What is the HOME Program? How does it work? The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is a program funded by the federal government. The City of Vallejo receives about $600,000 in funding and revenue each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD").
The intent of this program is to (1) provide decent affordable housing to lower-income households; (2) expand the capacity of non-profit organizations that provide housing; (3) strengthen the ability of local and state governments to provide housing; and (4) leverage participation by the private sector in providing housing.
Funds are spent on such things as housing rehabilitation loans (for both rental and owner-occupied housing units), homeownership assistance, security deposit loans for very low-income families receiving Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) assistance, the acquisition or new construction of "for-ownership" or rental housing, and staff and project delivery costs, (such as architectural services).
(Please refer to list of HOME projects currently funded).
What does "HOME" stand for? Unlike most government programs, HOME does not stand for anything.
How are the funds allocated? After receiving written applications and input from the community, non-profit housing organizations, and staff, the Vallejo City Council decides which activities and organizations will receive funding. (Please refer to roster of City Council members).
When are the funds allocated? Every one to two years.
When will new HOME funding applications be available? Request for Proposals (RFPs) for new HOME funding are typically made available in November.
When will the HOME RFPs be due? RFPs are typically due in January.
Where may HOME funds be spent? HOME funds must be spent in the City of Vallejo.
Who is eligible to receive HOME Program services? Tenants and occupants of HOME-assisted housing units must meet certain income requirements. (Please refer to HOME income guidelines chart).
What are some of the other general requirements of the HOME Program? Certain requirements apply to the use of HOME funds. They include:
All HOME-assisted units must meet certain property standards.
Rent restrictions apply to all HOME-assisted rental units.
HOME-assisted units must remain affordable for a specified period.
The HOME Program requires the City of Vallejo to maintain some existing partnerships and to create many new ones.
Who are some of the typical partners in the HOME Program?
CHDO's: A Community Housing Development Organization, or "CHDO", is a private, non-profit organization that meets several qualifications prescribed in the HOME Program regulations. The City of Vallejo is required by HUD to use fifteen (15) percent of its annual HOME funding for housing that is owned, developed or sponsored by CHDOs. The City evaluates organizations? qualifications and designates them as CHDOs.
Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) has been designated by the City as a CHDO. No other organizations in Vallejo currently receive CHDO funding.
Private Lenders: One of the goals of the HOME Program is to establish strong public/private partnerships. The City is required by HUD to make all reasonable efforts to maximize the participation by private lenders and other members of the private sector in the HOME Program.
Subrecipients: A "subrecipient" is a non-profit organization or public agency that is selected by the City to administer all or a portion of the City of Vallejo's HOME Program. It may or may not also qualify as a CHDO.