Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO)

Purpose

Community housing development organizations (CHDOs) are neighborhood nonprofit organizations specifically organized to develop, own, or sponsor affordable housing projects. All CHDOs must be certified by the City of Galveston to be eligible for funding.

Certification Requirements

Documentation required for certification includes:

  • A copy of your organization's charter.
  • A copy of your organization's bylaws.
  • A copy of your organization's articles of incorporation.
  • If not stated in your organization's bylaws, a copy of the resolution (or written statement of operating procedures approved by your governing body) outlining the formal process, which allows low income residents and program beneficiaries to advise your organization on relevant decisions concerning the siting, development, and management of all HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) assisted affordable housing projects.
  • A 501 designation from the IRS. The HOME requirement for a 501 designation can be fulfilled by having either a conditional or a final 501 designation. Submission of documentation that an application for 501 status is pending will not suffice to fill this requirement.
  • A list comprised of each board member's name, home address, occupation, and place of employment. For each board member, please certify if the member is a resident of a low income community, a low income resident of the community, and/or an elected representative of a low income neighborhood organization. Also, please indicate if the member is a representative of the public sector.
  • A notarized statement by your organization's president or chief financial officer or by a certified public accountant that your organization's financial system conforms to the financial accountability standards of attachment F of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 and OMB Circular A-133. A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved audit summary evidencing this will also suffice.
  • One of the following:
    • Resumes or statements describing the experience of key staff members who have successfully completed projects similar to those to be assisted with HOME funds.
    • Contracts with consulting firms or individuals who have successfully completed projects similar to those to be assisted with HOME funds, to train appropriate key staff or your organization.
  • One of the following:
    • A statement documenting your organization has at least one year of experience in serving the community.
    • For newly created organizations formed by local churches, service, or community organizations, a statement documenting that your parent organization has at least one year of experience in serving the community.
  • A map defining the geographic boundaries of your service area.

For more information, contact the Grants and Housing Department at (409) 797-3820.