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Housing Division Quarterly Report August 1, 2023 Page 2 The number of applications received is typically lower than the number of applications sent out in any given period due to the stringent program guidelines for eligibility regulated by the federal government, which makes it difficult for most applicants to qualify. The City of Santa Ana's Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program is designed to improve and preserve affordable housing through the use of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The Program is administered by Habitat for Humanity of Orange County on behalf of the City. The Program provides grants of up to $25,000 for eligible home repairs for low-income homeowners at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eligible activities include the repair, replacement, and/or installation of major systems including plumbing, heating, electrical, windows, roof, paint, and handicap accessibility. There were no inquiries or applications sent and/or received for the grant program during this quarter. Seven (7) rehabilitation projects were completed during this Fiscal Year. The Fiscal Year 2023-24 funding for this program was renewed by City Council on May 2, 2023 and applications are currently being accepted. Down Payment Assistance Loan Program Progress For the Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (DPAP), staff evaluates applicant eligibility and oversees underwriting to ensure compliance with program guidelines and requirements established by HUD. During this quarter, staff conducted the following outreach and education on the program: • Staff conducted two (2) virtual workshops via Zoom together with NeighborWorks of Orange County with a total of 48 attendees. These workshops are conducted every second Tuesday of the month. • Staff participated in one First Time Homebuyer Workshop sponsored by Councilmember Phan. In total, four (4) professionals and eight (8) residents attended the workshop to get information on how to qualify for the City's Down Payment Assistance Loan Program. • On June 10, staff participated in a First -Time Homebuyer Fair hosted by Orange County Community Housing Corporation at Santa Ana College. The event included other homebuying professionals and lenders that provided booths and informational lectures. Staff provided program materials and spoke about the program to all attendees. The event welcomed around 150 people. • On June 28, staff provided a Spanish language Down Payment Assistance and Affordable Housing Workshop at Latino Health Access. This workshop was attended by 14 residents. As a result of these efforts, five (5) down payment assistance loan applications were approved and five (5) closed escrow. City Council 9-2 8/1/2023