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twenty-four (24) applications had been received by the January 26, 2015, deadline with a total <br /> funding request of$707,243. The majority of these requests will be reviewed by the Human <br /> Services Commission at their April 8, 2015, meeting. Four(4) applications were identified for <br /> funding by HOME and LIHF funds and are submitted this evening for review and <br /> recommendation by the Housing Commission. <br /> Mr. Erickson provided Commission Soby with information about the Lower Income Housing <br /> Fund and how the funds have traditionally been allocated to various projects and activities. <br /> Vice Chairperson Welsh opened the meeting for agency presentations at 7:34 p.m. <br /> Victoria Johnson, Neighborhood Solutions—provided information about the agency and the <br /> services they provide which include all aspects of housing rehabilitation. Ms. Johnson <br /> commented on the number of small grants (averaging $5,000) and the larger loans <br /> (approximately $35,000)that they provide annually. She advised that the request for small <br /> grants has remained constant and helps people with home repairs, while demand for larger <br /> loans have reduced in recent years because of economic trends and the reluctance of <br /> homeowners to take on additional debt. The Commission was advised by Ms. Johnson and Mr. <br /> Erickson that Neighborhood Solutions typically handles 10-15 small grants and one or two loans <br /> per year. Because they have $35,000 in unused HOME funding feel they will be able to <br /> address the demand for new loans with the funding recommendation being proposed by staff. <br /> Commissioners Soby and Lombardo asked about the number of clients served and were <br /> advised by Ms. Johnson that the agency endeavors to meet all requests that come in. <br /> Vice Chairperson Welsh was informed that Neighborhood Solutions works with other agencies <br /> to market the program by distributing information and making presentations. <br /> Ms. Johnson advised Commissioner Soby that grants are capped at $5,000 and can only be <br /> given to a homeowner once every five years. She also advised Commissioner Lombardo that <br /> local contractors are used whenever possible. <br /> Vice Chairperson Welsh asked if the staff recommendation for a reduced funding amount would <br /> be problematic for the agency. Mr. Erickson provided information about the$35,000 in unused <br /> HOME funds as well as funds that periodically come in due to payoff of past loans. <br /> Ms. Johnson noted that Neighborhood Solutions may want to look at the interest rate used for <br /> deferred payment loans and informed Commissioner Lombardo loan payments are deferred <br /> until a home is sold. Mr. Erickson provided information on the current number of active loans. <br /> Commissioner Lombardo was provided information about the method used by Neighborhood <br /> Solutions for verifying income and assets of people requesting grants/loans. Vice Chairperson <br /> Welsh was also advised that the administration fee for the program is 25% of the loan amount <br /> requested. <br /> Commissioner Cass was advised that a needs analysis had not been conducted for the <br /> program. He and Ms. Johnson discussed the number of people in the Tri-Valley area who are <br /> • living on low incomes. <br /> Mr. Erickson provided information on how staff came to their funding recommendation for this <br /> agency and how CDBG and HOME funds are typically used in the program. He also discussed <br /> unused funds from the previous year that are still available to Neighborhood Solutions. <br /> Page - 3 - <br />