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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat EJC Critical Home Repairs $100,000 Funding for: HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND HOMELESS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Application Proposals must be RECEIVED by: 10/16/26 at 4:00 PM Section 1: Applicant Information 1.1 APPLICANT INFORMATION Name of Project or Program: Critical Home Repairs Area of County to be Served: All East Jefferson County with special focus on Brinnon and Quilcene (South County) Total Amount of Operating Funds Requested: $100,000 Total Amount of Development Funds Requested: HMIS Project Number (if applicable): Name of Agency/Applicant: Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County Federal Tax ID: 91-1885667 Contact Person: Liesl Slabaugh Title: Director of Development Address: PO Box 658 City: Port Townsend State: WA Zip: 98368 Phone Number: 360-379-2827 Fax Number: Email: lslabaugh@habitatejc.org 1.2 CERTIFICATION Certification by Authorized Agency Representative (Board President, CEO, or another person authorized to bind the agency in a contract). Name of Authorized Agency Representative: Jamie Maciejewski Title: Executive Director ● Applicant certifies that these funds will be used as described in this application unless a change has been mutually agreed upon between Contractor and Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners. Substantive amendment requests will also require the approval of the Housing Fund Board (HFB). ● Applicant certifies that the information in this application is true and correct. ● Applicant certifies that it has no outstanding obligations to the County with respect to housing funds. ____ ________________________________________________ ____10/09/2026______ Signature of Authorized Agency Representative Date 1.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1. Name of Project or Program: Critical Home Repairs 2. Total Amount of Funding Requested: $100,000 3. Provide a brief description of the project or program: Between January 1 and December 31, 2027, Habitat EJC plans to perform a minimum of 10 Critical Home Repairs for homeowners in East Jefferson County, focusing especially on those living in Quilcene and Brinnon and other rural areas of East Jefferson County. We request the County provide $100,000 to help fund those critical repairs. These funds will be used to complete projects on homes owned by persons at or below 60% of area median income, and for whom these repairs make it possible for them to remain in their homes, which otherwise might not be habitable. Examples of such repairs include updating electrical wiring that may be hazardous and/or not to code; repair or replacement of failed septic systems; and roof repair or replacement. A no-interest note, forgivable after 20 years, will be attached to the home, ensuring the subsidy allows the current owner to remain in the home, rather than profit by fixing up the house to sell it. Habitat EJC shall provide all project and construction management: we will select projects, screen for income qualification and repair scope of work; manage subcontractors; and coordinate any volunteer involvement that may be appropriate. 4. Identify the specific eligible use(s) under 5386 and/or 1590 for which the Project or Program qualifies, as listed in sections 1.3 and 1.4 of the RFP. If you are submitting for both operating and development funds, please submit separate budgets for each. a. 5386 Operating Funds: not applicable b. 1590 Development Funds: not applicable c. 1590 Operating Funds: This project qualifies under 1590, Operating Funds. Critical home repairs are Capital improvements that prevent homelessness and are provided to households at or below 60% AMI. All eligible households are at risk of homelessness and are covered by the following groups: Persons with mental illness Veterans Senior citizens Homeless (or at-risk of being homeless) families with children Persons with disabilities Domestic violence survivors Section 2: Approach (10 Points) 1. Specify the project or program goals and expected outcomes. (2 point) Goals 1. 10-15 homes will be repaired. Measures: Scope of Work is developed on each selected project to address critical repairs; permits are secured as necessary; homeowner signs off on completed project. 2. The qualified owners of each repaired home will be able to remain safely in their home at the completion of the repairs. A lien in the amount of the cost of repairs is attached to the mortgage and repayable to Habitat EJC upon sale of the home, or fully forgiven after 20 years. Measures: Homebuyer is certified at or below 60% AMI; a no-interest lien is placed against the home upon completion; no payments are collected for 20 years, or until the home is sold; after 20 years, the note is forgiven in full if the original owner continues to occupy the home; homebuyer completes required sweat equity, modified as necessary for age and disability. 2. Briefly describe how the project aligns with and contributes to the priorities, goals and actions of the 2025-2030 Jefferson County Homeless & Affordable Housing Services Plan. The Plan is available for viewing at https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/23792/2025-2030-Homeless- Housing-Plan?bidId= (2 points) Habitat EJC’s Critical Home Repair Program supports the priorities of the 2025-2030 Jefferson County Homeless & Affordable Housing Services Plan by rehabilitating homes of residents earning below 60% of the AMI – and often significantly lower than 50% AMI – thereby reducing the potential for home loss and homelessness and preserving the stock of lower-cost housing. Our program supports Objective #4 – Prevent episodes of homelessness whenever possible. The Critical Home Repair Program helps ensure residents can safely stay in their homes. Many homeowners in rural East Jefferson County, especially but not exclusively south of the Tri-Area, are vulnerable to homelessness and displacement, due to several key factors. These include: ▪ Fewer resources. The median income in Brinnon is just over $52,000 and the median income in Quilcene is $34,500, both far less than the state median of $77,000. Quilcene has a poverty rate of 26.5% and Brinnon has a poverty rate of 16.9%. ▪ Older residents. The median age in Brinnon is 64.4 and 62 in Quilcene. ▪ Aging housing stock. The median age of Quilcene’s housing stock is 69 years old and Brinnon’s is 41 years. ▪ High rate of homeownership. In Brinnon, more than 85% of residents own their homes and over 65% in Quilcene. The picture is one of aging residents caring for aging homes with extremely limited resources. The typical homeowner who contacts us for home repair assistance is over age 80; they no longer have the capacity in terms of health and funds to care for their own home repair and maintenance needs. For many, their spouse once performed the primary repair and maintenance function but is no longer living. The surviving spouse may never have been exposed to the work necessary to repair the home and has no idea how to go about securing a contractor. Thus, even those with some financial resources can be wholly unable to manage the process. ▪ By repairing critical systems, we have been able to keep residents safely at home and extend the life of the structure by at least five years. This work prevents homelessness and displacement, without constructing additional housing. Investment in the current stock of housing makes practical and financial sense. ▪ This project addresses maintaining affordable housing throughout rural East Jefferson County. 3. Describe any collaborations that informed the development of this project, including participation in Housing Fund Board and Continuum of Care activities. (2 points) Habitat collaborates with other organizations around critical repairs. We have extended services (and avoided duplication of services) by working with Jefferson County’s program to address failing septic systems, the county’s compassionate code compliance office, and REPAH. Executive Director Jamie Maciejewski participated in the Housing Fund Board Service Plan creation by offering written feedback on plan drafts and participating in a session for housing providers and adjacent support organizations. Habitat EJC’s input about the housing needs of seniors and disabled helped shape the plan, particularly around the importance of critical home repairs for senior homeowners, the importance of homeownership in the overall housing spectrum, and the opportunities that exist to prepare lower income renters for successful affordable homeownership. 4. Describe the engagement and participation of lived experts in this project’s development. (2 Points) Our Board of Directors includes a current Habitat homeowner as well as a member who has experienced housing instability. In 2011, our affiliate joined Habitat International’s Neighborhood Revitalization initiative, a holistic program that focused on partnership with volunteers, homeowners, neighbors and local organizations to help serve people in remote areas. Through research and feedback from our community, including many lived experts, particularly in Brinnon and Quilcene, we decided to focus our efforts on South County, where we saw an enormous need for home repairs. 5. Provide a brief description of expertise and/or recent, relevant and successful experiences in delivering similar programs and/or projects, including ability, stability and resources to implement this project or program. (2 points) Fifteen years after launching our repair program, we are proud to say that we have repaired 71 homes with more than 34 of those in South County. Each year we complete about 10 repair projects scattered throughout East Jefferson County. We’re helping families whose homes have affected their health and safety. With the completion of each repair, we empower them to safely stay in their homes for at least another 5 years. Some examples from this past year include roof repairs, bathroom and plumbing rehabilitation, replacement of a failed heating system, deck safety improvements, and removal of hazardous trees threatening a home's structure and safety. Please see the enclosed final report for the full list of repairs in the last year. We currently have a part-time staff person dedicated to the Critical Home Repair program, taking the pressure off of the construction crew to complete repairs. As for financial resources, we have a pending application to Give Jefferson as well as a proposal to a major donor. We are confident that with the County’s funding, we can raise the remainder of the $150,000 budget for the program for the 2027 calendar year. Section 3: Impact (10 Points) 1. What services will be funded? Habitat EJC will perform Critical Home Repairs for homeowners in East Jefferson County, focusing especially on those living in Quilcene and Brinnon and other rural areas of East Jefferson County. Funds will be used to complete projects on homes owned by persons at or below 60% of area median income, and for whom these repairs make it possible for them to remain in their homes, which otherwise might not be habitable. Examples of such repairs include updating electrical wiring that may be hazardous and/or not to code; repair or replacement of failed septic systems; and roof repair or replacement. A no-interest note, forgivable after 20 years, will be attached to the home, ensuring the subsidy allows the current owner to remain in the home, rather than profit by fixing up the house to sell it. 2. How many individuals by demographic will be served by these funds? Describe how this project supports the original target group or income level of your organization. (2 points) Approximately 15-20 Majority will likely be seniors; households range from 10% to 60% AMI. 3. How does this project serve marginalized populations and address risk of harm and barriers to housing stability? What is your plan for continuous improvement in serving historically underserved populations? (2 points) Our Critical Home Repairs program empowers marginalized communities by helping them maintain safe and healthy homes which allows for continued housing stability. Habitat EJC approaches our programs from a strengths-based model, not a needs-based model, which reduces harm. We are deliberate with the way we use language when talking about our work. Our services aren’t ‘charity’. Our homeowners are not ‘clients’; they are our partners. We don’t just build projects and do repairs; we bring people together and develop community. We focus much of our outreach on serving historically underserved and marginalized communities, including tabling at various community events, and posting flyers at local sites such as food banks and laundromats. Orientations and applications are available in Spanish. The online application can be translated into whatever language an applicant has their browser set to. We also make translators available if needed by applicants or family partners. Habitat EJC has extensive experience engaging disabled populations. All of our homes are ADA-visitable and we work with homeowners to add any additional modifications needed. Our Critical Home Repair program projects often include accessibility modifications such as installing grab bars, walk-in showers, and ramps. We also adjust program requirements based on the needs of the Homebuyer. Habitat EJC participates in programs with Habitat for Humanity International and Habitat for Humanity of Washington that support closing the Black homeownership gap. Habitat EJC staff members have received training, and we continue to incorporate changes into our organization. Usawa Consultants LLC and Holistic Resistance have provided training and consultation to help us continue to improve our ability to serve historically underserved populations. 4. Specify the measures of success by which the project or program will be assessed. (2 points) Measures for program assessment: • Homebuyer is certified at or below 60% AMI • A no-interest lien is placed against the home upon completion • No payments are collected for 20 years, or until the home is sold • After 20 years, the note is forgiven in full if the original owner continues to occupy the home • Homebuyer completes the required sweat equity, modified as necessary for age and disability. 5. How would the project contribute to positive movement in Commerce’s Homeless System Performance Measures, including total project entries, length of time homeless, exits to permanent housing, returns to homelessness, and system prioritization? (2 points) Repairing critical systems keeps residents safely at home and extends the life of the structure by at least five years. It prevents homelessness and displacement without constructing additional housing. Investment in the current stock of housing makes sense. 6. For operations programs, how does the proposed project or program demonstrate the following priorities: Preservation of existing services and/or providing services to underserved populations and/or populations not served in the same way elsewhere? (2 Points Operations funding only) N/A 7. For capital development projects, how does the proposed project demonstrate “serving the greatest need” as identified in Appendix D, Prioritization Criteria of Homeless Housing Capital Projects, in the 2025-2030 Jefferson County Homeless & Affordable Housing Services Plan. The list of populations shown as serving the greatest need is not prioritized. (1 point Capital Project funding only) The Critical Home Repair project demonstrates serving the greatest need by providing Critical Repairs for Older and Disabled Homeowners as noted in Appendix D. 8. For capital development projects, how many new units will be brought online? How many existing units will be preserved? (1 point Capital Project funding only) The funds would be used for critical repairs on existing homes. Critical repairs are defined as needed to extend the life of the home by at least five years. We would anticipate extending the life and livability of 10-15 homes through this funding. This program is funded by grants and donations on a year-to-year basis, which we have found to be a sustainable approach. Section 4: Budget (10 Points) 4.1 FINANCIAL READINESS (2 points) 1. Is the Project or Program ready to use the funding now or are there actions to be taken before the Project or Program can begin? If so, what are those actions? Yes. No additional actions are needed. 2. What other funds, donors, or community support are involved with the project? Identify other sources of funds that would be leveraged with the requested funds and/or how these funds will be used to leverage other funds. We are currently fundraising for this program and have some regular generous donors who help fund this program, as well as funds granted through the Give Jefferson campaign. We have been able to use this County grant to leverage private philanthropy in the past and expect to be able to do so again. 3. Will the requested funds, including funds from other sources, fully fund the Project or Program? If not, how does the organization intend to fill the gap? For fiscal year 2027, which began on July 1, 2026, $153,000 has been budgeted for critical repairs. Because the requested grant spans Habitat’s Fiscal Year 2027/2028, we cannot say if the requested funds would fully fund the program for all of 2027. However, we anticipate that we will be able to fill any gaps that remain. 4. Describe your staffing plan for this project including how many people will be assigned to do this work and their availability? Will this project require new hires? Habitat EJC’s Critical Repair Program has become significantly more robust over the past year. Construction Manager Mark Fritts collaborates with Homeowner Services Manager Leanne Smith to identify and evaluate repair projects, define scope of work and create project timelines. In Spring 2026, we also hired a part-time Repair Specialist. No new hires will be required. 4.2 FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY (2 points) 1. For capital development projects, how are the requested funds matched by operating funds going forward? Specify the degree of matching support. Not applicable 2. Briefly describe your plan for financial sustainability of the Project or Program. We have received $53,000 in private donations to date for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. Since we can easily scale the number of repairs, and the demand is high, we will likely continue to solicit private donations and apply for grants, using this Affordable Housing Fund grant as leverage to increase our capacity. 4.3 SCALABILITY (Non-scoring question) 1. Is the Project or Program scalable if all funding requested is not recurred? How would the Project or Program be impacted? We can easily scale the number of repairs and the demand is high. If all funding requested is not received, we will continue to solicit private donations and apply for grants, using any Affordable Housing Fund grant as leverage to increase our capacity. 4.4 REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (2 points) Please attach the following items along with your RFP Application submission. Applications without these documents may be deemed incomplete. 1. Please attach a current operating budget for the organization requesting the funding. 2. Also, if your organization is an HMIS participant, please attach a copy of your 2026 Annual Expenditures Report to Commerce. 4.5 CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET (4 Points Capital Project funding only) 1. Budget Capital Budget for Real Estate Development Uses Financing Categories Estimate Basis of Estimate Total Acquisition Costs $ Construction $145,000 Direct Repair Costs Construction Fees $ Financing Fees and Charges $ Guarantees and Reserves $ Developers Fee $8,000 Program Delivery $ Subtotal $ TOTAL $153,000 2. Funding Sources Financing Categories Estimate Indicate if Committed or Application has been made. If not made indicate date application is to be submitted Private Loan $ Jefferson County Funds $100,000 Grant Application Public Sources (State or Federal Funds) $ Foundations $ Donations $53,000 Received Low Income Housing Tax Credits (indicate 9% or 4%) $ Historic Tax Credits $ New Market Tax Credits $ Gap (if any) $ TOTAL $153,000 3. Narrative: Please include any budget narrative that is descriptive or helpful to explain any part of your proposed expenditures in your capital budget(s). Uses: Construction $145,000: Based on a minimum of 10 projects (homes) at an average of $14,500/project, which includes direct contractor costs and time from the construction manager in scoping, contracting, and managing projects. $8,000 for program delivery, including evaluation and project management. Sources: Private contributions $53,000: These funds have been received and will be matched with the $100,000 request of the Jefferson County Housing Fund Board. Accrual Basis Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County SRE Budget to Actual July 2026 through June 2027 Annual Budget Income 4000 · Grants 3,188,912 4100 · Contributions 910,400 4170 · Sponsorships 860,000 4600 · Mason Street Sponsorship 4,500,000 4300 · Furniture & More Store 425,140 4400 · Contributions in Kind 500,140 4500 · Home Sales 2,562,300 4800 · Mortgage Discount Amort 25,000 4900 · Other Income 141,762 Total Income 13,113,654 Cost of Goods Sold 5000 · Direct Construction Costs 3,400,000 5050 · Direct Repair Costs 153,000 5250 · Discount, Other 1,000 5255 · Store Coupons Redeemed 0 5300 · Cost of Store Sales 425,140 Total COGS 3,979,140 Gross Profit 9,134,514 Expense 6000 Payroll Expenses 1,543,644 6100 Payroll Taxes & Benefits 474,777 6200 Professional Fees 296,940 6300 Supplies/Equipment 32,800 6400 Telephone 19,500 6450 Information Technology 117,070 6500 Postage & Shipping 7,200 6600 Facilities 85,515 6700 Equipment Rental & Maint 3,600 6800 · Communications (Print & Pub)102,770 6900 Travel & Vehicle 26,820 7000 Conf, Conv & Mtgs 70,820 7100 Volunteers 49,730 7200 Dues, Fees, Licenses, Perm 121,140 7300 Taxes 19,800 7350 Interest 215,308 7400 Homeowner Services 36,300 7500 Tithes 90,000 7600 Insurance 58,600 Accrual Basis Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County SRE Budget to Actual July 2026 through June 2027 Annual Budget 7700 Community & Public Rel 38,175 8000 Depreciation 40,000 7900 · NMTC23 Expenses 39,600 Total Expense 3,490,109 Net Income 5,644,405