PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program is a community development block grant that is administered through the NC Department of Commerce Division of Community Assistance.

The primary objective of the CDBG SSH Program is to improve the housing conditions of low income households at or below 50% of the area of median income.

Stokes County is one of 33 counties that is a recipient of the scattered site housing project grant funds.

The Project grant amount is $400,000 and is funded 100% by a community development block grant.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Only owner occupied units may be rehabilitated

All CDBG Loans must be secured with a note and Deed of Trust which is filed with the Register of Deeds prior to beginning the rehabilitation.

Manufactured housing must be owner occupied real property, (double-wide only).  The Maximum amount that can be spent is $15,000.

No CDBG funds may be spent to rehabilitate any manufactured home rebuilt prior to 1978.  The funding shall benefit persons with low incomes at or below 50% of the area median income ($25,500).

ELIGIBILITY

CDBG financial assistance must be a loan that is deferred and is proportionally forgiven over the applicable term of recapture.

PROVISIONS OF RECAPTURE:

CDBG ASSISTANCE                     RECAPTURE
12,000 OR LESS                         5 YEARS
12,001 -- 16,000                       6 YEARS
16,001 -- 19,999                       7 YEARS
20,000 -- OR MORE                    8 YEARS

REHAB PER UNIT SHOULD BE LIMITED TO $29,000.

Homeowners family or household income must be at 50% of the median family income for the area.  The applicants home must be owner occupied, single family dwelling located within the county.  Applicants must meet one of the priorities targeted by the selection committee : Elderly, handicapped, single parent households or large families.

The home must be free of environmental hazards and other nuisances and can be corrected as part of the rehabilitation of the home.

The home must be economically feasible to rehabilitate.  This means that it must be possible to bring the unit into compliance at a cost not exceeding the program limits.

The home cannot be located in the right-of-way of any impending or planned public improvements.  The home must be current with all taxes, with the county or any of its municipalities.

The home cannot be located on a site that is endangered by mudslides, landslides or other natural or environmental hazards.

The home cannot be located in a flood hazard area.  Mobile homes must be real property and must be newer than a 1978, and  are limited to a $15,000 rehabilitation cost.

The selection committee reserves the right to review each applicant on a case by case basis and the ability to provide discretionary points based on need.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Completing an application form :  Homeowners who wish to apply for assistance must contact Rick Zamani at (336) 593-2443.  Proof of ownership and income will be required when making the application.

Initial screening of applicants :  If the applicant does not meet any of the requirements, a letter of denial will be sent to them.  Those meeting the requirements will receive a letter of their approval contingent upon the feasibility of the rehab.

Preliminary Inspection :  A visit of homes of the potential recipients will be conducted to determine the need and feasibility of the home for rehabilitation.

Ranking Applicants (Priorities):  Applicants will be ranked based on need factors and feasibility of the home for rehabilitation.  The households to be offered assistance will be selected 30 days after letter of approval has been sent.  Income and ownership will be verified for program purposes only and all information will be kept confidential.

APPLICANT INTERVIEWS :  Approved applicants will be provided detailed information on assistance, lead hazards, program rehab standards and the contracting procedures associated with their projects at this informational interview.  Before proceeding with rehab the applicant will be provided a 5 day right of rescission or "cooling off period".

WORK WRITE UP:  A second visit to the home will be completed for a more thorough inspection.  The owner shall make note of any known problems.  From this inspection a detailed work write up will be prepared and taken to selection committee for a cost estimate and final approval. 

FORMAL AGREEMENT :  After approval of work  write up, the homeowner will sign a formal agreement that will define the roles of the parties involved and govern rehab process.

APPEAL PROCESS :  Although the application process and rehab guidelines are meant to be as fair as possible, the county realizes that there is still a chance that some applicants may feel they are not treated fairly.

There are procedures for handling complaints and appeals.  The avenues for resolution to any complaints and appeals can be explained by contacting Rick Zamani at (336) 593-2443.

SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS :                                              GRANT ADMINISTRATORS:
Ron Bell                                                                                             Rick Zamani
Jane Charleville                                                                                  Lisa Lankford
Anne Fryar
Margaret McClanahan
Todd Cox
Jim Oakley
David Sudderth
Ron Morgan