this
gentleman primarily lived in shelters or on the street. This particular client continues to remain in
stable housing and a participant in the program.
Finally, PALSS’ first client to receive a CCHAP program voucher has since transitioned to the regular
Section 8 program with the Columbia Housing Authority and is doing well, particularly maintaining
his health care. As we say at PALSS, “housing is health care.”
University of South Carolina (USC)
The Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina provides the largest
proportion in the state to uninsured and underinsured persons living with HIV/AIDS. Since its
inception in 2004, Supportive Housing Services (SHS) has expanded from a single case management
program to running five programs in FY 2012 which provide services to the homeless or precariously
housed, many of whom are also among the ranks of the “working poor” in our community. Supportive
services assistance is provided to qualified persons living with HIV/AIDS in Columbia’s EMSA.
SHS’s services include long-term, comprehensive case management, including home based case
management; mental health and substance abuse counseling; support groups; client advocacy;
employment support; medical adherence; and other ancillary services. Kristen Connors, HOPWA Lead
Case Manager, will be the contact for all HOPWA matters.
During FY 2012, HOPWA Case Management has a goal of providing case management services to
250 individuals. Through comprehensive case management, HOPWA Case Management has provided
supportive services to 213 individuals, exceeding the mid-year requirement of 125 individuals. This
program has expended 80% of awarded funds, coming in under budget for this mid-year report.
Through June 30, 2012 100% of 213 individuals receiving supportive services have been categorized
as low income clients. We report 100% of clients were appropriately referred to other services as
agreed upon by the case manager. These referrals have been integrated info the client’s Action Plan to
allow for appropriate and timely follow-up.
47 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
SHS has developed a partnership with over 20 agencies that plan and deliver care across an eight
county area. These agencies include but are not limited to TN Development, The Cooperative Ministry
and the Columbia Housing Authority (CHA). HOPWA Case Management has continued its formal
partnership with CHA to provide supportive services for persons living with HIV who are placed in
units obtained by the CHA through funding from the City of Columbia HOPWA funds. These five one
bedroom units provide persons living with HIV increased access to safe, affordable, and independent
housing. Each client living in a HOPWA unit receives one home visit per month for a housing
assessment along with a monthly office visit to allow for more intensive case management. Referrals
are also made to and from other programs within SHS which may provide housing and more intensive
case management services.
Many clients receiving supportive services from this program have a criminal history. In many
instances, this history does not allow access to housing opportunities outside of this office. There are
resources in this area that offer assistance with civil court matters but very few that provide assistance
as it relates to criminal matters. Unfortunately, these criminal matters directly affect an individual’s
ability to access services and housing. Because this barrier has been facing our clients for a long
period of time, this office attempts to base referrals on the totality of circumstances rather than just
criminal history.
This office has also encountered the issue of housing affordability. This office works diligently with
each client to ensure that housing is obtained that fits within each client’s budget. Clients complete a
budget with their case manager during their intake/assessment, and whenever there is a change in
income (or no less than annually if income remains stable) to ensure appropriate housing is obtained
and retained.
SHS has worked to expand mental health and substance abuse related services as well as access to
permanent housing. These services are implemented to assist clients in establishing and maintaining
stable, permanent housing, develop job skills and access mainstream resources. These services are
monitored through a client’s action plan to allow for appropriate follow-up on each referral.
Columbia Housing Authority (CHA-CCHAP)
The (CCHAP) Columbia Cares Housing Assistance Program is providing rental assistance to 86
clients for this reporting period.
In order to maintain the lease up of 86 participants we will continue to request files from the
Application Department. The waiting list has been monitored by the Occupancy Specialist. Once we
receive the files from the application Department they will be scheduled for orientation and issued a
Request for Tenancy to find housing.
The program continues to operate efficiently from the funds allocated from the City of Columbia. One
our goals at this time will be to keep the program operating as smooth as possible and leased up. We
are still extremely grateful to be the operating agency chosen to administer the funds for the CCHAP
program.
CCHAP continued to provide rental assistance through HOPWA vouchers in coordination with
PALSS, TCM, and USC.
48 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Provided Tenant-Based Rental Assistance to 86 persons
Provided housing assistance to 25 persons through Housing First Program.
CCHAP has ready a waiting list that will allow the Columbia Housing Authority to request applicant
from the list if or when a client vacates CCHAP program. To improve client outcomes for achieving
housing stability, the Occupancy Specialist will continue to monitor the application list and the active
waiting list. There are 25-35 applicants on the CCHAP waiting list
The collaboration between PALSS, CHA, and USC has been a working relationship and we will
continue operating as a team to assist the clients. At this time there are no problems.
As files are needed we contact PALSS and USC for additional files. If we receive more files than
needed these files are placed on the informal waiting list for the next available HOPWA voucher.
Once we receive them the applicants are scheduled for an update with an appointment by the
Occupancy Specialist. If the Section 8 Department needs a file from the Occupancy Department it
will be routed.
After the Section 8 receives the file the applicant will be scheduled for orientation.
The Cooperative Ministry (TCM)
The Cooperative Ministry program provided short-term rental, mortgage, and utility assistance to a
total of 114 and Supportive Housing service to 35 HOPWA eligible clients. TCM yearly goals are
based on the number of eligible STRMU applications that are submitted to the case managers. TCM,
during the reporting period, trained 7 case managers. TCM is still working with PALSS and USC to
track accomplishment data.
During the reporting year, TCM verified the need and eligibility of 208 HOPWA STRMU
applications. TCM annual goals are based on the number of eligible STRMU applicants submitted for
payment by Case Managers and partner agencies. TCM’s had a goal of providing STRMU services to
160 persons for the fiscal year. Through Case Management services, 208 requests for services were
received.
TCM STRMU services goal for rent and mortgage for the fiscal year was 122 persons, 60 persons for
utilities, and 60 persons for assistance with security deposit. TCM Trained 7 Case Managers on
STRMU. TCM goals for the fiscal year for the Furniture and Clothing Bank 150 person for clothing
orders, 20 persons for furniture orders to move in permanent housing, and 20 persons offered and
picking up furniture. TCM goals for the fiscal year for Emergency Assistance (EA) to provide 9
persons hygiene kits, 50 persons food pantry items, 25 other food pantry items, 10 persons
Identification assistance, 25 persons with bus tickets for work, 5 persons with Birth Certificate
assistance, 4 persons with medicine vouchers and also assist with EA for rent/mortgage, water and
adult hygiene products.
49 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Table 15: TCM HPRP Accomplishment FY 11-12
TCM still has problems with PALSS and USC/SHS failing to enter the correct information into
Provide Enterprise which causes TCM to have errors and an inability to run reports. This issue has
improved. TCM did not report any barriers. However, TCM, in the past did experience some struggles
with partner agencies (case managers), failing to correct data in PE which caused TCM to incur errors
and difficulty running necessary reports.
Upper Savannah Care Consortium
Upper Savannah Care Consortium continues to provide the best in housing services and opportunities
for persons living with HIV/AIDS in Saluda County. Due to the very effective case management
skills of our HOPWA case managers, we have had a decrease in HOPWA payments. It is because of
the effective and creative case management skills of staff that there was a slight decrease in STRMU
request during this period. We view this as a success more so than a barrier, but do not want our
efficiency to be a “strike” against Upper Savannah Care Consortium when it comes to funding
consideration in the future.
Upper Savannah Care Consortium has continued to provide exceptional HOPWA Case Management.
USCS provided 4 households with HOPWA Supportive Services/ Case Management and had provided
1 household with STRMU. USCS continues to identify other Saluda clients with housing needs.
USCC case managers assess each client at intake, midyear and reassessment to identify any housing
issues. When a client has housing issues the necessary HOPWA case management steps are taken.
TCM
STRMU
Annual Goal Total
(unduplicated)
Percent (%) of
Goal
Rent and Mortgage 122 58 42.6
Utilities 73 0
Security Deposits 61 38 62.3
Clothing orders filled 150 172 114.7
Furniture orders filled 20 7 35
Offered furniture 7 7 100
Picked up furniture 7 7 100
Hygiene Kits 9 4 44.4
Food Pantry 50 7 14
Bus Tickets 25 8 32
Birth Certificates 5 0 0
Medicine voucher 4 2 50
Rent or Mortgage (EA) - 9 -
Utilities/Water (EA) - 8 -
Adult Hygiene Products - 70 -
50 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
USCS’s Saluda population has been very self-sufficient over the past years. The STRMU request has
been low due to the very effective HOPWA case management and support services performance.
USCC currently coordinates with Fort Hill Housing to ensure that clients access the HOPWA and
TBRA services that are available to them. USCC’s Saluda client currently do not report any for the
barriers listed below. Over the past years Saluda clients has been very successful in maintaining
housing. Upper Savannah Care Consortium HOPWA case managers strive to insure that this
population is aware that the services are available at every assessment and reassessment. USCC has
not currently developed any studies that are available to the public; however, monthly HOPWA and/or
housing reports can be established for the public.
Table 16: HOPWA Sources of Leveraging
[1] Source of Leveraging [2] Amount of
Leveraged
Funds
Public Funding
Ryan White-Housing Assistance
Ryan White-Other (USC)/TCM 1,007,298.54
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Low Income Housing Tax Credit
HOME
Shelter Plus Care
Emergency Solutions Grant
Other Public: SC DHEC (USCC) 49,631
Other Public: SC DHEC (USCC) 422,123
Other Public: HOPWA/DHEC (TCM) 39,491.35
Other Public: HPRP (TCM) 71,361.08
Other Public: Emergency Food and Shelter (TCM) 50,000
Other Public: Emergency Shelter Grant Program (TCM) 49,500
Other Public: United Way (TCM) 4,583.28
Other Public: ADAPT (TCM) 181,446.36
Private Funding
51 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Program Income: (CHA) 277,931
In-kind Resources
Other Private: Congregation, Foundation, Businesses,
Individuals (TCM)
22,962.19
Other Funding
Grantee/Project Sponsor/Subrecipient (Agency) Cash
Resident Rent Payments by Client to Private Landlord
TOTAL (Sum of all Rows) $ 2,176,327.80
Section 5: Fair Housing
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Report
To ensure the prevention and elimination of housing discrimination, and housing segregation as it
pertains to fair housing choice, HUD requires all entitlements or jurisdictions directly receiving any of
the four HUD formula grant programs, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME
Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS
(HOPWA), to certify that the jurisdiction will “affirmatively further fair housing choice” within their
area of authority. This requirement is codified in the Consolidated Planning process requirements
under 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 91.225. “Affirmatively furthering fair housing choice”
is defined by HUD as requiring a local jurisdiction to conduct an analysis to identify impediments to
fair housing choice within the jurisdiction; take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any
impediments identified through the analysis; and to maintain records reflecting the AI and actions
taken in this regard.
To comply with HUD regulations, the City of Columbia annually executes a fair housing proclamation
for Fair Housing Month in April and “affirmatively furthers fair housing choice”. To provide Fair
Housing Education and information to the citizens of Columbia the Community Development
Department held several Housing Education and Information sessions during the reporting year.
Additionally, in conjunction with Community Development Week and Fair Housing Month, the
Community Development Department sponsored the “Neighborhood Leadership Summit (NLS) and
the “OMG” of Homeownership Expo”. During both events, citizens were provided an opportunity to
meet with housing counselors, vendors, specialist, and other housing, financial, and community
organizations to discuss fair housing options and gain information on fair housing rights. During NLS
specifically, a workshop was conducted by Ms. Patricia Green, HUD’s Director of the Fair Housing
and Equal Opportunities Office. During several public hearings, information was also provided to the
citizens with regards to the Fair Housing Act and how to report housing discrimination. To view Fair
Housing reports go to Appendix 6.
52 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) Update
During fiscal year 2011 the AI was revised and submitted for review with the 2012 Annual Action
Plan in May 2012. The AI is reviewed and progress is reported on an annual basis. Therefore we are
reporting on actions taken in FY 2011-12 on the following three (3) identified impediments to Fair
Housing Choice in Columbia
1) Need for financial education and literacy in Homeownership and Rental housing in
Columbia and on a Regional Basis.
A. The Community Development Housing Division staff has certified credit counselors that
provide credit counseling on individualized credit issues and continues to educate all our
citizens on the need for good credit as their minimal basis for obtaining housing loans.
During FY 11-12, the Housing Division loan officers provided:
1. One-on-one credit counseling to over one-hundred and seventy-eight (178) persons.
2. Twenty-three (23) Financial Literacy, Credit and Homebuyer Counseling, Fair
Housing sessions were provided to the public and internal sessions were made
available to City employees.
3. The City partnered with the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council,
Richland County, the SC Human Rights Commission, US Department of HUD, and
the SC-National Association of Real Estate Brokers to sponsor a Fair Housing
Month Forum entitled “Creating Equal Opportunity in Fair Housing”.
2) Non-representative, i.e., low number and percent of loans originating in census tracts with
greater than 50% minority population, is also an impediment to fair housing choice.
A. One of the goals of the Annual Fair Housing Action Plan is to educate people on Fair
Housing laws. To address this impediment, during FY2011-12 an assessment was
completed in which the City of Columbia solicited comments during the public forums and
through a community survey on fair housing. Eighty-two (82%) of the respondents stated
that they were aware of the basic Fair Housing requirements. This is a three (3%) increase
in awareness since the last survey in 2011. Seventeen percent (17%) of the respondents to
the survey stated that they were aware of Fair Housing complaints. This is a two (2%)
decrease from the 2011 survey. The survey summary is located in Appendix 1. The most
common responses by those who completed the survey indicated that to the major problems
inhibiting Fair Housing choice were:
1. Lack of decent, affordable housing in safe neighborhoods, and
2. Lack of income to sustain housing.
When asked for solutions to the problems, people most replied:
1. More education,
2. More affordable housing, and
3. Continue monitoring.
B. During FY 2011, Community Development updated Fair Housing plan and continued to
offer updated fair housing information posted on the City’s website. In addition, Fair
Housing information was available at all Action Plan public hearings and forums. On April
53 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
16, 2012, the City partnered with several agencies to bring a fair housing forum entitled
“Creating Equal Opportunity in Fair Housing”. Also, in conjunction with Community
Development Week and Fair Housing Month, the Community Development Department
sponsored the “Neighborhood Leadership Summit (NLS)” and the “OMG of
Homeownership Expo”. During both events, citizens were provided an opportunity to meet
with housing counselors, vendors, specialist, and other housing, financial, and community
organizations to discuss fair housing options and gain information on fair housing rights.
During NLS specifically, a workshop was conducted by Ms. Patricia Green, HUD’s
Director of the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunities Office. In addition, during each
homeownership counseling session, fair housing information is provided to individuals that
are interested in homeownership. During FY2011-12, the housing loan officers provided
information during one hundred seventy-eight (178) on-on-one counseling sessions.
C. Community Development launched the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program
designed to help individuals save for and purchase a home, launch a
3) Need to review HMDA data to clarify standards that identify the effect of poor credit and
income issues on the protected classes and may be impediments to fair housing choice.
A. This impediment is being addressed internally by the City’s Housing division to ensure that
City loan programs are being properly documented. The loan division instituted the
automated underwriting system for the loan officers. The Calex System will help ensure
that all loan application are approved or denied with consistency. This system has the
ability to generate reports and is vital to the standard loan application approval/denial
process. The City of Columbia will continue to address this impediment during FY2012-
13 using the new Calex system and the 2011-12 HMDA Data.
In 2011-2012 the Annual Fair Housing Action Plan for the City of Columbia was addressed as
follows:
Goal I: Educate more people on Fair Housing Laws
Goal I Performance Outcomes:
Fair Housing information was updated on the City’s website
Fair Housing information was provided at each monthly (12) Columbia Council of
Neighborhoods
Fair Housing Month was proclaimed by City on April 16th
during Fair Housing Forum
Partnership
Partnered with SC Human Affairs Commission and SC Consumers Affairs Office to create Fair
Housing Forum “Creating Equal Opportunity in Fair Housing”.
Community Development sponsored two Fair Housing events:
1. Neighborhood Leadership Summit which included Pat Green, Director of the HUD
Regional Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Division.
Goal II: Meet the requirements established by HUD relevant to Fair Housing
Goal II Performance Outcomes:
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) was updated and submitted with 2012 Annual
Action plan for review.
54 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Fair Housing information obtained in Spanish and available to public.
Staff Compliance Officer attended Section 3 training and is in process of revising Section 3
plan.
Community Development Department working on new marketing plan and materials to be
distributed to agencies that works directly with protected classes.
Historically, the City has taken the following actions to address the disparity and inequality in
obtaining mortgage financing:
Examine impact fees and building code restrictions to determine what changes are necessary
to provide access to affordable housing
Establishing a plan to bridge gaps in loan financing by race, gender, and census tracts
Assessing the effectiveness of incentive tools such as low down payment and low interest
loans
The City will continue to enforce the Fair Housing Ordinance and consider the possibility of a regional
Fair Housing Ordinance with Richland and Lexington Counties. The City will continue to strive to
produce loans that mirror the City’s demographic composition. The City will continue to make clients
loan-ready via well-publicized home buyer workshops, and individual credit counseling. The City will
continue to provide affordable housing to low-moderate income families in target neighborhoods
which are predominately low-income minority communities. The City maintains Fair Housing report
logs. See Appendix 6.
City of Columbia staff serves on the Housing Committee of the Greater Columbia Community
Relations Council. This committee sponsors informational housing workshops that promote Fair
Housing. The city also markets its loan products in partnership with the Greater Columbia
Community Relations Council. The City supports Columbia Housing Authority’s efforts to educate
current and potential Section 8 program landlords. City staff will serve on the Fair Housing Steering
Committee which meets to ensure Fair Housing opportunities for all persons. Their goals include:
1) the development of a Fair Housing education agenda for the Midlands;
2) securing funding from HUD to finance Fair Housing initiatives; and
3) composition of Fair Housing ordinance to be presented to Richland County for adoption.
The City will continue to partner with local financial institutions to secure funding for low-income
persons who are interested in becoming homeowners. Over the last five years, the City received $60
million in leveraged funding from eight local lending institutions. The City will negotiate this year for
future financial commitments from local lenders. The City’s CityLender I program provides funds to
assist low income families throughout the city. City Lender II provides loan assistance for higher
income families to live in lower income target areas. The lending institutions who participate in the
City’s programs attempt to verify credit through alternative methods if potential homebuyers do not
have a credit history. The city also provides housing counseling services to address debt reconciliation
and responsibilities of homeownership.
The City receives HOPWA funds to assist persons living with HIV/AIDS. The HOPWA funds
provide housing assistance and supportive services throughout Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw,
Lexington, Richland and Saluda Counties. Case managers trained in housing placement maintain lists
of landlords who will accept clients as tenants who might otherwise face barriers to obtaining housing.
55 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
The City of Columbia advocates income and racial diversity for all neighborhoods and will continue to
make quality housing available to all eligible loan applicants and continue to further fair housing
choice.
Appendices
Appendix 1: Citizen Participation & Public Comments
Appendix 2: PR26 Financial Summary
Appendix 3: Total Budget
CDBG Budget
HOME Budget
HOPWA Budget
Appendix 4: HOPWA CAPER Measuring Performance Report Outcome
Appendix 5: Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Report Summary
Appendix 6: Fair Housing Reports
Appendix 7: PR02 – Activity Status Report
PR27 – HOME Status Report
Tables
Table 1: Funding and Expenditures Fiscal Year 2011-12
Table 2: Priority Community Development Needs Fiscal Year 2011-12
Table 3: 2011Annual Performance Assessment
Table 4: FY 11-12 Entitlements Budget Allocation
Table 5: FY 11-12 Programs Leverage Funding
Table 6: Emergency Shelter Data 2011
Table 7: Housing First Client Benefit Information
Table 8: Lead-Based Paint
Table 9: Priority Needs
Table 10: Performance Measures - Neighborhoods & Quality of Life
Table 11: Performance Measures - Economic Development
Table 12 A&B: Performance Measures - Affordable Housing
Table 13: Performance Measures - Financial Assistance Homeless
Table 14: HPRP Accomplishment FY 2011-2012
Table 15: TCM (HPRP) Performance Accomplishment
Table 16: HOPWA Sources of Leveraging
56 City of Columbia Community Development 2011 - 2012 CAPER
Section 4: Projects, Accomplishments & Performance Measurements
City of Columbia Community Development Department
1225 Lady Street, Suite 102
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Phone: (803) 545-3373
Fax: (803) 988-8014
www.columbiasc.net