U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Community Planning and Development
Consolidated Plan Contact
CITIZEN'S SUMMARY
The City of Temple, Texas is located in the heart of the State of Texas and is on
Interstate 35, which is now experiencing increased international NAFTA traffic traveling to
and from Mexico and Canada. The city is centrally located, just 60 miles north of Austin,
the State capitol, and approximately 130 miles south of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
In the 1800s, before superhighways such as Interstate 35 existed, railroads crossed
the plains of Texas from ports on the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast, Santa Fe, and Colorado
railroad purchased land in order to locate in Central Texas and sold the first city lots in
Temple in 1881. Along with the railroad came its system of health care for its employees.
The Santa Fe Hospital was established in Temple, followed by Scott and White Memorial
Hospital and Clinic and King's Daughters Hospital. During World War II, the Olin E. Teague
Veterans' Hospital was established in Temple, and today, along with Scott and White and
the Darnall Army Community Hospital in Killeen, it forms the clinical teaching campus of the
Texas A&M University College of Medicine.
Medicine has become the second most important industry in Temple and now
surpasses the railroad in importance to the economy of Temple and Central Texas. In this
city of 46,901 persons (1990 census), almost 800 physicians live and work.
Fort Hood, home to almost 50,000 members of the armed forces and their families,
lies only 20 miles to the west of Temple. Fort Hood is the largest military installation in the
free world. Since the 1990 census was taken, the housing picture in Temple has changed
greatly. Fort Hood received 28,000 additional troops from bases elsewhere in the country.
Some of these troops live and shop in Temple.
A growing industrial complex has brought additional growth to Temple. A major
chemical company, retail and wholesale distribution centers (one encompassing 18 acres
under one roof), building components manufacturers, computer assembly, and food product
companies work 24 hours a day, employing thousands of local workers.
Action Plan
The City of Temple's Consolidated Plan presents a strategic vision for housing and
community development in the city. It includes a one-year action plan for expenditure of
approximately $796,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These
funds will primarily be spent on housing, neighborhood enhancement, and social service
agency activities.
Citizen Participation
The City of Temple followed its citizen participation plan in developing the Consolidated
Plan. Several public hearings were held, both at City Hall and in the community.
Advertisements were placed in the Temple Daily Telegram and the Thrifty Nickel prior to
conducting the meetings. Handouts regarding the upcoming meetings were distributed by
citizens in their neighborhoods. The City Council conducted a public forum regarding the
needs of the entire city. A presentation was made by staff to the Health and Human
Services Network. Draft copies of the Consolidated Plan were distributed and comments
and suggestions were requested. A public hearing regarding the CDBG proposed budget
and proposed Consolidated Plan was held at a City Council meeting.
A community Services Advisory Board, its members appointed by the City Council, provided
opportunity for agencies to apply for CDBG funding and, after reviewing applications, the
Board made recommendations for funding to the City Council. On July 20, 1995, the City
Council adopted the recommendation of an Affordable Housing Task Force for an affordable
housing program to provide new construction for first-time homebuyers below 80 percent of
median income. The Council adopted the CDBG budget and the Consolidated Plan at its
August 3, 1995, meeting.
COMMUNITY PROFILE
The 1990 census indicates a very modest population growth from 42,483 in 1980 to
46,109 in 1990. However, since the 1990 census the housing picture in Temple has
changed greatly. The additional troops received by Fort Hood has put a great deal of stress
on the housing market in the entire area surrounding Fort Hood, including the City of
Temple. According to the 1990 census, more than one third of the 13,600 residents in the
low-income target area have incomes below the poverty level. Due to the number of
medical facilities located in Temple and the number of military retirees in the area, Temple
has a higher than average elderly population.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
Conditions
Unemployment for the Temple area is lower than the state or national average due to the
stability of large employers located here, namely medical, military, industrial, and service
industries. The 1992 unemployment rate was 5.7 percent. However, within the low-income target area the unemployment rate is as high as 13.6 percent.
Housing Needs
The two critical areas of housing needs identified are housing costs and the availability of
housing and housing conditions for low-income households.
Over the last several years, landlords have not been renewing their Section 8 contracts,
creating a shortage of units for tenants who need rental assistance. Section 8 rent limits
have increased but are not keeping up with the current rents being charged. There is a
shortage of certificates and vouchers available for the number of households who need
rental assistance.
The 1990 median income of low-income households concentrated in the eastern and
southeastern portions of the city is 50 percent of the city-wide average of $24,000. This is
the area of the city where housing conditions were found to be very deteriorated in the
housing needs assessment conducted in 1993.
The Affordable Housing Task Force identified a gap in the availability of new construction of
homes defined as "affordable." That price range was identified as between $45,000 and
$60,000. The Task Force identified that there are no homes being constructed within that
price range due to the fact that borrowers below 80 percent of median income cannot
qualify for a loan because they have a lack of funds to close on a loan. A construction
boom currently being experience in Temple involves housing generally in a price range not
affordable to low-income households ($70,000+). The low-income target area has had
almost no new housing constructed for many years.
Housing Market Conditions
Due to the shortage of housing in the area, rents have skyrocketed and housing units are in
short supply. Housing conditions of both rental and owner-occupied units have generally
deteriorated within the low-income target area. The census indicates that 30 percent of the
city's housing units are substandard, and two-thirds of these were occupied by low-, very
low- or extremely low-income renters. The substandard units are very heavily concentrated
in the target area. There is an observable link between the location of low-income persons
and poorer quality housing.
Affordable Housing Needs
As stated previously, the Affordable Housing Task Force identified a gap in the availability
of new construction of homes defined as "affordable." There have been no new homes
constructed recently within the price range under $60,000 due to the fact that borrowers
below 80 percent of median income cannot qualify for a loan because they have a lack of
funds to close on a loan.
The increase in population over the last several years has caused a severe housing shortage
and an affordability problem for low-income households. The apartment occupancy rate
climbed to a high of 98 percent recently, and has since held in the 95 percent range.
Almost all single family rental units are occupied regardless of their physical condition.
Homeless Needs
Martha's Kitchen/Shelter is the only emergency shelter in the City of Temple. The shelter
also provides transitional housing for homeless persons together with transitional services to
help these persons become self-sustaining. There is no permanent housing for homeless
persons with disabilities in the City of Temple. There are 137 rooms available with a
possibility of additional rooms when renovation of the entire building is completed. The
capacity of the shelter at this time is 125 homeless men, 40 women, and 20 children.
Approximately 450 hot meals are served daily at Martha's Kitchen. Martha's
Kitchen/Shelter is located in the low-income target area of the city and draws homeless
persons from the city, state-wide, and from other states due to the close proximity of
Interstate 35, medical facilities which include VA facilities, railroads, and other U. S.
highways and federal installations.
Public and Assisted Housing Needs
There are two low-income housing complexes in Temple receiving Section 8 project-based
subsidies. There are 150 names on their waiting lists. The Temple Housing Authority has
531 units of assisted housing and 355 units of locally owned housing, for a total of 886
units. The housing authority has 316 units of low-rent public housing, most of which are in
excellent condition due to HUD CIAP funding totaling $3,215,000. The housing authority
receives HUD-funded Comprehensive Grant funding, of which the 1995 grant allocated
$442,027 for modernization of low-rent complexes.
The housing authority was awarded a 1993 HOME forgivable loan for $884,691 from the
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. This loan will be used to replace 26
deteriorating, 50-year old units that are not repairable due to structural deficiencies.
The housing authority recently purchased the former Carriage House apartments, now called
Adams Bend, from HUD. At the time of purchase, only 41 of 130 units were habitable.
The housing authority has nearly completed renovation of the entire complex with local
funds. Forty-five of the 130 units will be subsidized and the remainder will have market
driven rents.
The Central Texas Council of Governments currently administers Section 8 vouchers and
certificates for 351 families in Temple. There are 88 families on the waiting list
(approximately a six-month waiting period). There were 475 certificates or vouchers
canceled for the city from May 1, 1994, to April 30, 1995. The certificate or voucher
holders were unable to find units to submit for the program.
There is a significant need for assisted housing for mentally handicapped or mentally
disabled residents of Temple. The lack of assisted housing for the mentally handicapped
forces service providers such as Central Counties Center for Mental Health and Mental
Retardation (MHMR) to choose between out-patient or institutional treatment. At the
present time there are no transitional supportive housing facilities for these patients.
Barriers to Affordable Housing
Lack of affordable housing is one of the most critical housing problems in the City of
Temple. The city has revised its zoning ordinance, which will increase the opportunity for
affordable housing. One change includes allowing modular/industrialized homes in
residential neighborhoods under certain conditions. Down-zoning from light industry to
residential zoning was initiated by the city where appropriate. Additionally, flexibility has
recently been provided to allow homes in industrial-zoned areas to secure building permits
for additions and renovations. These actions will allow low-income neighborhoods to
become upgraded over a period of time and assist in low-income housing development.
Fair Housing
The City of Temple Fair Housing Administrator participated in a local radio talk show
regarding fair housing implications during the month of April. Since April is Fair Housing
Month, the City Council issued a proclamation at its meeting the first week in April and gave
copies to the area homebuilders association and the board of realtors. There are no current
court orders, consent decrees, or HUD-imposed sanctions relating to the provision of equal
housing opportunities in the City of Temple.
Lead-Based Paint
The city continues its practice of treating all painted surfaces being rehabilitated as through
they were painted with lead-based paint. Each owner and/or tenant will continue to be
presented with a lead-based paint warning. The community development housing inspector
attended training on identifying lead-based paint hazards.
Other Issues
The City of Temple and the Temple Housing Authority, together with the Area Agency on
Aging, will strive to identify and help with access to services for independent living for
elderly and frail elderly populations. Eliminating physical barriers in public facilities and
providing handicapped accessibility for housing will be addressed by the city and the
housing authority in cooperation with the Bell County Judge and Commissioner's Committee
on People with Disabilities.
Community Development Needs
The city will continue to work closely with, and consult with, other public and private
agencies, especially the Health and Human Services Network, to coordinate programs and
services in an effort to reduce the number of households with incomes below the poverty
line. An Enterprise Community Task Force, composed of 30 dedicated citizens in the
community, intently studied local issues in the spring of 1994 and identified a number of
issues that are key elements in helping to develop economically independent citizens, such
as: education opportunities, affordable day care, small business training and development,
and development of a sense of community through the city's families, churches, and
community organizations.
Coordination
The City of Temple works in coordination with the Health and Human Services Network of
local service providers and works closely with the housing authority, Central Texas Council
of Governments, Central Counties Center for Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and
also received input from various agencies when drafting the Consolidated Plan.
A client tracking system utilizing a mainframe computer located at Scott and White Hospital
and personal computers and modems at participating agencies and churches is being
brought on line. This system will allow input and tracking of the services provided.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Vision for Change
The Health and Human Services Network and the co-location of several agencies in one city-owned building encouraged the submission of a grant request by the local Workforce
Development Board to the State of Texas for a One Stop Shop. The grant was awarded and
cooperation among agencies to provide more streamlined services through the use of the
Paladin client tracking service, convenient access to agencies, and agency communication is
working toward closing the gap in the service delivery system.
Housing and Community Development Objectives and Priorities
Housing needs in the City of Temple are primarily related to low-income and elderly persons
and aging housing stock. The city's strategy reflects meeting the needs of these identified
problems. Community development objectives are to revitalize low-income neighborhoods
and the downtown area, as well as to assist in the provision of other identified needs in the
community.
Housing Priorities
Renters and owners who are low-income and are cost burdened by housing costs at 50
percent or more of income are given a high priority. A medium priority is given for those
whose housing costs are 30 percent or more of income. Overcrowded and deteriorating
housing conditions for large families are a high priority. Deteriorated housing and housing
costs over 30 percent of income for the elderly are a high priority. There is a high priority
for homeless families, individuals, and persons with special needs for emergency shelter
services.
Non-Housing Community Development Priorities
The highest priorities were placed on services for senior citizens and youth, transportation,
substance abuse services, employment training, and child care services, together with street
and sidewalk improvements.
Anti-Poverty Strategy
The City of Temple will continue to work closely with, and consult with, other public and
private agencies, especially the Health and Human Services Network, to coordinate
programs and services in an effort to reduce the number of households with incomes below
the poverty line. This includes coordination regarding the city's goals, programs, and
policies for producing and preserving affordable housing. All activities encourage and
actively support educational opportunities for those served to afford every opportunity for
gainful employment.
Housing and Community Development Resources
The primary federal resource at this time is CDBG funds in the amount of $796,000 for FY
1995. Local programs include local lending institutions' contributions to the Affordable
Housing Program and a wide range of social service agency initiatives.
Coordination of Strategic Plan
The City of Temple, Temple Housing Authority, Central Texas Council of Governments,
MHMR, Bell County HELP Center, and Health and Human Services Network will continue to
collaborate and coordinate activities and services provided within the community in order to
derive the most benefit from the resources available. The city will continue to work closely
with local lending institutions and homebuilders in developing and implementing the
Affordable Housing Program.
ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN
Description of Key Projects
The one-year action plan outlines the proposed use of $796,000 in CDBG funds. Local tax
dollars will be stretched to the maximum in providing needed infrastructure, public safety,
utilities, recreational activities, code enforcement, etc. CDBG funds will be spent on the
following types of activities:
Public Services $115,000
Housing 294,234
Clearance (lot cleanup) 10,000
Street Reconstruction 125,000
Water Line Replacement 20,000
Interim Assistance 5,000
Acquisition and Relocation 25,000
Homebuyer Assistance 50,000
Program Administration 133,766
Unprogrammed Funds 18,000
Locations
Housing rehabilitation will be accomplished generally within the target area and within the
Hilldell revitalization area. Street reconstruction will be located in the Hilldell area and at
22nd and Avenue H. Water line replacement will be at 22nd and Avenue H in conjunction
with the street reconstruction project.
Lead Agencies
The City of Temple will be the lead agency since CDBG funds come directly to the city.
Housing Goals
The City of Temple has rewritten its rehabilitation policies and procedures to include
optional relocation (replacement housing) and has increased the allowable amount spent for
rehabilitation to $25,000. Allowable costs for emergency repair have been increased to
$2,500. Homebuyer assistance has been included in the CDBG budget to assist low-income
applicants in purchasing a newly constructed home through the city's new Affordable
Housing Program. The Hilldell revitalization area will be targeted for rehabilitation and
optional relocation. Neighborhood cleanup and removal of deteriorated structures and
outbuildings will be a part of our rehabilitation program, especially in the Hilldell area.
Maps
MAP 1 shows points of interest in the City of Temple.
MAP 2 shows points of interest in the City of Temple with low- and moderate-income
areas shaded.
MAP 3 shows areas of minority concentration with low- and moderate-income areas
outlined.
MAP 4 shows unemployment data (1990) by block group, with low- and moderate-income areas outlined.
MAP 5 and MAP 6 shows selected CDBG projects to be funded by the City of Temple
during its 1995 program year, with unemployment data shaded by block group and
low- and moderate-income areas outlined.p>
For further information contact Donna McClain at (817) 770-5670.
Return to Texas' Consolidated Plans.
