SUMMARY

This Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is for the City of Waukegan Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Program Year 2005, covering the period May 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006.

CDBG staff prepared this report.

The CAPER reflects the status and accomplishments of the City of Waukegan’s activities under the CDBG program. CDBG funds are awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on a formula basis to entitlement communities. These communities carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization and the provision of improved community facilities and services. Entitlement communities develop their own programs and funding priorities but must give maximum feasible priority to activities which either benefit low and moderate income persons or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight. Activities may also be carried out which the community certifies are designed to meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. Activities, which do not meet one of the three broad National Objectives, may not be undertaken with CDBG funds.

IDIS required many improvements this program year in an effort to make the system more user friendly, and to capture all necessary information. The changes caused some problems that required additional work on the part of grantees; however, if these improvements serve their purpose in the provision of needed information reflecting the level of productivity and supporting the need for the continuation of the CDBG program, the ends will more than justify the means.

ASSESSMENT OF 3 – 5 YEAR GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The City of Waukegan Program Year 2005 Community Development activities address high or medium priorities in accordance to the Waukegan Community Development Goals & Strategies identified in the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan.

Waukegan CDBG staff operates one direct service program internally – the Housing Rehabilitation Program. All other agencies and departments of the City must apply annually for funding through the competitive funding cycle. Applicants must demonstrate that the programs for which they are requesting funding are eligible, meet a National Objective of the program, meet a priority need and will benefit residents of Waukegan. In addition, they must demonstrate that the agency has the administrative capacity to successfully administer the program in compliance with both national and local CDBG program regulations. Some applications are rejected because they do not meet these requirements. Often, there are no quality applications received from local agencies which address a particular need; therefore, no funding is awarded to address these needs, even when they are high priority. However, every effort is made to ensure that high priority needs are awarded funding first, as long as the applicants are qualified and capable. Also, the 15% CAP for public service programs established by HUD precludes the awarding of funds to many applicants. There are not enough funds to go around. Each year ads are meticulously placed in the local paper, flyers are placed in strategic locations throughout the city, emails are sent out, calls are made and letters are sent to make sure the entire city is aware of the time of the grant application. After which applications and outcomes workshops are conducted to educate agencies on how to prepare viable applications. Staff is also available, upon request, for technical assistance.

Objectives and goals are reviewed during the application process and actual compliance is assured through the monitoring of the quarterly reports and through on-site visits.

In Program Year 2005, activities addressing high priorities as identified in the five-year consolidated plan include a crime awareness and prevention program, youth services programs, senior services programs, substance abuse program, health service program, basic needs programs, fair housing service, a sidewalk improvement project & a revitalization project, while medium priority activities addressed were some general public services.

AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING

The Fair Housing Act states that all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin have the same housing choice. In its efforts to assure compliance, the City of Waukegan employs a full time staff person to act as a liaison for receiving all housing/municipality related complaints. Unfair housing complaints are received by the liaison; however, all Fair Housing complaints are referred to the Fair Housing Center (FHC). The City works closely with the FHC and they work directly with landlords to educate them on Fair Housing Laws. The FHC provides an annual overview of activities to the CDBG office and elected officials.

In Program Year 2005, there were 52 families (40%) served by the FHC residing in Waukegan, of this number 6 (5%) had housing discrimination issues based on the Fair Housing Act; while the remaining, 46 were experiencing difficulties with their landlords. The discrimination cases were based upon: one (1) sex; two (2) disability; and three (3) race. Of these cases, three (3) were resolved, one (1) withdrew, one (1) mediated and one (1) is pending. Also, the FHC filed discrimination complaints against property developers. One was base on age and the other was based on familial status – these were both resolved.

The FHC worked closely with the Mayor’s office, City staff and landlords on several issues concerning rental property, code violations, TIF districts and the US Department of HUD Impediment Analysis. In helping to ensure that fair housing rights of Waukegan’s citizens are protected, CDBG staff has continued active involvement with the FHC by having a CDBG staff member serve on the Advisory Board. CDBG staff also maintains a close working relationship with FHC staff. In addition, CDBG staff has continued to consider its adopted Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing and the housing discussions in the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans with regard to various housing activities taking place within the community.

The City indirectly supports community programs through the FHC of Lake County, which serves partly as an educational tool to tenants, landlords, and other housing professionals to provide equal housing opportunities.

Low income disparities are one of the key impediments to affordable housing in Waukegan which contributes to a negative impact on citizens Fair Housing rights. As mentioned above there remains other impediment such as discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. There have also been complaints of lending institutions, appraisers and federal loan agencies over evaluating housing values in Waukegan, hence impeding adequate loan guarantees.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The City of Waukegan’s consistent growth in population perpetuates the increasing need of safe, decent and affordable housing for all citizens, especially low income individuals. The City addresses the above stated, through partnering with Habitat for Humanity, in changing zoning ordinances and providing other in-kind services to accommodate construction of new homes. Waukegan is comprised of about 50.4% low-income population. The percentage of rental occupied versus owner occupied population is approximately 43.5% to 56.5% respectfully. Home ownership is growing partially because of first time home buyers assistance programs in conjunction with other first time home buyer efforts, i.e. housing counseling programs sponsored by local financial institutions and home owner’s advocacy groups. There were 46 families benefited directly from the FTHB program with at least $5,000 from the Affordable Housing Commission, of which Waukegan granted $98,044 along with program income, and an equal or better match from local lending institutions.

The breakdown of FTHB households is as follows:

Extremely Low Income (0-30% MFI)

Very Low Income

(50 - 60% MFI)

Low Income

(60 – 80% MFI)

Totals

Totals FTHB

The numbers represented above are a sufficient account of the number of affordable housing units made available yearly through the City’s FTHB Program.

CONTINUUM OF CARE

Waukegan partners with North Chicago and Lake County in its Continuum of Care efforts. Providers of services to homeless persons in the area felt strongly that homelessness was a county-wide problem and was most easily addressed, and addressed to the benefit of the clients, on a county-wide basis, instead of operating under jurisdictional boundaries within the county.

A CDBG staff member serves on the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless and the Lake County Advisory Planning Group. Both of these coalitions include representatives of government agencies, social service agencies/homeless service providers, private industry and education/training. The APG focuses on strengthening an effective community-based planning process, performing ongoing needs assessment, data collection and making funding decisions regarding the allocation of HUD Continuum of Care funds and other related funds.

The complete Lake County Continuum of Care strategy can be obtained from the Lake County Office of Planning and Development, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085, 847-360-6350.

The Lake County Continuum of Care of which Waukegan is a part was awarded $1,184,349 in CoC funding - our entire funding request. There was a lot of hard work, time, energy, dedication and commitment from the team of agencies and individuals who comprehensively address homelessness in Lake County. Funding is allocated as follows:

$240,600 – Lake County Health Department – Shelter Plus Care

$330,750 – Alexian Brothers – The Harbor

$70,704 – Lake County Haven #1 – Transitional Housing SHP

$63,000 – Lake County Haven #2 – Transitional Housing SHP

$30,000 – Lake County HMIS – Transitional Housing SHP Renewal

$449,295 – PADS – Safe Haven

In an effort to allocate limited resources and to provide effective services to the homeless in Lake County, the Lake County government collaborates with homeless service providers, human service agencies, and other local government and community representatives to document the needs of homeless residents and establish an agenda of funding priorities. This process occurs primarily through the relationship between the Continuum of Care Advisory Planning Group and the Community Development Commission, and reflects a tiered planning process involving service consumers, human service providers, funders, and other community stakeholders. Since 1998, this planning process has incorporated the following steps:

ongoing needs assessment and analysis,
provision of technical assistance,
increased stakeholder participation,
development of strategies for addressing identified needs,
monitoring of progress toward strategic objectives and action steps,
coordination of various organizational structures related to homelessness, and
coordination of the annual HUD SuperNOFA application

Over the past couple of years, the Continuum of Care focused significant energy on implementing its plan to end chronic homelessness by 2012. The plan was an outgrowth of a full day Continuum of Care retreat sponsored by the Chicago Community Trust in 2002 and facilitated by Dan Lewis, professor of Sociology at Northwestern University. Over 40 homeless service providers, housing developers and landlords, funders, mainstream providers, government bodies, private citizens, and formerly homeless persons attended the retreat designed to look at the structural factors of homelessness in Lake County and determine how to coordinate and integrate community resources across multiple service systems. As a result of the retreat, the Committee to End Chronic Homelessness was formed and its first formal endeavor was the development of a groundbreaking collaboration between Shields Township, PADS Crisis Services, IPLUS, Catholic Charities, the North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Northern Illinois Council Against Substance Abuse, and the Lake County Health Department.

Lake County continues to use Shelter Plus Care, Supportive Housing Program, Emergency Shelter Grants, and Community Development Block Grant funds to support new and on-going operations of critical community homeless services. An account of how those funds have been spent throughout this Program Year can be found in the Area 2.0 Homeless detailed accomplishments narrative. In PY 2005, ESG funds heavily leveraged with private resources from United Way allocations, private foundation funds, State human services grants for domestic violence, local cash and in-kind donations and other agency fundraising events in order to accomplish its goal.

Beyond the APG, the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless meets monthly to build relationships among providers, and to share information about human services in Lake County. A different program is featured each month, and members have the opportunity to understand programs in depth. The Coalition seeks to raise community awareness and to improve coordination and referrals between agencies. Members of the Coalition include the cities of North Chicago and Waukegan, Lake County and homeless and other social service providers throughout the County.

IMPACT (Information Management, Public Access, and Community Transformation) is a joint project between the APG and the Homeless Coalition. IMPACT is a networked community case management system that will allow all homeless providers in Lake County to use a common intake and assessment tool, and to share information about common clients, assuming adequate client permissions. This project aims to substantially streamline intake and assessment processes, improve linkages between shelter and service programs, improve and track client outcomes, and collect unduplicated information on homeless needs and service usage throughout the County.

OTHER ACTIONS

Waukegan received several requests for funding from many agencies that provides supportive housing services. A Safe Place provides Transitional housing for battered women and their children; Lake County Center for Independent Living promotes independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities that have been prematurely institutionalized, to aid them to reintegrate back into the community; Lake County Haven empowers homeless women & their children to achieve permanent independent living through their transitional housing program; I-Plus provides services to chronically homeless to ensure that housing is obtained & continued with their payee representative program; PADS deliver shelter & supportive service to help stabilize individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless; and the Waukegan Township provides a lawn maintenance & snow removal program to help senior remain independent and self-sufficient. Also, the City’s First Time Home Buyers Program provides down payments for individuals and families to obtained stable housing.

OBSTACLES TO MEETING UNDERSERVED NEEDS

Lack of funding is the primary obstacle to addressing underserved needs when it comes to public services and the 15% CAP imposed by HUD. Waukegan’s CDBG office typically receives requests for up to four times the amount of funding that is available in a given year. Many qualified agencies are already in existence throughout Lake County, and we receive numerous telephone calls each year from people who are interested in starting various types of social service agencies. These citizens are added to our distribution list for notification of the training put on by the Consortium; thereby, informing them of the process Waukegan adheres to and allowing them the opportunity to apply for grants in the future.

It is difficult for landlords to find financial resources to address all existing needs when it comes to decent affordable housing. However, the City continues to embark upon financial institutions for financial resources as a primary means to overcome this obstacle to meeting this underserved need. It has been suggested that banks provide low interest rate loans to enable absentee landlords to obtain affordable loans for the rehabilitation of their properties. This would help to provide quality affordable housing to the underserved of Waukegan. Although to date, no such agreement has been made. The City continues to pursue this avenue.

FOSTER AND MAINTAIN AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Waukegan CDBG has helped to foster and maintain affordable housing through various efforts (i.e. by supporting the Affordable Housing Corporation, Housing Rehab, team collaboration with entities such as Christmas in April and Habitat for Humanities). A portion of the HOME funds is allocated to the Affordable Housing Corporation to assist in down payments, and/or closing cost for home purchasing as well as home buyers counseling.

In program year 2005 HOME funds ($95,044) were used in conjunction with local lending institutions to provide zero-interest, deferred loans for down payment and closing assistance to approximately 46 low income households. With funds from previous year and program income more families were able to take advantage of this program. Other funding for the program was provided by private mortgage lenders and HOME match met through reduced loan rates and fee reductions from these lending institutions. Financial institutions are teaming up with Affordable Housing Corporation and offering match programs for First Time Home Buyers Program (FTHB) that they finance, i.e. for every $5,000 from Affordable Housing the financial institution will offer another $5,000. All aimed to foster and maintain affordable housing in Waukegan.

Waukegan runs an owner occupied housing rehabilitation program yielding approximately 33 rehabs for program year 2005.

Waukegan CDBG partnered with Christmas in April in the rehabilitation of one (1) single-family home in Waukegan. This work included new roof, sewer system, windows, and railings. Expenditure on the home was about $10,000.

The City assisted Habitat for Humanities with zoning changes and site preparation for new housing construction.

These efforts are geared toward increasing affordable owner-occupied housing supply for low-income households.

ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The City of Waukegan has a population of approximately 87,901. The supply of affordable housing does not meet the demand. The Waukegan Housing Authority has 594 units of Section 8 and 449 units of Public Housing Units. There are other subsidized/affordable housing developments in Waukegan and yet there does not seem to be enough to supply the needs of the population. Affordable housing in Waukegan is a necessity for the population here. Many of the residents are low-to moderate income individuals/families and need affordable housing and/or assisted housing. There is an increasing population of homeless families and individuals; an increasing number of “special population” groups (i.e. veterans, mentally disabled, etc.) who cannot find the needed housing for their situations; and, due to the inflated costs of housing, increased replacement expenses, city ordinance enforcement increased and changes in population demographics and NIMBY affects the affordable housing supply. Local Zoning is also a barrier which is being address through zoning changes instituted by City Council and the City’s Planning Department. Another barrier is lack of adequate financial resources. The Community Development Department could assist more innovative approaches to meet the supply and demand for affordable housing if their own revenue resources were increased.

The City of Waukegan also address’ special housing needs for low-income elderly residents, people with disabilities and people with children. The City puts forth every effort to assure residents in Waukegan have decent places to live. The Waukegan Housing Authority’s Barwell, H. Poe Manor and Ravine Terrace homes are all subsidized dwellings for seniors and/or disabled. There are several other subsidized senior buildings and subsidized public housing units in Waukegan to benefit low income individuals. The Waukegan Housing Authority also provides 840 section 8 vouchers this year to assistance low-income individuals of which 562 have children; of the 840 vouchers 246 are portable. There are 1392 family members younger than 18. In the other subsidized housing units there are at least 1157 tenants that are low income by HUDS guidelines that are benefiting from subsidy in an effort to eliminating barriers.

In an effort to eliminate barriers to affordable housing, with the City’s support, the Affordable Housing Commission offers a First Time Homebuyers program which enables future low-income homeowners to get an interest-free federal loan as well as the opportunity to attend homebuyer’s classes. Pre-purchase Counseling helps to alleviate some of the risk low and very low-income home buyers may experience as they purchase their first home. This counseling includes budgeting, home purchase, and maintenance issues. There are more clients receiving this counseling than the number of recipient of the down payment interest-free loan. Also, local lending institutions match the Affordable Housing Commission down payment amount with the same or greater match which enables more families to participate in the program.

GAPS IN INSTUTIONAL STRUCTURE

Lake County and the cities of North Chicago and Waukegan have formed a Consortium which regularly coordinate with one another and collaborate on planning and implementation of activities. Coordination through periodic meetings with the Housing Authority, other assisted housing providers, private and governmental bodies, mental health and human service agencies have helped to eliminate the gaps in local institutional structure.

Regular meetings occur throughout the year with mental health providers, homeless care providers, governmental Consortium members and other participants of the Continuum of Care planning process. Issues discussed at the meetings include providing more efficient and unduplicated service to the homeless, as well as issues related to the Consolidated Plan development. In addition, many of the Continuum of Care participants are recipients of funding from the Consortium members and regular contact is maintained throughout the year.

In an effort to eliminate gaps in the institutional structure, the city continues to coordinate and cooperate with the various institutions, both public and private, as well as non-profit organizations in order to access the strengths of and the gaps in the structure.

Waukegan CDBG works closely with other departments of the city, namely public works, code enforcement and the police department in an effort to ensure the needs of Waukegan’s citizens are met at all levels of the community. CDBG funds programs and projects sponsored by these departments – sidewalk replacement, code enforcement and community oriented policing. Reporting on a quarterly basis, these departments coordinate regularly with the CDBG office on the progress of their program/project.

The City of Waukegan has maintained a close relationship with the Waukegan Housing Authority. A memorandum of agreement was established between the City and the Housing Authority, which provides for the utilization of City police in the protection of Housing Authority properties. The City’s Police Department has an officer assigned to the WHA. In addition, a number of joint meetings were held between the Executive Directors of the three housing authorities in the county as well as the community development staff of the three Consortium members. Issues relating to the Consolidated Plan and the Housing Authorities’ own Agency Plans were discussed and resolved at these meetings. Additional periodic joint meetings were held throughout the year in order to ensure a continuing dialogue between local government and the housing authorities.

PUBLIC HOUSING AND RESIDENT INITIATIVES

Numerous other programs and activities which encourage resident involvement include Family Unification Program, educational center programs, employment programs, a summer food service program, drug-free lock-in program, after school tutoring program, Waukegan Youth Making Changes youth group, drug-free march/rally, leadership training program, free Summer Camp programs, and a parenting skills program.

Actions taken to improve public housing and resident initiatives include the continuation of several programs and activities initiated by the Waukegan Housing Authority in an effort to encourage resident involvement. Residents of various developments have elected representatives to serve on a resident council. These council members act as liaisons between the Housing Authority and the residents, voicing the concerns of the residents and disseminating information back to the residents.

Homeownership opportunities have been encouraged by the Waukegan Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program. As tenants move through the program and show potential for homeownership, they are eventually moved to the Housing Authority’s scattered site units, where they are able to obtain experience with issues such as home maintenance and paying their own utility bills. Those deemed ready for homeownership are then referred to agencies such as Habitat for Humanity, the Lake County Housing Authority, or Affordable Housing for such opportunities. The City of Waukegan police department has an officer assigned to the Waukegan Housing Authority as a resource for problem solving, a communication link and to encourage residents to anonymously report crimes.

LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS

In the past, the staff has attended initial LBP training, ordered and received the handout booklet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" which was disbursed to participating households. CDBG has created a sign-off sheet for the file as proof of delivery of the booklet. Internet information was reviewed for the training of staff, contractors and inspectors needed for housing rehab projects. Since January 1, 2003 a certified lead assessor has been used to analyze lead level on every rehab project for the City of Waukegan. The City currently has several contractors certified to complete work; however, more are expected as additional funding for training becomes available.

COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING

CDBG staff keeps close contact with agencies receiving funds for projects and programs and steps are taken to ensure compliance with CDBG regulations. Upon receiving agreements for funding, subrecipients coordinate with CDBG staff on the frequency of status reports. Monthly or quarterly reports are acceptable; quarterly, reports are required. Information to be provided in these reports includes the accomplishments of the project for the specified period as well as any difficulties, problems, delays or obstacles encountered and what actions were taken to overcome them. In addition to the reports, agencies, when applicable, are required to document demographic information pertaining to the clients they are serving. These are then reviewed and compared to information provided by the initial application to ensure their compliance with CDBG regulations.

Contact via phone, emails, as well as on-site assistance has been provided to correct errors in an effort to ensure future compliance and timeliness. A minimum of one site visit per agency was administered during program year 2005. Site visits were made to agencies and they were found to be on target and in compliance with spending, clients projected and served, and program objectives. In 2003 the consortium, Lake County, North Chicago, and Waukegan teamed up to monitor agencies that we had in common; thereby, being more thorough and more efficient and less time consuming for both the grantee and each Subrecipient. This process worked very well this year and we will continue to follow this process.

REDUCE FAMILIES IN POVERTY

In an effort to reduce the number of families living below the poverty level, the City of Waukegan funds several public service agencies aimed to help households remain or become self-sufficient. Prairie State Legal Services’ Disability Advocacy Program provides legal advice and representation to persons with disabilities who have been wrongfully denied or threatened with loss of disability benefits, Medicaid or housing benefits. By providing these services, the cases that are won will allow that individual and their family to become a self supportive citizen. Lake County Center for Independent Living provides a Community Reintegration Program where clients who have been prematurely institutionalized to be reintegrated back into community and becoming productive members of the society. HealthReach Clinic provides medication at a reduced cost to over 932 individuals from Waukegan who otherwise may be forced to go without due to the lack of financial resources. HealthReach maintains on staff a retired Cardiologist. The cardiologist has also partnered with his colleagues for client to receive in hospital care at no cost to client. All is done to give back to the community and help relieve poverty. Waukegan Township provided year-round yard service to over 579 seniors on fixed incomes to assist them in remaining self-sufficient.

I-Plus Lake County operates a program, I-Plus Representative Payee, which is available citywide based on income. Representative payee service is primarily for dually diagnosed formally homeless clients. They help the client manage his/her income in order to ensure that rent, utilities, and other necessities are paid, and funds aren’t used to support the substance abuse from which they are recovering; thereby, keeping individuals from becoming homeless again and also reducing poverty. The food pantry program provided by Catholic Charities Lake County, C.O.O.L., and Faith provides its beneficiaries assistance with emergency food for individuals and families in need of food. Also, Catholic Charities provides continued comprehensive case management and counseling services to low income households. This service includes assessment of needs, parenting training, referrals and resources for education, job readiness, job placement and retention.

By funding various community services, which play a valuable role in providing a broad array of opportunities and collaborating with affordable housing programs, the city continues its efforts to reduce the number of families in poverty.

LEVERAGING RESOURCES

As stated previously, a lack of available funding (15% CAP) is a significant barrier to meeting the community’s needs. For this reason, it is important that a variety of sources of funding are pursued. Many sources of funding (including the city budget, local lenders, private industry, corporate, foundation and government grants, and citizen contributions, as well as other sources) helped make the various projects and the activities undertaken possible and ensured the benefit of those projects to Waukegan residents. Prior to the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan, Waukegan CDBG office did not require a specific amount of match for projects; however, highly leveraged projects were viewed favorably in the review process and strongly encouraged. After 2000 projects must show at least 25% leverage. All projects were leveraged over 25% of total cost.

In Program year 2005, CDBG funded 18 public service agencies, 3 public facilities projects and one (1) code enforcement officer. Total program cost efforts were $6,852,818 with CDBG contributing $ $532,395. During the 2005 application process, all applicants were required to provide and identify at least 25% of the project costs as leverage or match. In-kind contributions (with monetary value specified) may also have been included as additional leverage, above and beyond the required 25%. All applicants met this requirement.

The City budget was the main leveraging components for two public facility projects (Sidewalk Replacement & the Genesee Streetscape) CDBG funded both projects at $150,000 for program 2005 for a total funding cost of $300,000. The total project cost for both projects were $691,000 not including oversight. Happy Day Nursery School & Childhood Educational Center, Inc. was granted funds at $40,000 with a total project cost of $69,300; however, this project is still pending.

Contributions in the amount of $120,000 and $115,000 in foundation & corporate grants, $130,000 in special events, $5,000 from membership dues – individuals, $6,000 program service fees, $100,000 from Other Governmental Fees & Grants, $80,000 United Way of Lake County 3 year grant, $8,000 Other United Ways, $6,000 UWLC Designations, $4,000 Miscellaneous, $6,000 Investment revenue, North Chicago CDBG fund of $5,000 with Waukegan CDBG funding of $28,000 helped to fund a TeenReach program which offers five (5) core activities for the Boys & Girls Club for a total program cost of $613,000.

Contributions in the amount of $10,000 and $15,000 in foundation & corporate grants, $8,254 in Waukegan CDBG funds, $5,000 in North Chicago CDBG funds, $24,500 Lake County CDBG, $35,000 Miscellaneous, $700,000 in other governmental fees & grants, $40,000 in United Way of Lake County 3 year grant revenue for a total program cost of $837,754 help make the Lake County YouthBuild Program possible.

Contributions in the amount of $106209, Foundations & Corporate grant of $66,000, $5,000 from Waukegan CDBG funds, $58,000 in governmental fees & grants for a total program cost of $235,209 help with administering A Safe Place – Community Education services possible.

Lake County Haven – Shelter Program, received $73,644 from Contributions, $28,333 Special Events, $38,333 from other Foundation & Corporation Grants, $16,030 Lake County Emergency Shelter Grant, $600 Program Service Fees, $100 investment revenue, $1,100 other United Ways, $17,000 United Way of Lake County 3 year grant, $500 United Way Lake County Designations and $5,000 Waukegan CDBG funds for a total program cost of $180,640.

Contributions in the amount of $40,000 helped to fund Court Appointed Special Advocates CASA’s volunteer training program; CASA also received $140,000 from special events; $140,000 from foundation & corporation grants; United Way of Lake County 3 year grant, $35,000; Miscellaneous (Comm. Org., Training Fees, Nat. CASA, Surplus), $67,700; investment revenue, $5,000; Waukegan CDBG $8,000 and UWLC designations, $2,000. Total program cost $437,700.

The total program cost of the Community Oriented Policing Project is $112,692 which is leveraged by the Waukegan Police Department’s Budget; CDBG $20,000. The city budget was the main leveraging components for leveraging for the Community Oriented Policing Project.

$49,547 leveraged by foundation & corporate grants to the HealthReach Medication Program, Contributions in the amount of $5,050, and from Other Governmental Fees & Grants $58,000, United Way Lake County Community Funds $59,000, and $10,000 Waukegan CDBG funds for a total program cost of $98,297.

Waukegan CDBG funded $8,000 to Catholic Charities for their Food Pantry Service. Leveraged funds include: contributions of $385,726; special events $94,600; foundation and corporate grants $49,500; other governmental fees and grants $574,484; other United Ways $13,162; United Way of Lake County Community Fund $95,000 for a total program cost of $1,220,472.

Waukegan CDBG funded $8,000 to Faith Food Pantry Program. Leveraged funds include: contributions of $70,000; North Chicago’s CDBG $7,000; Lake County CDBG $17,500; other governmental fees & grant $6,000; Miscellaneous (Kraft) $5,000; United Way of Lake County 3 year grant $15,000 for a total program cost of $128,500.

Contributions in the amount of $32,000 helped to fund C.O.O.L. Food Pantry Program; also received $15,000 from special events; $55,600 foundation and corporate grants; Lake County CDBG $22,750; Waukegan CDBG $8,000; United Ways Lake County (Designations) $2,000; United Way of Lake County 3 year grant $25,000; investment revenue $200 for a total program cost of $160,550.

Lake County Council Against Sexual Assault (LaCASA), Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Program received $8,000 from Waukegan CDBG. Other funding included Contributions in the amount of $52,199; in Special Events $50,407; in Foundation and Corporate Grants $51,982; Other Governmental Fees and Grants $145,255; Program Service Fees $261; Other United Ways $6,567; United Way of Lake County 3 year grant $68,951; UWLC designations $4,946; for a total program cost of $388,568.

Contributions in the amount of $112,756 helped to fund PADS Crisis Services – PADS+ Program; also received $74,552 from Special Events; $188,611 Foundation and Corporate Grants; miscellaneous $3,250; Other Governmental Fees and Grants $230,000; Other United Ways $5,850; United Way of Lake County 3 year grant $45,000; UWLC Designated $5,850; UWLC Other Grants $8,000; Investment Revenue $345; Lake County Emergency Shelter Grant $15,280; North Chicago CDBG $7,000; Waukegan CDBG $6,750; for a total program cost of $703,244.

Lake County Center for Independent Living – Community Reintegration/Assistance Program received $7,000 from Waukegan CDBG. Other funding included are contributions in the amount of $2,000; Special Events $4,861; Foundation and Corporate Grants $28,000; Other Governmental Fees and Grants $139,586; Other United Ways $5,000; United Way of Lake County 3 year grant $10,000 for a total program cost of $196,447.

I-Plus received $7,000 from Waukegan CDBG for their Payee Representative Program. Other funds include: contributions $25,000; special events $15,000; foundation and corporate grants $65,000; Lake County CDBG $17,500; other governmental fees and grants $35,000; Program Service Fee $25,000; other United Ways $3,000; and United Way of Lake County 3 year grant $15,000 all to provide representative payee service to chronically homeless disabled clients. Total program cost of $207,050.

Prairie State Legal Services received $7,000 from Waukegan CDBG for their Disability Advocacy Project. Other funds include: Lake County CDBG $19,500; Other Governmental fees & Grant $10,000; and United Way of Lake County 3 year grant $10,000. Total program cost of $46,500.

Waukegan Township received $20,000 in CDBG funds for the Home Sweet Home program along with other funding sources including North Chicago, $5,000; $14,750 from Governmental Fees & Grants and in kind contributions of $1,000 for a total program cost of $172,750.

Waukegan CDBG funded $17,050 to SER/Jobs for Progress for their Fair Housing Center. Leveraged funds included $4,000 in Foundation & Corporate Grants, $10,000 from North Chicago CDBG, and $52,744 from Lake County CDBG for a total program cost of $83,794.

Contributions in the amount of $3,500 and $2,000 from special events, $6,750 in Waukegan CDBG funds, $24,500 from Lake County CDBG, $30,000 in governmental fees & grants, $171,500 in program service fees, for a total program cost of $243,200 help make the Zion Township CREW – Substance Abuse Program possible.

The total program cost of the Code Enforcement Project is $112,500 which is leveraged by the Waukegan’s City Budget; CDBG granted $70,000.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

In order for more citizen participation in the City’s “Needs & Asset” hearing, CDBG sent out notices to all the churches in Waukegan, had the announcement translated in Spanish, ran the legal ad, made announcement on cable TV as well as the radio in an effort to gain more knowledge from the citizen about the community’s needs.

The Consortium Lake County, North Chicago and Waukegan, held three public hearings in 2005 and the City of Waukegan also held individual public hearings. These hearings were publicized through newspaper advertisements and the mailing of notices to various interested parties. While preparing for the “need” for the next 5 years, the City of Waukegan held an additional “needs” hearing geared to gain more knowledge for the direction for what goals and objective that are being pursued and adhered to in the future.

Citizen comments throughout the year have been very supportive of the efforts made to distribute funding appropriately. Participation in the Consortium public hearings was also very positive from funded agencies; however, agencies that were not funded or funded at a lower amount expressed concerns regarding how to fill out a more viable application. Technical assistance is available and has been used regarding grant applications.

The City of Waukegan CDBG Program continues to maintain a panel of volunteers Stakeholders Participation Panel (SPP) composed of Waukegan citizens whose purpose is to assist the CDBG office in identifying community assets and needs and finding ways to capitalize on the community’s assets to meet the identified priority needs. Additionally, the SPP has helped members of CDBG staff with public hearings and focus groups.

A public hearing was held on September 26, 2005 for the purpose of identifying housing and community development needs for the City of Waukegan and providing information about the CDBG program. Topics for audience discussion included priority need levels, the Lake County Consolidated Application, Waukegan’s community asset, level of funding, possibility of decreased funding, getting involved, target areas and moneys spent in each ward for rehab. A packet with an overview of the Community Development program was available for the public to inspect, and the CDBG staff was present to make a presentation and answer questions. There were 2 citizens in the audience plus staff. The purpose of the “needs” hearing was to share information answer question and find out “need & assets” of the community. The “needs” hearing informed the audience of the National Objectives, how Program Income is generated, eligible activities, SPP Committee responsibilities as it relates to decision based on the needs set forth in these hearings. Also, discussed goals and strategies for the next 5 years and answered questions regarding Brownsfields Cleanup and assessment and determinations. Previous “needs” public hearing had better attendance. All questions were address to citizen’s satisfaction. Meeting minutes are available upon request.

Public Hearing for 2005 CAPER – The City of Waukegan Community Development Block Grant office planned and set up for a hearing on the 2005 CAPER in order for public comments. The hearing was called to order at 3:35 P.M. with only three people attending other than staff. Bonnie Marker asked if Low and Very Low income numbers had to match. It was stated that the count for both being 14 each was just a coincidence. Ted Otokiti asked if the acquisition program would be feasible and if it was allowed by HUD. Ezell Robins stated that acquisition of property is an allowed activity by HUD and that it would be feasible depending on the amount invested into a property by the CDBG Program. For example, if the program invests $40,000.00 into a residence, plus lead costs. If the Program acquired the property for another $50,000.00 on top of that and sold the property for the investment cost, the program would be guaranteed money back at the sale. Without being able to acquire the property as it stands now, the program just looses the $40,000.00 plus and there is no legal position we can take to get the money back. The money acquired from the sale would then be put back into the acquisition fund or our Rehabilitation Program to be used towards other projects. The hearing was adjourned at 4:15 P.M. with Director, Ezell Robins thanking the people in the audience and the staff for their attendance. – Minutes attached.

SELF-EVALUATION

The City of Waukegan has developed its Performance Measures and they are included in the Consolidated Plan for 2005 – 2009. They will be fine tuned as we move forward.

The City believes it is doing an excellent job in meeting the needs, reaching the goals, and implementing the strategies identified in the Consolidated Plan. By maintaining partnerships with the private sector, non-profit and various levels of government, funding appropriate public service agencies, operating an efficient housing rehabilitation program, the City continues to succeed at meeting the overall goal of developing a viable urban community by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities to low-income persons. However, there is always room for improvement and strengthening of the establishment. We are continuing to revise and revamp procedures and policies to most effectively administer the CDBG grant in Waukegan. Opportunities made available through the use of a grant locator program “ecivis” which was purchased by the City in an effort to assist some of the local public service agencies in receiving additional funding with the intention of helping the City meet more of the communities need has been somewhat successful. To date, two to three grants have been obtained through these opportunities. More citizen participation from the community has been realized through outreach efforts of CDBG Staff. All geared toward more citizen participation and collaboration (i.e. legal ad, announcements on cable TV, radio, etc.).

The Director made numerous presentations regarding the administration of the CDBG program at ward meetings through out the year. Many accolades were bestowed verbally and through correspondences of how beneficial and appreciative the community felt because of these presentations.

The CDBG has partnered with the Downtown Association in the revitalization of the downtown area through funding highly leveraged projects, such as the Streetscape Programs. CDBG spent over $150,000 on this project. These combined efforts have been recognized by state officials as a viable Downtown Redevelopment and Revitalization Efforts. These efforts merited the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization.

NON-HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS

The following are Waukegan Goals and Strategies and their priority need level identified in the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan, followed by the 2005 activities funded to address these Goals and Strategies.

Public Facilities:

1. The Downtown Revitalization Area – Improvements (High) – Goal is to improve the condition and safety of public infrastructure, particularly in low-income areas. Five-Year Goal is to provide visible, tangible and planned improvements to the condition of the downtown area to support economic revitalization. The City’s CDBG program allocated $150,000 to the City of Waukegan Planning Dept. /Waukegan Downtown Association for the Downtown Streetscape Program. This program involves sidewalk and lighting improvements in the designated downtown revitalization area.

2. Infrastructure – Improvements (High) The City’s CDBG program allocated $150,000 to the City of Waukegan Public Works Department for the Sidewalk Replacement Program. This program replaces deteriorated sidewalk squares in low-income residential areas designated by CDBG to make them safe for pedestrians. Happy Day Nursery School was granted $40,000 to update/rehab the toilets; however, this project has not begun. This school is located in the middle of a poverty stricken area.

3. Accessibility for People with Disabilities (High) – To reduce the number of barriers that prevent equal access for people with disabilities. There were no funds spent in this area in 2005.

Public Services:

1. Youth Services (H) – To have a variety of educational and recreational activities and programs available to Waukegan youth, and to have services available which protect the best interests of all children, particularly those at-risk. Waukegan CDBG allocated $5,000 to A Safe Place for Community Education which provides outreach programming to increase the awareness of domestic violence issues and prevention education for adolescents to help break the cycle of domestic violence by teaching about health relationship and violence prevention. The City allocated $8,000 to CASA for Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer Training. This program involves the training of volunteers who will represent abused and neglected Waukegan children in the Lake County judicial system. $28,000 was allocated to Boys and Girls Club for its TeenReech Program. This program provides “at risk” youth with five (5) core activity areas in an effort to show academic improvement, decreased behavior problems, and increase school attendance. YouthBuild Lake County - YouthBuild was awarded $8,254 for this program which provides low-income ages 16-24 with basic skills, pre-employment training, life skills, support services and job placement assistance, vocational and academic programming.

2. Senior Services (H) - To have a variety of services available to seniors, this will help them to remain independent. The City allocated $20,000 to Waukegan Township for Home Sweet Home yard Maintenance Service program. Home Sweet Home provides year-round yard maintenance service to Waukegan Township seniors helping them to remain self-sufficient.

3. Basic Needs Assistance- To provide opportunities for all people to have, at a minimum, their basic needs met (food cloth and shelter). Catholic Charities received $8,000 for its food pantry (H). This program provides emergency food assistance through its food pantry to low-income individuals and families in need of food. Also, providing continued comprehensive case management and counseling services to low income households. This service includes assessments of needs, parenting training, referrals and resources for education, job readiness, and job placement/retention. Christian Outreach of Lutherans (C.O.O.L.) received $8,000 for it food pantry to provide emergency food assistance to low-income individuals and families in need of food. Faith Food Pantry received $8,000 to provide emergency food assistance to low-income individuals and families in need of food. PADS Crisis Services received $6,750 to provide PADS+ Emergency Shelter of the Homeless. This program provides year-round daytime supportive service that targets homeless individuals and for families to move towards self-sufficiency by providing case management and basic needs services.

4. Community Safety- To provide effective Community Oriented Policing and a pervasive feeling of safety within neighborhoods. The City’s CDBG program funded the Waukegan Police Department for $20,000 in support of its Community Oriented Policing Project (COPP) (H). Police officers address community and public service needs through crime awareness and problem solving in conjunction with residents in an attempt to build a stronger partnership.

5. Code Enforcement Program – (High) Enforce housing, zoning, and health codes as they relate to dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and all other properties within the CDBG designated low to moderate income areas. Correct and prevent the existence of adverse conditions and promote public safety, health and welfare of neighborhood. The City’s CDBG program funded a portion of two Waukegan Code Enforcement Officers in the amount of $70,000 and provided provision for low/mode families to adhere to City Code and thereby promoted safety, health and the welfare of these families.

6. Other Public Services- To have services available to meet all types of needs. I-Plus received $7,000 for its representative payee program (M). This program micromanages funds to the homeless, mentally ill, drug/alcohol dependent dually diagnosed and/or developmentally disabled persons. Lake County Center for Independent Living – Community Re-integration/Personal Assistant Program (H). This program promotes independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities that have been prematurely institutionalized. It also aid in the reintegration back into the community. $7,000 CDBG funds were granted to help make this possible. Prairie State Legal Services – Disability Advocacy Program (M) provides free legal advice and representation to individuals with disabilities who have been wrongfully denied SSI benefits, Medicaid or housing benefits. Once individuals are awarded their due benefits, the cash benefit continues annually and often clients are awarded back benefits. This type of steady income helps those on the brink of homelessness become self-sufficient. They received $7,000 to aid is this endeavor. Lake County Council Against Sexual Assault (LaCASA) received $8,000 for its Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy program (H). This program provides 24 hour a day, 365 days a year immediate crisis intervention service to survivors of sexual assaulted and abused individuals/families. HealthReach received $10,000 for its Medication Program (H). This program provides medication to its low-income clients at a reduced cost. Zion Township Community Resource for Education and Wellness (CREW) – Substance Abuse Treatment Program (H). This program provides an outpatient substance abuse program that assess, counsel, educate and provide alternatives to substance abuse and exposure to a 12-step program. Substance abuse is on the rampage and it is necessary to curtail this therefore $6,750 was granted in this effort. $17,050 has been allocated to SER/Jobs for Progress/Fair Housing Center of Lake County (H). This program provides education and outreach regarding the Fair Housing Act and affirmatively furthering fair housing practices throughout Lake County.

The City did not act or willfully enact in a way which would hinder implementation of the Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan.

IDIS REPORTS (SEE ATTACHED)

CDBG SPECIFICS

RELATIONSHIP OF USE OF CDBG FUNDS

All expenditure of CDBG funds were directly related to addressing the needs in accomplishing goals and objectives as stipulated in the Consolidated Annual Action Plan for program year 2005.

NATURE & REASON FOR CHANGES IN PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

Program objectives did not change.

PURSUED ALL RESOURCES

There were no specific resources identified; however, the City of Waukegan pursued every avenue of opportunity through leveraging and partnering as noted in the 2005 Annual Action Plan.

CHANGES IN PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

There were no changes made in program objectives during program year 2005.

NATIONAL OBJECTIVE MET

The City of Waukegan’s CDBG office, to assure compliance, follows HUD regulations on meeting one of the 3 National Objectives and its Local Funding Philosophy and will only allocate funding to Subrecipient programs which meet at least one of the National Objectives. This is reviewed during the application process and actual compliance is assured through the monitoring of the quarterly reports and through on-site visits

RELOCATION (DISPLACEMENT)

There was no relocation displacement undertaken in Program Year 2005.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT /JOB CREATION

No CDBG funds were expended for Economic Development; however, the City of Waukegan created TIF Districts, and leveraged Economic Development Loans for new businesses for Program Year 2005.

LIMITED CLIENTELE

Programs under the CDBG Regulations 570.208 can be presumed activities that benefit qualified limited clientele.

SER/Jobs for Progress – Fair Housing Center of Lake County

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 makes it unlawful for anyone to be denied housing based upon race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Act was amended in 1988 to include handicapped and family status. The State of Illinois includes military discharge /status, age and marital status. The FHC’s program meets the criteria for activities qualifying as benefiting low and moderate income persons. Data show that 99 % of the 52 families who received services had income levels within the low to moderated range. Which also meet the Waukegan’s goals of making a suitable living environment for low and moderate income residents.

CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate

CASA recruits, trains and supervises community advocates to represent the abused and neglected children of Lake County. The children served are not charged a fee for the services. Seventy (70%) of the children represented by CASA’s comes from the specific areas in Waukegan targeted by CDBG as designated by the Census Track to be low/moderate income families.