Strategy Profile & Accomplishments

BACKGROUND
In 1992, the concerted housing revitalization efforts of community leaders, nonprofit representatives, government leaders, local lenders and businesses, and with assistance from C.S. Mott Foundation led to the creation of Metro Housing Partnership. Metro was to serve as the housing and community development intermediary in Flint and Genesee County with a focus on providing technical and financial resources, creating public and private partnerships, leading to the creation of stable neighborhoods and communities.

PURPOSE

  • To identify and select target areas within the greater Flint Metropolitan area on which to focus the comprehensive revitalization efforts of the Corporation in order to improve physical and socio-economic conditions therein and thereby reduce the burden on the federal, state and local government to provide social and welfare programs to the residents of such areas.
  • To demonstrate the ways in which targeted public/private resources can provide a return on investment to sponsors and financiers through improvement of the overall socio-economic climate of the community.
  • To increase private sector support for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization through establishment and maintenance of affordable housing financing programs.
  • To build the production capacity of nonprofit housing developers in the greater Flint Metropolitan area through the provision of training, professional and technical assistance and by increasing the availability of financial resources.
  • To combat community blight and deterioration in greater Flint Metropolitan area by helping to maintain, improve and increase the supply of affordable housing to lower income residents of the area through educational activities and such financing programs.
  • To establish and increase public and private support for capital that provide micro-loans, enterprise loans, affordable housing loans, tax foreclosure prevention loans and other small purpose loans that enable individuals and businesses to access needed capital for sustaining and development of business that creates, sustains and adds new jobs.
  • To become and operate as a CDFI entity and SBA intermediary for Genesee, Lapeer, Saginaw and Shiawassee counties to provide micro-loans including rural and enterprise loans.

VISION: “Partnering to Build Strong, Vibrant Communities”

MISSION: “To serve as a leader and catalyst to expand and enhance quality housing and community development initiatives for underserved people and communities, to develop partnerships in Flint and Genesee County, to provide Micro Loans, Enterprise Loans, Affordable Mortgage Loans , and Individual Lending leading to the creation of stable and vibrant neighborhoods and communities.”

VALUES

  • We are flexible and compassionate
  • We are committed to the highest standards of quality
  • We demand integrity in all our endeavors

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  • Explore alternative solutions that support our mission
  • Respond to unplanned events and information
  • Demonstrate benevolent concern and compassion for the needs of others
  • Maintain client trust through honesty, accountability, and professionalism
  • Proactively respond to inquiries and concerns of stakeholders
  • Tenaciously uphold organizational values
  • Value and attract interactions with diverse clients and partners
  • Share knowledge and experience to inspire others to action
  • Transparency with confidentiality preserved

STRATEGIC PLAN
During the fiscal year 2004 – 2005 Metro Housing developed a five year strategic plan with the help of grant funds from BEST Collaborative.

An initial assessment of the organization was done recognizing Metro Housing in the Lifecycle Stage: as Growth, an indication that Metro is poised and ready to move to a mature stage of organizational development. Given the past developments and successes, Metro needs to stabilize itself as a contributing force to the revitalization efforts in City of Flint and Genesee County.

The Strategic Plan led to the identification of three focus areas:

  • Housing,
  • Community Development and
  • Partnerships;

STRATEGY for ALIGNMENT and REFOCUS
In 2009, Metro Housing Partnership, Inc. changed its name to Metro Community Development, encompassing all of Metro’s activities and better reflecting everything that Metro accomplishes. We exist to partner with public and private organizations, provide technical and financial resources and promote the creation of stable neighborhoods and communities. As identified, with assistance from the BEST Project, our three major focus areas include housing, community development and partnerships.

MCD Board and Staff conducted a review of Strategic Plan with the assistance of BEST and Fund Consulting. In developing a business model that is much more aligned to the economic conditions and changing demographics, MCD had two overarching goals that board members and staff feel drives the work that they do: maintaining community stability and stimulating community economic development. These goals align along what can be referred to as a community development continuum including Asset Building, Community Building, and Coalition Building. These goals drive the financial products and development services the organization provides to the investment area and help MCD internally organize.

The three areas of the continuum are not mutually exclusive and are not intended to create a system of departments within the organization. Rather, the community development continuum is meant to take a holistic approach to the organization’s mission and determine where the various financial products and development services align with short term and long term goals of MCD.

Asset Building reflects of at an individual level. This function encompasses the IDA program, foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgages, down payment and closing costs assistance and any individual lending that occurs. When using the term “asset” in this context, the continuum is not only describing wealth creation for individuals but is considering the role that the individual plays in maintaining stable communities.

The Community Building portion of the continuum describes the purpose of MCD at the neighborhood level and the types of programs it provides to create vibrant communities. For example, programs like the youth apprenticeships, work force development, all intervention and evaluation programs, neighborhood planning, planning for sustainable communities and loans to developers whose projects will add to the standard of living within that community.

The third area along the continuum is Coalition Building, which connects to the emphasis on partnerships and advocacy, another core element of MCD’s mission. Many industry partners and potential borrowers in the area view MCD as a bridge between funding opportunities and community residents. For over a decade MCD has played a critical role in being a fiduciary to federal and state programs for homelessness and development of sustainable affordable housing to non-profits in Flint and Genesee County. This portion of the continuum ties the individual to the end result of stability and development.

MCD Governance
MCD is governed by a fourteen member board of directors with diverse professional background.

Officers
Chair: Mr. Robert L. Rummel
Vice Chair: Mr. Robert Nichols
Treasurer: Ms. Rachelle Kippe
Secretary: Mr. George Kitchen

MCD Staffing
MCD is managed with competent staff led by Ravi Yalamanchi, CEO.

MCD Financial Capacity and Controls
MCD practices transparency in its management and operations. At our website, www.metro-community.org , information pertaining to our financials: Audited financial statements from 2005 thru 2013, IRS form 990 for 2007 thru 2013, and Annual Reports along with the list of our Board of Directors, Purpose, Vision and Mission are available for download. The Board of Directors adopted a Financial Policy and Procedure to be in compliance with grants from Foundations, State and Federal funding sources. The bookkeeping for the organization is maintained internally and submitted to Plante Moran, a CPA firm, to prepare the monthly financial statements. All programs are maintained separately with each having its own bank account for better tracking and effective reporting.

Specific Accomplishments in the Fiscal Year 2012 – 2013

  1. Received general operating support of $135,000 from C.S. Mott Foundation and $50,000 from Kettering/Mott Endowment.
  2. Received CDFI capacity build support of $25,000 from LISC.
  3. Approved by Small Business Administration as SBA intermediary for microloans.
  4. Established Financial Opportunity Center in Genesee County in partnership with LISC, Mott Community College and Career Alliance and financial support of $32,000 from LISC.
  5. Obtained Supportive Housing Grant of $1.9 million from HUD
  6. Implemented 4th year of YouthBuild Program with two cohorts.
  7. Planning and implementation of $270,000 Emergency Solutions Grant from MSHDA.
  8. Obtained $150,000 in grant funding from The Housing Partnership Network and $52,000 from City of Flint and MSHDA for counseling services and Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
  9. Selected as one of the cities to the Building Neighborhood Capacity Program – a Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative in partnership with five federal agencies and foundations – a total grant of $450,000.
  10. Issued $655,000 in affordable mortgage loans, $791,490 in micro and enterprise loans – 16 business loans sustaining 183 jobs.
  11. Implemented Tenant Based Rental Assistance in partnership with MSHDA with a grant of $143,000.
  12. The CDFI operations has created a revenue model of loan packaging fees, interest earnings on loans, and loan servicing fees.
  13. Implemented second year of the Second Youth Build Grant of $1.1 million from DOL.
  14. Received grant support from financial institutions, Community Foundation and Trust(s) – $65,000.

Specific Accomplishments in the Fiscal Year 2011 – 2012

  1. Received general operating support of $135,000 and $50,000 for CDFI capacity build from C.S. Mott Foundation and $20,000 from LISC.
  2. Received grant support from financial institutions, University, and Trust(s) – $144,000.
  3. Received $1.5 million in grant funds from U.S. Department of Treasury to plan and implement Micro Loan and Enterprise Loan programs.
  4. Obtained Supportive Housing Grant of $2.2 million from HUD
  5. Partnered with MSHDA, County and City to continue to plan, and implement and close out a $2.5 million Housing Prevention and Rapid Housing Program and to strengthen the One Stop Housing Resource Center.
  6. Implement first year of the Second Youth Build Grant of $1.1 million from DOL
  7. Obtained $92,000 in grant funding from The Housing Partnership Network and $102,000 from City of Flint and MSHDA for counseling services.
  8. Strengthened the Community Collaborative with more partners and established funding for Coordination.
  9. Implemented Tenant Based Rental Assistance in partnership with MSHDA, and Genesee County with a combined grant of $770,000.
  10. Provided Asset Building Services to 1,792 families through workshops and individual counseling.
  11. Received grant of $580,000 from Genesee County Planning Commission to implement Affordable Housing Mortgage Loan Program.
  12. Received a grant of $180,000 from Genesee County Planning Commission to implement Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program.
  13. Obtained Emergency Solutions Grant of $274,000 from MSHDA for Flint and Genesee County in partnership with Continuum of Care agencies.
  14. The CDFI operation has created a revenue model of loan packaging fees and interest earnings on loans.

Specific Accomplishments in the Fiscal Year 2010 – 2011

  1. Received general operating support of $100,000 and $25,000 for CDFI capacity build from C.S. Mott Foundation.
  2. Received grant support from financial institutions, University, LISC and Trust(s) – $144,000.
  3. Initiated the Micro Loan lending program for small businesses with a grant of $125,000 from C.S. Mott Foundation.
  4. Obtained Supportive Housing Grant of $2.47 million from HUD
  5. Partnered with MSHDA, County and City to continue to plan and implement a $2.5 million Housing Prevention and Rapid Housing Program and to strengthen the One Stop Housing Resource Center with funding availability for three years.
  6. Implement second year of the Youth Build Grant of $1.1 million from DOL
  7. Obtained $152,000 in grant funding from The Housing Partnership Network and $83,000 from City of Flint and MSHDA for counseling services.
  8. Strengthened the Community Collaborative with more partners and established funding for Coordination.
  9. Implemented Tenant Based Rental Assistance in partnership with MSHDA, Genesee County and City of Flint assisting over 60 families in permanent housing.
  10. Provided Asset Building Services to 1,091 families
  11. Received grant of $450,000 from Genesee County Planning Commission to implement Affordable Housing Mortgage Loan Program.
  12. Received a grant of $180,000 from Genesee County Planning Commission to implement Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program.
  13. Obtained Emergency Solutions Grant of $274,000 from MSHDA for Flint and Genesee County in partnership with Continuum of Care agencies.
  14. Developed Master Plan of mixed income housing with retail, child development center and arts center for New Smith Village Development in City of Flint. Developed designs, plans and specs for 83 new homes in New Smith Village.

Specific Accomplishments in the Fiscal Year 2009 – 2010

  1. Received general operating support of $100,000 and $40,900 for CDFI capacity build from C.S. Mott Foundation.
  2. Received grant support from financial institutions, University and Trust(s) – $135,000.
  3. Received Community Collaboration support grants of $45,000 with $25,000 from Ruth Mott Foundation to strengthen the Genesee County Community Collaborative.
  4. Obtained certification from U.S. Dept of Treasury, CDFI Fund, as Community Development Financial Institution.
  5. Initiated the Micro Loan lending program for small businesses.
  6. Obtained Supportive Housing Grant of $2.26 million for Flint and Genesee County in partnership with the Continuum of Care agencies
  7. Partnered with MSHDA, County and City to plan and implement a $2.5 million Housing Prevention and Rapid Housing Program and to strengthen the One Stop Housing Resource Center with funding availability for three years.
  8. Obtained a Youth Build Grant of $1.1 million from U.S. Department of Labor
  9. Obtained $120,000 in grant funding from The Housing Partnership Network and MSHDA for counseling services.
  10. Strengthened the Community Collaborative with more partners and established funding for Coordination.
  11. Implemented Tenant Based Rental Assistance in partnership with MSHDA, Genesee County and City of Flint assisting over 60 families in permanent housing.
  12. Provided Asset Building Services to 1,096 families
  13. Received a grant of $210,000 for Summer Youth Employment Program from Career Alliance
  14. Received a grant of $200,000 from Genesee County Planning Commission to implement Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program.
  15. Direct economic impact of Housing Counseling services for prevention and ownership is estimated at $7.6 million using the N-Best data.

Specific Accomplishments in the Fiscal Year 2008 – 2009

  1. Obtained Supportive Housing Grant of $2.7 million for Flint and Genesee County in partnership with the Continuum of Care agencies
  2. Partnered with MSHDA, County and City to plan and implement a $2.7 million Housing Prevention and Rapid Housing Program and to strengthen the One Stop Housing Resource Center with funding availability for three years.
  3. Received Technical Assistance Grant of $100,000 from CDFI (U.S. Dept of Treasury)
  4. Developed underwriting guidelines for Foreclosure Prevention Loans and Micro-Enterprise Loans
  5. Obtained a Youth Build Grant of $1.1 million from U.S. Department of Labor
  6. Planned and implemented a Summer Youth Employment Training Program
  7. In June, MCD was recertified by the FHA as a secondary lender to continue to provide second mortgages to borrowers.
  8. MCD also received the Property Improvement Loan Certification from Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and has been working to provide PIP loans in collaboration with Fifth-Third Bank. Plans are also in the pipeline to begin working with Citizens Bank and Chemical Bank to provide property improvement loans in Flint and Genesee County.
  9. Strengthened the Community Collaborative with more partners and established funding for Coordination.
  10. Implemented Tenant Based Rental Assistance in partnership with MSHDA and Genesee County assisting over 60 families in permanent housing.
  11. Provided Asset Building Services to 1,345 families
  12. Ninety-eight (98) Participants graduated from Individual Development Accounts achieving homeownership, education, transportation and microenterprise goals.