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Housing Division Quarterly Report <br />September 6, 2022 <br />Page 2 <br />2 <br />9 <br />2 <br />9 <br />The number of applications received is typically lower than the number of applications <br />sent out in any given period due to the stringent program guidelines for eligibility <br />regulated by the federal government, which makes it difficult for most applicants to <br />qualify. <br />The City of Santa Ana’s Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program is designed to improve <br />and preserve affordable housing through the use of federal Community Development <br />Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The Program is administered by Habitat for Humanity of <br />Orange County on behalf of the City. The Program provides grants of up to $25,000 for <br />eligible home repairs for low- and moderate-income homeowners at or below 80% of the <br />Area Median Income (AMI), as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban <br />Development (HUD). Eligible activities include the repair, replacement, and/or <br />installation of major systems including plumbing, heating, electrical, windows, roof, paint, <br />and handicap accessibility. A total of three (3) rehabilitation projects were completed <br />during this quarter. <br />Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (DPAP) Progress <br />For the Down Payment Assistance Loan Program, staff evaluates applicant eligibility and <br />oversees underwriting to ensure compliance with the program guidelines and <br />requirements established by HUD. During this quarter, staff conducted three (3) down <br />payment assistance virtual workshops via Zoom with a total of 45 attendees. Three (3) <br />down payment assistance loan applications were approved, two (2) closed escrow and <br />one (1) is currently in escrow. <br />The Housing Division also participated in the Orange County Community Housing <br />Corporation’s Home Buyer Fair on Saturday, June 11. The fair was a collaboration with <br />lenders, local real estate agents, the City, and fellow nonprofit partners, who provided <br />services in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Guests learned about different programs <br />offered by various agencies, and learned how to achieve homeownership via workshops <br />hosted by Citi and Bank of America. Twenty-two (22) attendees provided their email and <br />were sent an application. After this Home Buyer Fair, interest from first-time homebuyers <br />has increased and the Housing Division is anticipating the submittal of three (3) more <br />applications at the start of the new quarter. <br />During the next quarter, staff will also be sending a letter and flyer to lenders and real <br />estate agents to advertise the program and offer assistance for their clients. Staff will <br />also be conducting monthly workshops together with NeighborWorks Orange County <br />every second Tuesday of the month. In addition to these workshops, staff participated <br />in the Vietnamese National Association of Real Estate Professionals (VNARP) <br />Homeownership Fair on August 11 at the Garden Grove community center. During the <br />event, staff participated on a panel with other organizations that provide first time home <br />buyer assistance. Staff answered questions, provided staff contact information and <br />assisted with applications as needed with the public in attendance. On August 27, staff <br />will be participating in a Home Buyer Expo at HPT Realty & Finance offices, in <br />partnership with VNARP, in the City of Westminster. Finally, staff are working with local