Homeownership Language Access and Community Outreach and Engagement Services

The vendor required to provide homeownership language access and community outreach and engagement services for include:
•    Language access and 
•    Community outreach and engagement
- Language access
•    Funding provided under this category is intended to help create and facilitate access to homeownership programs by community members with limited english proficiency, american sign language (“ASL”) speakers, and community members with special communication needs due to a disability. 
•    These funds can be utilized to cover the costs of translating program and outreach materials, providing interpretation services to current or potential program participants, and to provide notice of language assistance to the public. 
•    The funds can also be utilized to develop a language access plan that ensures applicant provides quality and appropriate language services and that staff members are aware of what to do when language assistance is requested, and for other activities that assist persons with language or communication barriers to have meaningful access to applicant’s homeownership programs.
•    The activities funded under this category include:
1. Translating program and outreach materials for homeowner and homebuyer services into any non-English language spoken by community members in applicant’s service area
•    Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to professional translation services; translation reviews or cultural validation to ensure that translations are culturally sensible; adding closed captions or subtitles to videos; and developing materials in ASL.
2. Providing interpretation services for any language spoken by community members in applicant’s service area, including ASL, to facilitate access to homeownership services and activities
•    Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to interpretation services on site, over the telephone, video remote, or through a virtual platform, and rental of interpretation equipment.
3. Informing the public about the availability of language assistance services to ensure persons with limited english proficiency are aware of the services
•    Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to procuring, developing, printing, and posting notices on applicant’s website, or in printed materials in building entrances, reception, and other areas where clients and staff interact; developing and printing “i speak” cards; and updating telephone and email answer messages or templates to include language accessibility notices.
4. Developing or updating a language access plan for applicant’s organization or applicant’s homeownership programs
•    Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to consultation services from appropriate professionals, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders; and engaging community members in the process through focus groups, listening sessions, or surveys.
- Community outreach and engagement
1. Promote homeownership services through community and culturally responsive marketing campaigns or community events
•    Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to hosting or attending community events (including event space, tables, or booths, and transporting supplies to and from the event); purchasing or developing program marketing and other promotional materials; and partnering with culturally specific organizations or ethnic media for outreach events or campaigns.
2. Offering community or culturally responsive homeownership services, in locations and formats that are meaningful, familiar, and easily accessible to communities of color, people with disabilities, and other underserved populations
•    Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to partnering with culturally specific organizations or community-based organizations for specific activities; securing a location or purchasing supplies necessary for the activity, transporting supplies to and from event sites; and providing childcare during workshops.
3. Purchasing or developing homeownership curriculums and educational materials that incorporate the cultural values of the diverse communities in applicant’s service area
•    Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to materials in printed, electronic, or audiovisual formats; consultation from appropriate professionals, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders; and providing stipends for community participation in the development of materials through focus groups, listening sessions, or surveys.
4. Building and strengthening relationships with underserved populations and communities of color to facilitate and increase their access to applicant’s homeownership services and opportunities
•    Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to gathering, analyzing, and sharing community data and feedback through surveys, listening sessions, focus groups, or community meetings; providing stipends for community participation in surveys, focus groups, listening sessions, planning meetings, advisory groups, or volunteer opportunities; and collaborating with culturally specific organizations or community leadership to develop policies, processes, or opportunities to facilitate culturally responsive services access and delivery.