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“Housing First for Families”. Audrey Nelson – Best Practices Session 1/20/2012 Quincy, Massachusetts. Overview. Quincy: 92,000; $1.9M CDBG; $863K HOME (5 communities) Developer: Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. (1 of 2 CHDOs)
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“Housing First for Families” Audrey Nelson – Best Practices Session 1/20/2012 Quincy, Massachusetts
Overview • Quincy: 92,000; $1.9M CDBG; $863K HOME (5 communities) • Developer: Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. (1 of 2 CHDOs) • City’s designated anti-poverty agency; partner on fair housing (CDBG); HPRP • Project has created 5 new units of housing for VLI and “at-risk” families.
Background • The building was used as a Swedish Baptist Church from 1896-1922, and then used by other church groups for many years after the Baptists outgrew this space and moved to another location.
Background • Over the years, renovations were made to the building and the steeple was removed. • QCAP purchased in 1986 – used as com. center, food center, and office space.
Project • All project funds were used for substantial rehabilitation and site improvements. • Energy efficient features were incorporated into the design (appliances, HVAC, plumbing fixtures, lighting, recycling bin, bike rack, rain water collection/re-charge system)
Funding $ 468,000 HOME $ 150,000 Quincy Aff. Housing Trust $ 393,517 Hsg. Innovations (State) $ 393,518 Hsg. Stabilization (State) $ 398,000 Developer’s Equity $1,803,035 ($1.3 Million Leveraged)
Addressing Needs • Tenants receive case management to help them achieve self-sufficiency. • All families are below 30% AMI, but pay their own utility bills. • Residents pay 30% of income towards rent (adjusted for utilities). • Utilizes the “Housing First” model – stabilize with housing first, THEN work on short-term and long-term goals.
Site Benefits • Safe, comfortable, affordable housing • Each unit pre-wired for phone; cable • Every unit has a modern kitchen; individual HVAC unit; stacking washer/dryer • Bus stop within 50’; walk to MBTA • Close to emergency food center, parks, indoor community pool (at elem. school)
Neighborhood Revitalization • This project is part of an overall neighborhood revitalization effort: - Sidewalk/curb reconstruction - Water main reconstruction - Handicapped accessibility - Pedestrian amenities - Roadway resurfacing/repaving - New signalization
Grand Opening • Ribbon-cutting event was held in April 2009, as part of CD Week • Over 100 people in attendance • HUD Deputy Regional Director was in attendance and said, “We at ‘HUD’ think Quincy leads the way and is a model in developing creative ways to make their housing programs work, and we're very proud to be a partner in that.”
“Epilogue” • Building was fully leased up by July 2009 • All families have made progress in achieving short-term goals, including budget counseling, maximizing resources, and furthering education (1 CNA)