07-08-2013 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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1) Energy Programs—Energy assistance programs,including payments to energy supplier, • education in energy efficiency and safety,advocate between energy suppliers and human services, crisis help for disconnections or fuel deliveries,and emergency heating system repair or replacement;Reach of for Warmth program and Weatherization Program. 2) Self Sufficiency/Counseling Services—Includes Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota, Family Self-Sufficiency,Food Support Program,Financial Fitness Program,Displaced Homemaker(Wings),Soar(SSI and SSDI outreach,access and recovery, and free tax clinics. 3) Housing Programs—Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP),Renting 101,Home Repair Loan Program, and lead testing services. 4) Home Ownership Program—FAIM program (savings program for low-income working adults to save for higher education,home purchase or start a small business),homes for sale,MURL (homes sold at no profit,contract for deed with no interest). 5) Transportation—assistance with public transportation (not available in Sherburne County). Mr.Roberts noted that Tri-Cap weatherizes approximately 150 home per year. They also received funding through the State of MN and utility providers,including Stearns Electric,CenterPoint Energy,Elk River Municipal Utilities,etc. They provide energy audits (income qualified) to determine where energy losses are, finding the best way to reduce energy loss,health/safety issues, furnace and water heater repair/replacement, carbon monoxide detectors, testing of furnaces. He noted that the program requires SIR(Savings in Investment Return). Mr.Roberts discussed the homeownership program,which assists buyers that may not qualify for traditional loans in purchasing homes. He stated they provide lead testing services by two licensed lead risk assessment assessors on staff. Mr.Roberts stated that Tri-Cap is very good at administering programs/projects and they can do all in-house. . Mr.Roberts explained that Tri-Cap doesn't ask for up-front fee for grant applications. He stated they are willing to put together a grant application for no cost,if the HRA will allow them to administer it. He noted that Tri-Cap is a non-profit and fees will be for covering their costs only. He stated they are more interested in meeting their mission. Mr.Roberts stated that Tri-Cap has their own funds from their activities and has built up a reserve. He explained that the administrative fee is generally built into the proposal the city would submit to the funder. Commissioner Toth asked if there is formula for their fee to administer a program. Mr. Roberts explained that generally for Small Cities funding, the administrative fee would be 15 percent. He stated that leverage funds could include Tri-cap weatherization services. Applicants for the Small Cities funding would apply for energy assistance as part of their application,and if an applicant was income-qualified,Tri-cap could contribute weatherization services. He noted that qualifying homes cannot have had weatherization done since 1994. They would also encourage applicants to apply for lead testing services. Commissioner Toth asked if the properties can be rental as well as owner-occupied. Mr.Roberts stated that Tri-Cap works with Small Cities on owner occupied/rental and commercial properties. Mr.Roberts explained details of the MFHP Home Repair Program. If a home-owner qualifies,an inspection is done to determine deficiencies,including lead and radon testing, and they can loan up to$27,000 to correct inefficiencies. The applicant signs a 15-year note/mortgage, and as long as they • live in home 15 years (stick built homes only),the loan is forgiven at the end of 15 years. This could