OMB Approved No. 3076-0006 · OMB Approved No. 3076-0006 Version 7/03 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE 2. DATE SUBMITTED Applicant Identifier 1. TYPE OF SUBMISSION: Application Li Construction

APPLICATION FOR

OMB Approved No. 3076-0006

Version 7/03

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE 2. DATE SUBMITTED Applicant Identifier

1. TYPE OF SUBMISSION: Application

Li Construction

a Non-Construction

Pre-application

P Construction

M. Non-Construction

3. DATE RECEIVED BY STATE State Application Identifier

4. DATE RECEIVED BY FEDERAL AGENCY Federal Identifier

5. APPLICANT INFORMATION Legal Name:

Osceola County Board of County Commissioners

Organizational Unit: Department: County Administration

Organizational DUNS: 072537657

Division: Human Services

Address: Name and telephone number of person to be contacted on matters involving this application (give area code) Street:

330 North Beaumont Avenue Prefix: Ms.

First Name: Diane

City: Kissimmee

Middle Name J

County: Osceola

Last Name DeWalt

State: FL

Zip Code 34741

Suffix:

Country: United States

Email: [email protected]

6. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN):

—5-4 - 60 0 c7 7 —8 –0–

Phone Number (give area code)

407-742-8465

Fax Number (give area code)

407-742-8431

8. TYPE OF APPLICATION:

V! New 0 Continuation IE Revision If Revision, enter appropriate letter(s) in box(es) (See back of form for description of letters.) _ _

— Other (specify)

7. TYPE OF APPLICANT: (See back of form for Application Types)

B

Other (specify)

9. NAME OF FEDERAL AGENCY: Housing and Urban Development

10. CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER:

a—Y TITLE (Name of Program): Community Development Block Grant

11. DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF APPLICANT'S PROJECT:

2014 Annual Action Plan

12. AREAS AFFECTED BY PROJECT (Cities, Counties, States, etc.):

St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Osceola County

13. PROPOSED PROJECT 14. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF: Start Date: October 1,2014

Ending Date: September 30, 2015

a. Applicant 9

b. Project 9

15. ESTIMATED FUNDING: 16. IS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS?

a. Federal $ uu 1,225,762

THIS PREAPPLICATION/APPLICATION WAS MADE a. Yes. in

AVAILABLE TO THE STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS FOR REVIEW ON

DATE:

b. 0 PROGRAM IS NOT COVERED BYE. 0. 12372 No .

HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED BY STATE O n FOR REVIEW

b. Applicant $ uu

c. State $ uu

d. Local $ uu

e. Other $ uu

f. Program Income $ uu 17. IS THE APPLICANT DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT?

M Yes If "Yes" attach an explanation. 0 No g. TOTAL $ uu

1,225,762 .

18. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, ALL DATA IN THIS APPLICATION/PREAPPLICATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT. THE DOCUMENT HAS BEEN DULY AUTHORIZED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE APPLICANT AND THE APPLICANT WILL COMPLY WITH THE ATTACHED ASSURANCES IF THE ASSISTANCE IS AWARDED. a. Authorized Representative Prefix First Name

Donald Middle Name

Last Name Fisher /- -s

Suffix

b. Title . County Manager

c. c. Telephone Number (give area code) 407 742 2385

d. Signature of Au rized Representa _,

' e. Date Signed 4.././1 3 / Lf

Previous Edition lable AuLfir:11Hir. tkccal II:rroduction

Stbndard Form 424 (Rev.9-2003) Prescribed by OMB Circular A-102

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SF-424

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 45 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0043), Washington, DC 20503.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.

This is a standard form used by applicants as a required face sheet for pre-applications and applications submitted for Federal assistance. It will be used by Federal agencies to obtain applicant certification that States which have established a review and comment procedure in response to Executive Order 12372 and have selected the program to be included in their process, have been given an opportunity to review the applicant's submission.

Item: Entry: Item: Entry:

1. Select Type of Submission. 11. Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If more than one program is involved, you should append an explanation on a separate sheet. If appropriate (e.g., construction or real property projects), attach a map showing project location. For preapplications, use a separate sheet to provide a summary description of this project.

2. Date application submitted to Federal agency (or State if applicable) and applicant's control number (if applicable),

12. List only the largest political entities affected (e.g., State, counties, cities).

3. State use only (if applicable). 13 Enter the proposed start date and end date of the project.

4. Enter Date Received by Federal Agency Federal identifier number: If this application is a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the present Federal Identifier number. If for a new project, leave blank.

14. List the applicant's Congressional District and any District(s) affected by the program or project

5. Enter legal name of applicant, name of primary organizational unit (including division, if applicable), which will undertake the assistance activity, enter the organization's DUNS number (received from Dun and Bradstreet), enter the complete address of the applicant (including country), and name, telephone number, e- mail and fax of the person to contact on matters related to this application,

15 Amount requested or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses. If both basic and supplemental amounts are included, show breakdown on an attached sheet. For multiple program funding, use totals and show breakdown using same categories as item 15.

6. Enter Employer Identification Number (EIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service.

16. Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process.

7. Select the appropriate letter in the space provided. I. State Controlled

A. State Institution of Higher B. County Learning C. Municipal J. Private University D. Township K. Indian Tribe E. Interstate L. Individual F. Intermunicipal M. Profit Organization G. Special District N. Other (Specify) H. Independent School 0. Not for Profit

District Organization

17. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative. Categories of debt include delinquent audit disallowances, loans and taxes.

8. Select the type from the following list: • "New" means a new assistance award. • "Continuation" means an extension for an additional

funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date.

• "Revision" means any change in the Federal Government's financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision enter the appropriate letter:

A. Increase Award B. Decrease Award C. Increase Duration D. Decrease Duration

18 To be signed by the authorized representative of the applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for you to sign this application as official representative must be on file in the applicant's office. (Certain Federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.)

9. Name of Federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.

10. Use the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested.

SF-424 (Rev. 7-97) Back

Osceola County Community Development Block Grant

2014-2015 Annual Action Plan

Prepared by: Osceola County Human Services Department

330 North Beaumont Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741 407-742-8400

BOCC Approved: August 4, 2014

Osceola County Annual Action Plan 2014

2

2014-2015 Action Plan Acknowledgements

Osceola County Board of Commissioners

District 5: Chairman, Fred Hawkins, Jr. District 2: Vice Chairman, John “Q” Quiñones District 1: Michael E. Hartford District 3: Brandon Arrington District 4: Frank Attkisson

Osceola County Manager, Don Fisher Osceola County Deputy County Manager, Beth Knight Citizens Advisory Task Force Taskforce Members

At-Large: Chairman, Paul King District 1: John Mangini District 2: Vacant District 3: Ron Lomax District 4: Rinda Dumas District 5: Rudy Gomez-Lugo At Large: Fred McCrimon

2014-2015 Annual Action Plan Staff

Human Services Director, Celestia McCloud Community Grants Program Manager, Diane DeWalt Community Grants Program Specialist, Jamie Fisher


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Executive Summary

To ensure federal funds are spent in a manner that maximizes benefits to low income communities, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires recipients of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to prepare a Five Year Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan describes the needs of the County and how those needs will be met using CDBG funds and other complementing federal, state and local funding. Osceola County adopted its 2010-2014 Five Year Consolidated Plan August 9, 2010. Each year of the Consolidated Plan, an Annual Action Plan is required. This action plan outlines activities that will be undertaken during the last year of the current Consolidated Plan between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 to address housing, community development, and economic development needs. The primary strategic objectives addressed in the Consolidated Plan and in this Action Plan are: Goals for providing decent and affordable housing

• Improve and preserve the housing stock by providing housing rehabilitation loans and grants to low and moderate income homeowners. • Provide rental assistance to low and very low income renters by continuing to operate the Section 8 rental assistance voucher program. • Continue to administer the CDBG, SHIP, and ESG rental assistance program(s) to assist residents with securing and maintaining decent,

safe, and sanitary housing. • Coordinate with the Osceola County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to continue identifying incentives for the development of

affordable housing. • Increase the supply of affordable single family ownership housing by acquiring, rehabilitating foreclosed properties and then reselling

them to low-moderate income residents. • Increase the supply of affordable rental housing by acquiring and rehabilitating foreclosed properties and then renting them to low

income families. • Increase homeownership by providing homeownership education, down payment and closing cost assistance for homebuyers.

Goals to address Homeless Needs

• Support Homeless Services Network (HSN) in its efforts to serve the homeless in Osceola County. • Support local agencies that provide homeless prevention and outreach services. • Continue to administer the Shelter Plus Care, and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. • Continue partnership with the Community Hope Center, a one-stop facility to provide services and resources to families and homeless

individuals in need. • Continue participation in the development of a Strategic Plan to End Homelessness in Osceola County.


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Goals to address Community Development (non-housing) needs

• Public Facilities and Infrastructure: Fund and support activities that provide or improve public facilities in low income areas. Public facilities include, but are not limited to senior centers, health clinics, centers for the disabled, parks, recreation facilities and community centers. Infrastructure activities include, but are not limited to water/sewer, street and flood/drainage improvements.

• Public Services: Fund and support applications from government and non-profit agencies that provide services to low income residents. Services may include, but are not limited to health, childcare, housing and rental assistance.

• Economic Development: Support the expansion of economic development programs such as job creation & retention, employment training, small business loans/grants, and entrepreneurship in the community.

Goals to address Special Needs populations

• Fund and support non-profit agencies that serve the needs of the County's special needs population which includes the elderly, frail elderly, the disabled, those with HIV and drug/alcohol additions, victims of domestic violence and neglected/abused children.

Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan Needs Assessment Overview

The 2014-2015 Annual Action Plan discusses new and continuing activities to be addressed through federal and state grant programs. This year's action plan consists of health services, rental housing services, public infrastructure, and public facility activities. Housing needs will continue to be addressed through the County's CDBG Rental Assistance program, but the majority of housing needs will be addressed through the Section 8 and the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) is in the closeout phase. Additionally, the County will utilize Shelter Plus Care and ESG funds to address the needs of the homeless and/or precariously housed. Please see CDBG 2014-2015 funding allocation table below.


5

2014-2015 CDBG Action Plan Activities Proposed Activity Allocation Eligibility Program Administration (Fair Housing: the County will utilize some if its program administration funds towards fair housing activities to facilitate fair housing workshops/seminars, sponsor Regional Fair Housing Summit, other educational and outreach activities) $ 251,152

Program Administration

Osceola County Community Health Clinic Operations (BVL) $ 133,000 Public Service

Rental Assistance Program/Utility Assistance $ 55,365 Public Service Poinciana Community Center, Vance Harmon Park 50 Country Club Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34758 $ 600,000 Public Facility

Poinciana Census Tract 411, Koa Street Sidewalk Improvements $ 166,245 Public Infrastructure

St. Cloud Census Tract 435 10th St. Sidewalk Installation $ 50,000 Public Infrastructure

Total Allocation $ 1,255,762 Figure 1: CDBG 2014-2015 Funding Allocation

Evaluation of past performance

The CDBG target area residents face many interrelated problems such as lack of affordable housing, or housing of substandard condition, high unemployment rates and higher incidences of criminal activity. During the 2012-2013 program year, the County served a total of 2,289 low to moderate income households, many of the families served live in the CDBG target areas. Below is a summary listing of the program accomplishments discussed in the 2012-2013 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER):


6

CDBG

• Rental Assistance and Rental Deposits. In total, the County assisted 85 residents with obtaining or maintaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Of the 85 assisted, 51 previously lived in a hotel/motel. The 85 residents represented 35 households. The CDBG program partnered with the ESG and SHIP programs to provide utility deposit and some security deposit assistance in addition to the two months rental assistance provided with CDBG; 19 of the 35 households received security or utility deposits assistance from ESG or SHIP. Twenty two of the residents assisted were at risk of being evicted and required emergency rental assistance to maintain current housing. Emergency rental assistance was provided to families who were permanently housed but faced adverse circumstances such as unexpected car repair, medical bill, job loss but now have new job, loss of hours but now have increased hours, etc… All of the households assisted were required to show financial sustainability moving forward.

• Osceola County Community Health Clinic. In its full complete year, the afterhours Health Clinic provided 636 residents with health services including general primary medical care, voluntary family planning, immunizations, well child, and women’s health. The clinic also does diagnostic laboratory and screenings for cancer, communicable diseases, cholesterol, blood lead tests, pediatric vision, hearing and dental. The number of residents served tripled the estimated amount to receive health services at this site. WIC services were also provided at the site to pregnant women, infants and children up to their 5th birthday. As many as 388 families have received WIC services at this location.

• Intercession City and Campbell City Health/Dental Clinic. The County started the renovation of a 5,000 square foot building to be used as a health and dental clinic to primarily benefit residents in Intercession City and Campbell City. The Clinic was completed in October 2013 and opened in November 2013.

• St. Cloud Shuffleboard Court. Through a partnership with the City of St. Cloud, construction was completed on 12 new shuffleboards court canopies with fans to protect courts and the participants from sun and rain.

• West 192 Façade and Infrastructure Improvement Program. The Human Services Department partnered with the Strategic Initiatives Department to create a Façade and Infrastructure Improvement Program for the businesses along West 192. The program was created to assist with the West 192 Redevelopment program with a goal to restore the corridor’s rich tourist destination history. Businesses were able to apply to grant funds up to $10,000 to assist with exterior building repairs. Four businesses were assisted with this program.

• Fair Housing. During April 2013, Fair Housing Month, the County conducted a bus tour to educate the public on Fair Housing and to view affordable housing and community development projects. In addition to the bus tour, County staff worked with close to forty Osceola County High School students to educate them on the Fair Housing law through interactive games and videos. In order to reach more of the general public, CDBG staff has started to attend Section 8 Briefings to inform both residents and landlords of the Fair Housing law. The 2nd Annual Regional Fair Housing Conference was held in Orlando; the County contributed funding towards the event as well as participated in the Planning Committee.


7

• Target Area Needs Assessment. The Human Services Department coordinated with Community Development Department to complete two additional target area Needs Assessments in Intercession City and Campbell City.

• St. Cloud Fifth Street Sidewalk Project. The sidewalk project approved in the 2011-2012 Action Plan fell behind due to weather delays and additional residents’ concerns regarding potential drainage issues with sidewalk installation. The City addressed residents’ concerns and were able to complete the project during the 2012-2013 program year. The project was a part of the Osceola County School District’s Safe Route to Schools Plan. With the newly installed sidewalks, children can safely walk to school, mothers can safely stroll their babies around the neighborhood, and other residents have found the sidewalk to be useful as they walk to the lakefront or to downtown St. Cloud for entertainment.

• Intercession City Streetlights. Eight LED streetlights were installed by Progress Energy. The lights were installed along the main corridors and side streets to increase safety and visibility throughout the community. The Intercession City Needs Assessment completed by the Community Development Department recommends an additional 27 streetlights be installed in the area to meet minimum community lighting standards. As funds become available, more streetlights may be installed utilizing CDBG funds.

ESG • Assisted 27 households (97 persons) with obtaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Many of these families were living in motels

and hotels along the West 192 corridor. (CDBG also assisted with rent for 12 of the 27 households) SHIP

• Completed 4 owner-occupied rehabilitations/replacement homes for low to moderate income households. • Provide mortgage foreclosure assistance to 2 households. • Assisted 26 low to moderate income households with rental security deposit, and/or utility deposit. (CDBG also assisted with rent for

7 of the 26 households)

State NSP I

• Completed Victory Village consisting of 20 individual apartment units for low income households. NSP 3

• Purchased, rehabbed, and resold 8 foreclosed properties to low to moderate income households and 1 to low-middle income. • Purchased, rehabbed, and rented 10 foreclosed properties to very low to moderate income households. Three of the ten households

were previously residing in hotels. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)


8

• Maintained 202 vouchers and 995 ports during program year 2012-2013. • Implemented direct deposit system for landlord monthly payments. • Converted to a mobile inspection portal through the Lindsey software, allowing inspectors to fully complete inspections and receive

communication from outside the office. Housing Counseling (in-kind from Extension Services)

• Provided housing counseling services (foreclosure counseling, first time home buyer counseling, budgeting, credit repair, etc…) to over 79 low-moderate income households.

Moreover, homelessness and the lack of affordable housing is an unfortunate issue continuing in the County due to the number of residents facing unemployment, and/or underemployment. To survive, many families are continuing to live in substandard housing conditions such as motels, automobiles, or doubling up with family or friends. The Osceola County School District’s Families in Transition (FIT) liaison estimates over 4,000 school aged children in Osceola County are living in motels; an increase of 1,000 from the previous year. On any given day, Osceola County has 1,700 homeless families. Osceola County, unlike its regional counterparts has more homeless families than chronically homeless. In addition to the County’s CDBG, ESG, and SHIP rental programs assisting homeless families with housing; several employment programs have also emerged from Community Vision, TECO, Valencia Community College, and the University of Florida Extension Services. Additionally, the County partnered with the School District of Osceola County to purchase a site in Poinciana for a TECO satellite site. The site is expected to open by August 2014 and offer programs such as Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assisting, Certified Nurse’s Assistance, Billing and Coding. These programs are currently recognized by Careersouce of Central Florida as “hot jobs,” jobs in high demand! As a result of organization partnerships developing in the County and Careersource Central Florida; unemployment rates are declining as shown in the table below. Notably, Osceola County is slightly higher than the other regional municipalities. Figure 2: Regional Unemployment Rates

County Unemployment

Rate 2012 Unemployment

Rate 2013 Unemployment

Rate 2014

Osceola 9.5 7.3 6.7

Orange 8.6 6.5 5.9

Lake 7.3 7.3 6.6

Sumter 7.1 5.9 5.4

Seminole 7.9 6.0 5.5


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Source: Careersource of Central Florida

Furthermore, the main two concerns in the County right now are higher paying jobs and housing. To provide more affordable housing, the County partnered with the City of Kissimmee to submit a HOME Consortium Agreement application in June 2014. If approved, the consortium is estimated to receive at least $750,000. The County’s Homeless Advocate Coordinator and community partners are also working to prevent homelessness and assist those already facing homelessness. During the 2013-2014 program year, a Homeless Summit was held in January 2014 and a follow-up Homeless Retreat in April 2014. The retreat concluded with fours action groups: (1) Housing, (2), Employment and Education, (3) Chronically Homeless, and (4) Barriers such as transportation and childcare. Each group is developing a list of action steps that will be combined into an Osceola County Strategic Plan to End Homelessness. The Plan is expected to be completed sometime in 2015. To combat homelessness, the County is actively applying for grant funding and through the efforts of the Homeless Advocate Coordinator and community partners has achieved some of the following over the last year:

• Partnered with community organizations and other volunteers to raise $75,000 to pack 300,000 nutritious meals consisting of lentils, rice, dried vegetables and herbs to be distributed to local food pantries at a cost of 25 cents per packet. Each packet contains six meals.

• The County worked closely with the faith-based community to open the Community Hope Center in April 2013, a one-stop center for the homeless and precariously housed seeking services, resources and case management. Negotiations are ongoing to open a satellite Center in 2014.

• The County continues to examine its role in partnership with non-profit organizations to address community development needs. Thus, the County meets regularly with the Homeless Services Network (HSN), the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness and other community organizations to discuss ways to address the needs of Osceola County homeless population.

One of the greatest accomplishment to-date during the 2013-2014 program-year was to complete the acquisition of a training site in Poinciana. The County partnered with the School Board of Osceola County to acquire a site that will be home to a satellite TECO (Technical Education Center Osceola). The County awarded the School Board $750,000 towards the $1.4 million dollar acquisition costs. The site is expected to open in August 2014. To date, the County has expended $1,495,214.61 during the 2013-2014 program year and is expecting to expend $200,000 before September 30, 2014. The expenditure rate has improved versus previous years; as such the County’s timeliness test rate this year was 1.19 percent.


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Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process

Notices soliciting public input were placed on the County's website, County libraries, and in the Osceola Gazette and Orlando Sentinel. A thirty day public comment period was held from June 30, 2014 through July 31, 2014. The County met with the Citizens Advisory Taskforce (CATF) on June 18, 2014 and held community meetings during the comment period in the target areas of Marydia (June 17, 2014), St. Cloud (June 11, 2014), Tropical Park (May 29, 2014), Poinciana (July 6, 2014) and Intercession City/Campbell City (June 5, 2014). The Plan was also reviewed and approved by the St. Cloud City Council on Thursday, July 10, 2014. Additionally, the County held a Public Hearing on Monday, August 4, 2014 during a regularly scheduled Board of County Commission meeting. Comments received from the meetings and during the 30 day public comment are summarized on page 9. The Osceola County Human Services Department has the responsibility of coordinating with community partners, residents and other stakeholders to identify and recommend projects. The staff worked closely with community partners and other County departments to coordinate community needs. Funding decisions were based on targeted areas and identified needs within the areas based on surveys, studies, observations and communication with stakeholders. Availability of the Plan

The draft plan was made available at the Osceola County Human Services Department, County website and County libraries on July 8, 2013. Requests for copies of the final draft of the plan were made available for walk-ins, by mail or e-mail. After the final Public Hearing and plan approval by the Board of County Commissioners, additional comments from the hearing will be logged and a hard copy may be obtained from the Human Services Department upon request. The approved plan will also be available on the County's website at www.osceola.org. The County recognizes community needs change, thus ongoing citizen input is always welcome and may be directed to the Human Services Department. During the community meetings, staff updated communities on previous and current program year project accomplishments and discussed project options for the 2014-2015 program year. The County also met with residents in groups to discuss their needs looking forward into the 2015-2019 Five Year Consolidated Plan. Additionally, the County used this time to take a few minutes to educate the public on the Fair Housing law. This information will be used for follow-up meetings during the consolidated strategic planning process. A brief summary of each meeting is provided.


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Tropical Park Community Meeting (May 29, 2014)

The residents in attendance were in agreement with the proposed action plan activities. The Community Development Department presented a drawing requesting input on updating the existing park. Many of the residents expressed concerns regarding the negative activities that occur in the park and was concerned that improving the park would only make it worse. Other residents, including some youth and parents of small children were concerned the park was the only place they could go for any activities in the community. At the conclusion of the meeting, there still was not a consensus on whether to improve the park or not. This may be a topic of discussion at future meetings. When asked what their community’s top three priorities were looking forward, the consensus was the following:

1. Streetlights 2. Sewer 3. Sidewalks and Playground

Intercession City and Campbell City Meeting (June 5, 2014)

The residents in attendance were in agreement with the proposed action plan activities. When asked what their community’s top three priorities were looking forward, the consensus was the following: Campbell City

1. Playground 2. Infrastructure: streetlights, water lines, and drainage 3. Housing Rehabilitation; Community Center

Intercession City

1. Community Center and Senior Housing 2. Youth services and down payment assistance 3. Infrastructure: sidewalks, streetlights, sewer, drainage, and fire hydrants


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City of St. Cloud Community Meeting (June 10, 2014) The residents in attendance were in agreement with the proposed action plan activities. When asked what their community’s top three priorities were looking forward, the consensus was the following:

1. Infrastructure – sidewalks, drainage, streetlights 2. Home rehabilitation/reconstruction 3. Housing Assistance (rental assistance, down payment, etc…)

Marydia Community Meeting (June 17, 2014) The residents in attendance were in agreement with the proposed action plan activities. One resident expressed concerns with the Intercession City and Campbell City Septic Tank Improvement Program funded in the 2013-2014 Annual Action Plan as to why a septic program was not offered in Marydia. Staff reminded the resident that CDBG funds were allocated for sewer installation in Marydia and that having a sewer system was a permanent solution to septic system problems. The top three priorities identified by the participants were:

1. Sidewalks 2. Streetlights 3. Drainage

Residents also commented on the need for health services and more programming at the community center.

Poinciana Community Meeting (July 8, 2014)

The residents in attendance were in agreement with the proposed action plan activities, however some residents questioned the need for a community center for the Osceola County portion of Poinciana because there is a small community center located in the Polk County portion of Poinciana. It was explained that the planned community center for Osceola County would fill a need for Osceola County School District students that currently have no facility for sports and swimming. Residents filled out surveys and discussed the types of projects that were needed. The top three projects requested were:

1. Sidewalks 2. Streetlights 3. Expand and improve Laurel Park


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CDBG Citizen’s Advisory Taskforce Meeting Summary (June 18, 2014)

CDBG staff members met with the CATF on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Staff provided an updated on previous years and current program year accomplishments. The CATF unanimously voted to approve the current recommendations for the 2014-2015 program year. However, one of the members recommended staff proceed cautiously with allocating a large amount of funds towards the Poinciana Community Center. The concern was if the project was not ready to start spending money right away in October 2014, this could lead to the County not meeting the timeliness test in July 2015.

Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them.

None were received.

Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan

The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.

Agency Role Name Department/Agency Lead Agency Osceola County Human Services

Table 1 – Responsible Agencies

Narrative

The lead agency responsible for the development and implementation of the 2014-2015 Annual Action Plan is the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners with direction by the County Manager to the CDBG division within the Human Services Department. The Board of County Commissioners has the responsibility for approving activities set forth in the Consolidated Plan. The County Manager has authority to make non substantial revisions to the approved Consolidated Plan. The staff liaison responsible for administering the CDBG Program is Diane DeWalt, the Community Grants Program Manager.


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Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information

Public comments should be submitted to:

Jamie Fisher, Community Grants Program Specialist Address: Osceola County Human Services 330 N. Beaumont Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34741 Phone: 407-742-8405 Email: [email protected] Monitoring

Formal monitoring reviews of CDBG subrecipients are conducted at least annually to ensure that subrecipients comply with financial and programmatic operation requirements. Initial training will be provided prior to project commencement to ensure subrecipients are aware of applicable federal regulations. All subrecipients of CDBG funding will receive federal and local compliance regulations relating to their specific activity, along with an explanation as to how these regulations apply to the specific project activity. Subrecipient agreements will be executed with each subrecipient, giving measurable objectives for the eligible activity to be carried out. All funding will be on a cost reimbursement basis. Documentation submitted with reimbursement requests will be reviewed for compliance with applicable regulations and measurable objectives prior to issuing funds. Technical assistance, trainings, and workshops are offered throughout the year to subrecipients. On-site monitoring of selected subrecipients will be scheduled and completed annually by CDBG Program staff. A monitoring checklist will be completed and reviewed to ensure all aspects of the activity are carried out in accordance with applicable regulations. A follow-up letter will be sent to the subrecipient stating the outcome of the monitoring visit. A “finding” will be issued for non-compliance with CDBG rules and regulations. A finding may be correctly identified, based on applicable law, regulation, or policy, and supported by the facts presented in the monitoring letter. For each finding, a corrective action will be provided for the subrecipient. A “concern” is an instance where the deficiency is not a finding, or where noncompliance may occur in the future because of a weakness in the subrecipient operations. For each concern, a recommendation will be provided for improvement. Additional training and technical assistance will be provided to subrecipents as needed or requested.


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2014-2015 Expected Resources Introduction

Osceola County is expected to receive just over $6 million for community development projects between fiscal years 2010 – 2014. The County plans to allocate 15 percent of its total allocation ($960,000) to public service activities. The remaining funds, 20 percent ($1,200,000) towards administrative costs, and 65 percent ($3,840,000) towards projects that meet the public facility, public infrastructure, and economic development needs of the County. Affordable Housing and Homeless needs are primarily addressed through NSP, Section 8, SHIP, ESG, and Shelter Plus Care grants. Annually, the County receives over $15,000,000 to address community development, affordable housing and homeless needs. Anticipated Resources

Program Source of

Funds Uses of Funds

Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount

Available Remainder of

ConPlan $ Narrative Description

Annual Allocation:

$ Program

Income: $

Prior Year Resources:

$ Total:

$ CDBG Public -

Federal Program Administration and Planning, Public Improvements, Public Facility, Public Services

1,255,762 0 1,480,533

2,736,295 2,357,241

The County is currently going into its last year of the 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan. The County anticipates continuing the trend of receiving approximately $1.2 million annually through the next Consolidated Plan. Additionally, the County anticipates receiving its first HOME allocation in the 2015-2016 program-year.


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Program Source of

Funds Uses of Funds




Annual Allocation:

$ Program

Income: $


$ Total:

$ SHIP Public-

State Housing

1,048,380 10,000 60,000 1,118,380 1,118,380

Funding will be used towards a variety of housing related activities such as rental deposits, foreclosure prevention, and housing rehabilitation.

Section 8 Public - Federal

Administration and Planning Housing

1,288,176 8,774,480 0 8,869,692 10,622,656

Osceola County does not have a housing authority but does however administer a Section 8 program with a budget of approximately $1,200,000. The County anticipates receiving at least an $8.5 million from administering port-in clients.

NSP 3 Public - Federal

Housing

0 0 463,500 463,500 463,500

Osceola County received a little over $3million of NSP 3 funding directly from HUD. Expenditures during 2015 will be minimal

Shelter Plus Care 1 and 2

Public - Federal

Other

0 0 0 913,432 913,432

The County received two Shelter Plus Care grants to be administered over five years. The first in the amount of


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Program Source of

Funds Uses of Funds




Annual Allocation:

$ Program

Income: $


$ Total:

$ $554,760 and the second in the amount of $422,998.

Emergency Solutions Grant

Public - State

Housing

38,299 0 0 38,299 38,299

The County was awarded an ESG grant from the State of Florida. The County plans to apply for future years funding as the needs of our homeless population are increasing.

Table 2 - Expected Resources – Priority Table

Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied

Osceola County administers several grant programs geared towards assisting low income households with housing, community development, and economic development needs. During the 2014-2015 fiscal year, in addition to the CDBG Rental Assistance Program, the County will assist families with housing needs through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), Section 8, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Shelter Plus Care programs. Listed below are the allocations and a brief description of each grant program listed above. Additionally, the County is in discussions with the School District to possibly assist with administering a grant for families in transition. NSP 3

• Amount available: $463,500 from Program Income and Carry-over funds • Description of activities: The NSP program seeks to stabilize communities by acquiring, rehabilitating, and selling foreclosed property to

low-moderate income residents. Additionally, the program increases the supply of affordable rental housing by acquiring and rehabilitating foreclosed rental properties which are then leased and rented to low and very low income families.


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SHIP

• Amount available: $1,048,380 • Description of activities: Florida Housing Finance Corporation administers SHIP, which provides funds to local governments as an

incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. The program was designed to serve very low, low and moderate income families. The County primarily uses these funds to provide owner-occupied rehabilitation and rent security and utility deposits.

Section 8 • Amount available: $ 10,622,656 (includes funding from Osceola County and portable vouchers) • Description of activities: The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-

income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

ESG • Amount available: $38,299 • Description of activities: This grant was awarded by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Homelessness (DCF).

Services to be provided to homeless individuals are rental application fees, rental assistance, security deposits, last month's rent, utility deposits, moving costs, housing stability case management, housing search and placement services, mediation, legal services, and credit repair.

Shelter Plus Care 1 and 2 • Amount available: $913,432 • Description of activities: Osceola County was recently awarded two five-year grants for $554,760 and $422,998 respectively, to assist

homeless veterans. Services to be provided are transitional housing, health care, mental health treatment, alcohol and substance abuse treatment, case management, counseling/life skills training, education/job training referrals, home visits to clients, and other services as needed to facilitate independent living.


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If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan

Public land owned by Osceola County will be used to address the public facility need.

Discussion

The County continues to work towards creating a comprehensive community development focused program that meets or exceeds program goals, withholds integrity, and addresses the housing, social, and economic needs of our low income families.


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Annual Goals and Objectives Goals Summary Information

Goal Name Start Year

End Year

Category Geographic Area

Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator

Affordable Housing Goal

2014 2015 Affordable Housing Public Housing Goal

County-wide Affordable Housing Need

SHIP: $1,108,380

NSP3: $463,500

Section 8:

$10,622,656

Owner occupied Rehabilitation: 10 Household Housing Unit Purchase/Acquisition/Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers: and/or Purchase/Acquisition Rental Homes: 8 housing units; Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing: 1500 Households Assisted; DPA/closing costs assistance from SHIP: 35

Homeless Needs Goal

2014 2015 Homeless County-wide Affordable Housing Need

CDBG: $55,365 ESG: $50,000

SHIP: $55,390

Public service activities for Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 85 Households Assisted/Rapid Re-housing/Homeless Prevention Activities

Community Development (Non-housing) needs

2014 2015 Non-Housing Community Development

Poinciana

Neighborhood Facilities

CDBG: $600,000 Public facilities and Infrastructure support: 15,000 community residents will benefit.

Public Infrastructure Needs

2014 2015 Sidewalk Installation

Poinciana, Koa Street Census Tract 411.

Public Infrastructure

CDBG: $166,245 Public facilities and Infrastructure support: 15,000 community residents will benefit.


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Goal Name Start Year

End Year

Category Geographic Area

Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator

Public Infrastructure Needs

2014 2015 Sidewalk Installation

St. Cloud Census Tract 435, 10th Street

Public Infrastructure

CDBG:

$50,000

Infrastructure support: Residents including but not limited to those with a physical disability and children walking to school will benefit.

Table 3 – Goals Summary

Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.215(b)

Below is an estimate of extremely low, low, and moderate-income families to be assisted with affordable housing needs during the 2014-2015 action plan year. Extremely low: 550 Very low: 770 Low: 268 Moderate Income: 27 Total: 1,615


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CDBG Projects Project Summary Information

Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed

Funding

Osceola County Community Health Clinic Operations

County-wide

Community Development (non-housing) needs

Health Services 570.201 (e)

$133,000 Rental Assistance Program/Utility Assistance

County-wide

Affordable Housing Goal Homeless Needs Goal

Public Services (general) 570.201(e) Affordable Housing Need Homeless Need $55,365

Poinciana Community Facility, Vance Harmon Park 50 Country Club Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34758

Poinciana


Neighborhood Facilities 570.201 (c)

$ 600,000 Poinciana Sidewalk Installation on Koa Street

Census Tract 411 Poinciana

Community Development (Non-housing_ needs

Infrastructure

$ 166,245 St. Cloud, 10th Street Sidewalk Installation

Census Tract 435


Infrastructure

$50,000 Table 4 – Project Summary


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CDBG Projects Introduction

The County is moving into its fifth year of Federal Entitlement status. Over the last four years, the County has focused on the need of public facilities and infrastructure projects. Moving forward the County will continue to work towards public facility and infrastructure needs. The County will also continue to address the needs of homeless families living in motels and hotels along West 192 through the Rental Assistance Program. Healthcare is also still a major concern throughout the County, thus the county will continue to operate the Osceola County Community Health Clinic; an afterhours health clinic located in Buenaventura Lakes. As shown in the table below; the three major projects will address during the 2014-2015 program year fall under the public infrastructure and public facility categories.

# Project Name 1 Osceola County Community Health Clinic Operations 2 Rental Assistance Program/Utility Assistance

3 Poinciana Community Facility, Vance Harmon Park 50 Country Club Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34758

4 Koa Street Sidewalk improvements in Poinciana Census Tract 411 5 St. Cloud, 10th Street Sidewalk Installation

Table 5 – 2014-2015 Projects Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs

As discussed in the Five Year Consolidated Plan, the lack of funding is the most significant obstacle to meeting underserved needs. The County therefore, is using the Annual Action Plan process to ensure that funds are directed to areas most in need. Additionally, the County has completed detailed Needs Assessment studies in several of the target areas; Marydia, Intercession City, and Campbell City. The assessments identify priorities, cost estimates, and provide detailed implementation schedules. The County may work towards completing a Needs Assessment for Tropical Park in the coming program year. The County's highest needs continue to be affordable housing, public facilities, and public infrastructure. Affordable Housing is primarily funded through NSP, Section 8, SHIP, ESG, Shelter Plus Care and the CDBG Rental Assistance Program. CDBG funds will continue to be allocated to address public facility and public infrastructure needs in the CDBG target areas. The County recently submitted required documentation to apply for a HOME Consortium with the City of Kissimmee. If approved, the County anticipates receiving its first allocation in October 2015.


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Geographic Distribution Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed

The County’s CDBG Target Areas are within the NSP Greatest Need Area. Approximately eighty percent of CDBG 2014-2015 grant funds will be expended or awarded to projects/activities/households located in the target areas. Only 10 percent will be expended to operate the Osceola County Community Health Clinic located in Buenaventura Lakes (BVL) as a limited clientele facility serving primarily underinsured or uninsured low income residents. The CDBG Target Areas are comprised of low income households with high foreclosure rates, high crime, high unemployment, high underemployment, and high minority concentration. A description of the two target areas that will receive assistance during the 2014-2015 plan year are below:

1. Poinciana Census Tract 411 is located on the south west edge of the County. The percentage of low income families is 51.9. The

primary needs of Poinciana are public facilities, infrastructure, public transportation, and other public service activities such as job training and youth programming. The Community Center will be used to address the youth programming needs of the community while the new TECO site will address the job training needs. Koa Street sidewalks will provide connectivity and improve pedestrian safety.

2. The County is currently in an Interlocal Agreement with the City of St. Cloud to expend funds in Census Tract 435. This is the only Census Tract in St. Cloud that qualifies as a low income target areas with a percentage of 53.8 low income families. The primary needs identified in the Consolidated Plan for the community are drainage improvements, sidewalks, street resurfacing, streetlights, and ADA access to recreational facilities. Over the past four years, the City has utilized CDBG to address the infrastructure needs this target area as infrastructure is one of the major needs in this Census Tract.

A map of the CDBG Target areas with Census Tract information is provided in the Appendix along with a NSP Greatest Needs Area Map and Minority Concentration Map. Geographic Distribution

Target Area Percentage of Funds Poinciana 61 St. Cloud 4


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Table 6 - Geographic Distribution

Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically

The geographic areas to which HUD funding will be targeted during the last year of the 2010-2014 five year term of the Consolidated Plan include very low, low and moderate income neighborhoods and areas within the City of St. Cloud and the unincorporated areas of Osceola County. The County is in an Interlocal Agreement with St. Cloud to spend CDBG funding in the low income Census Tract (435) from Kentucky to Eastern, 17th Street to Lakeshore. Though Buenaventura Lakes is no longer a target area due to changes in the 2010 Census, projects may still be planned in this area as limited clientele and/or presumed low income persons activities such as the afterhours health clinic. The target areas below have planned activities for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. These areas represent some of the highest needs of unemployment, underemployment, infrastructure, and public facilities. Poinciana- During the development of the 2010-2014 Five Year Consolidated Plan, Poinciana was not identified as a target area, however since the Plan was drafted, this area has shown an increase in community needs and the number of low to moderate income families. One of the greatest needs in Poinciana is public facilities and youth programming. Thus, this program year the County will utilize funding to assist with the construction of a community center that will provide among other things, youth programming. The funds allocated will to be used for the design, permitting, and engineering phase of the Community Center. Remaining funds allocated to Poinciana will go towards sidewalk installation projects in Poinciana. St. Cloud Census Tract 435 is currently in need of infrastructure and public facility improvements including sidewalks, drainage, and park improvements. Over the last four year, the CDBG program has completed several infrastructure projects in the area. During the 2014-2015 program-year, the City will utilize CDBG funds to install a sidewalk along 10th Street from Maryland to Mississippi Ave. This Census Tract has a low to moderate income population of 53.8. These activities will serve as area benefit. Discussion

The County encourages residents, community organizations and other stakeholders to contact staff at any time during the program year with proposed projects, new identified needs/issues. Additionally, staff meets with the CATF throughout the year to provide program updates and discuss possible future projects/programs.


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Affordable Housing Introduction

The County primarily uses NSP, SHIP, Section 8, ESG, and Shelter Plus Care grants to address affordable housing needs in the County. Close to 30 percent of CDBG public services allocation will be used for rental assistance services. Below is a brief listing of services that will be provided through the grants mentioned. CDBG: assist low to moderate income households with moving into or maintaining decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing through monthly rental assistance and security/utility deposits. NSP 3: acquire, rehabilitate, and resell foreclosed single family homes to low to moderate income households; acquire and rehabilitate foreclosed properties for very low and low income rental housing. NSP3 is also being used for scattered site rental activities. Section 8: assist very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market; housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. SHIP: rehabilitate owner-occupied single family homes; provide rental security and utility deposits; provide down payment assistance; and mortgage foreclosure assistance ESG: provide homeless prevention and rapid re-housing rental assistance, security and utility deposits, and housing stability case management for families with children.


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Shelter Plus Care: fund transitional housing assistance, health care, mental health care, case management, education and job training to chronically homeless, disabled and mentally ill individuals.

One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported Homeless 45 Non-Homeless 1,522 Special-Needs (also counted in the homeless #) 23 Total 1,590

Table 7 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement

One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through Rental Assistance 1,577 The Production of New Units 0 Rehab of Existing Units 18 Acquisition of Existing Units 5 Down Payment Assistance 35

Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance 10

Total 1,645

Table 8: One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Type


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Discussion

The breakdown of the goals per grant program may be found below:

Section 8:

• rental assistance: 1,500 • of those assisted, how many special needs: 645

CDBG:

• rental assistance total: 30 • of those assisted, how many homeless: 8 • of those assisted, how many special needs: 3

NSP 3:

• Acquire existing units: 5 • Rehab existing units: 5 • Any special needs households? 0

SHIP:

• Rehab existing units: 10 • Rental assistance (security/utility deposits) : 20 • Of those assisted with security/utility deposits, how many homeless? 10 • Mortgage foreclosure prevention: 8 • Down payment assistance: 35 • Of those assisted how many special needs? 10


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ESG:


Shelter Plus care


Public Housing

Introduction

Osceola County administers the Section 8 rental assistance voucher program. The County intends to continue administering this program for the foreseeable future. The program has a waiting list of nearly 200 families and the average wait time is two and a half years. As affordable housing is a very high need in the County; the County will continue to coordinate with area nonprofit agencies and community organizations to investigate other housing opportunities to provide waiting list families with affordable housing. The County will also research and apply for state and federal grant or funding allocations that will provide affordable housing options to the community. As such, the County has applied and is awaiting approval to becoming a HOME Consortium grantee. If approved, the County anticipates utilizing funds to developing more housing opportunities for low income families. Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing Osceola County does not operate a housing authority. The County does however administer a Section 8 program that is currently providing over 1,200 low income households with decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing. This number includes only 202 vouchers; most of the households assisted are ports from other jurisdictions.


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Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership The County continues to encourage Section 8 residents to become more involved with management through the establishment of a Section 8 advisory board and by offering referrals to nonprofit agencies that provide family self-sufficiency programs, activities, and seminars that encourage economic empowerment and homeownership. In 2013, the County held a Self-Sufficiency Fair and offered resources to residents regarding homeownership. To date, two Section 8 residents have purchased NSP homes. The County plans to hold another Self-Sufficiency Fair in October 2014. If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance The County Section 8 Program has not been designated troubled by HUD.


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Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities Introduction

The County has an increasing issue with low income households living in hotels and motels due to unemployment, underemployment and inability to pay security deposits. Thus, the County will continue to provide rental assistance to low income residents as a way to stabilize low income households in permanent decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The County will set aside $55,365 of CDBG funding, $38,299 of ESG, $913,432 of Shelter Plus Care, and a portion of SHIP grant funds for this activity. Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs Annually, the Homeless Services Network (HSN) completes a Point in Time County survey to determine an estimate of homeless persons in our area. The survey also assists in determining the needs of homeless. The survey took place on January 31, 2014 and reported 278 individuals and 113 households with were homeless. Additionally, the County’s Homeless Advocate Coordinator is providing comprehensive assistance and liaison services for homeless persons. The coordinator, along with community partners, implements specific projects related to homelessness, transitional housing and grant development. Furthermore, the coordinator is continuing to work aggressively to bring together non-profits and the faith based community to identify programs and gaps in services to create cohesive collaborative partnerships A Homeless Summit was held in January 2014 and a follow-up Homeless Retreat in April 2014. The retreat concluded with fours action groups: (1) Housing, (2), Employment and Education, (3) Chronically Homeless, and (4) Barriers such as transportation and childcare. Each group is developing a list of action steps that will be combined into an Osceola County Strategic Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. The Plan is expected to be completed sometime in 2015. Furthermore, through the intake and eligibility process for the County's Rental Assistance program, the County is able to better assess what other needs to be met amongst the homeless and precariously housed outside of their immediate housing needs. Moreover; the Community Hope Center was established by community partners and has been operating for over a year now. The center acts as a one-stop drop in services for homeless families. The goal of the Center is to provide a holistic approach to case management, financial assistance, and life skills. The program based project will impacts low income families/individuals in Osceola County; primarily the homeless; including motel and hotel families along Osceola County’s 192 Corridor. Services provided are: food pantry, case management, referral services, emergency housing assistance, rental and utility assistance. To-date, the center has provided services to 517 households and 1,398 individuals. Additionally, in the spring of 2014; the Orange Blossom Health Center partnered with the Community Hope Center to open a health clinic on site.


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Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons Osceola County currently does not have any emergency shelters, however homeless persons in the County in need of emergency shelter are able to utilize shelters in Orange County, FL. The County does not have any plans to create an emergency shelter, but does however have plans to retrofit motels and hotels along West 192 into housing for homeless and precariously housed families. The Transition House, a local non-profit used NSP funds to retrofit an old motel along West 192 into 20 apartment units which is now being leased to income qualified clients. To address transitional housing needs of homeless persons, the County will utilize Shelter Plus Care. Please see Appendix for Point In Time Survey, Regional Summary, and Inventory List.

Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again

The County's strategies to address this homeless population are to: • Continue seeking state and federal grants providing homeless prevention and rapid re-housing • Support Faith Based outreach initiatives • Refer eligible families to the Community Hope Center; a one-stop drop in service for homeless families • Strengthen business partnerships providing jobs, job training and housing; such as Westgate Resorts "Hospitality Helps" • Continue countywide community outreach and education programs • Continue non-profit partnerships and volunteer opportunities • Osceola County Strategic Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness

Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs.

Annually, there are approximately 300 chronically homeless men and women in Osceola County. Due to lack of emergency shelters, this total population is unsheltered. The incidence of severe disabilities, including mental illness, long-term addiction to alcohol and/or drugs, co-occurring


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disorders, and HIV/AIDS is substantial, with approximately two out of three homeless individuals suffering a severe disability. The housing and service needs of this population differ significantly from the needs of people who have become homeless because of job loss, domestic violence, relocation, due to lack of affordable rental housing (due to escalating rents, condo conversions, etc.). This population makes extensive use of the following limited resources:

• Emergency room visits • EMT costs and ambulance fees • Hospital admissions • Arrests, incarceration, and court costs • Treatment costs in acute behavioral health programs • Emergency shelter beds

The County will continue to administer the Shelter Plus Care grant program(s) to provide housing subsidies to homeless persons with disabilities. Additionally, the County will continue to administer the ESG Grant and seek other rental housing assistance programs. The County is continuing to work on a plan to open a triage center to re-direct non-offensive homeless persons from being sent to jail. Barriers to affordable housing Through focus groups, public meetings, and previous studies, the following barriers to fair housing choice were identified:

• Land Development Regulations that add to the cost or restrict development to the detriment of affordable housing • Lack of fair housing education activities for the general public • Lack of funding for housing and land cost • Lack of transitional housing • Lack of housing choice for mentally ill that are discharged from treatment facilities • Lack of zoning that accommodates a full range of housing choice • Lack of supportive housing for special needs populations • Lack of education and lack of understanding by public and community leaders • Inability of families to pay rental deposits and poor credit scores that prevents families from obtaining a home loan


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• Lack of affordable housing • Inefficient public transportation system; does not serve entire County

Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment

Actions planned to alleviate barriers are below:

• Hold workshops to educate stakeholders on available housing programs. • Issue press releases and publish advertisements on available housing programs. • Increase funding for housing programs. • Coordinate with other organizations to investigate the degree to which discrimination in housing exists in the County. • Meet with the County’s public transportation organization (LYNX) to discuss possible expansion of bus routes close to affordable housing

developments and discuss rail system routes. • Promote greater community support for increased variety of housing types available to persons with limited incomes. • Appoint a representative from the County Human Services Department to serve on the County’s Technical Review Committee. • The County should review its fees to identify the impacts on affordable housing. • The County should encourage the development of affordable housing be located in close proximity to transit. • The County should explore additional and innovative funding for affordable housing. • The City of St. Cloud should consider forming an affordable housing advisory committee to conduct a more detailed study of fair housing

issues within its jurisdiction and/or participate in the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

A brief summary of Affordable Housing Committee recommendations is provided below:

Mandatory Affordable Housing Requirements: All new Mixed-Use Districts, Transit-Oriented Developments, and qualified Large-Scale developments may be required to make a percentage of new residential dwelling units affordable or provide a contribution to the Housing Trust Fund. Housing Trust Fund: The County shall explore establishing a Housing Trust Fund.


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Accessory Dwelling Units: The County shall explore the allowance of Accessory Dwelling Units within the Residential Zoning Districts. Densities: The County shall explore amending the Residential Zoning Districts of the Land Development Code to eliminate the requirement for minimum lot sizes and minimum living area for new development, and replace with requirements for minimum densities. Community Land Trust: The County shall explore partnering with an outside entity to establish a Community Land Trust within Osceola County. Parking Requirements: The County shall explore establishing a reduced impact fee or comparable fee for Accessory Dwelling Units and/or affordable housing. Impact Fees: The County shall explore the use of impact fee spending from the County established Housing Trust Fund. Street Requirements: The County shall explore amending the Subdivision Regulations of the Land Development Code to allow for alternative street pavement width and Right-of-Way for new residential development. Infrastructure Capacity: The County shall explore amending the Land Development Code to allow for the reservation of capacity for infrastructure (including schools) for all affordable housing developments. Discussion Please see the Appendix for an update table on the specific steps taken to address the recommendations mentioned above.


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Other Actions Introduction

Osceola County continues to place emphasis on comprehensive reporting and long term planning with the Consolidated Plan and the State Housing Initiative Partnership Local Housing Assistance Plan. The documents are circulated among agencies to allow for efficient resource utilization and effective program planning. As part of addressing the needs of the underserved, the County regularly meets with the CDBG Citizens Advisory Taskforce (CATF) and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). During the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the County will continue to meet with the CATF to address needs listed in the Consolidated Plan. The CATF is comprised of 51 percent or more of low to moderate income residents. Staff will also continue to seek feedback from the AHAC; in order to discuss affordable housing issues. With the expectation of the County receiving its first HOME allocation in October 2015; the County will seek recommendations from both the CATF and AHAC on which activities and projects the County should pursue. The AHAC is made up of residents and professionals with varying affordable housing backgrounds. Additionally, staff coordinates with other County Departments to identify and implement program activities for the underserved residents and areas of the County. Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs As discussed in the Five Year Consolidated Plan, the lack of funding is the most significant obstacle to meeting underserved needs. The County therefore, is using the Annual Action Plan process to ensure that funds are directed to areas most in need. The County continues to coordinate with non-profit organizations and other stakeholders to create comprehensive programs that ensure gaps in services are being met. The County’s Homeless Advocate Coordinator provides comprehensive assistance and liaison services for homeless persons in addition to administering ESG, Shelter Plus Care, and working to develop a Strategic Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing The County’s Human Services Department administers several federal and state programs geared toward meeting the needs of low income residents and communities identified in the Five Year Consolidated Plan. The County’s NSP 3, SHIP, ESG, Shelter Plus Care, and Section 8 program funds are used to address affordable housing needs of Osceola County residents. Additionally, the County will use CDBG funds to provide monthly rental assistance, security/utility deposits; and the Human Services department also partners with the University of Florida Extension Services to provide homeowner education classes. As mentioned previously, the County has applied to become a HOME Consortium with the City of Kissimmee and if approved; anticipates the first allocation in October 2015. The HOME program will provide an opportunity for the County to assist more low income residents with decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The County also anticipates receiving other rental assistance grants from the Continuum of Care. Please find below additional information regarding each program and the federal program


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funding allocation. CDBG Rental Assistance This program will provide monthly rental assistance and security/utility deposits to families living in hotel/motel, living with friends/family, or in other non-permanent decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The program will also work towards preventing homelessness by proving emergency rental assistance for families currently living in permanent housing but due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. medical bill, car repair, etc…) are unable to pay the current monthly rent. SHIP Florida Housing Finance Corporation administers SHIP, which provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. The program was designed to serve very low, low and moderate income families. The County primarily uses these funds to provide owner-occupied rehabilitation and rent security and utility deposits. NSP3 The NSP 3 Program was established to assist state and local governments with funds to stabilize and redevelop declining neighborhoods due to the foreclosure crisis. NSP3 funds will be utilized for rental housing through a developer model. Qualified developers will purchase, rehabilitate and rent to eligible low income residents. NSP3 will also be used to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed homes by County approved developers and then sold to income eligible families. Purchase assistance may be provided to those families demonstrating need. Section 8 The County administers funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and distributes them in the form of Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to eligible families and individuals. The vouchers assist participants with rental payments thus ensuring low income families have a safe, decent and sanitary place to live. ESG This grant was awarded by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Homelessness (DCF). Services to be provided to homeless individuals are rental application fees, rental assistance, security deposits, last month's rent, utility deposits, moving costs, housing stability case management, housing search and placement services, mediation, legal services, and credit repair. Shelter Plus Care Osceola County was recently awarded two five-year grants to assist homeless veterans. Services to be provided are transitional housing, health care, mental health treatment, alcohol and substance abuse treatment, case management, counseling/life skills training, education/job training referrals, home visits to clients, and other services as needed to facilitate independent living.


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University of Florida (UF) The UF Osceola Extension Office provides financial counseling to residents on a variety of different topics from balancing budgets, homeownership education and mortgage foreclosure prevention. Osceola County Human Services partners with UF to educate clients on these topics to ensure housing stability. Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards Osceola County will continue to comply with all lead based paint requirements imposed by HUD and to direct resources to eliminate lead paint in the housing it rehabilitates. The County does not propose any CDBG housing rehabilitation activities for the 2014-2015 fiscal year; however any future years funding the County will comply with Lead Based Paint regulations and will coordinate with a Rehabilitation Specialist for the following:

• Abatement of all lead based hazards identified by testing or risk assessment • Put interim controls in place to ensure that exterior painted surfaces are not disturbed by rehabilitation, as per HUD’s regulations on area

size • Implementation of safe working practices during the rehabilitation work • The homeowners are fully educated on the hazard of lead based paint and a copy of an EPA approved document regarding lead safety

will be provided.

Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families

During the 2014 program year, the County will continue to refer residents to programs and services to address training and employment needs. Furthermore, during the 2013-2014 program year, the County assisted the Osceola County School Board with $750,000 in CDBG funds to acquire a building in Poinciana and provide technical education training in the health care field. The facility is expected to open in August 2014 and will greatly assist low income residents with their training and employment needs. Additionally, several employment programs have also emerged from Community Vision, TECO, Valencia Community College, and the University of Florida Extension Services. Moreover, Careersoure of Central Florida and Goodwill has several programs to assist residents such as a “hot jobs” listing, job clubs, grants for training, resume/interviewing assistance, etc… The County’s Economic Development Department is continuing to lead an effort to create jobs by identifying target clusters for the County. The clusters that have been identified to date are the following:

• Life Sciences and Allied Health Services: Primarily pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing and some allied health


39

services • Information Technology: Revolving around computer and graphic related services and data and web hosting/services • Tourism, Entertainment and Recreation: Industries that attract tourism to the region and support the existing tourism base • Chemical Product and Plastic Manufacturing: Primarily plastic product manufacturing and other chemical manufacturing (e.g.

household products) • Food Manufacturing: Variety of food products ranging from drinks to fruits and vegetables to specialty foods

Actions planned to develop institutional structure On-going review of the community development needs as outlined in the Consolidated Plan will be conducted by Osceola County Human Services staff with an emphasis towards finding ways to strengthen the institutional structure in order to improve and broaden services that benefit the County's low and moderate income residents. Actions to expand service delivery include:

• Review current programs, services and processes to identify streamlining opportunities. • Meet with public and private sector housing program partners to coordinate and review additional affordable housing grants and

opportunities. • Actively seek grant opportunities supporting the goals of the Consolidated Plan. • Meet with the Homeless Continuum of Care provider to explore grant leveraging opportunities for funding services for homeless

individuals and families within the County. • Continue to coordinate with the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Citizens Advisory Task Force to explore additional ways to

support and encourage affordable housing and economic development.

Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies During the year, the County will continue to create new partnership networks with public and private agencies to enhance the coordination of services to the residents of Osceola County. Actions that may be taken include, but are not limited to:

• Continuing to coordinate with the Citizen's Advisory Task Force. The members represent residents in each County district and two at-large members.

• Coordinating with the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and with local housing providers to explore additional affordable housing strategies that could benefit the County.

• Continuing to meet with public service agencies to determine how partnerships can be established to coordinate and link services.


40

• Meeting with private sector housing professionals to explore forming partnerships for providing additional affordable housing. • Meeting with private and public sector economic development professionals to explore forming partnerships. • Continue meeting with regional jurisdictions to discuss ongoing programs and services.


41

Program Specific Requirements Introduction The CDBG Program requires that not less than 70% of the aggregate CDBG expenditures shall be for activities benefiting low and moderate income persons. Consistent with this requirement, the County gives priority to eligible projects that assist a higher number of low and moderate income persons. CDBG activities will take place on a County-wide basis and in smaller more defined target areas. Housing and economic development activities will be provided County-wide and in specific target areas. Both housing and economic development activities provide direct benefits to low income persons and therefore can take place throughout the County. By contrast, public facilities and infrastructure improvements provide area benefits to a community, group of residents or neighborhood. The area served may have both upper and lower income persons. HUD rules require that proposed public facilities or infrastructure improvements be allowed only if the area served is at least 51% low to moderate income persons. The CDBG target areas that will receive 2014-2015 funding are Intercession City, Poinciana, and St. Cloud Census Tract 435. See Description of Activities section for additional information regarding the CDBG target areas.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

1. Include written standards for providing ESG assistance (may include as attachment)

Please see 2012 ESG Written Standards in the appendix.

2. If the Continuum of Care has established centralized or coordinated assessment system that meets HUD requirements, describe that centralized or coordinated assessment system. The County will utilize the Continuum of Care’s (HSN) HMIS system to document families assisted with ESG funds.

3. Identify the process for making sub-awards and describe how the ESG allocation available to private nonprofit organizations (including community and faith-based organizations). N/A


42

4. If the jurisdiction is unable to meet the homeless participation requirement in 24 CFR 576.405(a), the jurisdiction must specify its plan for reaching out to and consulting with homeless or formerly homeless individuals in considering policies and funding decisions regarding facilities and services funded under ESG. N/A

5. Describe performance standards for evaluating ESG. Please see 2012 ESG Written Standards in the appendix; these have not changed from last year.

Discussion

The County is committed to serving the low income households and target areas of the County, thus 80 percent of CDBG funds will go towards meeting the needs of low-moderate income families. The remaining 20 percent is for program administration. During the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the County will use CDBG funds to address the needs of low to moderate income families through rental assistance, operating a health clinic, emphasis on a Poinciana Community Center, Poinciana sidewalk infrastructure projects in Census Tract 411 and a sidewalk infrastructure project in St. Cloud Census Tract 435.


43

APPENDIX

1. Citizen Participation Information (ads, flyers, postcards, minutes etc…) 2. Minority Concentration Map 3. CDBG Target Areas Map 4. NSP Proposed Areas of Greatest Need Map 5. Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Recommendations and Action Steps Chart 6. Emergency Solutions Written Standards 7. City of Orlando HOPWA allocations 8. Point In Time Housing Inventory Chart 9. Point In Time Summary

You are invited to attend a Community Meeting to discuss the needs of your community and provide input on the Draft 2014-2015 CDBG Program Annual Action Plan. Dates, times and locations are listed below: Community Date/Time Location Tropical Park Thurs, May 29, 2014 Highlands Elementary School 6:00 pm 800 W. Donegan Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34741 Intercession City Thurs, June 5, 2014 Intercession City Civic Center Campbell City 6:00 pm 1525 Immokalee Street Intercession City, FL 33848 St. Cloud Tues, June 10, 2014 St. Cloud Shuffleboard Club 6:00 pm 701 Ohio Avenue St. Cloud, FL 34769 Marydia Tues, June 17, 2014 Marydia Community Center 6:30 pm 707 Sawdust Trail Kissimmee, FL 34744 Poinciana Tues, July 8, 2014 Poinciana Community Center 6:00 pm 397 Marigold Avenue Poinciana, FL 34759

Please come and let your voice be heard! For more information or special accommodations,

please contact: Jamie Fisher at 407-742-8405 or [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

4 | El Sentinel | 28 junio - 4 julio 2014

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OSSPNC-ELQ

22%of eighth graders whoqualify for subsidizedlunch, score lowest onstandardized tests

1 in 4 childrenlive in poverty

2 out of 5third gradersare reading below grade level

Help Them Grow. Donate to theOrlando Sentinel Family Fund.

Give disadvantaged at-risk kids and their familiesaccess to educational, hunger, housing and childabuse prevention and treatment programs to improvetheir chance for success.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, FL Dept. of Education, Office of Economic and Demographic Research, FL Legislature.

CONDADO DE OSCEOLAPROGRAMA DE SUBVENCION DE DESARROLLO DE LA COMUNIDAD (CDBG)

PLAN DE ACCIÓN ANUAL DEL 2014,PERÍODO DE 30 DÍAS DE COMENTARIO PÚBLICO Y AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICAEl Condado de Osceola ha sido designado para el programa de subvención de Desarrollo de la Comunidad (CDBG) yrecibe una asignación de fondos anualmente del Departamento Estadounidense de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano(HUD). Para recibir fondos de CDBG para el Año Fiscal 2014, el Condado debe desarrollar un Plan de Acción Anualy someterlo al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano antes del 15 de agosto del 2014.

De conformidad con la ley de Vivienda y Desarrollo de la Comunidad (HCDA), en su versión modificada, el objetivoprimario del Programa CDBG del Condado de Osceola es el desarrollo viable de comunidades urbanas incluyendo;vivienda digna, un ambiente propicio, y la expansión de oportunidades económicas para personas de bajos ymoderados ingresos. Los fondos de CDBG también pueden ser usados en la ayuda de la eliminación y la prevenciónde ruinas o decadencias en los barrios y para satisfacer las necesidades de desarrollo de comunidades que tienenalguna urgencia particular para la cual no hay otros fondos disponibles.

PLAN DE ACCIÓN ANUAL: El Plan establece prioridades y proporciona información sobre las actividades que seránfinanciadas con la asignación de los fondos de CDBG del Condado en el año fiscal 2014. Basado en estimacionesactuales, aproximadamente $1,255,762 dólares estarán disponibles para programas en el 2014. Los siguientesproyectos propuestos y la asignación de fondos para el Plan de Acción Anual del 2014, serán considerados para suacción definitiva por la Comisión del Condado de Osceola en su reunión regular del 4 de agosto del 2014:

2014-2015 CDBG Action Plan

Proposed Activity Allocation

Administración de Programa $ 251,152.40

Clínica de Salud Comunal del condado de Osceola $ 133,000.00

Programa de Ayuda de Pago de Renta $ 55,364.30

Proyecto de mejora de la acera en St. Cloud (10th Street entre Maryland yMississippi Avenue)

$ 50,000.00

Vance Harmon Park (Poinciana Community Center) $ 766,245.30

Total Allocation $ 1,255,762.00

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA Y PERIODO DE 30 DÍAS DE COMENTARIOS DEL PLAN CONSOLIDADO: Elpúblico esta invitado a asistir a la audiencia pública sobre el Plan de Acción Anual del año fiscal 2014. Además, unbosquejo del Plan de Acción Anual 2014 estará disponible para revisión pública y comentarios durante el períodode comentarios de 30 días.

PERÍODO DE 30 DÍAS DE REVISION PUBLICA: Copias del bosquejo del Plan de Acción Anual del 2014 estarándisponibles del 30 de Junio de 2014 al 31 de Julio de 2014 en el Departamento de Servicios Humano del Condadode Osceola localizado en 330 N. Beaumont Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Para comentarios o información adicional,póngase en contacto con CDBG empleado al (407) 742-8405 o [email protected]. El Plan también estará disponibleen la página web del Condado www.osceola.org y en las bibliotecas locales.

AUDIENCIA PUBLICA: La audiencia pública será el lunes, 4 de agosto del 2014 a las 1:30pm. Esta audiencia sellevará a cabo durante la reunión regular de la Comisión en las Cámaras de la Comisión del Condado de Osceolalocalizada en 1 Courthouse Square Kissimmee, FL 34741. Durante la audiencia pública, serán discutidos los objetivosy necesidades del Plan Anual de año 2014. El público tendrá la oportunidad de hacer comentarios y sugerenciassobre las prioridades de financiación. Los comentarios recibidos durante la audiencia pública serán considerados yevaluados por el Condado para determinar la viabilidad de su inclusión en el Plan de Acción Anual del 2014.

La audiencia pública será en un local accesible para personas minusválidas. Para solicitar información adicionalo acomodamiento especial por una discapacidad, por favor póngase en contacto con CDBG empleado al(407) 742-8405 por lo menos 48 horas antes de la reunión. Los usuarios de TDD pueden llamar el Servicio de TDDde la Florida al 1-800-955-8771. Igualmente, cualquier persona que no hable Inglés y desea asistir a la audienciapública debería ponerse en contacto con CDBG empleado 48 horas antes de la reunión.

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MIAMI — Un grupo deespecialistas estimó que laadministración de Obamadebe comunicar “mejor”las consecuencias que supo-ne para las familias inmi-grantes cruzar de manerailegal la frontera sur deEstados Unidos.

Daniel Restrepo, exase-sor de Obama en temasrelacionados con Latinoa-mérica, el Caribe y Canadá,manifestó que los menoresque buscan llegar a EEUUse enfrentan a una serie depeligros durante el trayectoy sin saber “qué se puedelograr cuando se llega a lafrontera”, en alusión a ladificultad de lograr el obje-tivo de una residencia legalen el país.

Destacó que las autorida-des gubernamentales de-ben comunicar “mejor” es-ta realidad y, en ese sentido,saludó el viaje que realizó elvicepresidente Joe Biden aGuatemala, en donde sereunió con el mandatariode este país y de El Salvador,así como con un represen-

tante de Honduras.Por su parte, Juan Shee-

nan, representante paraHonduras del grupo huma-nitario Catholic Relief Ser-vices (CRS), manifestó queel gobierno de Obama debemostrarse “abierto” y “fle-xible” ante la crisis huma-nitaria desatada por la ma-siva llegada de menoresinmigrantes, en su mayoríaprovenientes de Guatema-la, Honduras y El Salvador.

Sheenan señaló que elproblema actual “se ve enlas fronteras”, pero es unarealidad que “existe dentrode los países”, y de ahí larelevancia del trabajo coor-dinado con los gobiernos delos países centroamerica-nos que EEUU ya ha puestoen marcha.

En los últimos días elgobierno ha emprendidouna auténtica ofensiva di-plomática para contrarres-tar la “campaña de desin-formación” a cargo de lasmafias sobre los proyectosde reforma migratoria enEEUU que estaría en la raízde esta oleada de niñosinmigrantes.

REFORMA MIGRATORIA >

EEUU debe “comunicar”sobre inmigración ilegalEFE

El próximo 1 de julio la Coalición Vota Local, de la cual esparte la organización Mi Familia Vota, iniciará una serie deforos educativos en los distritos 2, 4 y 4 del condado deOrange. A partir de las 5:30 p.m. hasta las 8 p.m. en el EastOrlando Community Center. Más información en votelo-cal2014.org.

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Osceola County Community Development Block Grant Program

Tropical Park Community Meeting “We need to hear from you!”

You are invited to attend a meeting to provide input on the draft 2014-2015 CDBG Program Annual Action Plan, obtain updates on current community projects, and recommend future community projects. The meeting will be hosted by the Osceola County Human Services Department. When: Thursday, May 29, 2014 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Highlands Elementary School 800 W. Donegan Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34741

Please RSVP by May 22, 2014 For more information or special accommodations, please contact:

Jamie Fisher at 407-742-8405 or [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Osceola County Human Services 330 N. Beaumont Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34741

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DISCLAIMER: The County specificallydisclaims any warranty, either expressed or implied, including, but

not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitnessfor a particular use. The entire risk as to quality and performance iswith the requestor. In no event will the County or its staff be liablefor any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or otherdamages, including loss of profit, arising out of the use of this data

even if the County has been advised of the possibility of such damages.The requestor acknowledges and accepts the limitations of the

Data, including the fact that the Data is dynamic and is in aconstant state of maintenance, correction and update.

Minority Concentration

µThis Map Was Produced By Osceola County

Community Development - GIS Section01 June 2012

0 5MilesFile: I:\ProjectWarehouse\Countywide_Warehouse\Census\CensusTracts_8x11_IncomeL.mxd

410.02 – Intercession City 422 – Tropical Park410.01 – Campbell City 423 – Marydia411 – Poinciana 435 – St. Cloud

Legend51% or more Minority

1

2012-2014 Emergency Solutions Grant Written Standards

Osceola County, Florida

a. Standard Policies & Procedures for Evaluating Eligibility-§576.2, (2) & §576.500 (b-e) Osceola County Human Services staff shall evaluate and determine an individual’s and family’s eligibility for assistance under the Emergency Solutions Grant requirements by using the following criteria as set forth in 24 CFR 576.2; (2):

• An at risk of homelessness individual or family who:

o Has an annual income below 30 percent of median family income for the area, as determined by HUD;

o Does not have sufficient resources or support networks such as family, friends, faith-

based or other social networks immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or another place described in §576.2 paragraph (1) of the “homeless” definition; and

o Meets one of the following conditions:

Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance;

Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living

situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance;

Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by federal, state, or local government programs for low-income individuals;

Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than 1.5 persons per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau;

Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care (such as a health-care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution).

Record keeping and reporting requirements as set forth in 24 CFR 576.500 (b-e) is as follows:

• Osceola County has policies and procedures to ensure the requirements of the grant administration are met. The policies and procedures are established in writing and implemented by the County to ensure the ESG funds are used in accordance with the requirements. In addition, sufficient records

2

are established and maintained to enable Osceola County and HUD to determine whether ESG requirements are being met.

• (B) Homeless Status - Osceola County maintains and follows written intake procedures to ensure

compliance with the homeless definition in the Federal Register/Vol. 76, No. 233/Monday, December 5, 2011/Rules and Regulations Subpart F-Grant Administration §576.500 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements. The documentation at intake establishes and verifies homeless status; establishes the order of priority for obtaining evidence as third-party documentation first, intake worker observations second, and certification from the person seeking assistance third. However, lack of third-party documentation will not prevent an individual or family from being immediately admitted to emergency shelter, receiving street outreach services, or being immediately admitted to shelter or receiving services provided by a victim service provider.

Osceola County will maintain records in HMIS as an auditable history of all entries including the person who entered the data, the date of entry, and the change made; and if the HMIS prevents overrides or changes of the dates on which entries are made. Records will include the following:

(1) If the individual or family qualifies as homeless due to an annual income below 30 percent

of the median family income for the areas as determined by HUD (§576.2, paragraph (1)(i) or (ii), acceptable evidence includes a written observation by intake staff of the conditions where the individual or family was living, a written referral by another housing or service provider, or a certification by the individual or head of household seeking assistance.

(2) If the individual qualifies as homeless under §576.2, paragraph (1)(iii) because he or she

resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation or is exiting an institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less, acceptable evidence includes the evidence described in section (1) above and one of the following:

(i) Discharge paperwork or a written or oral referral from a social worker, case manager, or other appropriate official of the institution, stating the beginning and end dates of the time residing in the institution. All oral statements must be recorded by the intake worker; or

(ii) Where the evidence in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section is not obtainable, a written record of the intake worker’s due diligence in attempting to obtain the evidence described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) and a certification by the individual seeking assistance that states he or she is exiting or has just exited an institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less.

(3) If the individual or family qualifies as homeless under §576.2 paragraph (2), because the

individual or family will imminently lose their housing, the evidence will include: (i) (A) A court order resulting from an eviction action that requires the individual or

family to leave their residence within 14 days after the date of their application for

3

homeless assistance; or the equivalent notice under applicable state law, or Notice to Quit, or a Notice to Terminate issued under state law.

(B) For individuals and families whose primary nighttime residence is a hotel or motel room not paid for by charitable organizations or federal, state, or local government programs for low-income individuals, evidence that the individual or family lacks the resources necessary to reside there for more than 14 days after the date of application for homeless assistance; or

(C) An oral statement by the individual or head of household that the owner or renter of the housing in which they currently reside will not allow them to stay for more than 14 days after the date of application for homeless assistance. The intake worker must record the statement and certify that it was found credible. To be found credible, the oral statement must either:

(I) Be verified by the owner or renter of the housing in which the individual or family resides at the time of application for homeless assistance and documented by a written certification by the owner or renter or by the intake staff’s recording of the owner or renter’s oral statement; or

(II) If the intake worker is unable to contact the owner or renter, be documented by a written certification by intake staff of his or her due diligence in attempting to obtain the owner or renter’s verification and the written certification by the individual or head of household seeking assistance that his or her statement was true and complete;

(ii) Certification by the individual or head of household that no subsequent residence has been identified; and

(iii) Certification or other written documentation that the individual or family lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain other permanent housing.

(4) If the individual or family qualifies as homeless under §576.2 paragraph 3 because the individual or family does not otherwise qualify as homeless under the homeless definition but is an unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or homeless family with one or more children or youth, and is defined as homeless under another federal statute or section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 1143a(2), the evidence must include:

(i) Certification of homeless status by the local private nonprofit organization or state or local governmental entity responsible for administering assistance under the

4

Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, the Head Start Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Food and Nutrition Act, the Child Nutrition Act or subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as applicable [§576.2(3)(i)];

(ii) Referral by a housing or service provider, written observation by intake staff, or certification by the homeless individual or head of household seeking assistance [§576.2(3)(ii)];

(iii) Certification by the individual or head of household and any available supporting documentation that the individual or family moved two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the date of application for homelessness assistance including [§576.2(3)(iii)]:

• Recorded statements or records obtained from each owner or renter of housing

• Provider of shelter or housing • Social worker, case worker or other appropriate official of a hospital or

institution in which the individual or family resided • Where these statements or records are unobtainable, a written record of the

intake staff’s due diligence in attempting to obtain these statements or records.

• Where a move was due to the individual or family fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, the intake worker may alternatively obtain a written certification from the individual or head of household seeking assistance that they were fleeing that situation and that they resided at that address; and

(iv) Written diagnosis from a professional who is licensed by the state to diagnose and treat a condition (or intake staff-recorded observation of disability that within 45 days of date of the application for assistance is confirmed by a professional who is licensed by the state to diagnose and treat that condition); employment records; department of corrections records; literacy, English proficiency tests; or other reasonable documentation of the conditions required under paragraph [§576.2(3)(iv)] of the homeless definition.

(5) If the individual or family qualifies under paragraph (4) of the homeless definition in §576.2, the individual or family qualifies as homeless because the individual or family is fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions related to violence, then acceptable evidence includes an oral statement by the individual or head of household seeking assistance that they are fleeing that situation, that no subsequent residence has been identified and that they lack the

5

resources or support networks, such as family, friends, faith-based or other social networks needed to obtain other housing. If the individual or family is receiving shelter or services provided by a victim service provider, the oral statement must be documented by either a certification by the individual or head of household; or a certification by intake staff. Otherwise the oral statement that the individual or head of household seeking assistance has not identified a subsequent residence and lacks the resources or the support networks mentioned above, and needed to obtain housing must be documented by a certification by the individual or head of household that the oral statement is true and complete, and where the safety of the individual or family would not be jeopardized, the domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening condition must be verified by a written observation by intake staff or a written referral by a housing or service provider, social worker, legal assistance provider, health-care provider, law enforcement agency, legal assistance provider, pastoral counselor, or any other organization from whom the individual or head of household has sought assistance for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The written referral or observation need only include the minimum amount of information necessary to document that the individual or family is fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

(c) At risk of homeless status. For each individual or family who receives Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) homelessness prevention assistance, the records must include the evidence relied upon to establish and verify the individual or family’s “at risk of homelessness” status. Osceola County shall ensure that this evidence includes an intake and certification form that meets HUD specifications and is completed by Osceola County intake staff. The evidence must also include:

(1) If the program participant meets the criteria under paragraph (1) of the “at risk of homelessness” definition in §576.2:

(i) The documentation specified under this section for determining annual income;

(ii) The program participant’s certification on a form specified by HUD that the program participant has insufficient financial resources and support networks, as mentioned previously, immediately available to attain housing stability and meets one or more of the conditions under paragraph (1)(iii) of the homelessness definition in §576.2;

(iii) The most reliable evidence available to show that the program participant does not have sufficient resources or support networks, as mentioned previously, immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or another place described in paragraph (1) of the homelessness definition. Acceptable evidence includes:

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(A) Source documents such as notice of termination from employment, unemployment compensation statement, bank statement, health-care bill showing arrears, utility bill showing arrears;

(B) To the extent that source documents are unobtainable, a written statement by the relevant third party (former employer, public administrator, relative) or the written certification by Osceola County Human Services intake staff of the oral verification by the relevant third party that the applicant meets one or both of the criteria under paragraph (1)(ii) of the definition of “at risk of homelessness” in §576.2; or

(C) To the extent that source documents and third-party verification are unobtainable, a written statement by Osceola County Human Services intake staff describing the efforts taken to obtain the required evidence; and

(iv) The most reliable evidence available to show that the program participant meets one or more of the conditions under paragraph (1)(iii) of the definition of “at risk of homelessness” in §576.2. Acceptable evidence includes:

(A) Source documents that evidence one or more of the conditions under paragraph (1)(iii) of the definitions such as eviction notice, notice of termination from employment, bank statement;

(B) To the extent that source documents are unobtainable, a written statement by the relevant third party such as a former employer, owner, primary leaseholder, public administrator, hotel or motel manager, or the written certification by Osceola County Human Services intake staff of the oral verification by the relevant third party that the applicant meets one or more of the criteria under paragraph (1)(iii) of the definition of “at risk of homelessness;” or

(C) To the extent that source documents and third-party verification are unobtainable, a written statement by Osceola County Human Services intake staff that the staff person has visited the applicant’s residence and determined that the applicant meets one or more of the criteria under paragraph (1)(iii) of the definition or, if a visit is not practical or relevant to the determination, a written statement by Osceola County

7

Human Services intake staff describing the efforts taken to obtain the required evidence; or

(2) If the program participant meets the criteria under paragraph (2) or (3) of the “at risk of homelessness” definition in §576.2, certification of the child or youth’s homeless status by the agency or organization responsible for administering assistance under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, the Head Start Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Food and Nutrition Act, the Child Nutrition Act or the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as applicable.

(d) Determinations of Ineligibility. For each individual and family determined ineligible to receive Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) assistance, the record must include documentation of the reason for that determination.

(e) Annual Income. For each program participant who receives homelessness prevention assistance, or who receives rapid re-housing assistance longer than one year, the following documentation of annual income must be maintained:

(1) Income evaluation form containing the minimum requirements specified by HUD and completed by the recipient or sub-recipient; and

(2) Source documents for the assets held by the program participant and income received over the previous six (6) months for which representative data is available before the date of the evaluation such as wage statement, unemployment compensation statement, public benefits statement, bank statement.

(3) To the extent that source documents are unobtainable, a written statement by the relevant third party such as employer, or government benefits administrator, or the written certification by Osceola County Human Services intake staff of the oral verification by the relevant third party of the income the program participant received over the most recent period for which representative data is available; or

(4) To the extent that source documents and third party verification are unobtainable, the written certification by the program participant of the amount of income the program participant received for the most recent period representative of the income that the program participant is reasonably expected to receive over the 3-month period following the evaluation.

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b. Policies and Procedures for Coordination among Homeless Service Providers-§576.400(b-c) This policy is to provide for the coordination among homeless service providers as well as mainstream service and housing providers. (b) Coordination with Other Targeted Homeless Services. Osceola County Human Services intake staff must coordinate and integrate, to the maximum extent practical, ESG-funded activities with other programs targeted to homeless people in the area covered by the Continuum of Care provider, Homeless Services Network of Central Florida to provide a strategic, community-wide system to prevent and end homelessness for that area. These programs include:

(1) Shelter Plus Care Program-The Transition House, Park Place Behavioral Healthcare Center (2) Supportive Housing Program-Council on Aging, Families In Transition (FIT) Rapid Re-Housing (3) Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program for Single Room Occupancy Program for Homeless Individuals-Osceola County Section 8 (4) HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)-Dept. of V.A. (5) Education for Homeless Children and Youth Grants for State and Local Activities-FIT Program (6) Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals-Shelter Plus Care (7) Healthcare for the Homeless-Department of Health, free clinics (8) Programs for Runaway and Homeless Youth-None (9) Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness-The Transition House, H.O.M.E. (Helping Others Make the Effort for women and children) (10) Services in Supportive Housing Grants-Shelter Plus Care (11) Emergency Food and Shelter Program-DCF, Second Harvest, local food pantries, nonprofits (12) Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program-Help Now of Osceola (13) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program-Supportive Service for Veterans & Families (14) Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Programs-Dept. of V.A. (15) VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program-Dept. of V.A. (16) Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program-Dept. of V.A. (17) Homeless Veterans Dental Program-Dept. of V.A.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program-Homeless Services Network, The Transition House

(18) Veteran Justice Outreach initiative-None (c) System and Program Coordination with Mainstream Resources. Osceola County Human Services staff must coordinate and integrate, to the maximum extent practical, ESG-funded activities with mainstream housing, health, social services, employment, education, and youth programs for which families and individuals at risk of homelessness and homeless individuals and families may be eligible. Examples of these programs include:

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(1) Public housing programs assisted under section 9 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937-Orlando Housing Authority

(2) Housing programs receiving tenant-based or project-based assistance under section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. (3) Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities-None (4) HOME Investment Partnerships Program-None (5) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)-DCF (6) Health Center Program-Dept. of Health (7) State Children’s Health Insurance Program-Medicaid Kid Care, DCF (8) Head Start-Early Learning Coalition (9) Mental Health and Substance Abuse Block Grants-Park Place Behavioral Center (10) Services funded under the Workforce Investment Act-Workforce Central Florida

c. Policies and Procedures for Determining and Prioritizing Eligibility for Homeless Prevention Assistance or Rapid Re-Housing Assistance All eligible homeless individuals and families will be considered as described in §576.500 with an emphasis on families with children. Families with children shall be given preference under the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) for both prevention and rapid re-housing to the maximum extent possible based on income/debt criteria established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and o Has an annual income below 30 percent of median family income for the area, as determined by HUD; o Does not have sufficient resources or support networks such as family, friends, faith-based or other

social networks immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or another place described in §576.2 paragraph (1) of the “homeless” definition; and

o Meets one of the following conditions:

• Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance;

• Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; • Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be

terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance; • Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable

organizations or by federal, state, or local government programs for low-income individuals; • Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two

persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there resides more than 1.5 persons per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau;

• Is exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care (such as a health-care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution).

• Does not receive or participate in any other federally-funded assistance program.

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As per §576.401(a), Osceola County Human Services intake staff must conduct an initial evaluation to determine the eligibility of each individual or family’s eligibility for ESG assistance and the amount and types of assistance the individual or family needs to regain stability in permanent housing. These evaluations will be conducted in accordance with the centralized or coordinated assessment requirements set forth under §576.400(d) and the written standards established under §576.400(e). §576.400(d) – Connecting program participants to mainstream and other resources. Osceola County Human Services intake staff must assist each program participant, as needed, to obtain:

(1) Appropriate supportive services, including assistance in obtaining permanent housing, medical health treatment, mental health treatment, counseling, supervision, and other services essential for achieving independent living; and

(2) Other federal, state, local and private assistance available to assist the program participant in obtaining housing stability, including:

i. Medicaid ii. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

iii. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) iv. Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program v. Social Security Disability Insurance

vi. Supplemental Security Income vii. Child and Adult Care Food Program

viii. Other assistance available under the program listed in §576.400(c) as listed on page 8 (c)

§576.400(e) – Housing stability case management. (1) While providing homelessness prevention or rapid re-housing assistance to a program participant,

Osceola County Human Services intake staff must: i. Require the program participant to meet with a case manager not less than once per month

to assist the program participant in ensuring long-term housing stability; and ii. Develop a plan to assist the program participant to retain permanent housing after the ESG

assistance ends, taking into account all relevant considerations such as the program participant’s current or expected income and expenses; other public or private assistance for which the program participant will be eligible and likely to receive; and the relative affordability of available housing in the area.

(2) Osceola County Human Services intake staff is exempt from the requirement under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section if the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 or the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act prohibits staff from making its shelter or housing conditional on the participant’s acceptance of services.

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d. Standards for Determining the Share of Rent and Utilities Cost that each Eligible Participant Must Pay, if any, While Receiving Either Homeless Prevention or Rapid Re-Housing Aid. Families with children shall be given preference for both prevention and rapid re-housing aid to the maximum extent possible. ESG funds, coupled with Osceola County matching funds, shall provide Rapid Re-Housing aid to approximately fifty (50) families and Homeless Prevention aid to approximately six (6) families in total. Pursuant to 24CFR 576.105, the following services shall be eligible for funding under the grant award to Osceola County:

• Rental application fees • Security deposits • Last month’s rent • Utility deposits • Utility payments • Moving costs • Housing stability case management • Housing search and placement services • Mediation • Legal Services • Credit repair

For a breakdown of funding, see attached ESG Budget Form 2011. The services provided are designed to assist precariously-housed families with children into sustainable, affordable housing. Osceola County will provide from ESG funds security deposit, utility deposit and first three month’s rent paid directly to an approved landlord following an inspection that meets HUD standards. The recipients will not be required to pay funds toward their sustainability during the first month; however, the recipient will pay ten percent (10%) of the total rent amount the second month with Osceola County paying ninety percent (90%) during the same time period; and the recipient will pay twenty percent (20%) of the total rent amount the third month with Osceola County paying eighty percent (80%) during the same time period with ESG funds once a determination has been made that the income of the family is sufficient and meets HUD requirements to sustain affordable housing for the remainder of the lease agreement. Following the end of the third month, the recipient will pay one hundred percent (100%) of the fourth month’s rent and each subsequent month for the remainder of the lease agreement. The duration of the Emergency Solutions Grant shall be from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014. e. Standards for Determining How Long a Particular Participant will be Provided with Rental Assistance, and Whether and How the Amount of the Assistance May be Adjusted Over Time. To maximize the grant funds, Osceola County shall provide each recipient a total of three month’s rental assistance as described above in Section “d” in addition to security deposit assistance and utility deposit assistance up to a maximum of $4,500 per case. For families who demonstrate additional needs such as

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mediation, legal services and credit repair, Osceola County staff will make necessary adjustments to a recipient’s assistance on a case by case basis. For recipients needing a homeless prevention past due rent payment, staff will provide ESG-funded assistance. In accordance with the Interim Rule, no participant may receive more than twenty-four (24) months of assistance in any three (3) year period. Osceola County shall not obligate any assistance beyond the term of the ESG grant agreement to limit the assistance to less than twenty-four (24) months.

f. Standards for Determining the Type, Amount and Duration of Housing Stabilization and/or Rapid Re-Housing Assistance and/or Relocation Services to be Provided to an Eligible Participant, Including Limits if any, on the Amount of Homeless Prevention or Rapid Re-housing Assistance that a Participant May Receive. The Standards Shall Set Forth the Maximum Amount of Assistance, the Maximum Number of Months of Assistance Possible, and Maximum Number of Times a Participant May Receive Assistance. The maximum amount of assistance per case shall be limited up to $1,500 for security and utility deposits, and up to $3,000 per case for the first three month’s rental assistance for a maximum total of $4,500 per recipient and includes case management. The maximum length of time a recipient shall receive assistance from ESG funds is three (3) months. Osceola County Human Services staff will ensure that the HUD Interim Rule limits cannot be violated by the local standard. Performance Standards As per the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Emergency Solutions Grant Annual Action Plan, the following performance measures will be met: Homeless Prevention Performance Measures:

• Osceola County Human Services staff will reduce the number of homeless households with children.

• Outcome expectations: At least thirty-five percent (35%) of the participants assisted will remain in permanent housing six (6) months after the last assistance provided under the ESG program.

Homeless Rapid Re-Housing Performance Measures:

• Reduce the number of households with children, both sheltered and unsheltered in Osceola County. • Outcome expectations: At least thirty-five percent (35%) of the participants assisted will remain in

permanent housing six (6) months after the last assistance provided under the ESG program.

Requested Funding for HOPWA for 2014-2015

Page 1 of 2 9/16/2014

Name of Organization Name of Activity

Persons Served Priority

Funding Request Recommendation Ranking

Miracle of Love, Inc. TBRA, PHP, and STRMU, SS/CM Varies

Housing Assistance and SS $600,000 $425,227 98.25%

Multicultural Wellness and Prevention, Inc.

TBRA, PHP, STRMU, and SS/CM Varies

Housing and Supportive Services. $1,088,899 $1,063,067 93.75%

The Center for Drug Free Living, Inc.

TBRA, PHP, STRMU, FB, SA/MH, SS/CM >928

Housing Assistance $1,548,881 $1,039,194 93.00%

Catholic Charities, Inc. (Pathways to Care, Inc.) Facility-Based Housing Varies

Supportive Housing $184,834 $133,536 93.75%

X-Tending Hands, Inc.

Facility-Based Housing, Operating Costs Varies


St. Francis House of Hospitality, Inc.

Facility-Based Housing, Operating Costs Varies


$2,917,824Heart of Florida United Way STRMU Varies

Housing Assistance $327,530 $0 0.00%

TOTALS $3,760,538 $2,917,824Committee was unanimous to fund all agencies with level funding from prior year and not fund Heart of Florida United Way

Total Orlando 2014-2015 HOPWA $3,008,066

$2,917,824

$210,564.00 3% for HCD HOPWA Admin $90,242

$3,008,066

include 7% project admin Project funding recommendations

Total 2014-2015 HOPWA Allocated

TBRA - Tenant Based Rental AssistanceSTRMU- Short-term Rent, Mortgage and Utility AssistancePHP - Permanent Housing PlacementFB - Facility BasedSA/MH - Substance Abuse/ Mental Health Supportive ServicesSS/CM - Case Management Supportive Services

Requested Funding for HOPWA for 2014-2015

Page 2 of 2 9/16/2014

Institute for Social and Behavioral Science Department of Sociology Orlando, FL 32816-1360

407-823-5083

PIT 2014: Final Report

Amy M. Donley, PhD Chelsea Nordham

James D. Wright, PhD

May 29, 2014

Note: Not for citation, quotation or distribution without permission. Comments welcome to [email protected].

Introduction

The Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences was contracted by Homeless Services Network of Central Florida to conduct the 2014 Point in Time Count (PIT). The PIT is an annual census of homeless persons that communities across the nation undertake annually in January. This year ISBS worked with HSN to secure funding for the PIT through a grant competition made possible from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. HSN was awarded this grant.

Methodology

Point in Time counts are done in jurisdictions throughout the country and HUD allows some variance in how each community approaches its count. In Central Florida, many different data collection methods are used in undertaking the PIT. The majority of the data comes from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). For this year’s reporting to the State and to HUD, information from HMIS was used to report the sheltered count. In addition to HMIS information, the three domestic violence shelters report aggregate data as do some general homeless shelters that do not participate in HMIS. This information is not reported herein as it was analyzed by a consultant from Data Remedies, Inc. and reported elsewhere, but the 2014 count of sheltered homeless people was just under 2,000 people. 1988 total sheltered persons: 974 in emergency shelters and 1014 in transitional housing. 255 sheltered veterans: 99 in emergency shelter and 156 in transitional housing. 67 sheltered chronically homeless persons, all in emergency shelter. Our impression is that this number is generally reliable as it is close to the known shelter capacity of the region and the shelters report being full most of the time. The 2014 count of sheltered homeless is about the same as the 2013 count. In theory, HMIS data could also be used to estimate the size of the unsheltered homeless population (or at least certain identified components thereof), but a detailed analysis of the HMIS data revealed far too many errors and inaccuracies to use it for the purpose. It seems wise in future years to take steps to improve the quality of the HMIS data, and in the event this is not possible within the timeframe allocated, gather PIT data independently of HMIS, as was the case for this year. Thus, information about the region’s unsheltered homeless comes from pen and paper surveys conducted by over 75 volunteers deployed over several days to venues all over the three-county region. (See Appendix A for the study questionnaire). All volunteers were trained in administering the questionnaire prior to data collection. Data collection took place in locations across Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties during the last week of January and first week of February. The general types of locations where interviewing was done are described in detail below. Downtown Orlando Locations On January 31, 2014 ISBS and volunteers from the Veteran’s Administration surveyed at several locations in downtown Orlando including Daily Bread, The Orlando Union Rescue Mission, The Salvation Army, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church and The Coalition for the Homeless Men’s Pavilion. Additionally, volunteers and the Downtown Outreach workers canvased the

downtown area going to places such as Lake Eola, the library, and bus stops to conduct additional interviews. Food Pantries and Meal Services Over the course of two weeks, volunteers surveyed at participating food pantry and meal service locations. To determine where we would survey, we began by receiving a list of food pantries from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. We then called all pantries to determine if we could survey at their location. In addition we contacted known meal services in the region. In all we surveyed at over 50 food pantry and meal service locations across the three counties. Homeless Camps We worked with the Healthcare Clinic for the Homeless HOPE Team to survey unsheltered homeless people living in camps in Orange and Osceola counties. Additionally outreach workers from the Seminole HOPE team surveyed residents of camps in Seminole county. Other Agencies In addition to the locations outlined above, we also surveyed at locations that provide other surveys to homeless people like drop-in centers, resource centers, and day labor outlets. Our surveying sites represent a reasonable sample of where unsheltered homeless people can be found in the Central Florida region. The major omissions would be institutions (jails, hospitals, etc.) where homeless people might be found on PIT day (but whose inclusion in the count HUD specifically forbids.) We also think that the 692 surveys we completed are a reasonable and representative sample of people to be found in these locations (not all of whom were homeless or unsheltered homeless individuals). The information outlined in this report comes from the pen and paper surveys collected by ISBS volunteer surveyors. The numbers presented herein do NOT presume to account for the entire homeless population in Central Florida. The surveys represent a sample of the total homeless population, not a census.

Results

In total we completed surveys with 692 individuals. Of these, 141 of the respondents were currently housed and thus were excluded from the analysis. As shown in Table 1, our sample of 551 currently homeless individuals was nearly evenly split between sheltered and unsheltered people (again consistent with the rule of thumb that the sheltered and unsheltered are about equally numerous). The majority are male and are in their late 40’s. The unsheltered homeless people have been homeless nearly twice as long as the sheltered homeless in the sample (8 years vs. 4.7 years) and report higher rates of nearly all disabling conditions. Note too that the average time homeless for the unsheltered (almost five years) amply exceeds HUD’s standard for “chronic,” which is continuously homeless for 12 or more months.

The percentage of individuals that are chronically homeless, then, is high in both categories. This percentage is higher than what would be expected among the total homeless population because our surveying efforts were concentrated where more chronically homeless individuals would be expected to be located. Sheltered vs. Unsheltered Table 1. Sheltered vs. Unsheltered n=551 Sheltered Unsheltered Total 51.7 (285) 48.3 (266) Gender Male 85.3 (243) 78.2 (205) Female 13.7 (35) 21.8 (57) Consumed Alcohol Every Day for Past 30 Days: % Yes 22.1 (63) 37.8 (98) Ever Abused Drugs or Alcohol, or Been Told You Do: % Yes 17.5 (50) 23.5 (58) Ever Treated for Drug/Alcohol Abuse: % Yes 13.3 (38) 14.5 (37) Has or Currently Receiving Mental Health Treatment: % Yes 16.8 (48) 24.1 (59) Has a Permanent Disability Limiting Mobility: % Yes 20.4 (58) 26.5 (69) Has a Learning Disability or Developmental Disorder: % Yes 16.1 (46) 21.3 (55) % Chronic Homeless 31.9 (91) 49.6 (132) Has a Felony Conviction: % Yes Mean

36.8 (105) 44.1 (109)

# of times in the Emergency Room Last Year 1.07 0.44 # of times Hospitalized as Inpatient Last Year 0.91 0.79 Total Time Homeless in Life (in months) 54.5 96.5 Age 49.0 47.3 Note: Percentage with count in parentheses.

Homeless Type by Location Table 2 shows characteristics of the sample broken down by location. The majority of the surveys were conducted with individuals in Orlando (369). 104 surveys were conducted in Seminole County, 38 in Osceola County and 40 in Orange County (not in the city of Orlando). Table 2. Homeless Type by County/City n=551 Orlando Orange Osceola Seminole Total 67.0 (369) 7.3 (40) 6.9 (38) 18.9

(104) Homeless Type Sheltered 62.9 (232) 37.5 (15) 13.2 (5) 31.7 (33) Unsheltered 37.1 (137) 62.5 (25) 86.8 (33) 70.3 (71) Gender Male 86.7 (320) 85.0 (34) 71.1 (27) 64.4 (67) Female 10.8 (40) 15.0 (6) 28.9 (11) 34.3 (35) % Veteran 20.1 (76) 12.5 (5) 15.8 (6) 12.5 (13) Consumed Alcohol Every Day for Past 30 Days: % Yes 18.1 (63) 52.6 (20) 36.8 (14) 62.7 (64)

Ever Abused Drugs or Alcohol, or Been Told You Do: % Yes 18.1 (63) 17.5 (7) 13.2 (5) 31.7 (33) Ever Treated for Drug/Alcohol Abuse: % Yes 13.0 (48) 10.0 (4) 7.9 (3) 19.2 (20) Has or Currently Receiving Mental Health Treatment: % Yes 18.4 (68) 12.5 (5) 21.1 (8) 25.0 (26) Has a Permanent Disability Limiting Mobility: % Yes 20.9 (73) 21.1 (8) 34.2 (13) 32.7 (33) Has a Learning Disability or Developmental Disorder: % Yes 15.7 (58) 10.0 (4) 26.3 (10) 27.9 (29) % Chronic Homeless 34.7 (128) 55.0 (22) 44.7 (17) 53.8 (56) Has a Felony Conviction: % Yes Average

40.1 (148) 30.0 (12) 28.9 (11) 41.3 (43)

# of times in the Emergency Room Last Year 0.28 0.00 0.05 0.14 # of times Hospitalized as Inpatient Last Year 0.56 1.15 0.68 0.86 Total Time Homeless in Life (in months) 63.8 55.1 138.6 95.9 Age 46.6 49.3 46.8 46.0 Note: Percentage with count in parentheses. Totals may not add up to 100% due to missing data on some questions. Veterans The Department of Veteran’s Affairs wants to end chronic homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015. Central Florida has been named a high priority community due to the large number of homeless veterans in the area. Table 3 shows a comparison between homeless veterans and non-veterans. Among our sample, nearly 20% are veterans. They are overwhelmingly male and are on average older than non-veterans (52 years old vs. 46 years old). Of the 78 veterans who answered the question, 31 (39.7%) report being Post-Vietnam era, 22 (28.2%) are Vietnam era and 8 (10.2%) are Afghanistan/Iraq War veterans. Table 3.Veterans vs. Non-Veterans n=524 Veteran Non-Veteran Total 19.1 (100) 80.9 (424) Homeless Type Sheltered 54.6 (53) 45.5 (193) Unsheltered 45.4 (44) 50.2 (213) Gender Male 96.0 (96) 80.2 (340) Female 3.0 (3) 19.1 (81) Consumed Alcohol Every Day for Past 30 Days: % Yes 21.0 (21) 31.8(135) Ever Abused Drugs or Alcohol, or Been Told You Do: % Yes 24.0 (24) 19.3 (82) Ever Treated for Drug/Alcohol Abuse: % Yes 20.0 (20) 13.0 (55) Has or Currently Receiving Mental Health Treatment: % Yes 20.0 (20) 19.8 (84) Has a Permanent Disability Limiting Mobility: % Yes 28.0 (28) 22.6 (96) Has a Learning Disability or Developmental Disorder: % Yes 17.0 (17) 19.6 (83) % Chronic Homeless 42.0 (42) 70.1 (178) Has a Felony Conviction: % Yes Mean

37.0 (37) 42.0 (174)

# of times in the Emergency Room Last Year 0.14 0.24 # of times Hospitalized as Inpatient Last Year 0.68 0.65 Total Time Homeless in Life (in months) 89.4 72.4 Age 52.2 46.3 Note: Percentage with count in parentheses.

Day Labor

As a pilot study, we hosted a cook-out at a large Day Labor outlet in Orlando. 4Rivers Smokehouse provided discounted food for the event. With the help of staff at the location, registered day labor workers were told about the cook-out which was held on Friday February 7, 2014. Friday was selected as employees pick up their pay checks that day. Unfortunately this particular Friday was extremely rainy and the turnout was not as hoped. While typically nearly 200 people come to the location on Fridays to pick up their checks, on this day less than 50 showed. We surveyed all willing employees, which was nearly all of the employees that showed up that day. In all, 43 surveys were completed. Of these, 25% (11) were with currently homeless people. Thus although the overall sample from the day labor outlet was small, the pilot study shows that surveying at locations such as these will be important in future PIT efforts.

Motels

As a part of this year’s Point in Time Count, we attempted to survey residents of weekly motels. This proved to be a very difficult undertaking. Motel operators were generally hesitant to cooperate and convincing residents to complete a rather lengthy survey as a self-administered questionnaire without incentives proved to be futile (only 8 surveys were completed across 9 motel locations). In future attempts it would be vital to work closely with outreach organizations that have established rapport with motel operators and residents to ensure that an accurate sample could be obtained.

Families in Transition

For the second year in a row we surveyed parents of children enrolled in the Families in Transition programs in Orange and Osceola counties. This year, with giftcard donations from the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, we were able to collect 568 completed surveys. (See Appendix B for this report).

Appendix A

2014 Point in Time Survey (Form V)

County where survey was taken (circle): Orange Osceola Seminole City: _______________________ Name of facility, service location, landmark, or nearest street address: _________________________________________ GPS Coordinates (if homeless camp only): Latitude: ____________________ Longitude: ______________________ Consent, to be Read to Respondent: Your answers to the following survey questions will help us understand how we can better meet the needs of people who are homeless in Central Florida and it brings federal money to our community. It is very important that we have as many participants as possible. This survey is voluntary. You may choose not to answer some questions. You may also stop answering at any time. Your participation will not affect any services you or your family are now receiving. Your answers will not be shared with anyone in a way that personally identifies you. Thank you for taking a few moments to help us. 1. What is your name? First: ____________________________ Last: _________________________________

2. Have you completed this survey earlier today or earlier this

week?

Yes No

If yes, record where and discontinue survey

____________________________________________________________

3. Are you currently homeless? Yes No

4. Where did you stay last night? Place not meant for habitation:

Camp Street Park Vehicle Abandoned Building

If not homeless discontinue interview

6. How long have you been homeless THIS TIME? Days or weeks About a Month More than a month but less than a year One year or more.

Emergency shelter Hotel/motel paid by self Jail, prison * Psychiatric facility *

Transitional housing Hotel/motel paid by voucher Hospital * Substance abuse facility *

Stayed with family Room/apartment/house I rent Foster care Perm. supportive housing

Stayed with friend Apartment/house I own Don’t know Refused to answer

Record additional location details, especially client’s own description if unsure about which category to select:

5. How long have you been there? ______ days weeks months years

7. How many times have you been homeless in the last three years? Just once Two or three Four or

more

8. Where were you living before you became homeless this time? (Zip code or City, State or

country)_________________________

9. What is the total length of time in your life you have lived on the streets or shelters? ____ days

weeks months years

10. Were you born in Florida? Yes No

11. How long have you been staying in Florida? ____ days weeks months years “All my life”

12. Have you ever served in the US Military? Yes No Refused If no, skip to #13

12a. If yes, which war/war era did you serve in?

Korean War (June 1950--January 1955) Vietnam Era (August 1964---April 1975) Post Vietnam (May 1975---July 1991)

Persian Gulf Era (August 1991--Present) Afghanistan(2001-Present) Iraq (2003-Present) Other(Specify) Refused

12b. If yes, what was the character of your discharge?

Honorable Other than Honorable Bad Conduct Dishonorable Refused

12c. Have you ever had any contact with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs? Yes No Refused

12d. Have you ever been contacted by a Veterans Affairs Outreach Worker? Yes No Refused

12e. If no, would you be willing to meet with one? Yes No Refused If yes, get phone number:

___________________

13. Gender: Male Female

14. Date of birth? (MM/DD/YY) ________ / ________ / ________

15. Race: White Black Asian Other

16. Do you consider yourself Hispanic? Yes No

17. What is your marital status? Single/Unmarried Married

Separated/Divorced Widowed

18. Do you have a felony conviction? Yes No Refused If no, skip to #19

18a. If yes, when was the most recent one? ______ (record year)

18b. If yes, Are you homeless because you were released from jail /prison? Yes No

19. Do you have any family members who are homeless and with you now? Yes No

19a. If yes, Please tell me the relationship and age of each family member who is homeless and with you now.

Relationship Age Relationship Age

Now I have some questions about your health. 20. How many times have you been to an emergency room in the past 3 months? ________ TIMES 21. How many times have you been hospitalized as an inpatient in the past year? ________ TIMES 22. Do you have now, have you ever had, or has a healthcare provider ever told you that you have any of the following conditions? Condition If yes, Treatment? a. Kidney disease/ End Stage Renal Disease or Dialysis Yes No Refused Yes No b. History of Heat Stroke/Heat Exhaustion Yes No Refused Yes No c. Liver disease, Cirrhosis, or End-Stage Liver Disease Yes No Refused Yes No d. Heart disease, Arrhythmia, or Irregular Heartbeat Yes No Refused Yes No e. HIV+/AIDS Yes No Refused Yes No f. Emphysema Yes No Refused Yes No g. Diabetes Yes No Refused Yes No h. Asthma Yes No Refused Yes No i. Cancer Yes No Refused Yes No j. Hepatitis C Yes No Refused Yes No k. Tuberculosis Yes No Refused Yes No L. DO NOT ASK: Do you observe signs or symptoms of serious physical health conditions? Yes No m. Have you ever abused drugs or alcohol, or been told you do? Yes No Refused n. Have you consumed alcohol every day for the past month? Yes No Refused o. Have you ever used injection drugs or shots? Yes No Refused p. Have you ever been treated for drug or alcohol abuse? Yes No Refused If YES, HOW MANY TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR? ___ Q. DO NOT ASK: Do you observe signs or symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse? Yes No r. Are you currently or have you ever received treatment for mental health issues? Yes No Refused If YES, HOW MANY TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR? ___ s. Have you ever been taken to the hospital against your will for mental health reasons? Yes No Refused t. DO NOT ASK: Do you detect signs or symptoms of severe, persistent mental illness? Yes No u. Have you been the victim of a violent attack since you’ve become homeless? Yes No Refused v. Do you have a permanent physical disability that limits mobility (wheelchair, amputation, etc.) Yes No Refused

w. Have you had a serious brain injury or head trauma that required hospitalization or surgery? Yes No Refused

x. Have you ever been told that you have a learning disability or a developmental disability? Yes No Refused 23. Do you receive any of the following forms of income? Check all that apply Earned income Veterans disability Veterans pension SSI SSDI TANF (welfare) No financial resources Other

Some other source (explain): ________________________________________________________________

Appendix B

Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences

Families in Transition

2014 Summary Report

Report Prepared by:

Denise Crisafi, Ashley Elrick, Alyssa Mullins, and Nya Ittai

May 2014

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Methods ................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Characteristics and Conditions of Families by County ........................................................................ 14

Barriers to Housing by County ..................................................................................................................... 23

Current Assistance by County ....................................................................................................................... 25

Importance of Services by County ............................................................................................................... 28

Health Problems in Household by County ............................................................................................... 30

Osceola County Characteristics by Living Situation ............................................................................. 34

Characteristics by Living Situation for Osceola County ...................................................................... 34

Orange County Characteristics by Living Situation .............................................................................. 37

Conclusion............................................................................................................................................................. 39

Appendix A: Families in Transition Survey.............................................................................................. 41

Appendix B: Data Entry and Cleaning Decisions ................................................................................... 49

References ............................................................................................................................................................ 51

Introduction Estimating the number of people in America who experience homelessness is challenging for many reasons, not least conceptual ambiguities and methodological concerns. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Education (DOE) each have distinct definitions of homelessness, the latter more inclusive than the former. Most counts of the homeless are limited to people in shelters, on the streets, or in camps (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2013). Yet the DOE (Hearth Act) definition also includes people and families living without leases in extended-stay hotels and motels. Here we report on one effort to “get a handle” on the motel homeless in Osceola County, FL, one among four counties in the Orlando SMA.

Local organizations in 3,000 American cities and counties conduct one-night counts in January of every year. In most cases, both sheltered and unsheltered homeless are counted. This information is reported annually to HUD. The January 2013 HUD report indicated that 610,042 individuals were identified as homeless during the Point In Time count (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2013).1 The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (2014) estimates that 3.5 million people are homeless each year – more than a million of whom are school-aged children – with another 7 million Americans at imminent risk for being homeless. The National Coalition for the Homeless (2013) estimates that families comprise 41% of the homeless population and that 23% of the whole population is comprised of families with children. With a large percentage of the homeless population being comprised of families, further research is needed to understand these families and their circumstances.

Florida compares unfavorably with other states on the number of homeless families with children. The National Center on Family Homelessness (2011) published a state report card with Florida ranking 42 out of the 50 states. It was estimated that there were a total of 83,957 homeless children living in Florida during 2010. This has increased from under 60,000 homeless children in 2006. Additionally, the number of housing units in 2010 increased from the 2009 report. These housing units include 916 emergency shelters, 1606 transitional housing units, 199 HUD HPRP Programs, and 1363 permanent supportive housing (National Center on Family Homelessness, 2011).

Recently, homeless families in Central Florida have been in the spotlight. In 2011 and 2012, the CBS news program 60 Minutes aired an original story with a subsequent follow-up called Hard Times Nation. These stories focused exclusively on homelessness in Central Florida, highlighting the frequently ignored families living in motels, and with relatives or friends (the latter comprising the so-called “doubled up” population).

The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida (HSN; 2013) is the lead agency in the local Continuum of Care. HSN funds many agencies that provide assistance to low-income and homeless individuals and families in Osceola, Orange, and Seminole counties. HSN works with the University of Central Florida’s

1 Six significant digits grants the annual count far more precision than it is due. Realistically, it should be understood that this is ± a few hundred thousand, at best.

Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences to research, count and understand the composition and circumstances of all homeless people in the region, including our homeless families.

There are over 10,000 identified homeless children (that is, children eligible for McKinney-Vento educational services) attending Osceola and Orange County Public Schools. Very little is known about these children and their families. In 2013, a pilot survey was distributed to Osceola and Orange County families to begin collecting information on these “families in transition” (Cooney, Okorie, Owens, & Russell, 2013). The results of the pilot study can be found in the appendix to this report. The current study is a continuation of the pilot examination to develop a better picture of these families and the circumstances of their living situations. The results are also compared in certain sections to display possible trends or changes between last year and this.

Methods In February 2014, a questionnaire titled, “Survey of Families with Children in the Orange and Osceola County Public Schools”2 was distributed to children known to be from homeless families within the public schools. The survey and instructions were placed in a manila folder for each child to give to his or her parent or guardian. The paper survey was five pages with approximately 27 questions. An electronic version of the survey is shown below in Appendix A. Many of the questions were demographic. The remaining questions were about the families’ living conditions and circumstances surrounding the services they are currently receiving or would like to receive in the future. The survey explicitly stated that participation was voluntary and that answers would be kept confidential. In addition, respondents were given the study director’s contact information if they had any questions about the survey. Participants received an incentive in the form of a $10.00 gift card to Publix if they filled out and returned the survey.3

A total of 594 surveys were returned from the two participating counties. A UCF graduate student representative delivered 1,000 survey packets to the Families in Transition liaison in both counties. The liaison coordinated mailing of the surveys through the school mail system to the appropriate contact person at each school. In Osceola County (with 3,800 students are identified in the county as homeless) the surveys were sent to 33 of the counties’ 57 schools; Orange County (with 6,258 students identified in the county as homeless) sent the surveys to 12 of the counties’ 184 schools (typically, to schools with the highest concentration of homeless students). Once the surveys were returned to the county liaison (parents were given two weeks to reply), the graduate student representative picked up the surveys and the Publix gift cards were exchanged for the number of returned surveys. The surveys were then brought to the university and entered into the SPSS statistical program for analysis. Of the 594 surveys returned, 26 duplicate surveys were removed in the cleaning process. A full account of all data entry and cleaning decisions can be found in Appendix B. The remaining 568 surveys include 232 from Orange County and 336 from Osceola County.

2 Although Seminole County is also included in the regional Continuum of Care, the Seminole County schools declined to participate in this effort. 3 Our thanks to the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness for supplying the gift cards.

After data were entered and cleaned, frequencies were calculated for all variables, with the exception of string (alphabetic or textual) data, with the results as shown in Table One.

Characteristics and Conditions of Families by County Table 1: Characteristics and Conditions of Families by County

Osceola Orange Total

(N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

Gender of respondent parent

Male 12.2% 8.2% 10.6%

Female 81.3% 83.6% 82.2%

All Missing 6.5% 8.2% 7.2%

Average Age of respondent parent 35.5 35.9 35.7

# of Children in Household

1 19.1% 25.0% 21.5%

2 32.4% 31.5% 32.0%

3 31.2% 21.6% 27.3%

4 11.0% 14.7% 12.5%

5 3.6% 5.1% 4.2%

6 1.2% 2.1% 1.6%

7 0.3% 0.0% 0.2%

All Missing 1.2% 0.0% 0.7%

# of Adults in Household

1 36.3% 44.4% 39.6%

2 41.7% 39.7% 40.9%

3 12.2% 12.1% 12.2%

4 6.3% 3.0% 4.9%

5 2.1% 0.8% 1.6%

6 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

7 1.2% 0.0% 0.2%

All Missing 0.2% 0.0% 0.6%

Total # of Persons in Household

2 8.3% 11.2% 9.5%

3 17.9% 23.3% 20.1%

4 31.0% 29.7% 30.5%

5 20.5% 14.7% 18.1%

6 9.8% 10.3% 10.0%

7 7.7% 6.9% 7.4%

8 3.6% 3.9% 3.7%

9 or more 1.2% 0.0% 0.8%

All Missing 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Florida Native

No 70.0% 43.5% 59.2%

Yes 26.2% 48.7% 35.4%

All Missing 3.8% 7.8% 5.4%

Osceola

(N=336)

Orange

(N=232)

Total

(N=568)

Average Length of Years in Florida

10.8

15.9

12.7

Whether of Hispanic or Latino origin

No 42.6% 60.3% 46.1%

Yes 55.7% 32.3% 49.8%

All Missing 1.7% 7.4% 4.1%

Race

White 42.0% 24.1% 34.7%

Black/African-American/Caribbean-American 27.1% 52.0% 37.1%

Asian 0.3% 0.0% 0.2%

Multi-racial 7.7% 7.8% 7.7%

Other 14% 10.3% 12.5%

All Missing 8.9% 5.8% 7.8%

Living Situation

Living in our own home without a subsidy 25.6% 25.0% 25.2%

Living in our own place with a subsidy 2.4% 5.2% 3.5%

Temporarily living with family or relatives 36.1% 28.0% 32.6%

Temporarily living with friends 5.7% 4.3% 5.1%

In transitional housing 4.5% 1.9% 3.4%

We are living out of a car or van 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

We are living in an extended-stay motel or hotel 21.4% 25.0% 22.7%

We are homeless (living in a shelter or on streets) 0.9% 6.9% 3.4%

Other living situation 3.3% 1.1% 2.3%

All Missing 0.1% 2.6% 1.8%

Resources to change current living situation

Would be out on the streets 47.3% 44.0% 46.0%

Could move into a new situation 40.5% 47.8% 43.5%

All Missing 12.2% 8.2% 10.5%

Length in current living situation

1-2 months 13.4% 16.0% 14.4%

3-6 months 29.5% 29.0% 29.2%

7-12 months 19.1% 18.1% 18.7%

More than a year 21.7% 18.5% 20.4%

More than a couple of years 13.7% 16.0% 14.6%

All Missing 2.6% 2.4% 2.7%

Osceola (N=336)

Orange (N=232)

Total (N=568)

Income

Less than $10,000 41.7% 44.0% 42.6%

10,000-14,999 20.5% 17.2% 19.2%

15,000-19,999 11.3% 11.6% 11.4%

20,000-24,999 8.3% 6.9% 7.7%

25,000-29,999 6.6% 3.5% 5.3%

30,000-49,999 6.6% 6.5% 6.3%

50,000-74,999 1.5% 0.0% 0.9%

75,000 or more 0.9% 0.4% 0.7%

All Missing 2.6% 9.4% 5.9%

Average Median Income

Less than 30% 30-50% 50-80%

All Missing

75.0%

13.1%

5.4%

6.5%

72.0%

13.4%

4.7%

9.9%

74.0%

13.3%

5.1%

7.6%

Employment Status

No, not currently employed 45.8% 48.7% 47.0%

Yes, full time 32.4% 29.7% 31.3%

Yes, part time 20.8% 19.0% 20.1%

All Missing 1.0% 2.6% 1.6%

Current Employment status of another adult

No not currently employed 28.6% 31.9% 29.9%

Yes, full time 28.0% 27.1% 27.6%

Yes, part-time 13.1% 8.2% 11.1%

Not applicable: I am the only adult in the household 25.9% 29.3% 27.3%

All Missing 4.4% 3.5% 4.1%

Access to a Car

No, we do not own or have access to a car 29.5% 35.8% 32.5%

We have access to a car that we do not own 13.7% 16.0% 14.6%

Yes, we own a car 54.8% 45.7% 51.1%

All Missing 2.0% 2.5% 1.8%

Adequate support for school-age children

They are getting the help and support they need 69.4% 68.5% 69.0%

They need additional services 21.1% 19.4% 20.4%

All Missing 9.5% 12.1% 10.6%

US Armed Forces

No 92.0% 86.6% 89.8%

Yes 5.1% 7.8% 6.2%

All Missing 2.9% 5.6% 4.0%

Reservist/National Guard

No 94.4% 91.4% 93.1%

Yes 0.6% 0.9% 0.7%

All Missing 5.0% 7.7% 6.2%

Osceola (N=336)

Orange (N=232)

Total (N=568)

Any person in household with serious emotional or mental health problems

No 81.3% 74.6% 78.5%

Yes 16.1% 20.7% 18.0%

All Missing 2.6% 4.7% 3.5%

Number of times child has changed schools

Never 60.4% 60.0% 60.2%

Once 23.8% 24.1% 24.0%

Twice 12.2% 10.3% 11.5%

Three times or more 2.7% 2.6% 2.7%

All Missing 0.9% 3.0% 1.6%

Respondent’s marital status

Single 31.9% 46.1% 37.7%

Not married, but living with a romantic partner 14.9% 10.3% 13.0%

Married 32.4% 23.7% 28.9%

Divorced or Separated 18.8% 13.8% 16.7%

Widowed 0.9% 0.9% 0.9%

All Missing 1.7% 5.2% 2.8%

RESULTS: What is the average family composition?

• Significantly more women than men completed the Families in Transition survey. Among women who completed the survey, most listed themselves as mothers within their respective households. Among men who completed the survey, most listed themselves as fathers within their respective households. Osceola County had slightly more male respondents (12.2%) than Orange County (8.2%).

• Across both Osceola and Orange Counties, the average age of the parent who responded to the survey was approximately 36 years old.

• Across the total sample, the median number of children in households is two. However, just

under half (46%) of these households have three or more children. 47% of households in Osceola County and 41% of households in Orange County have three or more children.

• Across the total sample, the median number of individuals in households is four. Seven in

ten households across both of these counties are comprised of four or more individuals. Over 80% of households in Osceola County and two-thirds of households in Orange County have between four and eight individuals. These estimates provide evidence that many transitional families are doubling up with other family members and friends to make ends meet.

• Across the total sample, the median number of adults per household is two. Nearly 40% of households are comprised of only one adult. More households in Orange County (44.4%)

are headed by one adult in comparison to Osceola County (36.3%). An additional 40% of households have two adults. Less than 20% of the households across both counties consist of three or more adults. These figures were calculated by counting every individual within each household who was age 18 or older. Thus, adults within the household may be parents and/or step-parents, adult siblings, relatives, or friends of the family. With this in mind, it is probable that more than 40% of this sample consists of single-parent or single-headed households even though other adults may be living under the same roof.

RESULTS: Is the average family native to Florida?

• Approximately 59% of all families are non-native to Florida. Seven in ten families in Osceola County are non-native to Florida, and approximately four in ten households in Orange County are non-native to Florida. These non-native families tend to relocate to Florida from Puerto Rico (17%) and New York (6.2%). The average length of time that families in the total sample have lived in Florida is 13 years, and non-native families have lived in Florida for an average of 7 years. These findings emphasize that most non-native families have encountered their transitional living situations for extended periods of time while living in Florida.

RESULTS: What is the racial/ethnic composition of the families?

• Most of the families in transition are non-white. Half of families across both counties identify as being of Hispanic or Latino origin. Most families (37%) across both counties racially identify as Black.

RESULTS: Where do these families live?

• Across both counties, the majority of homeless families are doubling up with other family members (31.8%) or living in extended-stay motels or hotels (22.4%). Some families had other types of unstable living arrangements, such as living in several residences, in foreclosed homes awaiting court hearings, in trailers, and on campgrounds. No families reported living in their vehicles at the time of this survey. These findings emphasize the transitional nature of homelessness, and also indicate that a large proportion of homeless families are not being identified as “homeless” in annual point-in-time counts if they are living with other family members or friends.

RESULTS: Do they have resources to find a new living situation?

• One question in the survey asked respondents if their families would have the necessary resources to find a new living situation in the event that their current situation fell apart. Across both counties, just under half of families would be out on the streets if their living situation fell apart. More families in Osceola County reported that they would be out on the streets while more families in Orange County indicated that they would be able to move into another living situation. While these results certainly indicate the overall instability of these families’ living situations, they also demonstrate that resource availability may vary by county.

RESULTS: How long have they been living in their current situation?

• Most of the families have been living in their current situation for 3-6 months and therefore do not meet the HUD definition of chronically homeless. Across both counties, a majority of families (62.3%) have lived in the current situation for less than one year. These findings indicate that many families in this study are experiencing short-term living arrangements, whether in their own homes or apartments, in the homes of others, or on the streets. However, 35% have been living in their current situation for at least one year and may be considered chronically homeless if they have a disabling condition. Among the entire sample, nearly seven out of ten respondents who have lived in their current situation for one year or longer also report an emotional or mental health problem.

RESULTS: What is the average family income?

• The vast majority of families in this sample are classified as having extremely low income limits by HUD. According to HUD, the 2013 median family income for Orange and Osceola counties was approximately $58,500. Across both counties, three-quarters of families are earning less than 30% AMI based upon their household size. An additional 13% of families are earning between 30-50% AMI, and only 5% of families between 50-80% AMI.

RESULTS: What is their employment status?

• Nearly half of the respondents in the total sample indicated that they are currently unemployed and another 20% are employed part-time. Based upon employment status and family income, most respondents qualify as working poor.

RESULTS: What is the employment status of other adults in the family?

• Most of the households consisted of other adults who were not employed at the time of the survey. Families in Osceola County had slightly more adults who were employed full-time or part-time when compared to families on Orange County. Over one-quarter of households consisted of only the respondent and no other adults.

RESULTS: Do they have a car?

• Nearly one-third of respondents’ families do not own or have access to a car. In Orange County, there are a greater percentage of households without access to a car (35.8%) than there is in Osceola County (29.5%).

RESULTS: Are the school-aged children in the families getting adequate support?

• Approximately one in five families believes that their school-aged children need additional services. Services that are needed include, but are not limited to, tutoring, after school care, and stable housing.

RESULTS: Are they members of the US Armed Forces?

• One in ten families includes a veteran of the US Armed Forces or National Guard.

RESULTS: Do they have emotional or mental health problems?

• Overall, 18% of the respondents have at least one person in their household with an emotional or mental health problem. There are more households consisting of persons with emotional or mental health problems in Orange County (21%) than in Osceola County (16%). The average time spent homeless for families who have an individual with an emotional or mental health problem is 3.2 years. One-fifth of doubled-up families as well as homeless families have someone with an emotional or mental health problem.

RESULTS: How many times has their child (or children) changed schools?

• Approximately 38% of all children represented in this sample have changed schools at least once in the current school year.

RESULTS: What is their marital status?

• Most of the respondents across the sample report being single (38%). Close to half of respondents in Orange County and nearly one-third of respondents in Osceola County (31.9%) are single. Since the majority of the respondents are also women, these findings provide evidence that nearly one in ten households across this sample are headed by single mothers.

Barriers to Housing by County The survey also contained a sequence of questions asking about barriers to housing that respondents faced. Table 2 summarizes the results.

Table 2: Barriers to Housing by County

Barriers for Families seeking appropriate housing….


(N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

History of Evictions

No 76.2% 60.3% 69.7%

Yes 15.5% 25.0% 19.4%

All Missing 8.3% 14.7% 10.9%

Bad Credit

No 35.7% 35.3% 35.6%

Yes 58.6% 51.7% 55.8%

All Missing 5.7% 13.0% 8.6%

No money for security or utility deposit

No 27.4% 34.5% 30.3%

Yes 67.3% 54.7% 62.1%

All Missing 5.3% 10.8% 7.6%

Family too large

No 73.2% 69.4% 71.7%

Yes 15.8% 15.1% 15.5%

All Missing 11.0% 15.5% 12.8%

Physical health problems or accessibility problems

No 80.4% 76.3% 78.7%

Yes 9.2% 7.3% 8.5%

All Missing 10.4% 16.4% 12.8%

Barriers for Families seeking appropriate housing….


(N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

Felony Conviction

No 83.3% 73.3% 79.2%

Yes 5.1% 9.9% 7.0%

All Missing 11.6% 16.8% 13.8%

Currently owns pets

No 64.6% 75.4% 69.0%

Yes 34.5% 22.0% 29.4%

All Missing 0.9% 2.6% 1.6%

Had to abandon or surrender a pet due to moving

No 77.1% 78.9% 77.8%

Yes 21.1% 17.7% 19.7%

All Missing 1.8% 3.4% 2.5%

RESULTS: What types of barrier do families face?

Of the barriers faced by families, the most common barrier was having no money for security or utility deposits was reported by 62.1% of respondents. The second most common barrier was having bad credit as reported by 55.8% of all respondents. The other barriers (history of eviction, family too large, physical health problems or accessibility problems, and felony convictions) were reported by 25% or less of the respondents. Surprisingly, pets were reported as a significant barrier with 29.4% of respondents currently owning pets. Also, 19.7% of respondents reported that they had to abandon or surrender a pet due to moving. Osceola County had higher percentages of responses for bad credit, no money for deposits, and owning pets, while Orange County had higher responses to history of evictions and felony convictions. The other findings were similar in both counties.

Current Assistance by County What type of assistance are these families currently receiving?

Table 3: Current Assistance by County

Do you receive assistance in monthly living expenses …

Osceola Orange Total (N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

Food Stamps (SNAP) No 27.4% 28.0% 27.6% Yes 70.5% 67.2% 69.2%

All Missing 2.1% 4.8% 3.2% SSI

No 67.6% 56.9% 63.2% Yes 9.5% 20.7% 14.1%

All Missing 22.9% 22.4% 22.7%

Table 3 (Continued): Current Assistance by County Do you receive assistance in

monthly living expenses … Osceola (N=336)

Orange (N=232)

Total (N=568)

SSDI No 71.4% 67.7% 69.9% Yes 3.6% 3.0% 3.3%

All Missing 25.0% 29.3% 26.8% VA Benefits

No 72.0% 69.4% 71.0% Yes 3.0% 0.9% 2.1%

All Missing 25.0% 29.7% 26.9% Housing Subsidy

No 73.5% 67.7% 71.1% Yes 0.9% 1.7% 1.2%

All Missing 25.6% 30.6% 27.7% Medicare

No 68.2% 61.2% 65.3% Yes 8.9% 9.9% 9.3%

All Missing 22.9% 28.9% 25.4% Medicaid

No 33.0% 27.6% 30.8% Yes 59.2% 57.3% 58.5%

All Missing 7.8% 15.1% 10.7% TANF

No 72.3% 67.2% 70.2% Yes 3.0% 2.6% 2.8%

All Missing 24.7% 30.2% 26.9% Child Support

No 58.6% 55.2% 57.2% Yes 23.8% 20.3% 22.4%

All Missing 17.6% 24.5% 20.4%

RESULTS: What types of assistance do families receive?

Respondents were asked whether they received any of the following types of monthly assistance: food stamps, SSI, SSDI, VA benefits, housing subsidy, Medicare, Medicaid, TANF, and child support. Food stamps were most commonly received, with almost three-quarters of the respondents receiving this type of assistance. Medicaid was the second most commonly received assistance with nearly 60% of respondents reporting receipt of Medicaid. The third most commonly received type of assistance was child support. Almost one-quarter of respondents reported receiving child support. The remaining types of assistance ranged from 2.85% to 14.1%; and the least frequently received assistance was a housing subsidy with only 1.2% of respondents reporting receipt of this type of assistance. These findings were similar for both counties.

Importance of Services by County

What services do families find important?

Table 4: Importance of Services by County

How important are the following services to your family?


(N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

Food Assistance

Not at all important 6.8% 7.8% 7.2%

Somewhat important 3.6% 6.0% 4.6%

Important 11.9% 12.9% 12.3%

Very Important 72.6% 66.4% 70.1%

All Missing 5.1% 6.9% 5.8%

Transportation



Important 10.7% 16.4% 13.0%


All Missing 12.8% 11.6% 12.3%

Health care



Important 9.8% 12.5% 10.9%


All Missing 7.4% 10.8% 8.8%

Mental Health Counseling



Important 12.2% 10.8% 11.6%


All Missing 12.6% 16.4% 17.0%

Substance Abuse Services



Important 5.1% 3.9% 4.6%


All Missing 22.3% 19.0% 21.0%

Employment Services



Important 13.1% 13.4% 13.2%


All Missing 14.3% 16.4% 15.1%

Child care Services



Important 12.5% 10.8% 11.8%


All Missing 15.4% 14.7% 15.0%

How important are the following services to your family?


(N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

Counseling and Tutoring Services



Important 13.7% 17.2% 15.1%


All Missing 13.4% 15.5% 14.3%

Assistance Obtaining Identification



Important 14.0% 8.6% 11.8%


All Missing 20.3% 17.6% 19.2%

RESULTS: Which services do respondents feel are most important?

Respondents were asked to rate the importance of nine common social services. They used a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 “Not at all important” to 4 “Very Important.” The mean response for each type of services was calculated and it was found that both healthcare and food assistance tied for the most important services with the average response being in between “Important” and “Very Important” (Mean=3.5). The second most important service was counselling and tutoring services (Mean=3.0). The third most important services was also a tie between transportation and employment services (X=2.8). Respondents reported that substance abuse services were the least important (X=1.3).

Health Problems in Household by County Do these families have health problems?

Table 5: Health Problems in Household by County

Does anyone in the family have…? Osceola Orange Total

(N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

Kidney disease

Neither 79.8% 81.0% 80.3%

Yes, adult 3.3% 3.4% 3.3%

Yes, child 0.3% 0.4% 0.4%

Both 0.6% 0.4% 0.5%

All Missing 16.0% 14.8% 15.5%

Liver Disease

Neither 81.5% 80.2% 81.0%

Yes, adult 1.5% 2.6% 1.9%

Yes, child ---- 0.9% 0.4%

Both 0.3% 0.4% 0.4%

All Missing 16.7% 15.9% 16.4%

Does anyone in the family have…?

Osceola

Orange

Total

(N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

Heart disease

Neither 75.6% 78.0% 76.6%

Yes, adult 7.4% 6.0% 6.9%

Yes, child 0.9% 0.9% 0.9%

Both 0.3% 0.9% 0.5%

All Missing 15.8% 14.2% 15.1%

Stroke

Neither 80.7% 80.6% 80.6%

Yes, adult 2.7% 3.4% 3.0%

Yes, child --- --- ---

Both 0.3% 0.4% 0.4%

All Missing 16.4% 15.5% 16.0%

HIV/AIDS

Neither 82.4% 82.8% 82.6%

Yes, adult 0.3% 0.9% 0.5%

Yes, child --- --- ---

Both 0.3% 0.4% 0.4%

All Missing 17.0% 15.9% 16.5%

Emphysema

Neither 81.0% 81.9% 81.3%

Yes, adult 0.9% 1.7% 1.2%

Yes, child --- --- ---

Both 0.9% 0.4% 0.7%

All Missing 17.3% 15.9% 16.7%

Diabetes

Neither 69.0% 68.5% 68.8%

Yes, adult 15.2% 15.1% 15.1%

Yes, child 1.5% 1.3% 1.4%

Both 1.2% 1.7% 1.4%

All Missing 13.1% 13.4% 13.2%

Cancer

Neither 76.2% 79.7% 77.6%

Yes, adult 6.8% 4.3% 5.8%

Yes, child 0.3% 0.4% 0.4%

Both 0.3% 0.9% 0.5%

All Missing 16.4% 14.7% 15.7%

Asthma

Neither 52.1% 56.0% 53.7%

Yes, adult 6.5% 6.5% 6.5%

Yes, child 20.2% 16.8% 18.8%

Both 12.2% 10.3% 11.4%

All Missing 8.9% 10.3% 9.5%

Does anyone in the family have…?

Osceola

Orange

Total

(N=336) (N=232) (N=568)

Hepatitis C

Neither 82.1% 81.5% 81.9%

Yes, adult 0.6% 2.6% 1.4%

Yes, child --- --- ---

Both 0.3% 0.4% 0.4%

All Missing 17.0% 15.5% 16.4%

Tuberculosis

Neither 82.4% 83.2% 82.7%

Yes, adult 0.6% 0.4% 0.2%

Yes, child --- --- ---

Both --- 0.4% 0.5%

All Missing 17.0% 16.0% 16.6%

RESULTS: Do families have health problems?

Of the eleven health problems that respondents were asked about, the one that was most experienced among adults is diabetes. Overall 15% of adults reported being diagnosed with diabetes. Heart disease was the second most prevalent health problem experienced by adults (6.9%) with asthma (6.5%) and cancer (5.8%) following.

For children, asthma was the most reported health condition being experienced by 18.8% of children. The next most prevalent health problem for children was diabetes, reported at 1.4%. All other health problems were experienced by less than 1% of all children in this sample.

Osceola County Characteristics by Living Situation

Table 6: Characteristics by Living Situation for Osceola County

No Longer Homeless

(n=93)

Doubled Up

(n=139)

Motel Families

(n=71)

Other Living Situations

(n=29)

# of Children

1 25.8% 17.3% 12.7% 20.7%

2 23.7% 31.7% 46.5% 27.6%

3 32.3% 33.8% 31.0% 20.7%

4 14.0% 9.4% 5.6% 20.7%

5 2.2% 3.6% 4.2% 6.9%

6 0.0% 2.9% 0.0% 0.0%

7 1.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Resources to change current living situation

Would be out on the streets 31.2% 49.6% 52.1% 82.8%

Could move into a new situation 48.4% 40.3% 38.0% 17.2%

Don’t Know/Did not Answer 20.4% 10.1% 9.9% 0.0%

Florida Native

Yes 17.2% 26.6% 31.0% 37.9%

No 77.4% 69.1% 66.2% 62.1%

No Longer Homeless

(n=93)

Doubled Up

(n=139)

Motel Families

(n=71)

Other Living Situations

(n=29)

Length in Current Living Situation

1-2 months 23.7% 7.9% 9.9% 26.3%

3-6 months 36.6% 30.9% 18.3% 36.8%

7-12 months 15.1% 15.8% 29.6% 5.3%

More than a year 8.6% 25.2% 28.2% 10.5%

More than a couple of years 9.7% 18.7% 12.7% 15.8%

Notes: Some proportions do not add to 100% due to missing cases.

“No Longer Homeless” includes families that are living in their own homes with or without a subsidy. “Doubled-up” includes families that are temporarily living with family or friends.

“Motel Families” includes those that are living in extended-stay motels or hotels.

“Other” includes families in transitional housing, who are on the streets, or who are living in other types of situations, such as between multiple residences, in RVs, or on campgrounds.

No respondents in Osceola County reported that their families lived in their cars.

RESULTS: Where do Osceola County families live?

• Approximately 41% of the respondents in Osceola County are doubled up, sharing a residence with friends or family. Additionally, approximately one-fifth of the families surveyed are currently living in extended stay motels/hotels. Across all living situations, most families have three or fewer children, although about one-third of the families living on the streets or in more transitional, unstable environments have four or more children.

RESULTS: Who is most vulnerable to stay and/or move on to the streets?

• Approximately half of the families no longer homeless reported that they would have the resources to move into a new situation if their current living arrangement fell apart. On the other hand, in every other category, a majority of families reported that they would be on the streets if their current situation fell apart. Among these groups, nearly half of the families doubled up or living in motels stated they would be on the streets if their current arrangement fell through. Similarly, more than 80% of those living in other transitional situations indicate that they would not have the resources to move into a new situation. This may indicate that families living in undesirable or transient locations are the most vulnerable to be completely homeless if their current situation fell apart, while large proportions of families living with friends, family, or in extended stay motels also appear limited in their options to avoid homelessness.

RESULTS: How long have families been living in their current situation?

• Most of the families in Osceola County report living in their current situation for less than one year. Among the families living in their own home with or without subsidy, only 18% have been in their home for more than a year, indicating that this population was only recently housed, prior to being surveyed. On the other hand, greater proportions of families doubled up with family or friends (43.9%) or those living in extended stay motels (40.8%) have been in their current living situations for more than one year. Similarly, more than one third (37.9%) of the families currently homeless or in transitional, unstable environments have been living this way for more than one year. Among the families who are living in a motel/hotel or who are homeless, 28% of the respondents indicated that at least one person in the

home has a serious emotional or mental health problem. Half of these families also report that they have been living in their current situation for more than a year.

RESULTS: Where do non-native Floridians live?

• A majority of the respondents in Osceola County are non-native Floridians (70%). This proportion is reflected across all living situations, indicating that non-native Floridians are somewhat as likely to be in each of the living situations discussed above. However, the highest proportion appears to be those no longer homeless (77%), and the lowest proportion includes those in other, transitional situations (62.1%). A higher proportion of the respondents in each category in Osceola County identified as Florida natives compared to the 2013 sample.

Summary: Many of the respondents living in Osceola County have three or fewer children. However, respondents reported an overall range of one to six children in their households. Many of the families living in Osceola County are non-native Floridians. Families no longer homeless at the time of this survey were more likely to report that they would be able to move into a new situation if their current living arrangement fell apart, compared to any other housing category. Within each category, a higher proportion of families have been in their current living situation for less than a year. Additionally, a majority of respondents in Osceola County are non-Florida natives, indicating that these groups may face additional hardships upon arriving to the area making them more vulnerable for homelessness. Among the families that are homeless or living in a motel, more than one-quarter of the respondents report that someone in their home has a serious emotional or mental health problem. Half of these families have also been homeless or living in a motel for more than a year, indicating that these families may qualify as chronically homeless.

Orange County Characteristics by Living Situation

Table 7: Characteristics by Living Situation for Orange County

No Longer Homeless (n=70)

Doubled-up (n=75)

Motel Families (n=58)

Other Living Situation

(n=20)

# of Children 1 2 3 4 5 6

22.9% 38.6% 20.0% 12.9% 5.7% 0.0%

25.3% 38.6% 20.0% 12.9% 5.7% 0.0%

22.4% 34.5% 17.2% 12.1% 6.9% 6.9%

27.3% 18.2% 18.2% 27.8% 4.6% 4.6%

Resources to Change Current Living Situation Would be out on the streets 27.1% 38.7% 56.9% 90.0%

Could Move Into a New Situation 61.4% 53.3% 41.4% 10.0%

No Longer Homeless (n=70)

Doubled-up (n=75)

Motel Families (n=58)

Other Living Situation

(n=20)

Florida Native Yes No

55.7% 35.7%

48.0% 44.0%

34.5% 56.9%

59.1% 40.1%

Length of Current Living Situation 1-2 Months 3-6 Months

7-12 Months More Than One Year

More Than a Couple of Years

20.0% 30.0% 18.6% 7.1%

21.4%

16.0% 24.0% 20.0% 24.0% 13.3%

12.0% 27.6% 20.7% 22.4% 17.2%

18.2% 40.9% 4.6%

27.3% 4.6%

Notes: Some proportions do not add to 100% due to missing cases.

“No Longer Homeless” includes families that are living in their own homes with or without a subsidy. “Doubled-up” includes families that are temporarily living with family or friends.

“Motel Families” includes those that are living in extended-stay motels or hotels.

“Other” includes families in transitional housing, who are on the streets, or who are living in other types of situations, such as between multiple residences, in RVs, or on campgrounds.

No respondents in Orange County reported that their families lived in their cars.

RESULTS: Where do Orange County families live?

• One-third of the transitional families in Orange County are doubled-up with family or friends, and one-quarter are families living in extended-stay motels or hotels. Nearly one in ten families is homeless. Across all living situations, most families consist of three or fewer children. However, nearly four in ten homeless families consist of four or more children.

RESULTS: Who is most vulnerable to stay and/or move on to the streets?

• Over half of the respondents in Orange County who are no longer homeless or doubled-up with other family members and friends have the necessary resources to move their families into a new situation if their current living situations were to fall apart. However, over half of motel families and nine out of ten families living in transitional housing or in shelters would be out on the streets if their current living arrangement fell apart. Therefore, respondents who currently considered homeless have minimal, if any, resources to obtain stable housing conditions.

RESULTS: What are some characteristics of non-native Floridians?

• Non-native Floridians make up slightly under half of the respondents from Orange County (43.5%), but over half of these respondents’ families (56.9%) are living in

extended-stay motels or hotels. Approximately four in ten of these non-native families are also doubled-up or are homeless.

RESULTS: How long have families been living in their current situation?

• Over half of families in Orange County have been experiencing their current living situation for less than one year. However, nearly four in ten families have been living in extended-stay motels/hotels for at least one year and close to one-third of families have experienced homelessness for at least one year. One-fifth of families who are living in motels/hotels or who are homeless have at least one person with an emotional disabling condition that may qualify them as chronically homeless. In addition, seven out of ten families have been “no longer homeless” for less than one year, which indicates that this population was only recently housed. While many families in Orange County may not fit the HUD definition of chronically homeless, the recentness and instability of their living situations may cause them to become homeless if resources are largely unavailable.

Summary: Families in Orange County are living in unstable environments, and non-native Floridians are encountering the greatest degree of uncertainty. Many of these families have not been living in their current situation for very long, which emphasizes the difficulties that many of these families have with maintaining housing for extended periods of time. Yet, between 30 and 40 percent of families are also facing challenges that have kept them doubled-up or homeless for at least one year. While the average number of children per household is 3, many homeless families consist of 4 or more children; thus, children are likely the most profoundly affected population when resource deprivation of transitional families is considered.

Conclusion A comprehensive review of the variables analyzed in the 2014 Families in Transition (FIT) study reveals that the vast majority of families that were surveyed are experiencing instability, and that these families have specific economic and personal barriers that have prevented them from being able to acquire more permanent and independent living situations. The typical respondent to this survey was a 36-year-old Black or Hispanic woman who was a 10.3 year resident of Florida, single, and heading households with 2 to 3 children. These families receive an annual household income of less than $10,000 due in large part to the unemployment of the head of the household and/or another adult partner living within the same household, as well as no recent changes in this unemployment status. Their families have been living for less than one year with family or friends or in extended-stay motels and hotels. Many do not have the necessary resources to move into new living situations in the event their current arrangements fell apart. Typical housing barriers included not having enough money to afford a down payment and having poor credit history. However, over half of these families have access to their own car and are receiving food stamps and/or Medicaid. Among health-related barriers, diabetes was the most common disease affecting adults and asthma most commonly affected children or both adults and children in the same household. Nearly one-fifth of households reported having an individual with an emotional or behavior problem. The three services that are most important for these families are (1) food

assistance, (2) health care, and (3) counseling and tutoring services. Approximately one-third of respondents do not feel that their children are receiving the help and support that they need.

Overall, this study highlights the particular vulnerabilities that transitional families encounter within the Central Florida community. While some of the information presented is encouraging, such as fewer households experiencing emotional problems or health problems such as AIDS and cancer, there are still serious sociocultural and socioeconomic difficulties that make transitional living difficult for these families to overcome. Most of the families represented in this study are not native to Florida and most are families of color. Many of these non-native families may encounter increased barriers to securing housing and other resources, as evidenced by the data from Osceola and Orange counties that show some of the highest proportions of non-native Floridians to be living with others, to be unemployed, and earning household incomes below the national poverty line. While these families tend to report that their school-aged children are receiving adequate resources despite their transitional living situations, many still express a need for tutoring, after school care, affordable housing, food, health care, and mental health-related services. It is imperative that these families receive the support that they need from social service agencies in order to at least maintain, if not improve, their living situations and the well-being of their children in particular. Compared to the 2013 sample of Families in Transition, the current sample is demographically similar and requests a need for the same type of services. As data collection on Families in Transition in central Florida moves forward, it is important to collect as much information as possible from households in different counties – Orange, Osceola and perhaps Seminole and Brevard counties - in order to compare similarities and differences in living arrangements and resource availability. Homelessness remains a pervasive problem in Florida, and one that needs to be addressed comprehensively in order to improve the living conditions of both the episodically and chronically poor as well as their children.

Appendix A: Families in Transition Survey

EXPLANATION OF RESEARCH

Title of Project: Survey of Families with Children in the Orange, Seminole and Osceola County Public Schools

Principal Investigator: Dr. James D. Wright

Other Investigators: Dr. Amy Donley

Dear Parent: You are being asked to participate in a research survey. The purpose of this research is to help us better understand the living conditions and circumstances of families with school aged children in the Central Florida region.

• You are asked to complete the enclosed survey and return it with your child at school.

• The survey should take no longer than 10-15 minutes to complete.

• This survey is completely confidential and your answers will never be shared with anyone in a way that would personally identify you.

You must be 18 years of age or older to take part in this research study.

Study contact for questions about the study or to report a problem: If you have questions, concerns, or complaints Dr. James Wright, Professor, Department of Sociology, College of Sciences, (407) 823-5083or by email at [email protected]. IRB contact about your rights in the study or to report a complaint: Research at the University of Central Florida involving human participants is carried out under the oversight of the Institutional Review Board (UCF IRB). This research has been reviewed and approved by the IRB. For information about the rights of people who take part in research, please contact: Institutional Review Board,

University of Central Florida, Office of Research & Commercialization, 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 501, Orlando, FL 32826-3246 or by telephone at (407) 823-2901.

If you receive more than one copy of this survey, please just fill out one. If you return a completed survey by February 19, 2014, your household will receive a $10 Publix Gift Certificate.

When you have finished with the survey, please put the completed survey into the envelope provided, SEAL IT, and send it back to school with your child by February 19, 2014 in order to receive your Publix Gift Certificate. Thank you for your participation.

To begin, we need to know about the make-up of your family. Beginning with yourself on line 1, please list all the family members currently living with you, along with their gender, current age, their relationship to you (i.e, son, husband, etc.) and name of school they attend, if any.

First and Last Name Gender Age Relationship of Person to You

If in School, Name of School Attended

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Please check here [ ] if there are more than 8 people in your household.

Which of the following best describes your family’s current living situation?

1 Living in our own house or apartment with no subsidy

2 Living in our own place with a subsidy

3 Temporarily living with family or relatives

4 Temporarily living with friends

5 In transitional housing

6 We are living out of our car or van

7 We are living in an extended-stay motel or hotel

8 We are homeless (living in a shelter or on streets)

9 Other: Please describe briefly. _________________________________________

If your current living arrangement fell apart, would you have the resources you need to move into a new situation, or would you be out on the streets?

1 Could move into a new situation

0 Would be out on the streets

For about how long have you been in your current living situation? Has it been:

1 1 or 2 months

2 3 to 6 months

3 7 - 12 months

4 More than a year

5 More than a couple of years

Overall, are your school-aged children receiving the help and support they need to do well in school, or do they need services they are not currently receiving?

1 They are getting the help and support they need

2 They need additional services What services do they need? _______________

________________________________________________________________________

Are you currently employed?

1 Yes, full time

2 Yes, part time

0 No, not currently employed

Is another adult in your family currently employed?

1 Yes, full time

2 Yes, part time

0 No, not currently employed

9 Not applicable: I am the only adult in the household

Has your or your partner’s employment situation recently changed? For example, has anyone recently changed jobs, lost a job, had their hours cut back, or anything like that?

0 No

1 Yes

Do you have a car?

2 Yes, we own a car

1 We have access to a car that we do not own

0 No, we do not own or have access to a car

Are you a Florida native or did you move here from some other state or country?

1 Florida native

2 Moved here from elsewhere: Where? _________________________________

How long have you lived in Florida? Write in the _____ MONTHS or _____ YEARS

Do you get any assistance in meeting your monthly living expenses? For example, do you receive:

Food stamps (SNAP) Yes No

SSI Yes No

SSDI Yes No

VA Benefits Yes No

Housing subsidy Yes No

Medicare Yes No

Medicaid Yes No

TANF Yes No

Child Support Yes No

Here is a list of services that many families need. How important are these services to you and your family?

Not at all important

Somewhat important

Important Very important

Food assistance

Transportation assistance

Health care

Mental health counseling

Substance abuse services

Employment services

Child care services

Counseling, tutoring for the children

Assistance obtaining identification

Are there any other services that are important to you and your family? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We know that many families face barriers in finding appropriate housing. Are any of the following barriers for you and your family?

History of multiple evictions Yes No

Bad credit rating Yes No

No money for security/utility deposit Yes No

Family is too large Yes No

Physical health, accessibility issues Yes No

Felony conviction Yes No

Anything else? ________________________________________________________________

Does anyone in your household have a:

Serious emotional or mental health problem? Serious alcohol or drug problem?

0 No 0 No

1 Yes 1 Yes

Does anyone in your family have any of the following medical conditions?

Kidney disease Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Liver disease Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Heart disease Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Stroke Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

HIV/AIDS Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Emphysema Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Diabetes Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Cancer Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Asthma Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Hepatitis C Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Tuberculosis Yes, Adult Yes, Child Both Neither

Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin? Yes No

What do you consider to be your racial background?

1 White

2 Black, African-American, Caribbean-American

3 Asian

4 Multi-racial

5 Other: __________________________

Have you or your partner ever served in the US Armed Forces? Yes No

Were you activated into active duty as a Reservist or National Guard? Yes No

What is your current marital status?

1 Single

2 Not married, but living with a romantic partner

3 Married

4 Divorced or Separated

5 Widowed

Into which of the following categories did your total family income from all sources fall for last year (2013)?

1 Less than $10,000

2 10,000-14,999

3 15,000-19,999

4 20,000-24,999

5 25,000-29,999

6 30,000-49,999

7 50,000-74,999

8 75,000 or more

How many times, if any, has your child changed schools this year (fall 2013-present)?

0 My child has not changed schools

1 Once

2 Twice

3 Three times or more

Does your family currently have any pets? Yes No

Has your family ever had to abandon or surrender a pet as a result of having to move from one living situation to another? Yes No

OK, thank you. That completes the survey. Please put the completed survey into the envelope provided, SEAL IT, and send it back to school with your child by February 19, 2014.

Appendix B: Data Entry and Cleaning Decisions An agreed upon codebook for the survey was created by the team of graduate researchers, and data was entered using SPSS and STATA databases (data was merged to be available in both file formats so that graduate researchers could work with the data regardless of which database was being used). Data was entered for each variable exactly as it appeared on the survey. This is particularly important for open-ended questions where the responses were recorded verbatim, regardless of spelling errors, abbreviations, or language.

In order to clean the data, all missing data were uniformly recoded from 99 or 999 to “.” (period symbol). If an answer was not provided by a respondent, this field was also coded as “.” to indicate a missing response. Next, univariate analyses were conducted on all of the variables used in this study to ensure that the variables were coded correctly. Crosstabs were also conducted on variables that logically go together (e.g. “are you a Florida native?” and “how many years have you lived in Florida?”) in order to ensure the consistency of responses across each individual case within the sample population. Any discrepancies found on the frequencies and/or crosstabs were compared to corresponding documents, discussed amongst the group of graduate researchers, and recoded when necessary. In order to identify and remove duplicate cases, the “identify duplicate cases” function was used in SPSS. The duplicate cases were grouped by the information for the first respondent’s name, and sorted in ascending order. By using the “identify duplicate cases” function, a new variable called “primary case” was created in the SPSS file that identified the original case as 1 and the duplicate case as 0. To fully remove duplicate cases from the file, the select if command was used in SPSS:

Select if primarycase=1

This command only retained the original cases in the final data file. Following this, additional frequencies were run on the name of the first respondent. In some cases, the same person took the survey twice but their first or last name was spelled slightly differently (depending upon who was entering the data). The duplicate cases that were identified using this method were also removed.

One of the most challenging aspects of data analysis was attempting to sort the primary respondents’ names, genders, ages, and relationships to others within the household. In many instances, the primary respondent would not list themselves first as indicated in the survey instructions. As a result, each student researcher had to comb through the data to identify the primary respondent and their corresponding information. To simplify this, we recommend that future versions of the survey list a separate area where the primary respondent enters her or his information. In addition, we recommend for the purposes of analysis that future researchers enter the number of adults, children, and total number of individuals living in the same household as separate variables within the data file at the same time that they enter the surveys. Members of this survey team had to backtrack and create these variables when they reached the stage of analysis, which took extra time. Additionally, some participants only listed information for non-student adults in their household. Upon identifying these cases, the graduate researchers made the assumption that there must be at least one child in the home, thus the household size was increased by one, entering the child’s information with all missing data.

References Cooney, L., Okorie, S., Owens, N., & Russell, A. (2013). Families in transition summary report for

Homeless Services Network. Unpublished report, Sociology Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.

Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. (2013). About us. Retrieved from htpp://www.hsncfl.org

Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (2014). State map of median income and income limits (FY 2013). Retrieved from http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il/il13/fl.pdf.

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The United States Conference of Mayors. (2013). Hunger and homelessness survey: A status report on hunger and homelessness in America’s cities. Retrieved from http://usmayors.org/publications/

Wright, James D. and Amy M. Donley. (2011). Poor and homeless in the sunshine state: Down and out in theme park nation. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il/il13/fl.pdf

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