Title I of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 requires jurisdictions that receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and/or Emergency Service Grant (ESG) funding to assess the activities implemented during its previous program year through an annual CAPER.

This CAPER explains how the City of Garden Grove carried out its housing and development strategies and projects using HUD funds over the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.  The CAPER provides narrative descriptions and financial information on specific activities, and evaluates Garden Grove's progress toward the housing and community priority needs and objectives stated in the City's 5-Year Consolidated Plan. During 2015-16, the City utilized its resources to expand or preserve affordable housing opportunities, support job creation and economic development and assist special needs groups such as senior citizens, homeless and at-risk for homeless persons.

Highlights of 2015-16 performance include: 

• Assisted 3,400 individuals and/or households with fair housing services.
• Abatement action of unsafe, indecent, or unsanitary living conditions in 351 units in low- and moderate- income neighborhoods.
• Section 8 rental assistance to 2,337 tenant households.
• Assisted 49 low-income households with rental assistance in the form of tenant based rental assistance.
• Homeless prevention and intervention to help 561 persons avoid or recover from homelessness.
• Assisted 1,227 seniors with services and meal delivery.
• Reduction of crime in gang activity hot spots in low- and moderate-income areas.

• Began construction of 47 units for low-income seniors and families.

HUD requires local jurisdictions to make the CAPER available to the public for examination and comment for at least 15 days.  A public notice published was published in English, Spanish and Vietnamese advertising the public comment period which began on September 9, 2016 and will conclude with the public hearing before City Council.  The Neighborhood Improvement and Conservation Commission held a meeting on September 12, 2016 to accept public comments.

The CAPER reports accomplishments using $3.7 million of CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds during FY 2015-16 in accordance with the 2015-16 Action Plan previously approved by City Council.  Expenditures enabled the City to provide a higher level of services to its low/moderate-income residents and neighborhoods.

It is recommended that the City Council:

•    Hold a Public Hearing to hear and issue comments concerning the FY 2015-16 CAPER; and
•    Accept the report and direct its transmission to HUD.

By:    Allison Mills, Neighborhood Improvement Manager