Housing Programs Use TCRA Housing Set-aside funds as leverage to secure grant funding for housing rehabilitation, first-time homebuyer, and infill new construction programs, projects and studies. Provide improved housing that is safe, decent, sanitary, and affordable through the rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of substandard units for low-income households. The housing programs are located in the unincorporated areas of Tulare County and include: Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Redevelopment Housing Program, Housing Rehabilitation, First Time Home Buyers Assistance(FTHB) and the Microeneterprise Program. Sandra Sabin (559) 624-7000 SSabin@co.tulare.ca.us Economic Development Assistance with permit processing, financing, site selection, Business Incentive Zone (BIZ), Benefits Recycling, Market Development, Zone Benefits, Champion Communities, assistance development, Coordination Assistance programs. John Stevens (559) 624-7000 JStevens@co.tulare.ca.us Loretta Feldstein (559) 624-7000 LFeldste@co.tulare.ca.us Capital Improvement Projects Obtain funding through federal, state, and local grants, and loans. Provide funding for infrastructure needed to encourage industry to establish in unincorporated areas of Tulare County and in turn provide employment opportunities for area residents. Steve Horton (559) 624-7000 (primary contact) SHorton@co.tulare.ca.us Community Improvement Programs Redevelopment Project Areas - Traver, Ivahoe, Cutler/Orosi, Goshen, Pixley, Earlimart, Poplar/Cotton/Center, Richgrove John Hess (559) 624-7000 JHess@co.tulare.ca.us Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides FREE income tax preparation services to households with annual incomes below $50,000. The VITA Program allows taxpayers to electronically file (e-file) tax returns, and receive their refund within 5 to 10 business days. Many working families will see much larger tax refunds this year due to increased dollar amounts and expanded eligibility for many tax credits, including the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credits, and Higher Education Credits. There are also several new credits available, including the Make Work Pay, Home Energy Efficiency, and First-time Homebuyer Credits. Tax time will provide some much needed financial relief to many struggling families. The free program will begin February 1 and operate through April 15, 2010 at VITA sites in Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, and Orosi. Last year, CSET and local volunteers provided assistance to 1,786 low-income taxpayers and brought back over $3 million to the local economy through the VITA Program. For Tax Payer Requirements, click here: VITA Program Taxpayer Requirements For locations for VITA tax return preparation, click here: VITA tax preparation locations