Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 9/15/2026
Item Status: New
From: Katrina Taylor, Grants and Compliance Manager
Submitted by: Alivia Wade, Grants Coordinator
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) Homebuyer Education Course Services with Renaissance Community Loan Fund
End
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Agreement for the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster
Recovery (CDBG-DR) Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) Homebuyer Education Course Services with Renaissance Community Loan Fund.
The Agreement shall commence on September 15, 2026, and shall remain in effect through July 31, 2028, or until all grant funds have been fully expended, whichever occurs first.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires CDBG-DR grantees to coordinate with HUD-certified housing counseling agencies to ensure that disaster-impacted homeowners and renters have access to accurate information, assistance, and recovery-related services. Renaissance Community Loan Fund is a nonprofit lender that serves Mississippi and Alabama and offers free Homebuyer Education Courses to help individuals and small businesses build financial literacy and prepare for homeownership. Renaissance Community Loan Fund’s Homebuyer Education Courses include topics on understanding the homebuying process, basic mortgage qualifications, credit and budgeting tools, finding and selecting a home, financing options, and protecting home value and financial security. Renaissance Community Loan Fund became a certified HUD Housing Counseling Agency in 2020 and closed $103 million in loans in 2025. Renaissance Community Loan Fund ensures households experiencing financial strain following a disaster receive comprehensive housing counseling and financial education services that support long-term, resilient recovery.
Previous Commission action/date: August 18, 2026 - Adopted Resolution #2026-129 approving the CDBG-DR Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) Policies and Procedures; and approved and authorized the Chairman to execute the Agreement for the CDBG-DR Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) Homebuyer Housing Support Services Provider with Family Promise of Baldwin County, Inc.
The Agreement commenced on August 18, 2026, and remains in effect through July 31, 2028, or until all grant funds have been fully expended, whichever occurs first.
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 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 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: $0.00
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?
Yes
Reviewed/approved by: Pending legal review
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: N/A
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Administration staff obtain Chairman’s signature on the Agreement and and email to Kimberly LaRosa, President & CEO.
Via Email Only - (klarosa@rclfms.com)
Renaissance Community Loan Fund
ATTN: Kimberly LaRosa, President & CEO
8917 Lorraine Rd
Gulfport, MS 39503
Cc: Roger Rendleman, Tara Hazelbaker, Katrina Taylor, Shelby Middleton, Alivia Wade
Additional instructions/notes: N/A