State of North Carolina

Neighborhood Stabilization

Language Access Plan

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was established for the purpose of stabilizing communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment through the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties. As recipients of federal financial assistance, we have an obligation to reduce language barriers that can preclude meaningful access by LEP persons to important government programs, services, and activities. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000(d) and its implementing regulations require that recipients take responsible steps to ensure meaningful access by Limited English Proficiency speaking persons.

NSP, a term that references the NSP funds authorized under Division B, Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008, provides grants to all states and selected local governments on a formula basis.

For the purposes of this plan:

(a) Grantee means the State of North Carolina,

(b) Recipient means the entity designated as a recipient for grant assistance for NSP funding.

(c) Housing Authority (HA) means, collectively, public housing agency and an Indian Housing authority.

(d) NSP Assistance, NSP funds authorized under Division B, Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008.

(e) LEP means limited English proficiency.

(f) LAP means language access plan.

I. Four Factor Analysis

Recipients of NSP assistance are required to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to their programs and activities by LEP persons. There are four flexible, fact-dependent factors to be will be considered in developing language materials and a limited English proficiency plan.

1. The number or portion of LEP persons served or encountered in the

eligible service area

a) For determining the LEP population, NCDCA utilized Census 2000 Special Tabulation PHT Table 35b entitled “The Ability to Speak English Table”. Based on this data, the state of North Carolina meets the 1,000 LEP persons threshold for Spanish or Spanish Creole speaking LEP persons, other Indo European language speaking LEP persons ( specifically French including Patois and Cajun and German), and Asian and Pacific Island language speaking LEP persons (specifically Chinese, Korean, Mia Hmong and Vietnamese); Additionally, NCDCA has identified the following counties with LEP populations exceeding the 1,000 person threshold (see table A).

2. The frequency with which LEP individuals come in contact with the designated

NSP grantees.

a) NCDCA does not provide direct assistance to individuals. All NCDCA funds are awarded to units of local government or nonprofits. As a result, LEP persons rarely come into contact with the NSP program at the State level. However, some citizen participation may be directed to the State.

3. The nature and importance of the program, activity, or service provided

by the program.

a) NCDCA does not provide direct assistance to individuals. All NCDCA funds are awarded to units of local government or nonprofits. As a result, LEP persons rarely come into contact with the NSP program at the State level. However, some citizen participation may be directed to the State.

4. The resources available to the recipient and the cost. There are two

types of assistance service—oral (interpretation) and written (translation).

Currently, the LAP measures are reasonable given the resources available to NCDCA.

II. Types of language assistance to be provided by the State:

As stated previously, some citizen participation matters are directed to the State; therefore, NCDCA has determined NSP action plans and amendments will be published in Spanish on the NCDCA website. Additionally, all published citizen participation advertisements will include a statement in Spanish indicating materials are available in Spanish upon request. Furthermore, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Korean translation icons are provided on the NCDCA website so all NSP information can be easily translated into those languages. If other populations of LEP North Carolinians are identified after the 2010 U.S. Census, NCDCA will consider additional measures to serve the language access needs of those persons.

III. Evaluation

All agencies receiving NSP funds will report annually to the Division of Community Assistance on services provided to LEP persons. Agencies will review their respective plans each year to evaluate their effectiveness and to make any needed changes. The Division of Community Assistance will assist agencies in finding appropriate translation resources, and disseminate translated HUD notices, brochures, posters, and other documents.

Availability and Access: The NSP LAP will be available to the public. The information will be made available in a form accessible to persons with disabilities upon request to the Consolidated Planning Coordinator, Division of Community Assistance, 4313 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-4313, Tel. (919) 733-2850, TDD 1-800-735-2962, Fax (919) 733-5262.

Citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties will have reasonable and timely access to information and records relating to the LAP. All records that are public under G.S. 132 will be made accessible to interested individuals and groups during normal working hours.

Complaints: At any time, citizens may submit complaints related to the NSP LAP by writing the Consolidated Planning Coordinator, Division of Community Assistance, 4313 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-4313, Tel. (919) 733-2850, TDD 1-800-735-2962, Fax (919) 733-5262. The State will provide a written response to every written citizen complaint that relates to the NSP LAP within 15 working days.

J. Keith Crisco, Secretary Date

North Carolina Department of Commerce