HomeMy WebLinkAbout(P1) May 5, 2022 Final City of Port Arthur HOME ARP Allocation Plan Version 6.2 copy HOME - ARP ALLOCATION PLAN
DRAFT PLAN FOR 15 DAY COMMENT PERIOD
MAY 16, 2022 – MAY 31, 2022
City of Port Arthur
Mary E. Essex
Grants Program Administrator
300 4th Street
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641
Contact for Questions and public comments:
Mary Essex
Mary.essex@portarthurtx.gov
(409) 983-8251
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HOME - ARP Allocation Plan and Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment - DRAFT
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................. 2
Consultation ............................................................................................. 4
Public Participation .................................................................................. 9
Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis ................................................... 12
HOME-ARP Activities .......................................................................... 19
HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals ............................................... 20
HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines .................................................... 21
Appendices ............................................................................................. 22
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Introduction
The City of Port Arthur is a federal entitlement community that receives an annual allocation of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). As an entitlement community, the City is required to prepare an Annual Action
Plan detailing the uses of CDBG funds to meet its affordable housing and community development goals
as outlined in its Consolidated Plan.
For Program Year 2021-2022, the city is proposing to make substantial amendments to its submitted plan.
The purpose for the substantial amendment is to include $1,000,453 HOME-ARP grant funding
received from the US Department of Housing and Urban the purpose of the allocation is to serve
households who are at greatest risk of housing instability, including individuals and families experiencing
homelessness and/or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Meeting this requirement, HOME-
ARP Allocation Plan is the substantial amendment to the adopted Action Plan FY 2021-22.
HOME-ARP funds can only be expended on eligible activities:
• Provision of Supportive Services (such as housing counseling, homelessness prevention,
childcare, job training, legal services, case management, moving costs, rental applications, and
rent assistance)
• Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelters: Purchase and Development of Non-
Congregate Shelter (these structures can remain in use as a non-congregate shelter or can be
converted to 1) emergency shelter under the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program; 2)
permanent housing under the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program; or 3) affordable housing under
the HOME Program)
• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
• Production or Preservation of Affordable Housing (such as acquisition and rehabilitation)
• Non-Profit Operating (5% maximum allocation) (may not exceed the greater of 50 percent of the
general operating expenses of the organization for that fiscal year)
• Non-Profit Capacity Building (5% maximum allocation) (may not exceed the greater of 50
percent of the general operating expenses of the organization for that fiscal year)
• Administration and Planning for the HOME ARP Program (15% maximum allocation)
HOME-ARP funds must be used primarily to benefit individuals or families from the following
qualifying populations:
• Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations
• Those currently housed populations at the risk of homelessness
• Those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or
human trafficking
• Other families requiring services, housing assistance, or to prevent homelessness
• Those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations
Below are definitions for terms that are used frequently in relation to HOME-ARP funds.
NON-CONGREGATE SHELTER: As opposed to congregate settings, such as traditional homeless
shelters, non-congregate shelter provides more private accommodations (individual rooms). During the
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COVID-19 pandemic, people living in congregate facilities have been at higher risk of contracting or
having complications from the virus because physical distancing is difficult.
QUALIFYING POPULATIONS: For HOME-ARP funds, this means people experiencing
homelessness, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or otherwise at high risk of housing
instability.
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: Services that help households maintain housing stability and quality of life.
These may include support with finding and applying for housing, financial assistance for moving costs,
childcare, legal services, mental health and substance use services, and more.
TENANT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE: A rent subsidy to help households afford housing costs,
such as rent and security deposits. "Tenant-based" means the subsidy is attached to the household, and
they can use it to rent any rental unit that meets program guidelines and whose landlord is willing to
accept the subsidy payment.
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HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Guidance
I. To receive its HOME-ARP allocation, a PJ must:
a) Engage in consultation with at least the required organizations.
b) Provide for public participation including a 15-day public comment period and one public
hearing, at a minimum: and,
c) Develop a plan that meets the requirements in the HOME-ARP Notice.
II. To submit: a PJ must upload a Microsoft Word or PDF version of the plan in IDIS as an
attachment next to the “HOME-ARP allocation plan” option on either the AD-26 screen (for PJs
whose FY 2021 annual action plan is a Year 2-5 annual action plan) or the AD-25 screen (for
PJs whose FY 2021 annual action plan is a Year 1 annual action plan that is part of the 2021
consolidated plan).
III. PJs must also submit an SF-424, SF-424B, and SF-424D, and the following certifications as an
attachment on either the AD-26 or AD-25 screen, as applicable:
a) Affirmatively Further Fair Housing.
b) Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act and Anti-
displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan.
c) Anti-Lobbying.
d) Authority of Jurisdiction.
e) Section 3; and,
f) HOME-ARP specific certification.
Participating Jurisdiction: Port Arthur Date: 4/1/2022
Consultation
Before developing the plan, Port Arthur consulted with the CoC(s) serving the city’s geographic
area, homeless and domestic violence service providers, veterans’ groups, public housing
agencies (PHAs), public agencies that address the needs of the qualifying populations, and public
or private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with
disabilities, at a minimum. State PJs are not required to consult with every PHA or CoC within
the state’s boundaries; however, local PJs must consult with all PHAs (including statewide or
regional PHAs) and CoCs serving the jurisdiction.
Summarize the consultation process:
The City of Port Arthur consultation process included reviewing system-level data as well as
seeking input from community partners regarding their identification of needs and gaps. The
Southeast Texas Homeless Coalition (SETCH) is the Continuum of Care’s lead agency. SETCH
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in partnership with the Texas Homeless Network provided information from the 2022 Point-In-
Time and Housing Inventory Count.
The city held a community forum on April 13, 2022, at City Hall with various service providers
and stakeholders. The attendees were divided into three groups with experts in homelessness,
services, housing, and housing related activities serving as Table Leaders for each group. Each
group discussed the following issues: What are the needs and problems? How can the barriers be
addressed? What are alternatives for addressing the problem, given the anticipated barriers? Why
should funding be prioritized for programs in this subject area(s)? A representative from each
table was given 3 minutes to respond to a question from the fascinator and if any table leader
wanted to respond they were given 2 minutes. After formulating responses, each Table Leader
was given an opportunity to report their findings to the entire assembly and receive comments.
List the organizations consulted, and summarize the feedback received from these entities.
Agency/Org
Consulted Type of Agency/Org Method of
Consultation Feedback
Texas
Homelessness
Network
Continuum of Care
Lead
Agency
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Feedback from the agency
includes specific ways other
communities are choosing
priorities include:
Viewing what needs were identified
in their most recent Consolidated
Plan that can be funded by HOME-
ARP
Prioritizing homeless veterans
because their local homeless
coalition has identified that
population as a priority
Asking which housing providers and
services providers would like to
partner to provide housing and
services to people within one
HOME-ARP-funded project
Southeast Texas
Homeless
Coalition
Regional
organization
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
The lead agency for Continuum
of Care provided 2022 Point-In-
Time and Housing Inventory
Count data showing an increase
in the number of people
experiencing homelessness in
Port Arthur from 2020
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The Salvation
Army of
Beaumont
Services-homeless
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Salvation Army did not serve any
homeless persons from Port
Arthur last year.
Port Arthur
Housing
Authority
Housing Assistance
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Provided RAD units available to
low to moderate income
households; number of people
currently on waiting list for rental
assistance and currently utilizing
HCV and VASH voucher;
Identified families, veterans and
persons with disabilities as the
population with the highest need.
Catholic
Charities
Services-homeless
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Participated in group discussions
at stakeholder community
meeting providing comments
prioritizing the need for services
for people suffering with mental
health issues.
Texas
Education
Agency
Federal organization Communication
through email
Provided youth homeless data for
Jefferson County indicating a
high priority for youth homeless.
Spindletop
Center
Domestic Violence
Service Providers
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Participated in a group discussion
that identified partnerships with
service providers and developers
as option to address barriers.
Willie Carter
Community
Outreach
Center Health Agency
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Identified Ex-offenders, teen
homeless as a result of aging out
of foster care as population in
need of housing and supportive
service and recommends any
projects provided by the city
address their needs.
Lonestar Legal Service-Fair Housing
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Solicited input via email, no
response
Gulf Coast
Health Center Services-Health
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
When asked “How can the
barriers be addressed” Gulf Coast
mobile unit – can help sign up for
benefits, offers health screenings,
counseling, and other services.
Senior Meals
Services-Elderly
Persons
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Solicited input via email, no
response
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United Way of
Mid & South
Jefferson
County Services-Homeless
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
High priority for all service areas
that impact education, health, and
financial stability.
Southeast Texas
Regional
Planning
Commission
Regional
organization/Planning
organization
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Target populations with the
highest needs are families,
veterans and elderly.
Legacy
Community
Development Housing
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Mental health service / treatment
for homeless families to reduce
stress. Affordable rental
housing.
Jefferson
County
Other government -
County
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Solicited input via telephone and
email, no response
New World
Harvest Church Services-Homeless
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Before the pandemic agency was
working with homeless on 9th
Avenue; majority need access to
services; services for mental
health issues and drug addictions.
Port Arthur ISD Services-Education
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Solicited input via telephone and
email, no response
Lamar State
College–Port
Arthur Services-Education
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Solicited input via email, no
response
Family Services
of SETX
Services-Victims of
Domestic Violence
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Solicited input via telephone and
email, no response
United Board
Missions Services-Homeless
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Solicited input via telephone and
email, no response
PA Associated
Contractors Housing
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Solicited input via email, no
response
Veterans
Services Health Agency
Invited to participate
in the Home ARP
Plan community
forums.
Housing, services and
transportation priority.
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Needs Assessment Survey Results
During the community forum, community stakeholders participated in a HOME ARP Needs
Assessment Survey. The city reached out to community organizations – including organizations
serving the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, public housing organizations, affordable
housing developers, housing authority, and civil rights agencies. The survey was conducted in
person on April 13th, 2022, by the twenty-eight attendees.
The Agency and Organizations Survey asked respondents to report the level of service provided
to varying racial and ethnic groups. Survey responses showed that on average, Whites accounted
for the largest racial/ethnic group, of the HOME-ARP qualifying populations, receiving
assistance (Figure 1). Half of the survey respondents identified African Americans as the
majority (over 60%) of those served within the qualified population groups. Individuals of
Hispanic descent followed this as the second most-served group. Asians made up the smallest
racial/ethnic group making up less than 20% of those served.
0
5
10
15
20
25
0 - 19%20-39%40-59%60-79%80% or more
Of the "qualifying populations" what percent
race/ethnicity do you serve? (Please feel free to estimate)
White (non-Hispanic)Black (non-Hispanic)Asian (non-Hispanic)
Hispanic (any race)Other Race (s) (non-Hispanic)
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The top services provided are Supportive Services at 22%, Tenant- Based Rental Assistance at
12%, and Affordable rental housing, Housing Tax Credit Developments at 10%. Of the survey
respondents, only 7% provided Emergency shelters and 5% provided temporary shelters for
homeless populations. Fair Housing and Civil Rights services were only provided by 2% of the
organizations surveyed; however, the topic of housing discrimination and overall lack of options
for individuals with criminal backgrounds was raised multiple times in the survey’s discussion
section.
Public Participation
Port Arthur provided for and encouraged citizen participation in the development of the HOME-
ARP allocation plan. Before submission of the plan for City Council consideration, Port Arthur
provided residents with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed
HOME-ARP allocation plan and Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment of no less than 15
calendar days. Port Arthur followed its adopted requirements for “reasonable notice and an
opportunity to comment” for plan amendments in its current citizen participation plan. In
addition, Port Arthur held an April 28, 2022 public hearing meeting during the development of
the HOME-ARP allocation plan and Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment prior to
submission.
For the purposes of HOME-ARP, Port Arthur made the following information available to the
public:
• The amount of HOME-ARP the Port Arthur will receive,
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Day shelters
Temporary shelters
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent supportive housing
Other permanent housing
Affordable rental housing, Housing Tax Credit…
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (such as rental assistance,…
Supportive services (such as housing counseling,…
Diversion/Homeless Prevention
Rapid Rehousing
Services for persons with disabilities
Fair housing or civil rights
Other (please specify)
What types of housing assistance or supportive services does
your organization provide for the "qualifying populations?"
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• The range of activities the Port Arthur may undertake.
Describe the public participation process, including information about and the dates of the
public comment period and public hearing(s) held during the development of the plan:
• Public comment period: start date – 5/16/2022 end date – 5/31/2022
• Public Engagement Session: 4/28/2022
The city held a workshop session for agencies on April 13, 2022 and a public engagement
meeting on April 28, 2022, at City Hall where the public was given the opportunity to discuss the
following issues: What are the needs and problems? How can the barriers be addressed? What
are alternatives for addressing the problem, given the anticipated barriers? Why should funding
be prioritized for programs in this subject area (s)? Additionally, a Priority Needs Survey was
made available on the City’s website for completion and submission online.
The Public Comment period for the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and Annual Action Plan
Substantial Amendment will begin on Monday, May 16th and will conclude on Tuesday, May
31st. A Public Notice will be published in the local newspaper and include information regarding
the proposed plan as well as the scheduled Public Hearing. Comments may be submitted by mail,
phone, fax, email or during the public hearing.
Describe any efforts to broaden public participation:
In addition to the Public Notice being published in the local newspaper and the city’s website,
consultation letters were sent via email to community stakeholders requesting comment on the
allocation plan. This included social service organizations, homeless service providers, advisory
boards, neighborhood associations, and other nonprofit organizations. A list of these
organizations and the letter are attached to this plan.
Port Arthur considered all comments or views of residents received in writing, or orally at a
public hearing, when preparing the HOME-ARP allocation plan and Annual Action Plan
Substantial Amendment.
Summarize the comments and recommendations received through the public participation
process:
During the April 13th community forum with Port Arthur stakeholders, the twenty-eight
participants were split into three discussion groups and assigned a table discussion leader.
Group 1 Participants:
• “What are the needs and problems?”
The group participants provided comments prioritizing the need for services for people suffering
with mental health issues. Several examples of families and persons experiencing homelessness
were provided from their direct relationships as services and housing providers.
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• “How can the barriers be addressed?”
o The group recommended a variety of options to addressing barriers including the
following:
§ A building that would house all the needed services and have
transportation available.
§ Hold “Homeless Day” (health fair) bring services to the event (similar to
Veterans Stand Down).
§ City transit picks up people from local churches and brings to Civic
Center for the Veterans Stand Down.
§ Training program which could help people become entrepreneurs (e.g.
painters, carpenters)
Group 2 Participants
• “What are the needs and problems?”
o This group collectively identified the following needs:
§ Emergency Shelters
§ Supportive Services
• Mental health, disability substance abuse, domestic violence and
veterans
§ Housing Ex-offenders
• “How can the barriers be addressed?”
o The group recommended a variety of options to addressing barriers including
the following:
§ Tenant Based Rental Assistance
§ Rental Stock
§ Long-term Supportive Services
§ Partnership with service providers and developers
§ Lease Purchase Program
Group 3 Participants
• “What are the needs and problems?”
o This group collectively identified the following needs:
§ Transitional housing
§ Vouchers for key populations
§ Literacy and life and home skills training
§ Youth are aging out of foster care increasing their risk of homelessness
• “How can the barriers be addressed?”
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o The group recommended a variety of options to addressing barriers including the
following:
§ Locate and fund vouchers for housing units currently vacant
§ City donated properties to provide shelter and supportive services
§ Rehab Vacant Nursing home on 9th avenue to address affordable housing
and supportive housing needs.
Attendees were asked the following two questions “What are alternatives for addressing the
problem, given the anticipated barriers?”
• Critique guidelines to fit community needs
• Quarterly network meetings
• Identify family members of those who are homeless, get counseling for the
family unit to help them work together to get the homeless person back home
or to get needed services.
“Why should funding be prioritized for programs in the subject area(s)?”
The city of Port Arthur lacks enough resources to leverage non-federal funds to address the
needs of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Therefore, the city’s use of HOME
ARP funds will continue to support the efforts of it service and affordable housing providers.
A full summary of comments and recommendations received during the public comment period
and the public hearings are in the Appendix of the 2022 HOME ARP Allocation Plan and
Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment.
Summarize any comments or recommendations not accepted and state the reasons why:
All comments were accepted.
Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis
Port Arthur evaluated the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within its
boundaries and assess the unmet needs of those populations. In addition, Port Arthur identified
any gaps within its current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system.
Port Arthur used current data, including point in time count, housing inventory count, or other
data available through CoCs, and consultations with service providers to quantify the individuals
and families in the qualifying populations and their need for additional housing, shelter, or
services.
The below table (Homeless Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table) includes data from the
HUD 2022 Point-In-Time and Housing Inventory Count Report and includes data for Jefferson
County and Port Arthur. Due to COVID-19 only Port Arthur Unsheltered Homeless data is
available.
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OPTIONAL Homeless Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table
Homeless
Current Inventory Homeless Population Gap Analysis
Family Adults Only Vets Family
HH (at
least 1
child)
Adult
HH
(w/o
child)
Vets Victims
of DV
Family Adults Only
# of
Beds
# of
Units
# of
Beds
# of
Units
# of
Beds
# of
Beds
# of
Units
# of
Beds
# of
Units
Emergency
Shelter 55 20 65 0 0
Transitional
Housing 0 0 0 0 0
Permanent
Supportive
Housing
7 5 27 0 3
Other Permanent
Housing 0 0 0 0
Sheltered
Homeless 12 17 1 18
Unsheltered
Homeless 0 148 14 7
Current Gap 62 25 92 0
Suggested Data Sources: 1. Point in Time Count (PIT); 2. Continuum of Care Housing Inventory Count (HIC); 3. Consultation
OPTIONAL Housing Needs Inventory and Gap Analysis Table
Non-Homeless
Current Inventory Level of Need Gap Analysis
# of Units # of Households # of Households
Total Rental Units 8,933
Rental Units Affordable to HH at 30%
AMI (At-Risk of Homelessness) 1,570
Rental Units Affordable to HH at 50%
AMI (Other Populations) 6,565
0%-30% AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or more
severe housing problems
(At-Risk of Homelessness)
1,635
30%-50% AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or more
severe housing problems
(Other Populations)
1,215
Current Gaps 20,599
Suggested Data Sources: 1. American Community Survey (ACS); 2. Comprehensive Housing Affordability
Strategy (CHAS)
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Describe the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within the PJ’s
boundaries:
According to the 2022 Texas Balance of State CoC Point-In-Time (PIT) count, there are 213
people who are experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County. The count includes people that
are staying in emergency shelters, residing in transitional housing, and those that are unsheltered.
The 2022 Jefferson County PIT count reports that out of the 213 people who are experiencing
homelessness in Jefferson County 21 are under 18 years old and 7 are age 18 to 24. The data
shows that 53 are females, 117 are males. The data indicates that 135 people identified
themselves as non-Hispanic or non-Latino, and 19 persons identified themselves as Hispanic or
Latino. Regarding race most of the people from the PIT count indicated that they are White (64),
and Black or African American (75). The Jefferson County 2022 PIT count identifies that the
213 people experiencing homelessness are chronically homeless in which 32 of them are
unsheltered. The PIT count also shows that there are 15 Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Homeless data in Port Arthur shows 51 total person experiencing unsheltered homelessness of
which 10 are Chronically Homeless. Further analyzing the 51 unsheltered homeless population, 5
are female and 25 males. Regarding the race and ethnicity of Port Arthur’s unsheltered homeless
population, 10 are white, 19 are black, 28 are non-Hispanic or non-Latino and 4 are Hispanic or
Latino.
Population At Risk Of Homelessness: On average during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are
about 155 eviction filings per month in Jefferson County according to the State of Texas Office
of Court Administration. As of January 2022, the number of monthly evictions filed reached 297,
the highest amount since January 2020 of 300 evictions filed.
Based on the 2021-2022 data collected through the Public Education Information Management
System by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Jefferson County has 510 students experiencing
homelessness
Households with household income less than or equal to 30% AMI with a cost burden greater
than 50% are also at risk of homelessness. Based on the CHAS data, there are 990 households in
this category of potential risk.
Individuals incarcerated in Port Arthur jails as well as those receiving behavioral health services,
including substance abuse disorder services, may also be at risk of homelessness upon discharge.
Spindletop Center, the intellectual and development center in Port Arthur provided Behavioral
Health services for 170 persons in 2021.
Describe the unmet housing and service needs of qualifying populations, including but not
limited to:
• Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations;
• Those currently housed populations at risk of homelessness;
• Other families requiring services or housing assistance or to prevent homelessness;
and,
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• Those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations:
The cause of any one person's homelessness often lies, not in a single factor, but at the
convergence of multiple events and conditions. From one angle, homelessness can be seen as an
economic problem - caused by unemployment, foreclosure, or poverty. From another viewpoint,
homelessness could appear to be a health issue - as many homeless persons struggle with one or
more conditions such as mental illness, physical disability, HIV, or substance abuse. Looking at
the problem another way, homelessness emerges as a social problem - with factors such as
domestic violence, educational attainment, or race lying at the root. Homelessness is caused by
all these issues, sometimes simultaneously.
Population At Risk of Homelessness:
On average during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are about 155 eviction filings per month in
Jefferson County according to the State of Texas Office of Court Administration. As of January
2022, the number of monthly evictions filed reached 297, the highest amount since January 2020
of 300 evictions filed.
Based on the 2021-2022 data collected through the Public Education Information Management
System by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Jefferson County has 510 students experiencing
homelessness
Households with household income less than or equal to 30% AMI with a cost burden greater
than 50% are also at risk of homelessness. Based on the CHAS data, there are 990 households in
this category of potential risk.
Individuals incarcerated in Port Arthur jails as well as those receiving behavioral health services,
including substance abuse disorder services, may also be at risk of homelessness upon discharge.
Spindletop Center, the intellectual and development center in Port Arthur provided Behavioral
Health services for 170 persons in 2021.
Unstable Housing Situations
There are approximately 3,200 families currently in unstable housing conditions receiving
financial assistance through federally subsidized rental housing. By 2025, the affordability
restrictions on 2,034 units of federally subsidized housing in Port Arthur are set to expire.
Restrictions on an additional 384 units are set to expire by 2030. Some of these units will remain
within the subsidized inventory as owners elect to renew their rent subsidy contracts or
recapitalize the properties using new federal subsidies.
The Port Arthur Housing Authority manages 274 Rental Assistance Demonstration, RAD units.
Additionally, there are 3,072 units in 16 projects that have HUD insured mortgages, serving low-
income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Over 1,900 units have been developed in
Port Arthur through Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
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Legacy Community Development Corporation (Legacy CDC) is a nonprofit organization that
develops affordable housing and provides financial counseling for low- to-moderate income
households. Legacy CDC offers Down Payment Assistance to first time homebuyers, Tenant
Based Rental Assistance, Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance to existing low-to-moderate
income homeowners. There are currently 150 applicants on the waiting list to participate in these
programs leaving them in unstable housing situations and further increases the chances of
homelessness.
Housing Affordability
In Port Arthur, the share of renter households that are moderately or severely cost
burdened increased from 44.7% in 2014 to 47.4% in 2020. The incidence of housing cost
burdens is highest for unassisted renter households with the lowest incomes. In Port Arthur,
renter households with incomes of less than $20,000 had the highest incidence of cost burden in
2020 (69.2%). As shown in the previous visualization, the share of households rent burdened
in Port Arthur increased overall from 2014 to 2020.
Identify and consider the current resources available to assist qualifying populations,
including congregate and non-congregate shelter units, supportive services, TBRA, and
affordable and permanent supportive rental housing:
Since 2021 Jefferson County has implemented the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
Program. This program provides comprehensive rental and utilities assistance to households who
are at risk of losing their homes due to COVID-19.
South East Texas Coalition for the Homeless Program (SETCH)
The SETCH Program is a consensus driven, collaborative dedicated to ending homelessness in
Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties. The Coalition is comprised of local, state, federal, faith-
based, non-profit organizations, and local businesses. Since its January 2000 inception, the
Coalition has worked to identify gaps in existing services and assist organizations in the
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
< $20,000 $20,000-
$35,000
$35,000-
$50,000
$50,000-
$75,000
Renter Households that are Cost Burdened across Income Ranges
2014 2020
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development of resources to fill those needs, thereby assuring a full continuum of care for
homeless persons.
The HUD 2021 Texas Balance of State Housing Inventory Count Report includes data for
Jefferson County and Port Arthur. Less than 14% of the 153 total beds are available to serve
those experiencing homelessness within Port Arthur city limits. Emergency Shelters, Rapid
Rehousing, and Permanent Supportive Housing are available in Jefferson and Orange County.
There are five agencies providing services to individuals and families experiencing
homelessness.
These include emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing,
rapid re-housing, and other permanent housing:
Family Services of
Southeast Texas
Women &
Children ES
Housing Authority of Port
Arthur HUD-VASH
Neighborhood
Development Corporation
Homeless to
Homes Program
The Salvation Army of
Beaumont
Emergency
Shelter
The Salvation Army of
Beaumont ESG-CV RRH
Identify any gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service
delivery system:
The service providers in Port Arthur work closely together to provide a continuum of services in
response to needs identified through surveys of homeless persons and general observations of the
providers. Providers in Port Arthur are particularly strong in the areas of mental health services,
employment training, and life skills training. Gaps exist in emergency shelter capacity. There are
not enough beds on a typical night. Another gap is the coordination of service centers through
the lack of universal participation of providers in the HMIS system. All homeless providers who
participate in federal funding programs are enrolled in the HMIS system
Identify the characteristics of housing associated with instability and an increased risk of
homelessness if the PJ will include such conditions in its definition of “other populations” as
established in the HOME-ARP Notice:
The number one indicator of households falling into homelessness from a place of housing
instability is a previous history of homelessness. Homeless assistance is the last resort
for households in extreme poverty with few resources of their own and limited connections to
others who could offer temporary, emergency support. Additionally, when other systems of care,
like hospitals, behavioral health settings, child welfare, and criminal justice systems, are unable
to address the reasons why people cannot stay housed, people have no alternative than turning
to the homeless response system.
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To prevent people from falling into homelessness, public systems for justice, anti-poverty,
prevention, health (including behavioral health), child welfare and affordable housing must use
data to identify how people are falling into homelessness and target prevention strategies and
policies to address these areas.
Additionally, families with children, or unaccompanied youth who are unstably housed and
likely to continue in that state, including those people who are doubled up in other people’s
homes because they lack a home of their own, are not considered to be experiencing
homelessness by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are not
eligible for its homeless assistance. These same families are, however, considered to be
experiencing homelessness by the U.S. Department of Education and are eligible for additional
educational services and supports. People are “at risk of homelessness” if they are losing their
primary nighttime residence, which may include a motel or hotel or a doubled-up situation,
within the next 14 days and lack resources or support networks to remain in housing.
Identify priority needs for qualifying populations:
HOME-ARP qualifying populations often have many competing needs. Consultation Survey
planned meetings with stakeholders are expected to indicate a variety of needs for qualifying
populations, including 1) housing, such as shelter, short-term housing, permanent supportive
housing, and rental and utility assistance, and 2) supportive services, such as medical care,
counseling, substance abuse service, case management, childcare, transportation, legal services,
and job training. The needs overlap but also vary amongst these populations, and the following
information will cover the priority needs for each of the qualified populations
Explain how the level of need and gaps in its shelter and housing inventory and service
delivery systems based on the data presented in the plan were determined:
The gaps in services and programs need to provide shelter, housing, and services were
determined using data from multiple sources, including stakeholder and public engagement. The
level of need for unsheltered and shelter households experiencing homelessness was determined
by evaluating the number of unsheltered households and the level of resources available to
adequately house the families or individuals with permanent supportive housing and critical
long-term supportive services to achieve housing stability. For households that are currently
housed but have challenges maintaining their home, the level of need was measured by the
amount of inventory that had affordable, safe, and adequate living conditions and the number of
renter households that are experiencing severe housing cost burdens. These households need
housing outcomes that help them stay housed without incumbering them with the cost of their
home
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HOME-ARP Activities
Describe the method for soliciting applications for funding and/or selecting developers, service
providers, subrecipients and/or contractors and whether the PJ will administer eligible
activities directly:
Pending HUD approval of its HOME-ARP allocation plan and Annual Action Plan Substantial
Amendment, the City of Port Arthur will issue a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for
interested homeless service agencies, housing authorities, affordable housing developers and
experienced developers of permanent supportive housing and/or affordable housing. In addition,
there will be a posted public notice in the local newspaper as well as on the City’s website.
If any portion of the PJ’s HOME-ARP administrative funds were provided to a subrecipient or
contractor prior to HUD’s acceptance of the HOME-ARP allocation plan because the
subrecipient or contractor is responsible for the administration of the PJ’s entire HOME-ARP
grant, identify the subrecipient or contractor and describe its role and responsibilities in
administering all of the PJ’s HOME-ARP program:
N/A
The City of Port Arthur expects to receive $1,000,453 from HUD for HOME ARP. The city
through a competitive RFP process will determine the individual activity and amount for each
category of funding listed in the HOME ARP Allocation Table below. The City will allocate
funds ranging from no dollars for a category and up to the maximum grant amount of $1,000,453
allocated. The city will indicate the amount of HOME-ARP funding that is planned for each
eligible HOME-ARP activity type and demonstrate that any planned funding for nonprofit
organization operating assistance, nonprofit capacity building, and administrative costs is within
HOME-ARP limits. The following table will be used to meet this requirement.
Use of HOME-ARP Funding
Categories of Activities Funding Amount Percent of the
Grant
Statutory
Limit
Supportive Services $ #
Acquisition and Development of Non-
Congregate Shelters $ #
Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) $ #
Development of Affordable Rental Housing $ #
Non-Profit Operating $ # # % 5%
Non-Profit Capacity Building $ # # % 5%
Administration and Planning $ # # % 15%
Total HOME ARP Allocation $ #
Additional narrative, if applicable:
N/A
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Describe how the characteristics of the shelter and housing inventory, service delivery system,
and the needs identified in the gap analysis provided a rationale for the plan to fund eligible
activities:
Port Arthur has been able to identify, with the development of the gap analysis and stakeholder
meetings, activities that will assist the qualified populations in Port Arthur. The results of the gap
analysis shows that there is a need for an expansion of Affordable Rental Housing as cost
burdened renters has increased from 44.7% in 2014 to almost 50% in 2020. Emergency Shelters
and the capacity of the Nonprofit network who respond to families and individuals of the most
vulnerable qualified populations.
HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals
Estimate the number of affordable rental housing units for qualifying populations that the PJ
will produce or support with its HOME-ARP allocation:
To be determine based on the competitive RFP process allocating funding to specific projects
after HUD approval of the HOME ARP Allocation Plan. The City of Port Arthur has a goal of 10
to 25 units of non-congregate or affordable rental housing to be supported through rehabilitation
funding.
Describe the specific affordable rental housing production goal that the PJ hopes to achieve
and describe how it will address the PJ’s priority needs:
The city will determine based on the competitive RFP process allocating funding to specific
projects after HUD approval of the HOME ARP Allocation Plan. The City of Port Arthur has a
goal of 10 to 25 units of non-congregate or affordable rental housing to be supported through
rehabilitation funding. Data from organizations consulted and census data support the city’s goal
for needed affordable rental units
Preferences
Identify whether the PJ intends to give preference to one or more qualifying populations or a
subpopulation within one or more qualifying populations for any eligible activity or project:
1. Preferences cannot violate any applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination
requirements, including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a).
2. PJs are not required to describe specific projects to which the preferences will apply.
None
If a preference was identified, explain how the use of a preference or method of prioritization
will address the unmet need or gap in benefits and services received by individuals and
families in the qualifying population or category of qualifying population, consistent with the
PJ’s needs assessment and gap analysis:
N/A
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If a preference was identified, describe how the PJ will use HOME-ARP funds to address the
unmet needs or gaps in benefits and services of the other qualifying populations that are not
included in the preference:
N/A
HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines
If the PJ intends to use HOME-ARP funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily
rental housing that is being rehabilitated with HOME-ARP funds, the PJ must state its HOME-
ARP refinancing guidelines in accordance with 24 CFR 92.206(b). The guidelines must describe
the conditions under with the PJ will refinance existing debt for a HOME-ARP rental project,
including:
1. Establish a minimum level of rehabilitation per unit or a required ratio between
rehabilitation and refinancing to demonstrate that rehabilitation of HOME-
ARP rental housing is the primary eligible activity
Port Arthur does not intend to use HOME-ARP funds to refinance existing debt.
2. Require a review of management practices to demonstrate that disinvestment in
the property has not occurred; that the long-term needs of the project can be
met; and that the feasibility of serving qualified populations for the minimum
compliance period can be demonstrated.
N/A
3. State whether the new investment is being made to maintain current affordable
units, create additional affordable units, or both.
The city intends to invest HOME ARP funds to maintain current affordable units and
create additional units.
4. Specify the required compliance period, whether it is the minimum 15 years or
longer.
N/A
5. State that HOME-ARP funds cannot be used to refinance multifamily loans
made or insured by any federal program, including CDBG.
The city will not use HOME ARP funds to refinance any multifamily loans.
6. Other requirements in the PJ’s guidelines, if applicable:
N/A
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Appendices
APPENDIX A: HOME-ARP NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
APPENDIX B: HOME-ARP NEEDS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY OF RESPONSES
APPENDIX C: STAKEHOLDER MEETING PRESENTATION
APPENDIX D: FOCUS GROUP MEETING SUMMARY
APPENDIX E: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
APPENDIX F: SF-424S AND CERTIFICATIONS
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APPENDIX A: HOME-ARP NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
1. What best describes the organization you are affiliated with? (Select all that apply)
Homeless Service Provider
Domestic Violence Service Provider
Services Supporting People Fleeing Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault,
Stalking, or Human Trafficking
Housing Advocate/Developer/Provider
Veterans Group
Civil Rights
Fair Housing
People with Disabilities
Serving People with High Risk of Housing Instability
Public Housing Authority
Addressing the Needs of People Experiencing or at At-Risk Homelessness
Other (please specify):
2. What types of housing assistance or supportive services does your organization provide for the
"qualifying populations?"
Day shelters
Temporary shelters
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent supportive housing
Other permanent housing
Affordable rental housing, Housing Tax Credit Developments
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (such as rental assistance, security deposits, utility deposits,
and utility payments).
Supportive services (such as housing counseling, homelessness prevention, childcare, job
training, legal services, case management, etc.)
Diversion/Homeless Prevention
Rapid Rehousing
Services for persons with disabilities
Fair housing or civil rights
Other (please specify)
3. Which of the following "qualifying populations" does your organization serve? (Select all that
apply).
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Temporary or emergency sheltered individuals/families experiencing homelessness
Unsheltered individuals/families experiencing homelessness
Individuals/families at risk of homelessness at or below 30% AMI
Individuals/families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
assault, stalking, or human trafficking
Individuals/families who serve those at greatest risk of housing instability
Individuals/families requiring supportive services or housing assistance that would prevent
homelessness
Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meets one of the
preceding criteria
4. Please identify the population with the
highest need for services based on your
organization's experience (check all that
apply).
Families
Single adults
Veterans
Unaccompanied Youth
Victims of Domestic Violence
Persons with Disabilities
Other (please specify):
5. Of the "qualifying populations" what percent race/ethnicity do you serve? (Please
feel free to estimate)
0 - 19% 20-39% 40-59% 60-79% 80% or more
White (non-Hispanic)
Black (non-Hispanic)
Asian (non-Hispanic)
Hispanic (any race)
Other Race (s) (non-Hispanic)
APPENDIX B: HOME-ARP NEEDS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY OF RESPONSES
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Homeless Service Provider 5
Domestic Violence Service Provider 1
Services Supporting People Fleeing Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual
Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking 3
Housing Advocate/Developer/Provider 5
Veterans Group 4
Civil Rights 0
Fair Housing 1
People with Disabilities 8
Serving People with High Risk of Housing Instability 9
Public Housing Authority 1
Addressing the Needs of People Experiencing or at At-Risk Homelessness 10
Other (please specify):1
Day shelters 0
Temporary shelters 3
Emergency shelters 4
Transitional housing 1
Permanent supportive housing 5
Other permanent housing 2
Affordable rental housing, Housing Tax Credit Developments 6
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (such as rental assistance, security deposits,
utility deposits, and utility payments).7
Supportive services (such as housing counseling, homelessness prevention,
childcare, job training, legal services, case management, etc.)13
Diversion/Homeless Prevention 4
Rapid Re housing 2
Services for persons with disabilities 6
Fair housing or civil rights 1
Other (please specify)4
Temporary or emergency sheltered individuals/families experiencing homelessness 8
Unsheltered individuals/families experiencing homelessness 8
Individuals/families at risk of homelessness at or below 30% AMI 10
Individuals/families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating
violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking 7
Individuals/families who serve those at greatest risk of housing instability 10
Individuals/families requiring supportive services or housing assistance that
would prevent homelessness 13
Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meets one of the preceding criteria 10
Families 10
Single adults 11
Veterans 9
Unaccompanie d Youth 3
Victims of Domestic Violence 3
Persons with Disabilities 9
Other (please specify):4
0 - 19%20-39%40-59%60-79%80% or more
White (non-Hispanic)3 3 6 1 0
Black (non-Hispanic)0 2 4 4 4
Asian (non-Hispanic)6 2 1 0 0
Hispanic (any race)7 3 2 1 2
Other Race (s) (non-Hispanic)5 1 1 0 0
5. Of the "qualifying populations" what percent race/ethnicity do you serve? (Please feel free to estimate)
1. What best describes the organization you are affiliated with? (Select all that apply)
2. What types of housing assistance or supportive services does your organization provide for the
"qualifying populations?"
3. Which of the following "qualifying populations" does your organization serve? (Select all that apply).
4. Please identify the population with the highest need for services based on your organization's experience (check all that apply).
APPENDIX C: STAKEHOLDER MEETING PRESENTATION
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Appendix D: Focus Group Meeting Summary
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Appendix E: Public Notice
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Appendix F: SF-424s and Certifications