2.1 Overview Monroe County seeks proposals from non-profits to administer Homeownership Assistance Program(s) (HAP) that will serve income-qualified first-time homebuyers throughout Monroe County. The ideal Respondent will already have a history of successfully administering a HAP, preferably under HUD HOME regulations. The Respondent will leverage its connections within the community to connect potential applicants for the proposed program. The Respondent may also use these funds to bridge funding gaps in its existing housing program, excluding locallyadministered HOME programs, provided the funds are used in accordance with HOME. Selected respondents must agree to using provided software platform for data collection and reporting. The successful Respondent must complete the following general steps after the County has awarded a grant: • Develop a Homeownership Assistance Program serving income-qualified first-time homebuyers throughout Monroe County, including creating relevant positions and/or designating personnel, technology and supplies necessary for the successful implementation of the program; • Provide pre- and post- purchase counseling to potential homebuyers by a HUD-certified counselor; and • Administer the HAP in accordance with existing HUD HOME regulations (described, in part in the “Detailed Scope of Work.”) 2.3 Detailed Scope of Work Task 1: The Respondent must describe their marketing strategy to ensure disproportionately-impacted populations and populations typically underserved by traditional housing programs are reached, and the communication modes which will be used to solicit applicants for the Homeownership Assistance Program. Deliverable: Information regarding Respondent’s HAP must be provided throughout Monroe County through in-person and online outreach. Applications for funding must be made available online, by request in person or by phone. Culturally relevant services with meaningful language access must be provided. Task 2: Receive and process applications for the HAP, collect supporting documents, and income-qualify prospective homebuyers in accordance with HOME. 1. Establish a single point of contact within the HAP to see prospective homebuyers through the entire process. Prospective homebuyers must be approved on first-come, first-completed, first-served basis; 2. Ensure each prospective homebuyer has gone through required steps such as pre-purchase counseling, post-closing education, budget counseling, credit restoration guidance, financial coaching, etc. as related; 3. Verify that applicants’ household income does not exceed 80% of the HUD Area Median Income (AMI); 4. All applications for funding must meet underwriting standards to ensure good use of funds; 5. All homes must meet HUD National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) and environmental review; and 6. Maintain accurate records which differentiate and quantify funding sources other than this grant. The Respondent must describe their prospective homebuyer engagement process, process for determining eligible homebuyer, and their process for documenting eligibility for the proposed HAP including: 1. Property must be located within Monroe County; 2. Property must not exceed HUD value limitations; and 3. Property must be occupied by the applicant as their primary residence for 5-15 years based on value limit of HOME investment and secured with a Note & Mortgage or similar instrument. Deliverable: Prospective homebuyers will be financially approved or not approved for assistance through the program. Task 3: The Respondent must provide an NSPIRE home inspection of the property, complete an Environmental Review, and Lead-based paint inspection prior to closing to ensure compliance with HOME. Deliverable: Housing acquired for homeownership through the proposed HAP must be decent, safe, sanitary, and in good repair, per HOME. Included in these requirements, including but not limited to the following standards, described in greater detail at 24 CFR 92.251(c): 8 • All major systems are in good condition to include but not limited to: structural support; roofing; cladding and weatherproofing; plumbing; electrical; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; • Any repairs identified in the inspection must be corrected; • Lead-based paint has been addressed; and • Is acceptable to the local zoning ordinances, which may differ from municipality to municipality
