Affordable Housing Development Funds Available 

HOUSING and COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PR-0111 PR CONTACT: Julia Bidwell (714) 480-2991 Ken Domer 714.480.2990 June 20, 2001

Affordable Housing Development Funds Available

$10 Million in Funds Announced to Help Create New Affordable Rental Housing Units in Continuation of County Commitment

(Santa Ana, CA) -The County of Orange Housing & Community Development Department is issuing a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for $10 Million in funds to be used for the development of affordable rental housing. The NOFA will open June 22, 2001 and close December 28, 2001, or when all money is committed. The NOFA is first come, first serve. Preference will be given for new construction over rehabilitation of properties and assisted units must be affordable to individuals and families whose income does not exceed 60% of the area median income (AMI). Incomes for developments targeting seniors or disabled must not exceed 50% of the AMI. Preference will also be given to developments that target families and individuals with an income less than 30% AMI and eligible projects include permanent and transitional housing. This NOFA is a continuation of the County’s efforts to address the need for more affordable housing opportunities for residents and follows the approval of 665 new units by the Board of Supervisors over the last year.

"This is another positive action by the County of Orange to address the need for more affordable housing," stated Cynthia P. Coad, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. "The Board of Supervisors has made the creation of affordable housing one of our top two strategic priorities and am I proud to say we are ready to deliver once again!"

The NOFA is an opportunity for developers to gain additional subsidy of units through partnering with the County and receiving low interest loans. The amount of subsidy depends on the location of the development, with emphasis on development in the unincorporated areas followed by participating cities. The County will act as a permanent lender and project underwriting will be based on the applicant’s proposal and oral interview. Submitted projects will undergo a threshold review by H&CD staff and completed applications will be recommended to a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) for further consideration. If recommended by PAC, staff will underwrite the project and recommend funding amounts. PAC will then make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

A Technical Assistance Conference will be held on July 18th from 9:30 AM to Noon at H&CD, 1770 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, in the third floor conference room. The Technical Assistance Conference is for interested developers and organizations. The $10 million in funds is from Community Development Block Grants, HOME Funds, Orange County Development Agency funds, and Orange County Housing Authority operating reserves. Persons interested in a copy of the NOFA or attending the Technical Assistance Conference may call Ms. Kim Stoter at (714) 480-2992.

"We’ve built a solid process for recommending affordable housing developments," stated Paula Burrier-Lund, H&CD Director. "The creation of more affordable housing opportunities for Orange County residents improves the County’s economic vitality and assists working families and seniors. Affordalbe housing is a win for Orange County!"

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