Emergency Homeless Shelters Operations, Building Maintenance, or Capital Improvement Grants

Emergency Homeless Shelters Operations, Building Maintenance, or Capital Improvement Grants is sponsored by MaineHousing. MaineHousing provides one-time grants to existing emergency homeless shelters, including those that assist homeless youth, for operations, building maintenance, or capital improvement expenses.

# Maine Annual Action Plan mainehousing. org | 207-626-4600 # CDBG, ESG, and HOME Plan Year 2021 Prepared by Maine State Housing Authority Maine Department of Economic and Community Development April 2021 Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................

........... 1 AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91. 200(c), 91.

220(b) ................................................................ ..... 1 PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.

300(b) ................................................................ ..................... 5 AP-10 Consultation - 91.

110, 91. 300(b); 91. 315(l) ................................................................

................... 6 AP-12 Participation - 91. 115, 91.

300(c).................................................................................................... 13 Expected Resources......................................................................................................................................... 15 AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.

320(c)(1,2) ........................................................................................... 15 Annual Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 19 AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives – 91.

320(c)(3)&(e) ...................................................................... 19 AP-25 Allocation Priorities – 91. 320(d) ...................................................................................................

23 AP-30 Methods of Distribution – 91. 320(d)&(k) ................................................................................... 25 AP-35 Projects – (Optional) ......................................................................................................................

38 AP-38 Project Summary ............................................................................................................................. 39 AP-40 Section 108 Loan Guarantee – 91. 320(k)(1)(ii) ...........................................................................

42 AP-45 Community Revitalization Strategies – 91. 320(k)(1)(ii) ............................................................. 42 AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.

320(f) ............................................................................................ 42 Affordable Housing ......................................................................................................................................... 44 AP-55 Affordable Housing – 24 CFR 91.

320(g)..................................................................................... 44 AP-60 Public Housing - 24 CFR 91. 320(j) ..............................................................................................

45 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91. 320(h) ...................................................... 45 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.

320(i) ................................................................................... 48 AP-85 Other Actions – 91. 320(j) ..............................................................................................................

49 Program Specific Requirements..................................................................................................................... 52 AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91. 320(k)(1,2,3) ....................................................................

52 Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Attachments ...................................................................................................................................................... 58 Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91. 200(c), 91. 220(b) The State of Maine receives block grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help address housing and community development needs.

These grant funds include: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will administer the CDBG program. Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) will administer the HOME, HTF and ESG programs.

This document, the 2021 Maine Annual Action Plan, is the second Action Plan in the Consolidated Plan cycle. It describes how DECD and MaineHousing plan to allocate HUD block grant funds during the 2021 program year, which runs from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. This Action Plan does not address use of the Housing Trust Fund.

The 2021 Allocation amounts are not yet available for HTF. HTF use will be addressed in a substantial amendment to this Action Plan later in 2021 when allocation amounts are available. MaineHousing and the DECD look forward to continued coordination of programs and will involve other partners to leverage resources.

2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan The three overarching objectives guiding proposed activities within this plan are to: • Provide decent affordable housing • Create suitable living environments • Create economic opportunities Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Programs and activities are designed to benefit a community or the people served.

The benefits, or program outcomes, for each activity funded by the four federal programs are expected to be: • Improved availability/accessibility • Improved sustainability All future activities funded in 2021 will support at least one objective and one outcome.

The framework for realizing these objectives and outcomes include the following priorities: • Improve and Preserve the Quality of Housing • Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities • Help Maine People Attain Housing Stability • Improve Economic Opportunity • Improve Public Infrastructure To achieve these goals, the State will use a combination of federal and state funds and other public and private funds to address priority housing and community development needs.

In 2021, the State proposes to allocate funding to the following activities. • See attached CDBG Program Statement • $2. 8 million for rental housing • $1.

4 million for tenant based rental assistance • $643,237 for emergency shelter operations and essential services • $643,237 for rapid rehousing This funding will result in: • sheltering 7500 homeless individuals • rental assistance for 170 homeless individuals • 600 new or rehabilitated housing units • 2,100 persons assisted by a public facility or infrastructure activity • 40 jobs created or retained • 100 businesses assisted Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) 3. Evaluation of past performance This is an evaluation of past performance that helped lead the grantee to choose its goals or projects. The State's evaluation of its past performance has been completed in a thorough Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).

This document states the objectives and expected outcomes identified in the Consolidated Plan and includes an evaluation of past performance compared to measurable goals and objectives. The CAPER can be found on the MaineHousing website.

It is important to note that the State of Maine provides affordable housing and community development through a variety of assistance programs, many of which are funded through agency resources or state appropriations. In 2019 MaineHousing assisted more than 1,100 First Time Home Buyers, 8,800 rental households, 880 homeowners (not including over 52,000 helped with energy assistance) and more than 5,900 homeless individuals.

MaineHousing used funds to complete 18 multifamily projects, for a total of 781 units (316 for families and 461 for seniors). In 2019, another 13 projects were under construction (331 family units and 215 units for seniors). Significant progress has been made to address Consolidated Plan priorities and objectives.

Use of tenant-based rental assistance (122% of 2019 goal), support emergency shelter operations & service (111% of 2019 goal), improve the quality of existing housing (143% of rental unit goal for 2019), improve public infrastructure (209% of 2019 goal) and increase the quality and supply of rental housing (176% of rental unit rehabilitated goal) all exceeded 2019 goals. 4.

Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process Summary from citizen participation section of plan. MaineHousing and DECD followed the State's Citizen Participation Plan and reached out to local, regional and state organizations, the CoC and other interested parties. The global pandemic resulted in a December 16, 2020 virtual public consultation opportunity.

The combined forum and public hearing was broadly advertised and was attended by forty seven people. The topic of the forum was the allocation of 2021 CDBG, HOME, HTF and ESG funds, and the meeting was held prior to the drafting of the 2021 Annual Action Plan. On March 18, 2021 a second virtual public hearing was held to gather comments on the draft 2021 Annual Action Plan.

The public hearing was broadly advertised and was attended by three people. Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) No public comments were offered at the public hearing.

Two written public comments were submitted during the thirty day public comment period. 5. Summary of public comments This could be a brief narrative summary or reference an attached document from the Citizen Participation section of the Con Plan.

Two written public comments were submitted during the thirty day public comment period. The comments and MaineHousing responses to the comments are attached to this Plan. 6.

Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and MaineHousing will be partner agencies for the 2019 Annual Action Plan.

All activities funded in 2021 will address one of the following goals: • Improve Housing Quality • Expand the Supply of Affordable Housing • Help Maine People Attain Housing Stability • Improve Economic Opportunity • Improve Public Infrastructure MaineHousing and DECD followed the State's Citizen Participation Plan for public consultation in the preparation of this Plan. The format of this Plan is mandated by HUD.

HUD has provided an online template for grantees as part of its planning and reporting system called IDIS. The questions in bold and many of the tables are created automatically by IDIS. After the Plan is approved by HUD, results of plan goals will be reported each year in the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), another on-line document which will be produced in IDIS.

Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91. 300(b) 1.

Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.

Agency Role Name Department/Agency Lead Agency MAINE MaineHousing CDBG Administrator MAINE Department of Economic & Community Development ESG Administrator MAINE MaineHousing HTF Administrator MAINE MaineHousing > Table 1 – Responsible Agencies The Consolidated Plan was developed in partnership between the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing).

MaineHousing has been designated the lead agency for overseeing the development of the Consolidated Plan. MaineHousing is also the Collaborative Applicant for the Maine Continuum of Care (CoC) and the HMIS lead agency. Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information MaineHousing has been designated as the lead agency and primary point of public contact on the Consolidated Plan and the subsequent Annual Action Plans.

The Draft Annual Action Plan for 2021 can be viewed and downloaded on the MaineHousing website. Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-10 Consultation - 91.

110, 91. 300(b); 91. 315(l) The Consolidated Plan reflects consultation with many agencies, organizations and private citizens of the State of Maine.

These groups and individuals represent a variety of housing and community development programs and concerns. Other entities consulted include state and local governments, not-for-profit organizations, local public housing authorities, representatives of the private sector, social services providers, housing providers, emergency management agencies, and the Continuums of Care among others.

MaineHousing and DECD conducted an extensive public participation process to assess the needs of the state. That process included statewide meetings and forums, with notice to interested parties.

Provide a concise summary of the state's activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies MaineHousing and DECD work closely to ensure that housing providers, private organizations, State and local governmental agencies, service providers, as well as the general public, are consulted during the development of the Consolidated Plan.

Participation is encouraged through mailings to targeted individuals and agencies, website postings, and newspaper notices across the state. Public input is received and accepted in the form of telephone consultations, emails, Facebook comments, and testimonies at meetings and hearings.

MaineHousing in partnership with the CoC and the Statewide Homeless Council work toward a shared goal of preventing and eliminating homelessness in Maine. The Statewide Homeless Council meets monthly and includes representatives from several state agencies that provide services for the homeless. The Department of Health and Human Services is a member of the Homeless System Redesign Leadership Team.

MaineHousing works in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, meeting biweekly to improve the state’s response to the opioid epidemic, coordinating services with shelter and behavior health providers, and strengthening the emergency housing and shelter system. Recent partnerships include the support and expansion of recovery residences and a housing and service pilot for opioid users with system engagement.

Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness The Maine Continuum of Care (MCoC) includes representatives of Health Service Agencies and other entities focused on chronically homeless individual and families, families with children, veterans and unaccompanied youth, as well as persons at risk of homelessness.

MaineHousing provides staffing support and leadership to the MCoC: MaineHousing is the Collaborative Applicant for the Maine Continuum of Care and the HMIS lead agency for the State of Maine. The MCoC meets monthly. Topics such as accessing HUD CoC funding, allocation of program resources, Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) development of common assessment tools, performance measurement, and HMIS are discussed at the monthly meetings.

Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the State in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS Consultation on allocation: Allocation of ESG for the State of Maine is detailed in the Homeless Solutions Rule which is posted on the MaineHousing website ( http://www.

mainehousing. org/docs/default-source/msha-rules/19--homeless-solutions-rule. pdf ).

In 2019, MaineHousing initiated a review of the rule to incorporate feedback from the MCoC and ESG Grantees. MaineHousing convened a group of representatives from 11 of the 24 grantees and conducted 5 meetings over a 4-month period to draft a revision to the rule, which should become effective in October 2019. The draft rule was also presented to the full MCoC for feedback before initiation of the public hearing/comments process.

Additionally, the criteria for receiving ESG funding requires that applicants be regular and active participants of the MCoC. This requirement helps ensure that the ESG awardees have a venue to regularly provide feedback to MaineHousing. Update to include input process for recent rule changes Performance Standards and Evaluation: MaineHousing and the MCoC, through the Homeless Solutions Rule, have developed performance standards.

Shelter funding is directly tied to successfully meeting the standards. The performance standards are evaluated regularly by the MCoC. Policies and Procedures for HMIS: In collaboration with the MCoC, all HMIS Policies and Procedures and Governance Documents are reviewed annually and updated as needed based on this review.

Additionally, in 2017 the current HMIS vendor contract was reviewed by MaineHousing and the CoC and a Request for Information (RFI) went out to potential vendors. The HMIS RFI resulted in remaining with the current vendor, as recommended by the MCoC. 2.

Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and consultations Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) > Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated 1 Agency/Group/Organization MAINE STATE HOUSING AUTHORITY Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Consulted through Meetings, E-mail and Phone Calls. 2 Agency/Group/Organization MAINE What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Economic Development Anti-poverty Strategy Narrowing the Digital Divide Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Consulted through Meetings, E-mail and Phone Calls Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) 3 Agency/Group/Organization Maine Statewide Homeless Council Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing Services - Housing Services-Children Services-Elderly Persons Services-Persons with Disabilities Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS Services-Victims of Domestic Violence Services-homeless Services-Health Services-Education Services-Employment Service-Fair Housing Services - Victims Health Agency Child Welfare Agency Publicly Funded Institution/System of Care Other government - State What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? The Statewide Homeless Council along with the three Regional Councils meet regularly to discuss needs and issues.

MaineHousing solicited their input on the allocation of funding. They are notified of plan development, public hearings and comment periods. Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) 4 Agency/Group/Organization Maine Continuum of Care Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing Services - Housing Services-Children Services-Elderly Persons Services-Persons with Disabilities Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS Services-Victims of Domestic Violence Services-homeless Services-Health Services-Education Services-Employment Service-Fair Housing Services - Victims Health Agency Child Welfare Agency Publicly Funded Institution/System of Care Other government - State Other government - Local What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? The Maine Continuum of Care meets regularly to discuss needs and issues.

MaineHousing solicited input on the allocation of funding. The Continuum of Care is notified of plan development, public hearings and comment periods. Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) 5 Agency/Group/Organization Maine Affordable Housing Coalition What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

The Maine Affordable Housing Coalition (MAHC) is a diverse coalition of more than 130 private and public sector organizations, including developers, architects, engineers, builders, investors, Community Action agencies, public housing authorities, housing and service providers, advocates and others committed to ensuring that all Mainers are adequately and affordably housed.

MaineHousing and DECD are active participants in the organization. MAHC is notified of plan development, public hearings, and comment periods. Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting Not Applicable; all agencies and stakeholders were welcome to participate.

Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Continuum of Care MaineHousing The Continuum of Care goals have been recognized in the 2020 Consolidated Plan and the subsequent 2021 Annual Action Plan.

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice MaineHousing The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice was updated in conjunction with the 2020 Consolidated Plan to identify impediments to fair housing choice and actions to address those impediments. Qualified Allocation Plan MaineHousing The Qualified Allocation Plan recognizes the needs and priorities identified in the 2020 Consolidated Plan.

> Table 3 - Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Narrative Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-12 Participation - 91. 115, 91.

300(c) 1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting MaineHousing and DECD followed the State's Citizen Participation Plan and reached out to local, regional and state organizations, the CoC and other interested parties. The global pandemic resulted in a December 16, 2020 virtual public consultation opportunity.

The combined forum and public hearing was broadly advertised and was attended by forty-seven people. The topic of the forum was the allocation of 2021 CDBG, HOME, HTF and ESG funds, and the meeting was held prior to the drafting of the 2021 Annual Action Plan. On March 18, 2021 a second virtual public hearing was held to gather comments on the draft 2021 Annual Action Plan.

The public hearing was broadly advertised and was attended by three people. No public comments were offered at the public hearing. Two written public comments were submitted during the thirty day public comment period.

Citizen Participation Outreach Summary of commen ts not accepted and reasons Non-targeted/broad community The 12/16/2020 virtual forum was attended by 47 people. Non-targeted/broad community The 12/16/2020 virtual public hearing was attended by 32 people. Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) Summary of commen ts not accepted and reasons Non-targeted/broad community Notice of the December 16, 2020 public hearing was posted on the MaineHousing website. Hearing and forum notices were also emailed to stakeholders. Non-targeted/broad community The March 18, 2021 virtual public hearing was attended by three people.

No public comments were offered at the public hearing. Non-targeted/broad community Notice of the March 18,2021 virtual public hearing was placed in published on March 9th in the Bangor Daily News, the Portland Press Herald, the Lewiston Sun Journal and the Kennebec Journal. > Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) AP-15 Expected Resources – 91. 320(c)(1,2) Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan Acquisition Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services 11,983,902 0 0 11,983,902 34,308,500 DECD through its annual Method of Distribution allocates funds for these eligible categories. UGLG then apply based on their community needs.

Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) > Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan > Prior Year Resources: $ Acquisition Homebuyer assistance Homeowner rehab Multifamily rental new construction Multifamily rental rehab New construction for ownership TBRA 4,230,158 512,398 0 4,742,556 12,011,918 MaineHousing allocates HOME funds to new construction, rehabilitation, and financing of multi-family rental projects, as well as to TBRA.

Conversion and rehab for transitional housing Financial Assistance Overnight shelter Rapid re-housing (rental assistance) Rental Assistance Services Transitional housing 1,390,783 0 0 1,390,783 4,019,033 MaineHousing provides grants to emergency shelters serving people who are homeless. Grants may be used for shelter operations, essential services, rapid re-housing, and HMIS data collection costs.

Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) > Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan > Prior Year Resources: $ Acquisition Admin and Planning Homebuyer assistance Multifamily rental new construction Multifamily rental rehab New construction for ownership 0 0 0 0 0 > Table 5 - Expected Resources – Priority Table Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied The ESG 100% match requirement will be met with State HOME funds and the Shelter Operating Subsidy.

HOME 25% match requirement will be met with State of Maine DHHS funding for services, as well as interest savings on below market rate loans. Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan Please see above Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) # Annual Goals and Objectives AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives – 91.

320(c)(3)&(e) Goals Summary Information > Category Geographic Area > Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 2020 2024 Homeless State Of Maine Help Maine People Attain Housing Stability HOME: $1,400,000 ESG: $643,237 Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing: 170 Households Assisted 2 Support Emergency Shelter Operations & Services 2020 2024 Homeless State Of Maine Help Maine People Attain Housing Stability Homeless Person Overnight Shelter: 7500 Persons Assisted 3 Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities 2020 2024 Affordable Housing Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities Rental units constructed: 216 Household Housing Unit 4 Improve and Preserve the Quality of Housing 2020 2024 Affordable Housing Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities Improve and Preserve the Quality of Housing Rental units constructed: 80 Household Housing Unit Rental units rehabilitated: 60 Household Housing Unit Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 250 Household Housing Unit Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) > Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 5 Improve Public Infrastructure 2020 2024 Non-Housing Community Development Improve Public Infrastructure Improve Economic Opportunity Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 2000 Persons Assisted Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 100 Persons Assisted Facade treatment/business building rehabilitation: 20 Business 6 Improve Economic Opportunity 2020 2024 Non-Housing Community Development Improve Economic Opportunity Jobs created/retained: 40 Jobs Businesses assisted: 80 Businesses Assisted > Table 6 – Goals Summary 1 Goal Name Provide Rapid Re-Housing MaineHousing's Homeless Solutions Rule (see appendix) states that all grantees must provide services based upon Rapid Re-Housing or Housing First tenets.

Grantees receive access to a variety of set-aside short, medium, and long-term rapid re-housing vouchers to assist them in achieving this goal.

Shelters are given training on Rapid Re-Housing and Housing First principals and are required to have a Housing Navigator at each grantee recipient location with a working knowledge of these concepts (see attached Navigator Services Guide), and have the ability to assist people experiencing homelessness access the set-aside of housing resources as well as other appropriate housing resources.

All shelter households who are in an Emergency Shelter for greater than 14 days must be assessed via the VI SPDAT for inclusion into Maine’s Coordinated Entry System (MCES). This process prioritizes households for available housing as quickly and efficiently as possible. Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) 2 Goal Name Support Emergency Shelter Operations & Services The current funding formula allocates 50 percent of the total ESG funding for Shelter Operations, to be disbursed to the eligible ESHAP shelters in Maine based on their Bed Capacity.

“Bed Capacity” is defined as the maximum number of beds in an Emergency Shelter as indicated on an annual Continuum of Care Housing Inventory Count (HIC); however, the Bed Capacity of a Low Barrier Shelter as indicated on the annual HIC is multiplied by 125%. This multiplier is to support the higher utilization of Low Barrier Shelters and encourage all ESHAP shelters to move toward Low Barrier models where feasible.

Each Emergency Shelter receives a percentage equal to the Emergency Shelter’s Bed Capacity divided by total Bed Capacity available statewide for the calendar year. 3 Goal Name Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities The Rental Loan Program (RLP) provides long-term mortgage financing at attractive interest rates for development of affordable rental housing in projects of five or more units.

One goal of the RLP is to provide mortgage financing that enables federal low income housing tax credits to be utilized. • Maximize use of tax exempt bonds to develop affordable housing. • Provide affordable mortgage financing that enables developers to utilize low income housing tax credits.

• Provide below-market, 30 year fixed rate notes that enable project viability. • Provide capital for preservation of existing rental housing. This program is a companion to the Low Income Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, and provides subsidized financing to enable use of tax credits.

Administrative guidance for the Rental Loan Program is provided through the Rental Loan Program Guide, which is available at www. mainehousing. org.

Administrative guidance for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program is provided through a rule making process which is required to establish the Allocation of State Ceiling for Low Income Housing Tax Credit. 4 Goal Name Improve and Preserve the Quality of Housing Goal Description Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) 5 Goal Name Improve Public Infrastructure 6 Goal Name Improve Economic Opportunity Goal Description Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-25 Allocation Priorities – 91. 320(d) MaineHousing anticipates using funds as follows: Rental Housing: $ 2.

8 million HOME -- The Rental Loan Program Rental Assistance: $1. 4 million HOME - Stability Through Engagement Program (TBRA) Emergency homeless shelter operations & essential services: $643,237 ESG Rapid Rehousing (ESHAP): $643,237 ESG Percentages in the table below do not include the administrative set-aside.

See attached CDBG Program Statement Funding Allocation Priorities Provide Rapid Re-Housing (%) Support Emergency Shelter Operations & Services (%) Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities (%) Improve and Preserve the Quality of Housing (%) Improve Public Infrastructure (%) Improve Economic Opportunity (%) Other ESG-CV 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 7 – Funding Allocation Priorities Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) Reason for Allocation Priorities The funding listed above is reflective of program history and public input. Allocation amounts are based on demand and capacity of the agencies. MaineHousing and DECD strive to use federal funds efficiently and effectively by combining them with other available resources that will serve as matching funds.

How will the proposed distribution of funds will address the priority needs and specific objectives described in the Consolidated Plan? The proposed 2021 funding allocations address the priorities and goals outlined in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan.

The distribution of funds will follow the priorities set forth in the Consolidated Plan: • Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities • Provide Rapid Re-Housing • Support Emergency Shelter Operations & Services • Improve and Preserve the Quality of Housing • Improve Public Infrastructure • Improve Economic Opportunity Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-30 Methods of Distribution – 91.

320(d)&(k) HOME, HTF, ESG and CDBG funding is open to all eligible applicants. The Rental Loan Program Guide, the CDBG Program Statement, the Homeless Program Rule, the ESHAP Program Guide, the STEP Program Guide, and the Consolidated Plan outline the respective programs.

> Table 8 - Distribution Methods by State Program 1 State Program Name: Community Development Block Grant Program Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution. See CDBG 2021 Program Statement (attached) Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria. See CDBG 2021 Program Statement (attached) Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) If only summary criteria were described, how can potential applicants access application manuals or other state publications describing the application criteria? (CDBG only) DECD website has all necessary materials.

Describe the process for awarding funds to state recipients and how the state will make its allocation available to units of general local government, and non-profit organizations, including community and faith-based organizations. (ESG only) Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations).

(HOPWA only) Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories. See CDBG 2021 Program Statement (attached) Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Describe threshold factors and grant size limits.

See CDBG 2021 Program Statement (attached) What are the outcome measures expected as a result of the method of distribution? See CDBG 2021 Program Statement (attached) 2 State Program Name: Emergency Shelter and Housing Assistance Program (ESHAP) Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution.

In consultation with the MCoC and in partnership with Emergency Shelters throughout the state, MaineHousing offers the ESHAP Program as an annual Grantee process to assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. The funding formula allocation is detailed in the Homeless Solutions Rule and the ESG Written Standards. Annual Action Plan > OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp.

09/30/2021) Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria. To be eligible to receive ESHAP funds an applicant must: • Be a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. • Be eligible in accordance with the HEARTH Act.

• Be a provider of homeless services with at least one year of experience providing emergency housing, street outreach, homeless prevention or Rapid Re-Housing services. • Be a regular and active participant in the Maine Continuum of Care. • Have a board/advisory board that includes at least one person who is homeless