Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 10/6/2026
Item Status: New
From: Katrina Taylor, Grants and Compliance Manager
Submitted by: Shelby Middleton, Senior Grants Accountant
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) Application Guide
End
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) Application Guide.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: Through the County's approved Local Recovery Plan (LRP), the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) allocated $19.1 million in CDBG-DR Homeownership Assistance Program funds to provide direct support to eligible residents and expand homeownership opportunities. The program covers a range of allowable costs, including down payment assistance of up to 20 percent of the property's purchase price, the initial homeowner warranty premium, and reasonable closing costs. These costs may include legal and closing fees, title searches, conveyance documents, notary services, surveys, recording fees, lender fees, buyer realtor fees up to 3 percent of the purchase price, appraisals, and inspections. Additional eligible expenses include legal services throughout the homebuying process, inspection services, and homebuyer education class costs.
The HAP Application Guide outlines the eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and step-by-step process for Baldwin County residents seeking financial assistance to purchase a home through the Homeownership Assistance Program. It explains the basic criteria applicants must meet-such as income limits, residency during the 2020 disaster events, U.S. citizenship or qualified residency status, mortgage pre-approval, and completion of homebuyer education-and emphasizes that meeting these criteria does not guarantee funding. The guide also details applicant responsibilities, including maintaining an active email address, responding to requests for information, and providing complete documentation, as well as the support provided by case managers throughout the review process.
The guide further describes the multistage pathway from initial application submission to closing on a home. Applicants must create an online profile, upload required documentation and undergo eligibility verification before receiving a conditional award amount. Once approved, they work with program staff and housing partners to select a property, complete inspections and appraisals, and assemble closing documents. At closing, applicants sign a promissory note and second mortgage to accept HAP funds. The document also highlights common mistakes, required documents, and key expectations-reinforcing the importance of accurate information and timely communication to avoid delays or ineligibility.
Previous Commission action/date:
September 15, 2026 - Approved Amendment No. 1 to Resolution #2026-129 Exhibit A regarding the adoption of the CDBG-DR HAP Policies and Procedures.
August 18, 2026 - Adopted Resolution #2026-129 which approved the HAP Policies and Procedures.
April 21, 2026 - Adopted Resolution #2026-060 which approved the Baldwin County Commission’s Required Activities to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing, and repeals Resolution #2014-035 adopted January 21, 2014.
January 6, 2026 - Approved the submittal of the CDBG-DR Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) Activity Profile Form, by staff to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) CDBG-DR grant portal; and authorized the Chairman to sign any documents related to this Activity Profile Form.
November 6, 2025 - Awarded the Contract to MB3 Inc. d/b/a Civix in the amount of $2,427,488.00 for the Implementation Phase of the General Grant and Management, Project Management, and Capacity Building for CDBG-DR Subaward and authorize the Chairman to execute the Contract contingent upon County Attorney approval. (The contract is effective on the date of full execution.)
July 1, 2025 - Approved Amendment No. 2 to Subrecipient Agreement Number DR-21-001 between the BCC and the State of Alabama, ADECA, addressing recovery from Hurricanes Sally and Zeta, including unmet housing, infrastructure, economic development, mitigation, and other eligible unmet needs, as described in the BCC's approved LRP. Amendment No. 2 to Baldwin County's CDBG-DR Subrecipient Agreement with ADECA establishes the implementation budget allocations of $100,000.00 for Administration, $19,169,010.00 for Housing Recovery Activities, and $24,092,676.00 for Non-Housing Recovery Activities. The amendment also extends the period of performance through October 31, 2028.
September 17, 2024 - Adopted Resolution #2024-168 of the Baldwin County Commission approving the Baldwin County Commission CDBG-DR Affirmative Action Local Recovery Plan (LRP) Program; and approved Amendment No. 1 to Subrecipient Agreement Number DR-21-001 between the Baldwin County Commission and the State of Alabama, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), addressing recovery from Hurricanes Sally and Zeta, including unmet housing, infrastructure, economic development, mitigation, and other eligible unmet needs, as described in the Baldwin County Commission's approved Local Recovery Plan (LRP).
September 3, 2024 - Adopted Resolution #2024-155 of the Baldwin County Commission approving the CDBG-DR Local Recovery Plan (LRP) for DR-4563 and DR-4573.
August 20, 2024 - Adopted Resolution #2024-150 of the Baldwin County Commission approving the Baldwin County Commission CDBG-DR Language Access Plan for Limited English Proficiency Persons.
August 6, 2024 - Conducted a Public Hearing regarding the adoption of the CDBG-DR Citizen Participation Plan (CPP); and following Public Hearing adopted Resolution #2024-147 of the Baldwin County Commission approving the CDBG-DR CPP.
December 19, 2023 - Accepted the CDBG-DR sub-award from ADECA in the amount of $1,000,000 for the development of a LRP to identify local unmet needs resulting from Hurricanes Sally and Zeta in 2020 through outreach and coordination with impacted stakeholders; and approved the Subrecipient Agreement No. DR-21-001, with ADECA; and authorized the Chairman to execute the agreement and any related documents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Administration send NOA email to Taylor Lesinger for CDBG-DR website upload.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A