RESOURCES MADE AVAILABLE

The table entitled Table 1 - Resources Made Available represents a summary of the resources utilized by the City of St. Louis and other organizations during FY 1996. As in previous Annual Performance Reports, this report presents those funds that were made available during the past fiscal year and does not address the differences between planned and actual expenditures. This occurs for many reasons. First, the multiplicity of funding cycles for the numerous levels of government and potential funding sources complicates the reporting of actual expenditures. Some funding awards may occur later in the fiscal year for a variety of administrative and legislative reasons thereby constraining the actual expending of available funds within the reporting period. Also each level of government has a different fiscal year that creates overlaps and complications to reporting. Second, many projects and planned expenditures are based on funding awards that are made on a competitive basis, such as the Section 202 Elderly Program and the Section 811 for the Physically Challenged. Others, such as the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and the HOME Investment Partnership Program, are awarded on a formula basis. Locally, legislative procedures and processes can also affect funding levels and plans for expenditures. The timing of awards by HUD that are affected by the federal appropriation and spending authorization process also play a significant role in determining the level of funding during any fiscal year. Collectively, these factors make discussion of actual versus planned funding awards largely beyond the scope of this report.

During FY 1996 funding for housing and housing-related activity totaled $258,562,881, a net increase of 3.5% over the previous fiscal year. This increase of $8,797,234 was largely attributed to a 5.9% ($5,930,349) increase in funds for public assisted housing, a $5,028,200 in special needs funding and a 16.2% ($5,115,550) net increase in general housing production and assistance. Homeless Services funding suffered a 43.4% decrease as many grants from the previous year were one-time awards or grants awarded on a competitive basis did not find their way to the City of St. Louis. Increases in general housing assistance was due to an $8.7 million increase in funding for the MHDC's First-Time Home Buyers Program and a $3.2 million increase in CDBG allocations for housing. Special Needs funding increased due to the award of a $4.9 million for a Section 202 elderly housing project while increases in Public Assisted Housing funding was attributed to a $2.4 million increase in the Section 8 program and $3.5 million in the Low Rent Program.

Table 1 - Indicates that approximately $258.5 million was devoted to housing and housing-related activities within the City of St. Louis. These funds came from the federal, state and local levels of government, as well as from private, nonprofit and philanthropic sources. Their uses span a wide spectrum: publicly subsidized housing, homeless services and prevention, housing rehabilitation and production, homeowner assistance and specialized housing for those with disabilities and other unique conditions. Each of the programs and awards has its own set of circumstances. Individuals with questions or comments about specific funding amounts are encouraged to contact the Community Development Agency or refer to Administrative Agency noted on Table 1.

HOUSING

The Consolidated Plan presents analysis and recommendations for housing in terms of six categories - Rental, Home Ownership, Public Housing, Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Homeless Services and Housing for Persons with AIDS. Each is summarized below along with a brief description of progress that occurred during the year.

Rental Housing. A number of projects were assisted using the standard support mechanisms during 1996. As always, housing analysts at CDA and Operation Impact worked closely with non-profit and for-profit developers, local aldermen, and neighborhood organizations. During the year CDBG and HOME funded 14 rental rehabilitation projects (244 units) were completed. An additional 8 rental units were newly constructed using CDBG and HOME funds.

The education of landlords received priority in order to promote crime free/drug free housing throughout city neighborhoods. The City's Neighborhood Stabilization Team continued a program to encourage the formation of Landlord Associations, with emphasis on the adoption of professional tenant screening and management techniques.

The City continued during the year to cooperate with the Regional Housing Alliance in order to promote more low and moderate income housing. Several projects took advantage of RHA's pre-development loan program. Staff participated in the monthly lenders luncheon forum that brings together members of the financial, non-profit and regulatory community. The goal is to increase overall understanding of programs, resources and needs, and to encourage collaboration on specific projects.

The role of Low Income Housing Tax Credits remained of central importance to the development of rental housing during 1996. The Missouri Housing Development Commission was able to assist 9 projects, totaling 332 units during the year.

Table 2 lists those projects that received Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the federal and state government during 1996.

Homeownership. Promoting homeownership remained a priority during 1996, just as it was for the Administration at the national level. Housing production activity supported by CDA resulted in the rehabilitation of 121 for sale units and the construction of 44 new units.

In an effort to encourage overall interest in the City of St. Louis residential market, and homeownership by those who might otherwise not have the necessary resources, forgivable loans in the amount of $2000 were made to individuals with a contract to purchase a home in the city, and a willingness to stay in that home for a five year period. Approximately 1.5 million was awarded to 730 households in two rounds - February to May and June to September. Gaming monies were used for this purpose.

The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) office worked hard during the year to train and certify participating financial institutions. The intent remains that of expediting the process by which Fannie Mae purchases first mortgages to lower income buyers, thereby increasing liquidity in the city's home financing market. CDA contributed to the program by helping 39 households during the year with two percent down payment assistance and selected closing costs (for single family buyers), and principal reductions (for buyers of 2 - 4 family buildings).

The "Cops on the Block" program continued during the year as one of the primary incentives to encourage police to purchase a home in selected city neighborhoods. Additional funds were made available to support up to $5000 awards in twenty three target neighborhoods, or $2000 in non-target neighborhoods. Those who qualified as low-moderate income buyers could also obtain an MHDC low interest loans. There were 71 participants in the program during 1996.

Operation Impact continued its development activity with neighborhood housing corporations and developers, working in close coordination with CDA staff. During the year all of the 21 properties that were acquired and renovated under the 1992 HOPE 3 program were sold to first time home buyers. That left 30 properties to be developed and sold under 1993 and 1995 HOPE 3 awards. The HOPE 3 program is challenging for many reasons - it can be difficult to find HUD, VA or LRA owned property that is in reasonable shape and that can be acquired and rehabilitated within the HOPE 3 budget limits. Similarly, once a dwelling has been rehabilitated, it can be time consuming to identify a qualifying household (income less than 80 percent of the median household income) that meets a bank's credit standards. During 1996, a computer based multimedia educational system was finished that is designed to help interested individuals better understand what it takes to be a homeowner.

Other homebuyer's assistance programs included the down payment assistance programs run by ACORN and by the St. Louis Reinvestment Corporation (SLRC), working in concert with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board in Des Moines, Iowa. ACORN and SLRC produced 29 and 52 loans during the year, respectively. Each encountered organizational challenges that limited productivity. The Catholic Commission on Housing also assisted 35 low income home buyers. More details concerning each of these programs is included in the 1996 Action Plan Accomplishments section later in this report.

Some housing assistance projects encountered difficulties during the year. The reasons were varied, sometimes having to do with cash flow, capitalization or limited experience on the part of the developer, and other times having to do with the complexity of the development project. Efforts were made to streamline the City's design review responsibilities using a team approach, to process legal documents faster with a dedicated attorney, and to refine the basic application process. Frustrations on the part of those who want to move quickly is, in some respects, almost inevitable, given cost control procedures associated with the use of federal monies, and the City's concern that new and renovated housing be safe, sustainable, aesthetically acceptable and otherwise in compliance with local, state and federal laws.

Home Repair. Collectively there were almost 600 home repair loans made during 1996. The Community Development Agency administered two programs - the Targeted Assistance Program (361 CDBG and HOME funded loans in 24 wards averaging $6900) and the 50-50 Home Repair (46 loans up to $5000 each, depending upon the match). The later program did not involve federal funds. The Neighborhood Housing Services administered two programs - Strategic Home Repair (32 loans) and Code Enforcement Revolving Loan (72 loans). Other programs included those run by the Urban League (57 loans), Carondelet Community Betterment Federation (7 forgivable loans and 88 minor repair assistance), the West End Community Conference (13 forgivable loans) and Senior Home Security (847 minor home repairs and related services). These programs are described in greater detail in the 1996 Action Plan Accomplishments at the end of this report.

Other housing activity during the year included redefinition of standard procedures for determining income and training in the use of such procedures; initiation of the Mercy Seat Section 202 project; exploratory discussions with HUD concerning ways by which FHA loan limits might be adjusted; training and technical assistance provided by the National Development Council; and participation on HUD's homeownership task force and the Federal Reserve's Mortgage Credit Partnership.

HOME Investment Partnership. St. Louis uses HOME funds in both its housing production and its homeowner repair programs. During 1996, on-site inspections were conducted for 45 rental units that were assisted with HOME funds. Occupancy permits were issued in all cases. These and other HOME assisted units were publicized using the affirmative marketing practices that apply to all HUD supported housing programs that are administered by the Community Development Agency. Program income in the amount of $72,094 was received and applied towards administrative costs.

In 1996 there were a total of 144 HOME funded affordable housing projects. Twenty six families become homeowners through the Fannie Mae homeowner assistance program: 81 low income owner occupied homes were repaired at an average cost of $5,621 per dwelling unit; three dwellings were selected for rehabilitation and sale; and nine dwellings began construction. Two hundred and fifty five rental units were started during 1996, at an average cost in subsidy of $34,322 per unit.

PUBLIC HOUSING

Meeting the needs for improved public housing is one of the primary goals of the City of St. Louis. On-going efforts are underway to construct new affordable housing and to modernize or rehabilitate public housing complexes that have been plagued by time, neglect and a lack of needed resources.

The St. Louis Housing Authority is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and is governed by a seven (7) member Board of Commissioners (five are appointed by the Mayor and two are elected by the residents of public housing). The Authority operates two major programs: Public Housing and the Section 8 Housing Assistance Program.

Public housing in the City of St. Louis currently consists of 6,152 apartments of which, 3,725 are family units and 2,427 are elderly apartments. These apartments are located in 45 development sites which include 28 family development complexes and 17 elderly buildings. There are approximately 1,700 units under renovation or scheduled for renovation.

At the end of 1996 there were 8,495 public housing residents. Of this total 8,100 residents are African American or approximately 97%. There are approximately 170 white residents which, with those listed as others, make up the remaining 3% of the total public housing population.

Residents include 3,710 children (ages 0 to 17) representing 43% of the total population. There are 3,301 adults (ages 18 to 61) representing 38% and 1,484 elderly persons (ages 62 and older) which represent 17% of the public housing population. As a result of the on-going modernization program, within the next three (3) years, it is estimated that the overall population will increase by 1,600 additional families, as new and renovated units become available.

A large number of applicants on the waiting list for family units, coupled with a large number of families moving in and out of public housing each year, requires the Authority to renovate and lease more than 1,100 apartments annually. Three Resident Management Corporations currently have management contracts to manage their individual developments. They are Carr Square Tenant Management Corporation, Cochran Gardens Tenant Management Corporation and the Blumeyer Village Tenant Association.

The Authority currently has a total allocation of 5,209 certificates, vouchers, Mod-Rehab, and project-based units under the Section 8 program. Of this allocation, 4,185 are leased. The difference in the number of allocations and the number of leased units takes into account those participants who have not selected an apartment. Another factor is the current federal regulation mandating that the Public Housing Authorities must delay reissuing a certificate or voucher for three months once a participant is terminated from the Section 8 program. This is a cost savings measure instituted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in March of 1996.

In FY 96, the St. Louis Housing Authority experienced a 4 percent cut in operating subsidy which resulted in a net loss of approximately $500,000 to the public housing budget. For FY 97, the Authority faced an 11 percent cut in operating subsidies which resulted in a net loss of 1.2 million in operating subsidy for public housing. In the past, public housing authorities received 100 percent subsidy for all vacant units. In October of 1996, HUD reduced the subsidy for vacant units by 80 percent.

In April of 1996, Congress enacted a new law, Section 202 of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act, which mandates that all public housing agencies must identify their distressed public housing developments. In August of 1996, the Authority was charged with developing a plan to address how it would deal with the continued operation of large, obsolete public housing developments. The Authority was instructed to perform a viability study for asset management on all properties, as well as a cost analysis to determine if it is more cost-effective to provide Section 8 vouchers to existing public housing residents, instead of doing extensive rehabilitation to deteriorated buildings.

The Authority has also been faced with the dilemma of having very few applications for elderly housing. There is an abundance of elderly housing in the St. Louis area and many of the elderly have chosen to lease private market units (many of which are subsidized) that offer more desirable amenities such as central air conditioning, garbage disposal and dishwashers.

• Establishment of $25 minimum rents
• Establishment of ceiling rents (in an effort to attract and maintain higher-income residents)
• Suspension of federal preferences
• Suspension of one-for-one replacement in the demolition of public housing units
• Greater latitude and flexibility in the utilization of Modernization funds
• Assistance for mixed income development.
• Legislative changes affecting the Section 8 program include:
• Establishment of $25 minimum rents
• Delay of reissuances of turnover certificates and vouchers for at least 3 months
• Suspension of federal preferences

In the face of this changing environment the Authority continues working toward improving its operations. In addition to redevelopment efforts taking place around the city, the Authority directed attention to many of the basic necessities, such as landscaping, site lighting, exterior fencing and energy efficient systems.

The following recommendations are designed to continue the pattern of upgrading all aspects of the public housing and assisted housing community.

A) Provide additional rental vouchers and rental certificates.

The demand for Section 8 assistance remains high and in the face of massive funding cuts, welfare reform and program changes from Congress, program administrators must direct program activities while managing the available dollars to ensure future solvency.

B) Continuation of the Drug Elimination Grant Programs.

These fund assist the Authority in implementing drug prevention and treatment programs. They also help fund needed security activities and equipment used to ensure the safety of the residents of public housing.

C) Obtain additional Comprehensive Modernization Grant funding for completion of required improvements throughout the developments.

The continued cuts in subsidy make the need for the Comprehensive Modernization funds even more apparent. There is a continuing need to maintain the housing stock through elevator upgrades, lead based paint abatement, exterior and interior lighting upgrades and related activities.

D) Provide funding for additional maintenance personnel to reduce the turn-around or unit renovation time.

Reducing the unit turn-around time will enable the Authority to respond more readily to the needs of its current residents as well as applicants in need of housing.

E) Continued support for security activities and services

Improvements are being made to the security services provided to the residents of public housing. The installation of better and more effective security cameras, hiring of additional security officers, security training programs for residents and key cards for lobby entrances are a few of the activities that are being planned and implemented by the agency.

In FY 96 the St. Louis Housing Authority received $16,564,261 in Comprehensive Grant funds. Of that award, $1,209,129 was allocated for management improvement efforts that will address overall security and maintenance deficiencies that exist throughout the SLHA developments.

The actual dollars associated with the physical improvements in the FY Ô96 budget allocation is $15,355,132. These funds will be used for unit modernization and renovation, architectural/engineering design services, dwelling and non-dwelling equipment and relocation activities.

The projects undertaken with this grant are as follows:

Clinton Peabody. This project is in the final phase of the four phase modernization effort. It will involve the total renovation of the remaining 177 units in this modernization program.

Cochran Gardens/Plaza/Towers. A variety of improvements throughout the Cochran development have been planned under this fiscal year's allocation of modernization funds. Improvements are planned for the exterior and interior of the various buildings. The renovations will be for dwelling units, as well as the common areas, including the elevators.

Euclid Plaza Elderly. This elderly building originally consisted of 140 apartments. It will be reconfigured to 108 units to allow for two bedroom apartments. Units for residents with mobility, hearing & visual impairments are being included in the proposed renovation. The project is currently in the environmental hazard abatement and demolition stages. The exterior of this facility will also be undergoing renovations.

LaSalle Park. This is a phased renovation of all 148 townhouses in the LaSalle Park development. Improvements are being made to the interiors of all the units, as well as to the exterior of the buildings with the exception of the roofs, which were previously replaced. This project is currently in the interior demolition stage.

Blumeyer Elderly. Both Blumeyer Elderly buildings are undergoing major renovations. A previous initiative renovated 219 apartments within these buildings. The remaining 369 apartments which were not previously funded for renovation will be renovated beginning in the spring of 1997. The common areas as well as the exterior will be addressed.

James House. This initiative includes the upgrading of plumbing and electrical systems, as well as converting efficiencies into one bedroom apartments. As with Euclid Elderly, the reconfiguration is being undertaken in order to create more marketable units. There will also be extensive work to bring the apartments and common areas into compliance with federal regulations under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This project is currently in the design development phase.

Kingsbury. This endeavor will include upgrading approximately 147 apartments. The interior of the apartments, as well as some common areas throughout the building will be addressed. This project in the design phase.

Vaughn Demonstration Program. Phase I of this project consists of building 160 new units at the site of the old Vaughn Family Apartments. Phase I is approximately 70% complete. There will be 93 public housing units in this phase, the project has a tentative completion date of November 1997.

Darst-Webbe. The HOPE VI Urban Revitalization Demonstration Program is designated for the redevelopment of the Darst-Webbe Apartments. The apartments consist of 758 units on approximately 27 acres of land, located just south of downtown St. Louis. These family apartments consist of one six-story building; four nine-story buildings and one twelve-story building.

The goal of this program is to transform the property into a mixed income community of townhouses and garden apartments that blends public housing and market rate units. The average density would be reduced from the present 37 units per acre to less than half of that number. The units will uniformly contain all the amenities of standard market rate apartments including garbage disposals, washer and dryers, wall to wall carpeting, central air conditioning, cable hookup and security alarm systems.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been executed between the St. Louis Housing Authority and the three Darst-Webbe tenant associations forming a Joint Advisory Committee to oversee the project.

PHA-Wide. An elevator upgrade project is being undertaken throughout the Authority. The process will begin with the testing of all of the elevators to find the deficiencies. After the deficiencies have been identified, a scope of work will be written to repair the work items listed. This project is currently in the testing phase.

On October 1, 1996 the St. Louis Housing Authority reorganized and renamed its Community and Supportive Services Department to the Office of Self Sufficiency (OSS) and Resident Assistance. This emphasized a significant change in the mission. The office was moved to a larger temporary facility at 1900 South 3rd Street.

A key element of this department's restructuring has been the leveraging of other program funds. The SLHA uses several other grant funds, along with the HOPE VI funds, to maximize the Self-Sufficiency Program.

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program is funded 95% by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Its programs are similar to other ABE programs with different approaches to teaching. One of the programs focuses on high risk young adults ages, 16-24. These classes are augmented with life skills workshops such as:

• Social Skills
• Substance Abuse
• Career Opportunities
• Resume Preparation
• Employment Preparation
• Hygiene/Nutrition
• Sex/Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Another ABE program operates directly from the Peabody Elementary School, which is located in the heart of the Darst-Webbe development. This program focuses on family literacy, which is the concept of early childhood education combined with adult education. Mothers attend classes on a daily basis with their children. Parenting skills training is a key component of the family literacy program. The OSS also operates a relocation assistance program for public housing residents which includes comprehensive case management services.

The Authority is currently implementing several initiatives in the Darst-Webbe Community designed to promote economic development and resident employment. The Training Incentive Program (TIP) is one such program. The TIP provides residents with the opportunity to attend adult basic education classes during the morning hours and then go to work in the afternoon. Training areas include:

• Painting
• Groundskeeping/Landscaping
• Custodial

The Authority is also implementing several other training and pre-apprenticeship programs similar to the ones listed above.

Micro-Business - The Micro-Business Program initiative focuses on residents who are interested in starting their own small business enterprise. Residents receive training in business planning, marketing, and forecasting.

Section 3 - In recognition of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, the St. Louis Housing Authority has established a comprehensive Section 3 Program providing jobs, training and economic opportunities to residents of public housing. The Authority is conducting a demonstration project by contracting out its Section 3 Resident Employment Program to private businesses. This effort is designed to promote better Section 3 job creation, training, and business opportunities for residents. This demonstration intends to take Section 3 beyond the traditional approach by adding private sector concepts, procedures and ideas. The Authority has contracted with consultants to further develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate the Section 3 program in order to better prepare and assist the residents of public housing. The Authority has an agreement with the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (S.L.A.T.E.) to assess the skills and qualifications of Section 3 residents to determine job readiness, and make referrals for further training when necessary.

Public Housing Resident Initiatives - One of the many goals of the St. Louis Housing Authority is to ensure that resident initiatives are in place and are being carried out in all of our developments. The Authority has implemented programs and training in the areas of Economic Development, Drug Prevention and Control, Homeownership Programs, Resident Management, Youth Programs and Child Care. These goals are being met through programs executed by the Office of Self Sufficiency (OSS).

Resident participation is encouraged through the City-wide Tenant Affairs Boards (T.A.B.), individual tenant associations and resident management corporations. These groups promote community stability and facilitate actions for desirable living conditions of public housing. There are three (3) Resident Management Corporations (RMC) that are currently managing public housing developments. Authority staff provides professional and technical assistance to these tenant organizations.

Section 8 Resident Initiatives - The St. Louis Housing Authority implemented the Family Self Sufficiency Program for Section 8 participants in June of 1993. This program encourages participants to pursue job training, educational opportunities and/or employment with the ultimate goal of achieving economic independence and self sufficiency. After the participants complete a five year contractual period in the program, they should be ready to leave the Section 8 program. To date, three (3) families have successfully completed the requirements of the program ahead of schedule and no longer require Section 8 assistance.

The Public Housing Authority receives financial support from HUD on both an entitlement and competitive basis. The Comprehensive Grant, the Demonstration Program, the Urban Revitalization Program, Section 8 vouchers and certificates and basic operational support are all important elements.

HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The 1994 Consolidated Plan examined the challenges of linking disabled persons with appropriate and affordable housing units. The fair housing impediment study also cited a gap in services in linking persons with specific needs for adaptive environments with landlords or complexes having available units that are both adequate and affordable. To that end a concept was developed for a clearinghouse of accessible, affordable living units.

The concept is to identify a not-for-profit agency with the ability and the interest to design and operate a referral service. An inventory will be created of units that meet various accessibility guidelines. The location and associated characteristics of each unit will be stored in a database that can be searched by criteria such as size, location, price, and accessibility features. Further, the clearing house staff will be expected to pro-actively reach out to the developer and landlord community, and to inspect dwellings to insure that they meet the advertised characteristics.

The clearinghouse will process requests for housing, promote its services, maintain its database and establish a tracking system capable of measuring the success of the program. This database will be available over the internet as well as the regular report format. The not-for-profit organization to run this service will be selected on the basis of a competitive bid process. To date the clearinghouse planning is complete and the Request For Proposals is anticipated later this Spring.

Supportive Housing grants received in 1995 and 1996 will each expand the extent and quality of housing options for those with disabilities (see Homeless Services Section). The Shelter+Care grant, along with the ACCESS grant and Target Cities Program, have enabled more mental health services consumers and those with special needs due to substance abuse to become housed.

During 1996, the Community Development Agency continued to review proposed housing developments for compliance with the Section 504 provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. At least five percent of projects (minimum of one) involving more than 12 new construction units and 15 substantial rehabilitation units must be accessible to mobility impaired individuals and two percent for visually and hearing impaired individuals. This provision was not triggered often given the number of small scale housing projects that occur in the city. Some developers were pleased to provide accessibility features, recognizing that in general the costs of compliance tend to be higher for rehabilitation projects than those involving new construction.

HOMELESS SERVICES

During 1996 the challenge of serving the homeless remained intense but great strides were made as well. The Continuum of Care addressed a variety of difficult problems and issues:

• Using a services and systems integration model to meet the short term needs for emergency shelter, crisis intervention, mediation and more, especially for those who are mentally ill and/or addicted to alcohol and controlled substance.
• Engaging in prevention services and activities that keep individuals and families from becoming homeless and/or keeping their homes once they've acquired housing.
• Seeking to achieve more resources, coordination and effective operations from the many institutions that provide help.

While progress has been made on recommendations of the five year plan, that by no means has stemmed the tide of incoming individuals and families entering homelessness for the first time.

Skills Training for Men - The FY '96 Supportive Housing Grant is, in part, going towards support of employment readiness programs offered by St. Patrick Center. Self discipline, self confidence, budgeting and a variety of related life skills are built into the program.

Additionally, in 1996, skills training for men increased as a result of funding to the Salvation Army Harbor Light Shelter for Men. Harbor Light staff provides peer counseling, job readiness, lectures and mock interviewing techniques in an effort to build self esteem to chronic shelter clients and prepare them for the job market.

Mobile Outreach - Funding during 1996 allowed the mobile outreach van that is operated by the Housing Resource Center to continue in the afternoon and evenings. This program offers counseling, food and clothing, referral services, and when possible, transportation to safe havens and sanctuaries for men, women and children living on the streets of the City of St. Louis. During 1996 the following occurred:

• New contacts to chronically homeless persons living on the streets. This number included 24 veterans.
• Provided transportation for 83 individuals to shelter and other social service or medical providers.
• Provided 1,107 follow-up contacts with people living on the streets.

ACCESS Program - The Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Support (ACCESS) program worked on partnerships to integrate federal, state, local and voluntary services to homeless people with mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse problems. This initiative is coordinated by the St. Louis Mental Health Center towards the goal of linking information systems, redesigning administrative procedures, educating the public and achieving significant policy and resource improvements. When the five year program is over, a "no-wrong-door" capability and attitude should be in place so that homeless individuals can access needed services without the traditional "run around". Additionally, by a consensus of representatives of the Department of Human Services - Homeless Services Division, ACCESS Project and service providers of the homeless community, the natural and beneficial place for the ACCESS system integration initiatives and accomplishments after the demonstration ends would be within the existing and organizational structure of the Homeless Services Network Board. The Department of Human Services - Homeless Services Division coordinates the "Continuum of Care" system of services and support to homeless and at-risk individuals through a unique community based process called the Homeless Services Network Board. This would make certain that systems integration efforts continue after the demonstration project ends. Moreover, additional support will be needed to ensure that services will be continued. DHS supports and believes in the effectiveness of the systems integration strategies toward the goal of effective service delivery and the reduction of service barriers for homeless people.

Educational Scholarship - The City's Federal Emergency Shelter Grant has enabled a scholarship program to be put in place in conjunction with the St. Louis Community College System for homeless persons. St. Louis Success is Next (SUN) scholarships allow for current emergency shelter and transitional housing residents to attend academic or vocational classes for up to one year and in some cases longer. A scholarship committee chaired by a representative of the Department of Human Services- Homeless services reviews each application.

Housing Resource Center - A critical element in the delivery of homeless services remains the central point of intake, assessment, prevention and referral activity that is provided by the Catholic Charities Housing Resource Center. During 1996, 3,843 new callers representing 12,013 individuals made use of the 24 hour Emergency Shelter Hotline. Intake interviews and assessments enabled potential clients to receive the most appropriate shelter, supportive and/or preventive services available.

The 1996 Federal Emergency Shelter Grant was allocated approximately as follows:

Facilities that received direct assistance: Almost Home (a), Crusade Against Crime - Child Assistance Program (a), Christian Service Center (a, c), Good Samaritan Center (c), Haven of Grace (a), Our Lady's Inn (a), Peter and Paul Community Services (a, c), Salvation Army Family Haven (a), Salvation Army Harbor Light (b, d), St. Martha's Hall (a), St. Patrick Center (a, d, e), St. Philippine Emergency Shelter (a), Women's Safe House (a), Shamrock Club (e), United Methodist Metro Ministry (a, b, c) and Redevelopment Opportunities for Women (d).

The categories of services provided by these institutions are designated by the following codes. Note that some facilities offer more than one type of service.

1. 24 Hour Shelter
2. Sanctuary
3. Transitional Housing
4. Skills Training
5. Day Program

Throughout the year, there was recognition that prevention activities are fundamental in keeping individuals and families from homelessness. Efforts must continue to assist families in learning basic life skills, counseling, educational assistance and job training. Efforts will be made to identify and secure both private and government funding to expand critical prevention services.

Continued efforts must be made to emphasize the following services which have been identified as critical components to a seamless system and Continuum of Care:

• Transitional Housing - experience has demonstrated that 8 out of 10 people that enter the shelter system, at one level or another, do so because of not having the skills to successfully maintain housing agreements on their own. Transitional housing gives the resident the opportunity to learn and practice those critical skills in an environment safe from actual threat of eviction, with the supervision and support of trainers and counselors.
• Sanctuaries - hard core street dwellers, those terminated from shelters for behavioral problems, those needing shelter during periods of severe cold or hot weather, or when all regular shelter beds are full, need a safe place to stay during the night that will be infrequent and temporary.
• Street Outreach - sometimes the first trusted relationship can lead to a willingness to enter a program of treatment and think about stabilizing ones life.
• Services - expand and explore new mechanisms for the delivery of intensive, integrated services and collaborations with other community resources.
• Education - provide educational opportunities for homeless and at-risk individuals

Support for homeless services come from a variety of sources that include government, non-profit and private sources. From government, homeless services are supported by federal, state and local funds. Stuart B. McKinney and other funds are administered through a wide range of federal agencies, including the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Energy, and Defense. State and local funds also support a range of activities including the Housing Resource Center, which serves as the central referral and data collection point for individuals and identifies a multitude of housing and homeless related crises. Non-profit support comes from organizations such as the United Way, Salvation Army, foundations and charitable trusts. Individual organizational fund raising contributes a significant amount of private donations.

HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS

The Five Year Consolidated Plan included recommendations for needed activities for the City of St. Louis and St. Clair County. Key recommendations were made in the area of housing clearinghouse services, emergency and transitional housing, housing subsidies and long-term rental assistance, development of residential programs, and development of joint supportive housing programs. Currently five major organizations provide housing services for persons' with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area: Doorways, BABAA (Blacks Assisting Blacks Against AIDS), Northside AIDS Outreach Project (Imanuel Lutheran), Peter and Paul Community Services, Inc., and St. Clair County Health Department.

• Expand housing clearinghouse services.

  Clearinghouse services have been expanded through increased outreach to shelters, information dissemination to religious and civic organizations, and encouragement of services coordinators to refer clients to Doorways for assistance in locating more affordable safe and secure housing. Doorways currently has a base of approximately 50 HIV/AIDS sensitive landlords. At any one time about 20-22 of these landlords have vacancies and are on the "active" list for referrals. Additionally, clients in transitional situations looking for permanent housing receive on-going personal assistance and encouragement from Doorways' staff in their housing search. The clearing house program is supervised by the Subsidy Manger and maintained by the Outreach Coordinator, whose position is funded from a separate source.

• Improve the emergency and transitional housing assistance program.

  Doorways' emergency assistance program is used to keep clients housed who are in immediate danger of becoming homeless. The program has been quite successful. As soon as a client is stabilized, efforts begin to insure that the client will remain in safe, secure housing, through the use of additional rental assistance if needed. In 1996, emergency funds totaling $75,595 were used to provide 287 units of housing services. HOPWA funds accounted for $62,082 of that assistance. In comparison, HOPWA funding of $19,000 was used during the same period in 1995. It is anticipated that more funds will be needed for this program in the future.

  The transitional housing assistance program has had an exceptionally positive effect on the lives of the clients helped so far. Immediate alleviation of housing stress for a client, and sustained assistance over several months, has been very beneficial to the clients' outlook on their situation. The result has been renewed self esteem and renewed efforts by most clients to improve their living situation by working with Doorways' staff to find adequate permanent housing.

  Despite shrinking federal support, outreach to identify individuals who have lost their homes, or who are at immediate risk of losing their homes, has been increased. Doorways has communicated directly with shelters and encouraged service coordinators to identify clients as their housing situation becomes marginal rather than waiting until there is a housing crisis before referring them to Doorways for assistance.

  In 1996, Peter and Paul Community Services started delivering emergency / transitional housing services to polydiagnosed individuals. Outreach to shelters was augmented by involvement with another AIDS Services Organizations'(ASO) education outreach to shelters, thereby increasing awareness in the homeless community of housing resources for persons with HIV/AIDS. Identified clients were referred to the transitional housing programs for assistance until entitlements or other forms of income were secured. In 1996, HOPWA funds in the amount of $121,179 were used to provide these services. A total of 21 clients were served.

  St. Clair County Health Department is the lead agency for Ryan White Title I and HOPWA funds distributed by the St. Louis EMA for comprehensive health and support services to Illinois residents infected with HIV/AIDS who reside in St. Clair, Madison, Monroe and Jersey Counties. In 1996, the department met with representatives of several community agencies to discuss sponsorship of transitional and long-term housing for clients. Application was made to HUD for additional funding for transitional housing for single men who are infected with HIV. The project was not funded. An initial RFP was issued in 1995 to identify organizations that will implement transitional and permanent housing for HIV+ affected individuals. None of the respondents met the basic qualifications. In 1997, a new RFP will be issued for technical assistance with the implementation of transitional and permanent housing for clients. HOPWA funds will be utilized for this project.

• Expand funding for housing subsidies and long-term rental assistance.

  The various subsidy programs are managed to provide the maximum reasonable assistance to clients requiring assistance. Every effort is made to keep the client's share of rent at or below 30% of their income. Funding has allowed Doorways to increase the number of clients assisted as well as the period of assistance. In 1996, funds totaling $262,444 from HOPWA, Ryan White Title I, and other sources, were used to provide 1327 units of housing services for clients. Of that amount, $59,454 from HOPWA was used to provide 170 units of housing services.

  St. Clair County Health Department provided housing assistance for one client for a total of $1,882 in HOPWA funds. An Additional $175,000 of Title I and Title II Ryan White funds were used for housing assistance services. Rental assistance, utility assistance, temporary shelter, and emergency assistance was provided to a total of 245 clients.

  BABAA focuses on the provision of various occupancy needs for HIV+ individuals. These occupancy needs include furnishings, locks, minor repairs, smoke detectors and related assistance. In 1996, a total of 22 clients were served using a total of $4,897 in HOPWA funds.

  Immanuel Lutheran - Also served HIV+ individuals with furnishings, locks, minor repairs, smoke detectors, consumable supplies, telephones, moving expenses, and space heaters for clients. In 1996, a total of 22 clients were served using a total of $15,714 in HOPWA funds.

• Expand funding to develop residential programs.

  Doorways completed a 21 unit apartment building for people living with AIDS, funded entirely through the HUD 881 and Missouri Housing Trust Funds. This brings to 51 the number of units available in this program.

• Expand funding for development of joint supportive housing programs

  Doorways completed development of a 36 unit supportive housing program for People Living with AIDS using $800,000 of HOPWA funds to leverage $2.8 million from MHDC, CDBG, HUD supportive housing, and private money.

HOPWA Expenditures for 1996

Doorways HOPWA expenditures in 1996 totaled $555,750, of which $400,000 were for supportive housing and $155,750 for long-term rental assistance. Total housing expenditures for the year amounted to approximately $4.6 million, of which $416,000 were funds from HOPWA, Ryan White Title I & II, and State general revenue; $200,000 of those funds were used in the residential program, and $4 million was used for new housing development. Doorways provided over $1 million in private funds.

St. Clair County Health Department HOPWA expenditures totaled approximately $1,882; $175,000 in Ryan White Title I & II were also used for housing services.

Peter & Paul Community Services expenditures totaled $121,179.

Imanuel Lutheran/Northside AIDS Outreach Project expenditures totaled $15,714.

BABAA expenditures totaled $4,897.