Questions and Answers - Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) RFP

When are Detailed Project Proposals to be submitted for 2009-2010?

The deadline for the submission of Detailed Project Proposals is 4:30 p.m., September 30, 2009.

What criteria will be used to evaluate the Detailed Project Proposals?

The Detailed Project Proposals will be evaluated using the program criteria. Proposal recommendations will be made to the Minister who will have the final approval.

How is the need for a supportive living facility in a community demonstrated?

A requirement of the application process is the provision of a needs analysis clearly demonstrating the need for the facility in the community. Included in this analysis would be: demographic analysis of current and project client population to be served, income and related client information indicating affordability issues and an inventory including existing supportive living projects or those under development in the area. The applicant must also provide evidence that they have discussed the project with the local community, municipality, management body, and Alberta Health Services , etc.

Will funding be distributed geographically or by population?

Grants will be approved on a project-specific basis. Projects supported under the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative will be determined based on an assessment of how well each detailed project proposal complies with the program criteria.

Will program funding be allocated based on Alberta Health Services priorities?

No. Funding will be allotted based on the merits of detailed project proposals submitted by the housing proponents. However, our point scoring criteria do award points for an indication of support from Alberta Health Services.

What is meant by "proposed projects must be €¦financially sustainable in the longer term"?

Projects must demonstrate that they are capable of providing affordable supportive living under the terms of the program over at least a 22-year period. This analysis should assume that no additional capital or operating assistance will be available from the government and should indicate the basis on which accommodation charges will be adjusted over time.

What does "a person with high health and personal care needs" mean?

A person with high health and personal care needs is generally a person who can no longer live independently without significant assistance with activities of daily living such as health monitoring and medication assistance, as well as with activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing.

Could surplus space within a health facility be converted to supportive living?

Yes. The conversion of surplus space within a health facility (or within any existing structure) may represent a cost-effective approach to developing and operating affordable supportive living spaces. Where the infrastructure is surplus to the needs of Alberta Health Services, the proponent and Alberta Health Services may jointly propose the transfer of ownership of the infrastructure, or may enter into a long-term capital lease arrangement.

Will funding be provided for projects that have previously received a grant under the Seniors Supportive Housing Incentive Program (SSHIP), Healthy Aging Partnership Initiative, or (HAPI) program or another provincial capital development program?

Yes, but only as it relates to the cost of enhancements to the original project that allow for the accommodation of those with high personal and health care needs.

Can the funds be used for operating costs?

No. Funds may only be used for eligible capital costs. The grant recipient will be required to establish a separate bank account for the grant and any interest accrued and provide annual reports on the bank account to the department.

Can management bodies apply for Lodge Assistance Program grants?

If the facility is operated under the Alberta Housing Act by a management body, it could be eligible for Lodge Assistance Program funding. An application for LAP grant would need to be submitted as part of the application process.

Could a management body make a proposal for a project that is not operated under the Alberta Housing Act?

Yes. This has been done on a number of occasions. For example where the management body has decided to enter into a contract with Alberta Health Services and operate the project as a Designated Assisted Living (DAL) project.

Can a proposed facility be on leased land?

A facility may be placed on leased land provided the lease is for a longer term than that outlined in the grant funding agreement between the supportive living operator and the Province of Alberta (e.g., more than 22 years).

Will funding be provided for supportive living projects that are already under construction or completed?

Yes. As mentioned above, funding would only be provided for enhancements to the original project to allow for the accommodation of those with high personal and health care needs. Projects under construction would be required to demonstrate that the grant funding will enable the project to provide affordable units.

Are mixed facilities (e.g., lodge, enhanced lodge and supportive living) eligible, where a portion of the facility does not meet the mandate of the program?

Mixed facilities will be considered. Only those elements of the proposal that meet the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative criteria will be considered for funding. Funding and sustainability for the non-eligible portions of the project will have to be demonstrated through the detailed project proposal stage.

Are private sector organizations eligible to apply for this program?

Yes, however, a private household wishing to develop a project to house themselves and/or a family member with a disability would not be eligible.

Will proposals that ask for less than 50 per cent funding be viewed more favourably?

The amount of funding requested will be one of the criteria used in assessing proposals.

Do management bodies require the Minister of Seniors and Community Supports' approval for long-term financing (i.e., borrowing for more than a year)?

Yes, in accordance with section 25 of the Management Body Operation and Administration Regulation under the Alberta Housing Act. The request for borrowing and letters of support of member municipalities should be included as part of the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative application.

Do management bodies require the approval of requisitioning municipalities?

Yes, if the proposal involves an increase in requisitions. Whenever a management body makes a decision that will have financial implications on the member municipalities, all of the municipalities are required to provide a council resolution approving the increase in requisitions.

If a supportive living project is added to a lodge, is it exempt from property taxes?

Yes. In accordance with the Municipal Government Act, seniors' lodges, governed by the Alberta Housing Act, are exempt from property and education taxes.

Does the grant to housing proponents have to be based on 50 per cent of total eligible capital costs?

Grants are based on a maximum of 50 per cent of the total eligible capital costs. The intent of the program is to deliver affordable units. If a housing proponent can request less funding without compromising the affordability of the units, or the long-term viability of the project, this is encouraged.

What conditions will be placed on the funds provided through this program?

The following are some, but not all, of the conditions that are included in a grant funding agreement:

• Grant amount;
• Use of the grant;
• Timing regarding the use of the grant;
• Insurance requirements;
• Annual reporting on the progress of the project;
• Final report on the use of the grant
• Default provisions;
• Conditions requiring repayment of all or a portion of the grant;
• Term of the agreement (e.g., 22 years); and
• Annual reporting requirements.

How soon does the grant have to be spent?

The grant recipient is required to provide confirmation that the project has started within nine months of the effective date of the agreement. They will have to request an amendment to the agreement if the project is not started within nine months. The project must be completed within 24 months of the effective date of the agreement or an amendment is also required.

How will the grant funding be provided to successful applicants?

Once the ASLI grant is approved:

1. 50 per cent of the grant will be advanced when the grant funding agreement is signed and evidence of land ownership or a long term lease (minimum 22 years) and a copy of the development permit are provided;
2. An additional 40 per cent of the grant will be advanced upon receipt of a Construction Progress Report, showing that the project is at least 50 per cent complete. As well, a copy of the building permit, construction insurance and WCB coverage must be submitted if not provided earlier;
3. The remaining 10 per cent will be advanced upon receipt of a Certificate of Substantial Performance, a signed Construction Progress Report, a complete Supportive Living Cost and Activity Survey as specified in Schedule D of the grant agreement and an Audited Financial Statement of Final Capital Costs as specified in Schedule E of the agreement.

What would not be funded under the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative?

Ineligible units (see below) geared to higher income seniors, long-term care units and health care units (e.g., palliative, transitional, or emergency) built as part of a proponent's overall project, as well as project capital costs that cannot be completely attributed to the development of a supportive living project, are deemed ineligible for funding.

What is the difference between "eligible" and "ineligible" units?

"Eligible" units are those units that charge a basic rate (that includes three meals per day, housekeeping and linen laundry service, as well as an activities program) for a studio or one-bedroom unit that does not exceed the maximum private room rate for a long-term care facility (i.e., $1,650 per month in 2008/2009). The Affordable Supportive Living Initiative grant applies only to eligible units.

"Ineligible" units are those units with rates that exceed the basic rate applied to "eligible" units and may or may not offer services that meet or exceed the basic supportive living services.

Can a household with a family member requiring a supportive living environment apply for funding to help build a home that would meet their needs?

A private household wishing to develop a project to house themselves and/or a family member with a disability would not be eligible. The program is restricted to private non profit or private for profit organizations to ensure that the funding is not being used to develop personal spaces for a private individual or household.

Please clarify the difference between "Designated Assisted Living" and "Enhanced Lodge" units.

"Designated Assisted Living" (DAL) means a facility that typically serves residents with higher health needs, but who do not need the level of care provided in a long-term care facility. As a result, there may be more professional staff on site and special physical design features may be needed to better serve special populations. To address the higher care needs of their residents, designated assisted living operators will assume greater responsibility for supervising client safety, protecting clients, and providing personal care services. These responsibilities are met through a contractual arrangement with Alberta Health Services. Alberta Health Services make decisions on whether people can be admitted to or discharged from a designated assisted living space, depending on their assessed needs. Typically DAL projects are classified as Level 4 (Enhanced Assisted Living) on the Government of Alberta Supportive Living Framework.

"Enhanced Lodge" means a facility that provides services beyond those currently provided in a traditional lodge. These additional services may include, but are not limited to personal care, medication assistance, and contracted home care based on the assessed needs of the residents. Some enhanced lodges may develop specialized areas in the facility to provide services for persons with dementia. Typically Enhanced Lodges are classified as Level 3 (Assisted Living) on the Government of Alberta Supportive Living Framework.