Purpose

NeighborhoodImpact developed the Bill Healy Family Housing Center to promote self-sufficiency for low-income families by providing affordable housing and supportive services.

Description

NeighborImpact,  formerly the Central Oregon Community Action Agency Network, developed the Bill Healy Family Housing Center comprised of 70 units of affordable housing, along with a 4,200 square foot community center, outdoor playgrounds and gardening areas. The units are a mix of transitional housing for homeless families (30 units) and permanent rental housing for additional low-income families (40 units).  Rent levels are based on LIHTC Income Limits.

Some unique aspects of the project include:

• Addresses part of the continuum of care plan designed through an overall community planning process with NeighborImpact serving as the lead agency
• Extensive support services available to Healy Center residents
• Broad-based community involvement and support in the development of the project

Support services provided at the community center include:

• Case Management performed by Housing Advocates developing service plans with families under NeighborImpact'sTransitional Housing Program
• Job Development coordinated by Housing Advocates working with family members to build job readiness and job placement opportunities
• Family Support Services are provided to help families with parenting skills
• Family Learning Center operated by Central Oregon Community College and includes early childhood education, adult basic education, language-skills classes and parent education
• NeighborImpact’s Housing Center offers Homebuyer Education Classes, Financial Fitness Classes, and Post Purchase Classes.  Information on housing resources and support services is also provided, as well as Default Mortgage Counseling.
• Annual Health Screenings for children through the health department

The need for the Healy Center was in response to rising housing costs in the region combined with deterioration in employment opportunities. Tourism was recognized as a growing facet of the local economy, resulting in low-paying seasonal and part-time jobs. Bill Healy was the CEO of a local ski resort who committed his efforts to build a base of support for affordable housing. Nearly $500,000 was raised for the project through the efforts of Healy and others involving businesses, community groups, churches, schools and foundations.

Financing for the project incorporated Low Income Tax Credits under the Deschutes Family Housing Limited Partnership. The structure of the ownership established the Community Action Foundation of Central Oregon (CAFCO) as the general partner of the Deschutes Limited Partnership. CAFCO was established as a 501(c)(3) and organized under 509(a)(3) of the IRS code to operate solely for the benefit of, or in connection with, NeighborImpact. Staff support for CAFCO is provided by NeighborImpact and NeighborImpact was engaged as the developer for the Healy Center.

The overall project cost was $4,717,347 with an equity investment of $2,184,770 from the Oregon Equity Fund for tax credit investments. Additional financing was secured to cover the balance of the project after fundraising and other contributions were applied. Deschutes County donated one-half of the land (valued at $160,000) and the City of Bend provided a $150,000 6% 5-year loan deferred to year 3.  A property tax abatement for 20-years was received under an Oregon program to encourage low-income housing. More than $150,000 in donated goods and services was received from local contractors and businesses.

Door-to-door contacts were made with over 200 neighbors to develop acceptance of the project. NeighborImpact staff and local supporters including elected officials conducted these visits. A tenant association has been formed to foster communication between tenants and management and to promote tenant activities. A committee comprised of neighbors, staff and community agencies select the transitional housing tenants.

The Healy Center has been nationally recognized and is the recipient of the (a) Maxwell Award of Excellence from the FannieMae Foundation, (b) Tax Credit Excellence Prize from the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition and (c) Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing from the Metropolitan Life Foundation. 

Outcomes

Residential Stability

Objective 1:  75% of participants exiting the program will obtain permanent housing.

Progress:  94% of participants obtained permanent housing.

Objective 2:  75% of participants surveyed will remain in permanent housing one year after exit.

Progress:  100% of participants surveyed remain in permanent housing one year after exit.

Objective 3:  100% of participants who obtain permanent housing may receive follow-up referral assistance as requested and a one-time financial assistance grant to retain housing for a period of six months.

Progress:  100 % of participants who obtained permanent housing received follow-up services referral assistance as requested and a one-time financial assistance grant to retain housing for a period of six months.

Increased Skills or Income

Objective 1:  75% of participants* in need of GED or ESL classes will be engaged in/or obtain their GED or ESL.

Progress:  83% of participants* in need of GED or ESL classes were engaged in/or obtain their GED or ESL.

Objective 2:  75% of participants* entering the program will enroll, attend and complete post secondary school and/or a vocational/job training program.

Progress:  76% of participants entering the program enrolled and attended post secondary school and/or a vocational/job training program.

Objective 3:  75% of participants* who enter the program with no employment will obtain at least part-time employment within one year of program entry.

Progress:  53% of participants who entered the program with no employment obtained at least part-time employment within one year of program entry.

Objective 4:  75% of participants* who enter the program with part-time employment will obtain additional hours of employment and/or salary increase within one year of program entry.

Progress:  50% of participants who entered the program with part time employment obtained additional hours of employment and/or salary increase within one year of program entry.

Objective 5:  75% of participants* entering the program receiving TANF will become independent of TANF.

Progress:  67% of participants entering the program receiving TANF became independent of TANF.

Greater Self-Determination

Objective 1:  90% of families will participate in case management meetings twice a month.

Progress:  91% of families participated in case management meetings twice a month.

Objective 2:  100% of participants will develop a Family Service Plan.

Progress:  100% of participants developed a Family Service Plan.

Objective 3:  75% of families who are in the program at least one year will complete two out of three goal areas on their Family Service Plan. 

Progress:  100% of families in the program at least one year completed two out of three goal areas on their Family Service Plan.

Objective 4:  35% of participants will establish a savings plan.

Progress:  59% of participants established a savings plan.

Objective 5:  50% of participants will move their families into the safe level (level 5 or above) in 10 out of 13 areas on the comprehensive assessment tool.

Progress:  97% of participants moved their families into the safe level (level 5 or above) in 10 out of 13 areas on the comprehensive assessment tool.

Accessing Mainstream Resources

Objective 6:  100% of Transitional Housing Program families** will receive services from one or more mainstream health and human service agencies during their first six months in the program.

Progress:  100% of Transitional Housing Program families received services from one or more mainstream health and human service agencies during their first six months in the program.

Objective 7:  100% of Transitional Housing Program families will be assessed at intake for their current involvement in health and human service agencies in the community and their need for additional services.

Progress:  100% of Transitional Housing Program families were assessed at intake for their current involvement in health and human service agencies in the community and their need for additional services.

**Of those who meet eligibility requirements. 

*All objectives will be measured at program exit unless otherwise noted.