2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

Home Browse Search

HOUSING NEEDS Provide the Service Network Many families depend on a network of services to meet their needs. This includes the provision of childcare services near where they work or live to allow parents the opportunity to be close to their children. The availability of adequate parks, open space, and recreational amenities near homes is also a critical need for children. Even income support services and rental assistance, such as the vouchers available from the Housing Authority, are important ways to support families. The City has made it a priority to include these types of services in its apartment projects selected for acquisition, major rehabilitation, and reconfiguration. Programs 52 -54 of the Framework detail the City resources and actions toward helping families in Santa Ana. EXTREMELY LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS Extremely low income households are those earning annual incomes that are 30 percent or less of the area median income. Based on state income limits for 2013, a four - person, extremely low income household earns no more than $28,900, and can afford approximately $585 per month for rent. Homeownership opportunities for extremely low income households are generally considered financially infeasible throughout much of California, including Santa Ana, due to the levels of subsidies required for a single unit. According to the 2012 SCAG Existing Housing Needs Report, 11,370 households (15 percent) in Santa Ana earn extremely low income. This is the average income in service occupations. Extremely low income households experience a broader range and severity of housing problems than other households. According to the Southern California Association of Governments, the City of Santa Ana has a construction goal of 45 very low income units from 2014 through 2021.Of that total, the City estimates that the construction need for extremely low income units is 50 percent of that total, or 23 units. The City has a carryover of 111 very low units from the 2006 through 2014 planning period. This adds about 55 units to the City's extremely low allocation, bringing the total number to 78 units. This is based on a methodology approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development for estimating the need for extremely low income housing. Meeting the goal of providing housing affordable to extremely low income housing is challenging due to the present fiscal and economic climate and the financial subsidies required to make these projects financially feasible. The following are ways that the City is addressing the need for extremely low income households to secure housing in Santa Ana. JA& CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT A -29