Board hears HOME AAP and staff recommendation to fund Habitat repair and rapid rehousing

Housing Director Blake Rosser presented the Draft 2026–27 HOME Investment Partnership Annual Action Plan to the Orange County Board of Commissioners during a public hearing on April 7, 2026. Staff reported an earlier-than-expected HUD award of $381,000 and recommended distributing funds to local providers as follows: $180,000 to Habitat for Humanity (repair and rehabilitation, including the required 15% CHDO set‑aside) and $256,239 to the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) for tenant‑based rental assistance through its rapid rehousing program.

Rosser said staff used a placeholder figure of $375,000 in initial planning, then received an actual award of $381,000 allowing earlier submission after final approval. The Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative recommended the allocations following a January request for proposals that produced two eligible applications.

Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford asked why only Habitat applied for repair funding; Rosser said the Home Preservation Coalition serves a coordinating role and may not be a direct repair provider, and he suggested federal documentation requirements can be a barrier for smaller providers. Bedford also asked whether repair providers were at capacity; Rosser said Habitat was expanding its repair programs and the coalition would help coordinate.

No members of the public signed up to speak. The public comment period remains open through April 23, 2026, and staff will present the final AAP to the LGAHC and the Board for approval once HUD confirms allocation details.