HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-07-20; 6-d - Approval of Budget Amendment #7-A for the Transfer of Funds from the Orange County Local Rent Supplement Program to the Risk Mitigation and Housing Displacement Fund 1
ORD-2020-008
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 7, 2020
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-d
SUBJECT: Approval of Budget Amendment #7-A for the Transfer of Funds from the Orange
County Local Rent Supplement Program to the Risk Mitigation and Housing
Displacement Fund
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community
Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Attachment 1: Excerpt from November 8, Emila Sutton, Director, Housing and
2018 Board of Community Development, (919) 245-
Commissioners Meeting 2490
Minutes
Attachment 2: Risk Mitigation and Housing
Displacement Fund Policy
PURPOSE: To approve Budget Amendment #7-A for the transfer of funds from the Orange
County Local Rent Supplement Program (Local Vouchers) to the Risk Mitigation and Housing
Displacement Fund to provide flexible, much-needed financial assistance to low-income renters
experiencing housing instability and also provide additional resources for Orange County's
emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BACKGROUND: In June 2018, the Board of Commissioners approved an initial appropriation
for a new local voucher program — the Orange County Local Rent Supplement Program (OC-
LRSP). Guidelines for this program were presented to the Board in November 2018 (Attachment
1) and approved in December 2018.
Although the OC-LRSP was envisioned as a flexible program to help provide financial assistance
to low-income renters in need of stable housing, the guidelines as initially proposed mirror the
federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, and as such, do not have the necessary
flexibility to meet the needs of renters unable to be served by the HCV program. Furthmore, the
OC-LRSP was proposed to have ongoing funding from federal HOME funds, but the federal
restrictions on these funds make them incompatible with the program and were not able to be
leveraged. Of the 15 people anticipated to be served by the 2018 appropriation, only one person
has actually been issued a voucher. This person is currently homeless (sheltered), as the
individual has not been able to find a unit.
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Furthermore, Orange County is now seeing an increase in the number of residents experiencing
housing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is a need for increased funding for
housing assistance as part of the emergency response.
As such, Orange County Housing and Community Development (OCHCD) proposes to effectively
dissolve the OC-LRSP and transfer the balance of funds in that program to the Risk Mitigation
and Housing Displacement Fund (Attachment 2). This will provide the flexibility needed to meet
the housing needs of low-income renters, as the Risk Mitigation and Housing Displacement Fund
can provide various types of assistance including security deposits, utility connections, first
month's rent, and emergency housing costs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There will be no financial impact to the County if the BOCC approves the
amendment. These funds have already been appropriated, and this budget amendment provides
for the transfer of $100,000 from the Local Voucher Program, currently budgeted in the General
Fund, to the Risk Mitigation and Housing Displacement Program within the Housing and
Community Development Fund to allow these funds to be disbursed to help low-income
households in need.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic
background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status.
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
The creation and preservation of affordable housing options helps to meet a basic need and
advances economic self-sufficiency.
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Affordable housing options allow individuals to reduce risks associated with being un-housed.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There are no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impacts applicable to this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve Budget
Amendment #7-A for the transfer of funds from the Orange County Local Rent Supplement
Program (Local Vouchers) to the Risk Mitigation and Housing Displacement Fund as proposed.
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APPROVED 12/3/2018
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
November 8, 2018
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a work session on Thursday, November 8,
2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair ❑orosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Mark Marcoplos, Earl McKee, Renee Price and Penny Rich
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT. John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: Deputy County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board
Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below)
Chair ❑orosin called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
1. Presentation on Racial Equity Assessment of Manufactured Housing
BACKGROUND:
A student team from ❑r. Allison De Marco's economic justice course in the UNC School of
Social Work worked with Commissioner Mia Burroughs, the Board's representative to the
Leadership Team of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH), on a
racial equity assessment of manufactured housing (mobile homes), which have been an option
for affordable housing in Orange County. Using a racial equity toolkit, the team interviewed key
stakeholders and developed two proposals:
1) The Towns and Counties could partner to purchase the land of mobile home communities
at risk for displacement.
2] Relocation of residents of Chapel Hill and Carrboro mobile home parks to other
predesignated, town-owned parcels of land.
Both of proposals include measures for ensuring accountability, including conducting follow-up
surveys with the Orange County Health Department and the Family Success Alliance
throughout the implementation process as well as after the process.
Orange County Mobile Home Parks: Proposals from a Racial Equity Lens
Shodeah Kelly, Julia Corbett, Ariella Hirsch, Lucas Risinger and Serena Singh
Executive Summary
Orange County, in cooperation with the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, seeks a proposal for
how to use funds allocated to assist residents of mobile home parks at risk of being displaced
by development. We outlined two proposals for the use of these funds and analyze both using a
racial equity lens.
The Orange County Health Department and Family Success Alliance conducted a survey of
eight mobile home parks in the area and we largely rely on these data in our proposals; in the
survey results, it is clear that the residents of the mobile home parks strongly preferred
remaining in their homes and communities.
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She said they hoped that the survey would be real, and she personally tried to weave personal
experiences into this project, without being subjective.
Commissioner McKee asked if the sample size could be identified.
Female student said the survey was done in 2017 in mobile home parks in Orange
County and the towns. She said the students would recommend that the next survey use more
community partners to reach out to organizations that may work with these residents.
Commissioner McKee said the two local school districts are on par with each other, and
noted that people across the country move all the time, changing schools as they go. He asked
if there is a reason why the students consider changing school systems to be so oppressive.
He said buying land in Chapel Hill is radically different than buying land in Orange County.
Female student said the students understand the cost factor, but there is a widely held
belief that the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) is a better school system, with better
funding. She said there are other benefits to living in Chapel Hill such as public transportation
and community partners.
Female student said about 96 surveys were completed and returned.
Commissioner McKee said he understood the perception that the CHCCS is the primary
school system, but he went to Orange County Schools (OCS) and he challenges the perception
that CHCCS is a better system.
Female student said people do move for all types of reasons, and in this particular case,
it is more to do with the nature of how and why people are being moved. She said these
residents want to remain in Chapel Hill, but will not be able to, which makes it racially
inequitable.
Shodeah Kelly said she moved 9 different times, and moving each time requires forming
new friendships, and relationships, different curriculums that left gaps in her knowledge, and as
a minority she was not given an opportunity to advocate for herself. She said it leads to a
fragmented foundation on which to build educational pursuits.
Commissioner McKee said he agrees and understands the stress, but he wants to
prevent the quest for perfection from getting in the way of the possible.
Chair Dorosin said this is a critical issue for the community. He said this is Orange
County's gentrification, and low wealth residents are being displaced. He said finding other
options is critical.
Commissioner Price said she attended a seminar today that focused on housing and
real estate trends, and one of the recommendations was to purchase land/land trust to help
keep housing affordable.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested that Allison De Marco have someone from OCS come
and speak to her class. He said moving is not such an onerous thing, and the County could
help more people for less money.
Commissioner Burroughs thanked the students for coming tonight, and said it is not so
much that it is hard to move, but for folks who are already economically distressed it can be a
greater hardship. She said it is not so much about the schools, but about the people.
Lucas Risinger said that the residents advocated staying in their community, and it is
important to treat minorities the same way as a white community.
Female Student said she does not claim to know all of the costs of moving, but it is easy
to assume that costs would be larger because of the barriers these residents already face
(gaining employment, being undocumented, etc.). She thanked the Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) for being willing to engage in this conversation.
2. Proposed Guidelines for the New Orange County Local Rent Supplement Program
(OC-LRSP)
Sherrill Hampton, Housing Director, introduced Javon Holley, Program Manager for the
new Housing Choice Voucher Program.
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BACKGROUND:
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners, on June 19, 2018, approved an initial
$100,000 appropriation for a new local voucher program known as the Orange County Local
Rent Supplement Program. In addition, the HOME Consortium, now known as the Local
Government Affordable Housing Collaborative and consisting of the towns of Carrboro, Chapel
Hill, and Hillsborough, as well as Orange County, approved a recommendation to award
$139,613 in FY 2018-19 HOME funds to be used for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance. Of the
aforementioned amount, $114,613 would serve as leveraged resources for the new OC Local
Rent Supplement Program. The remaining amount of$25,000 will be used for the Rapid Re-
Housing Program. The federal Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) approved
the FY 2018-2019 HOME grant award on October 3, 2018, and the grant agreement was fully
executed on October 10, 2018 by the County Manager.
The new OC Local Rent Supplement Program (OC-LRSP) in many aspects mirrors the
federally-funded Housing Choice Voucher(HCV) Program. However, it is also designed to allow
for flexibility in meeting local identified housing needs. For the full program overview and
proposed guidelines of the new OC-LRSP, see Attachment 1. In addition, a draft implementation
timeline and a copy of HUD's FY 2019 Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are also included as
Attachments 2 and 3, respectively. The listed rents serve as the payment standards for the
rental subsidies offered under the new program. It should be noted that there has been an
increase in the FMRs in FY 2019 as opposed to those originally
Sherrill Hampton thanked the BOCC for supporting this program, and said it will be
another tool in the housing toolbox. She reviewed the following PowerPoint presentation:
PART I: OVERVIEW OF THE NEW ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL RENT SUPPLEMENT
PROGRAM [OC-LRSP]
A. OVERVIEW
The Local Rent Supplement Program is a new rental subsidy program approved by the Orange
County Board of County Commissioners on June 19, 2018 with an initial injection of capital in
the amount of$100,000. The County's HOME Consortium, the Local Government Affordable
Housing Collaborative, is providing $114, 613 in FY 2018-2019 HOME funds for tenant-based
rental assistance as leveraged funds to assist in the implementation of the OC-LRSP. The
County will enter into an agreement with the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA)to
administer the new program.
The OC-LRSP provides monthly rental subsidies that cover the difference between the rents
that low-income families and individuals can afford to pay and the actual monthly cost of rent for
the unit. The new program addresses one of the priority housing needs identified in Orange
County's FY 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, as well as the recently released Affordable Housing
Coalition's 2018 Affordable Housing Summit Report.
The new program is designed to complement the federally-funded Housing Choice Voucher
(HCV) Program, which is administered by OCHA and will assist families and individuals who
earn 50% or less of the Area median Income with priority going to those who are very low
income (30% of AMI or less). The program promotes community-wide planning and strategic
use of resources to address the jurisdiction's unmet needs and to narrow the gap in benefits
and services received by cost-burdened families.
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For the most part, and unless otherwise specified, ❑C-LRSP will follow the rules and regulations
of the HCV Program. However, some of the differences between OC-LRSP and HCV Program
are that OC-LRSP's rental subsidies are not for housing outside a 10-mile radius of the County's
jurisdictional boundaries. Therefore the subsidies are not "portable" and are only available to
Orange County residents. In addition, the preferences and priorities for the housing assistance
are different than those specified in the HCV Program rules and regulations. Furthermore, the
rental assistance may be administered as tenant-based and/or project-based. If project-based is
utilized then an RFP will be released and proposals solicited from eligible landlords. In the
future, OC-LRSP may be amended to include sponsor-based rental assistance as a
methodology for incentivizing new affordable housing multi-family development.
B. PURPOSE
The purpose of the OC Local Rent Supplement Program (OC-LRSP) is to provide rental
assistance in the form of a monthly rental subsidy to Homeless/At Risk of Homelessness
persons and families, Senior/Disabled persons, and Victims of Domestic Violence who are at or
below the fifty (50) percent of the Area Median Income limit.
PART II: PROPOSED PROGRAM GUIDELINES
ELIGIBLE SUBSIDY COSTS The total proposed cost of the Local Housing
program is $203,6201 and the break-out of units with
associated costs are as follows:
0 5 one bedroom units @ $902 per month for
12 months =$54,120
a 5 two bedroom units @$1,055 per month for
12 months = $63,300
0 5 three bedroom units @ $1,435 per month
for 12 months = $86,100
■ HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
allocation of$114,613 will support the needed
difference of$103,620 for rental subsidies.
• Of the $114,613 identified above, $10,993 will be
used to cover security and utility deposit payments;
and
■ If additional funds are needed to cover security
and utility deposit payments, OCHA will make a
request for Risk Mitigation/Housing
Displacement Funds, as well as for applicable
assistance from other jurisdictions. However,
these funds are often available on a one-time
basis and may not be used for ongoing utility
assistance as is provided under the federally-
funded HCV Program, which provides monthly
utility assistance to applicable low and very low
income households.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE The amount of the monthly assistance that OCHA will pay
on behalf of a family, may not exceed the difference
between the rent payment standard for the unit size and
thirty (30) percent of the family's monthly adjusted income.
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SECURITY DEPOSITS A limited number of security deposit grants will be provided
to eligible applicants, subject to the availability of funds and
at the sole discretion of the OCHA. Participants must
document, in writing, their efforts to secure security deposit
funding from other sources and demonstrate insufficient
personal funds. The maximum amount of funds that may be
provided for the security deposit is the equivalent of two
months' contracted rent for the unit.
Only the tenant (not the landlord) may apply for security
deposit assistance.
THE TERM OF THE RENTAL The term of the rental assistance contract may not exceed
ASSISTANCE twelve (12) months, but may be renewed, subject to the
availability of annual appropriations from Orange County or
the program, and at the discretion of the OCHA.
FUNDING The OCHA will make annual funding requests to Orange
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES County for the program. In turn, the County will request
HOME TBRA funds, as well as provide Risk
Mitigation/Housing Displacement funds based on the
availability of applicable program funds.
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners will
review and approve all policies, procedures and guidelines,
as well as amendments. The Orange County Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners, serves as the Board of
Directors for the Housing Authority, adopts policies and
procedures annually.
1 The Local Rent Supplement Program adheres to the
2 federally-funded HCV Program model, unless otherwise
3 noted in these Guidelines. If there is a conflict between
4 program regulations and the HCV Administrative Plan,
5 the OC Local Rent Supplement Program regulations
6 have precedence.
7 In addition to evidence of eligibility required under the
8 HCV Program, applicants must meet one of the
9 following requirements to qualify for the Local Rent
10 Subsidy Program:
11 1. Homeless Individuals
12 2. Homeless Families, including those who may have
13 children in child protective services
14 3. Person At Risk of Homelessness, including those
15 who may have children in child protective services
16 4. Senior/Elderly and Disabled Individuals
17 5. Victims of Domestic Violence
18
19 And
20 Be at or below the HUD fifty (50) percent AMI limit
21
22 ELIGIBILITY The Orange County Housing Authority requires that
23 households, at time of entry into the program, be at or
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1 below fifty (50) percent of the Area Median Income
2 (AMI). Additionally, the OCHA must provide at least fifty
3 percent (50%)of its local vouchers to applicants whose
4 income does not exceed thirty (30) percent of the AMI.
5 HUD income limits may also be used since they are
6 similar to Housing Choice Voucher income limits.
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8 APPLYING TO THE WAITING LIST Any individual/family who wishes to receive
9 Any individual/family who wishes to receive rental
10 subsidies under the OC Local Rent Supplement
11 Program must apply for admission to the program.
12 The Local Rent Supplement Program has a
13 separate Waiting List and assistance is restricted to
14 persons who are at or below fifty percent (50%) of
15 the AMI. Priority will be given to Homeless
16 Individuals/Families, Persons At Risk of
17 Homelessness, Senior/Elderly Disabled Individuals,
18 and Victims of Domestic Violence
19
20 ACESSIBILITY TO THE APPLICATION PROCESS the Department of Social Services
21 (DSS), Community Centers and
22 various service providers throughout
23 the County. The Application period
24 will run from February 1, 2019—
25 February 8, 2019. Persons having
26 questions or needing assistance in
27 completing the application may
28 contact the Orange County Housing
29 Authority/Department of Housing
30 and Community Development at
31 (919) 245-2490 or the TDD Number
32 at (919)644-3045.
33
34 OUTREACH AND MARKETING The new program will be announced on the
35 County's website beginning in mid-January 2019. In
36 addition, OCHA will hold a briefing for applicable
37 area service providers.
38 Full Implementation Timeline:
39 - January 14, 2019—Announce new OC-LRSP
40 - January 17, 2019— Hold Briefing for Service
41 Providers
42 - Application Period Opens — February 1, 2019
43 - Application Period Closes— February 8, 2019
44 - Reviewing Applications and Determining
45 Preliminary Eligibility— February 11- March 15,
46 2019 (Screening period may be extended due
47 to the number of applications received.)
48 - Conduct Briefings and Begin Issuance of New
49 Vouchers— March 25—April 30, 2019
50
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1 SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT The OCHA requires that any agency making
2 referrals to screen applicants for eligibility based on
3 the guidelines outlined in this document and to
4 submit to the OCHA required documents included
5 in the Local Rent Supplement Program Application
6 Packet.
7 Completed documents will be used by the PHA to:
8 1. Determine applicant's eligibility
9 2. Select participants
10 3. Notify applicants of their obligations as an OC-
11 LRSP recipient
12
13 Completed application and verifications must be
14 current within the last sixty (60) days. Referring
15 agencies and case managers must conduct a
16 thorough screening and assessment of each
17 individual's care needs. The screening will include
18 assessment of the individual's ability to live
19 independently.
20 In addition, the individual must not present a
21 danger to himself or others and the individual must
22 not require a level of care that is not offered by OC
23 Local Rent Supplement Program.
24
25 EVIDENCE OF ELIGIBILITY Homelessness/At Risk Homelessness Certification
26 The Local Rent Supplement Program applicants, who
27 qualify under the definition of Homelessness, must provide
28 the following documentation at the time of application to
29 establish that they meet the required criteria:
30 1. The Local Rent Supplement Program applicant's
31 written certification that they have insufficient
32 financial resources and support networks
33 immediately available to attain housing stability
34 2. Documentation to verify that the Local Rent
35 Supplement Program applicant did not have
36 sufficient resources or support networks
37 immediately available to attain housing stability as
38 evidenced by one of the following:
39 a. Source documents (e.g., notice of
40 termination from employment, bank
41 statement, health care bill showing arrears);
42 or
43 b. Written statement by referring agency
44 staff confirming that they spoke to a relevant
45 third party to verify homelessness or at risk
46 homelessness status; or
47 c. Written statement by referring agency
48 staff of the efforts taken to obtain
49 verification through source documents and
50 relevant third parties
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1 d. Verification that the Local Rent
2 Supplement Program applicant met one of
3 the seven conditions under the definition of
4 Homelessness as evidenced by one of the
5 following:
6 i. Source documents that evidence
7 one or more of the conditions;
8 1. A Homeless/At Risk
9 Homelessness Certification
10 Form completed by a service
1 1 provider.
12 2. A written statement by a
13 relevant third party or the
14 written certification by
15 referring agency staff of the
16 oral verification by the
17 relevant third party that the
18 applicant meets one or more
19 of the conditions; or
20 3. A written statement by the
21 referring agency staff that the
22 staff person has visited the
23 applicant's residence and
24 determined that the applicant
25 meets one or more of the
26 conditions or, if a visit is not
27 feasible or relevant to the
28 determination, a written
29 statement by the referring
30 agency staff describing the
31 efforts taken to obtain the
32 required evidence.
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35 3. In addition, one or more of the following should
36 be provided:
37 a. A written documentation of observation
38 by an outreach worker;
39 b. A written certification by the household
40 seeking assistance that demonstrates that
41 the individual or head of household is
42 currently homeless and living in a place not
43 meant for human habitation, in an
44 emergency shelter, or a safe haven.
45
46
47 Senior/Elderly Disabled Certification A birth certificate or other official record of birth is
48 the preferred form of age verification (must be at
49 least 62 years of age or older). An original
50 document that provides evidence of the receipt of
51 social security retirement benefits is acceptable.
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2 In order to receive Disabled/Disabling Condition
3 preference, the Local Rent Supplement Program
4 applicants must present evidence of disabling
5 condition diagnosis with one or more of the
6 following conditions: substance use disorder,
7 serious mental illness, developmental disability as
8 defined by the Department of Housing and Urban
9 Development (HUD).
10 A disabling condition is defined by HUD as:
1 1 1. A physical, mental, or emotional
12 impairment which is expected to be of long-
13 continued and indefinite duration,
14 substantially impedes an individual's ability
15 to live independently, and of such a nature
16 that the disability could be improved by
17 more suitable conditions;
18 2. A developmental disability as defined in
19 section 102 of the Developmental
20 Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights
21 Act;
22 3. The disease of acquired
23 immunodeficiency syndrome or any
24 conditions arising from the etiological
25 agency for acquired immunodeficiency
26 syndrome; or
27 4. A diagnosable substance abuse disorder.
28
29 Evidence of this criterion must include one of the
30 following:
31 a. Written verification of the
32 condition from a professional
33 licensed by the state to diagnose
34 and treat the condition;
35 b. Written verification from the Social
36 Security Administration;
37 c. Copies of a disability check (e.g.,
38 Social Security Disability Insurance
39 check or Veterans Disability
40 Compensation); Intake staff(or
41 referral staff) observation that is
42 confirmed by written verification of
43 the condition from a professional
44 licensed by the state to diagnose
45 and treat the condition that is
46 confirmed no later than fourteen (14)
47 days of the application for
48 assistance and accompanied with
49 one of the types of evidence above;
50 or other documentation approved by
51 HUD.
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2 Victim of Domestic Violence The Local Rent Supplement Program applicants, who
3 qualify under the definition of Victim of Domestic Violence,
4 must provide the following documentation at the time of
5 application to establish that they meet the required criteria:
6 1. The individual may satisfy the PHA's request by
7 providing any one of the following three forms of
8 documentation [24 CFR 5.2007(b)]:
9 a. A completed and signed HUD-approved
10 certification form (HUD-50066,
11 Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating
12 Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking),
13 which must include the name of the
14 perpetrator only if the name of the
15 perpetrator is safe to provide and is known
16 to the victim;
17 b. A federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local
18 police report, or court record, or an
19 administrative record; or
20 c. Documentation signed by a person who
21 has assisted the victim in addressing
22 domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
23 assault, or stalking, or the effects of
24 such abuse. This person may be an
25 employee, agent, or volunteer of a victim
26 service provider; an attorney; a mental
27 health professional; or a medical
28 professional. The person signing the
29 documentation must attest under penalty of
30 perjury to the person's belief that the
31 incidents in question are bona fide
32 incidents of abuse. The victim must also
33 sign the documentation.
34
35 TENANT SELECTION Selection Criteria
36 Families will be selected based on the following targeted
37 population selection criteria and selection preference
38 method. Within the preference category, families and
39 individuals will be selected based on severity of needs.
40
41 The OCHA system of preferences may select families
42 either according to the date and time of application, or by a
43 random selection process. When selecting families from
44 the Waiting List OCHA is required to use targeted funding
45 to assist only those families who meet the specified
46 criteria, and OCHA is not permitted to skip down the
47 waiting list to a family that it can afford to subsidize when
48 there are not sufficient funds to subsidize the family at the
49 top of the waiting list.
50
51 Targeted Population:
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1 • Homeless Individuals
2 • Homeless Families, including those families who
3 may have children in child protective
4 services
5 • Person At Risk of Homelessness, including
6 families who may have children in child
7 protective services
8 • Senior/Elderly and Disabled Individuals
9 • Victims of Domestic Violence
10 Families and individuals must meet the requirements and
11 eligibility criteria of one of the above targeted population
12 groups to qualify for the Local Rent Supplement Program.
13 HomelessnesslAt Risk Homelessness
14 For Homelessness and At Risk of Homelessness
15 applicants, severity of needs is identified and verified
16 through the use of Homelessness/At Risk Homelessness
17 Certification Form and submitted source documents.
18 Senior/Disabled applicants and Victims of Domestic
19 Violence
20 For Senior/Disabled applicants and Victims of Domestic
21 Violence applicants, severity of needs is identified and
22 verified through the use of the submitted source
23 documents.
24
25 CRIMINAL BACKGROUND All participants will undergo criminal background and sex
26 offender checks based on the Housing Choice Voucher
27 (HCV) regulations.
28
29 DENIAL OF ASSISTANCE An applicant will be denied participation in the Local Rent
30 Supplement Program if the applicant does not meet Local
31 Rent Supplement Program specific admission criteria.
32
33 Participation will also be denied if the Local Rent
34 Supplement Program applicant does not provide:
35 1. Information that the OCHA determines is
36 necessary in the administration of the program
37 2. Complete and true information and it is
38 discovered that the applicant does not meet
39 eligibility requirements
40
41 BRIEFINGS AND VOUCHER ISSUANCE The applicant, together with all adult
42 members of the household and the
43 assigned case manager (if applicable) must
44 be present for the initial briefing and
45 voucher issuance.
46
47 Upon the completion of the initial briefing, a
48 Local Voucher/Rent Subsidy voucher will be
49 issued to the applicant. Local Rent
50 Supplement Program participants have up
51 to 120 days to search for a unit within the
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1 Orange County geographic area and submit
2 a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) to
3 the OCHA upon finding a suitable unit.
4
5 If an extension is needed, one may be
6 requested. The request will be evaluated
7 and a decision made based upon the same
8 policy outlined in the voucher issuance
9 section of Chapter 5 of the OCHA Housing
10 Choice Voucher Administrative Plan (Proof
11 of Effort must be submitted to the OCHA).
12
13 TENANT RENT PORTION Program participants are required to pay a portion of their
14 rent if they are receiving assistance under OC Local Rent
15 Supplement Program. Participants' rent must be equal to
16 the highest of:
17 - 30 percent of family's monthly adjusted income;
18 - 10 percent of family's monthly gross income; or
19 - A minimum rent of$50 contribution.
20 The PHA has authority to suspend and exempt families
21 from minimum rent when a financial hardship exists.
22
23 HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS (HQS) HQS unit inspections are required both at
24 initial occupancy and annually thereafter for
25 all Local Rent Supplement subsidized units.
26 Newly leased units must pass the HQS
27 inspection before the beginning date of the
28 assisted lease and the Local Voucher Rent
29 Supplement Housing Assistance Payment
30 (HAP) Contract.
31
32 RENT REASONABLNESS Rent reasonable review must be conducted before Local
33 Rent Supplement Program participant rents a unit. The
34 OCHA will pay rents up to the rent reasonable amount, not
35 to exceed the exceptional payment standard utilized for the
36 PHA's HCV Program.
37
38 MOVING WITH CONTINUED ASSISTANCE AND PORTABILITY
39 Under the OC Local Rent Supplement Program, the OCHA issues an eligible family a voucher
40 and the family selects a unit of its choice within the Orange County geographic area, as
41 specified earlier in these guidelines. If the family moves out of the unit, the contract with the
42 owner ends and the family can move with continued assistance to another unit within the
43 Orange County geographic area.
44
45 Local Rent Supplement Program participants are not eligible for portability and must remain
46 within the Orange County geographic area.
47
48 ANNUAL/INTERIM REEXAMINATIONS The OCHA is required to process annual re-
49 examinations. In cases where a family experiences
50 a change in household composition and/or income
15
16
1 between annual re-examination, the PHA will
2 process an interim re-examination.
3
4 The family is required to report all changes in
5 household composition and/or income to the OCHA
6 within 10 calendar days of the occurrence.
7
8 RENTAL INCREASES Landlords may submit a request for a rent increase every other
9 year and approval is based on availability of funding and rent
10 reasonableness for the tenant.
11
12 TERMINATION OF ASSISTANCE AND TENANCY The OCHA is required to terminate a
13 family's assistance if certain
14 program rules are violated.
15
16 For other types of offense, the
17 OHCA has the discretion to either
18 terminate the family's assistance or
19 to take another action. All
20 participants must adhere to Section
21 8 Housing Choice Family
22 Obligations and Informal
23 Reviews/Hearings process.
24
25 Chair ❑orosin clarified that this initial proposal anticipates 15 vouchers.
26 Sherrill Hampton said yes, and that is a slight increase from last year. She said HOME
27 funds are being leveraged here, and risk mitigation funds could be used if necessary.
28 Commissioner Price referred to the eligible subsidy costs, and the 5/5/5 breakdown, and
29 asked if that breakdown is based on actual need, and what would happen if the number of
30 applications varies.
31 Sherrill Hampton said selection of the tenants is based on a preference rating, and there
32 is some flexibility and it depends on the first round of persons selected and deemed eligible
33 under the preferences.
34 Travis Myren said the number of vouchers is dictated by the amount of money available.
35 He said very low income residents are being targeted, thus assuming a 100% subsidy. He said
36 the County could choose to target people at 60% of the average median income, which would
37 allow more people to be served, but would be people with less need.
38 Sherrill Hampton referred to rental assistance (page 2), and said the monthly assistance
39 is dependent on a family's income, and no family will pay more than 30% of their monthly-
40 adjusted income. She said there is flexibility with this, and the term of the rental assistance is
41 for one year. She said families would be recertified on an annual basis, as is consistent with the
42 federally funding housing choice voucher program.
43 Commissioner Price asked if there is a process in place for the security deposit when a
44 renter moves out of the County prior to the 12-month time period.
45 Sherrill Hampton said the deposit would come back to them.
46 Javon Holley explained the residency eligibility policy on page 3 of the PowerPoint
47 presentation, as well as the application process.
48 Sherrill Hampton said a limited time window for applying was chosen because there are
49 a limited number of vouchers: only 15. She said staff wanted to manage the number of
50 applications, and thus shorten the period for applications. She said the processing of
51 applications is labor intensive.
16
17
1 Javon Holley said it will take about 60-90 days to determine eligibility of an applicant,
2 and to do so, they will ask for proof of age, homelessness, or domestic violence.
3 Commissioner Price referred to the requirement that an applicant must meet necessary
4 criteria as determined by a professional licensed by the state, and asked if the licensed
5 professional can only be from North Carolina.
6 Sherrill Hampton said this program is only for Orange County residents, and staff would
7 like to see certification by a professional in the local area; however, if one has moved to the
8 area and has certification from out of state, that would also be acceptable.
9 Javon Holley said an out of state certification would be acceptable, as long as the
10 person is not living in Orange County.
11 Javon Holley referred back to the question of occupancy standards, and said the
12 program is flexible, and will allow for staff to ensure that the resident is matched with correctly
13 sized housing.
14 Sherrill Hampton said the federal program is not as flexible, and sometimes one with a
15 one-bedroom voucher is placed in a two-bedroom unit, and when the rent is raised, the voucher
16 is insufficient to cover the cost. She said the local program should be able to address this
17 problem.
18 Javon Holley referred to slide 6 on tenant selection, which will be prioritized by
19 application date and time, after other prioritization factors mentioned earlier, are also weighed.
20 Sherrill Hampton said residents on the current federal waiting list can still apply for the
21 Orange County voucher, but they must remain on the federal listing. She said there are 771
22 individuals on the federal waiting list.
23 Sherrill Hampton referred to slide 7 on criminal background, and staff will follow federal
24 guidelines on completing criminal and sex offender background checks on all persons in the
25 program. She said if a person needs to be denied because of a background check, staff will
26 notify them in writing. She reviewed the other reasons that one may be denied for the program.
27 Sherrill Hampton referred to slide 8, noting that all residents must pay rent of$50, and
28 staff will employ rent reasonableness. She said all financials will be carefully reviewed to
29 ensure this.
30 Sherrill Hampton said these vouchers are not portable, and residents will be allowed one
31 move per year. She said rent increases will only be accepted every other year. She said if a
32 resident can appeal if their assistance is terminated, which is true of the federal program as
33 well.
34 Commissioner Rich asked if the 15 vouchers are going to apply to all areas of the
35 County.
36 Sherrill Hampton said all over the County, as well as 10 miles outside of the County
37 boundaries.
38 Commissioner Rich asked if staff is working with the municipalities, or if this is just an
39 Orange County program.
40 Sherrill Hampton said it is just Orange County program, but staff is working with all the
41 providers who work with residents of all areas. She said housing could be all over the County,
42 but the housing has to be able to pass the Section 8 inspections.
43 Commissioner Rich asked if there is a plan in place to make the landlords and residents
44 aware of program.
45 Sherrill Hampton said the annual landlords meeting will take place on November 28t", at
46 which time staff will announce this proposed program. She said outreach will be done to
47 providers in January, and this information will be on the web, with a separate email address and
48 newspaper ads.
49 Commissioner Price asked what would happen if there is a family that needs a 4-
50 bedroom apartment, and will this program have the same criteria as HUD regarding the number
51 of square feet per bedroom per child.
18
Sherrill Hampton said the program will follow the same inspection standards as the1
federal program, and bedrooms must have ingress and egress, closets, etc. 2
Javon Holley said the program will likely follow the HUD standards, which calls for the3
head of household and spouse to have a bedroom, and every 2 family members thereafter must4
have a bedroom. 5
Commissioner Price asked if there is flexibility built into the program to allow for a family6
that needs four bedrooms. 7
Javon Holley said staff may have needed to exchange a three bedroom voucher for a8
four bedroom one, but that will be possible. 9
Commissioner Price asked if those who do not meet requirement will be directed to other10
housing options. 11
Sherrill Hampton said staff can refer those who do not qualify to other partners and12
share a resource list with them. She said the housing supply is very limited in Orange County. 13
Sherrill Hampton said this model is set up that if there is a family that needs a 4 bedroom14
they will need to lose one of the rooms since rent would be too high. She said some zip codes15
have a higher rate of rent than others, and as a result, the total amount of vouchers may16
decrease. 17
Commissioner Price encouraged staff to continue to provide those who are rejected with18
alternative resources. She reminded staff to please remember military veterans within the19
target groups. 20
Javon Holley said the Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program specifically21
focuses on homeless veterans. 22
Commissioner Price said yes, but they still have a lot of homeless veterans. 23
Commissioner Jacobs asked if these families are seeking their own apartments or will24
staff guide them. 25
Sherrill Hampton said residents are responsible for their search, and staff cannot steer, 26
but staff does send out lists of available homes. 27
Commissioner Jacobs asked if these families are anticipated to be in need of support28
from the Department of Social Services (DSS) as well. 29
Sherrill Hampton said yes, and staff always refers residents back to local partners. She30
said the housing department does not do case management. 31
Commissioner Jacobs said Durham has so many apartments, and may not like Orange32
County residents being steered there. He asked if DSS will coordinate with other counties. 33
Sherrill Hampton said if one is living in that ten-mile radius, and thus becomes a resident34
of Durham County, one would be eligible for Durham County programming and services. 35
Commissioner Jacobs said people will find more opportunities in Durham, and it may be36
good to have some outreach to Durham Social Services. 37
Sherrill Hampton said Orange County residents under the federal program are ported to38
Durham, and the administrative fee and funds goes to the Durham Housing Authority. 39
Commissioner Marcoplos said these people are looking the best place to meet their40
needs, which may be Durham County. He said staff is not allowed to direct people. 41
Chair Dorosin said this is exciting. He clarified that the funding is coming partly from the42
County general fund and partly from HOME funds. 43
Sherrill Hampton said yes. 44
Chair Dorosin asked if this program will be unavailable to undocumented residents due45
to the use of some HOME funding. 46
Sherrill Hampton said if the money for the rent comes out of the HOME program, it47
cannot be used by undocumented residents. 48
Chair Dorosin asked if the two piles of funding could be kept separate, thus allowing for49
an undocumented resident to be funded using Orange County funds. 50
Sherrill Hampton said yes. 51
17
18
19
1 Sherrill Hampton said no utility assistance or security funds for an undocumented person
2 can be paid out of HOME funds, but the local risk mitigation money could be used for this.
3 Chair Dorosin asked if staff could explain how this program will intersect with the
4 housing choice voucher program. He said there are 771 people on the housing choice waiting
5 list, and asked if these people can sign up for one of these local vouchers.
6 Sherrill Hampton said yes.
7 Chair Dorosin asked if it is possible for a person in the middle of the federal program
8 waiting list to move to the top of the list for a local voucher.
9 Sherrill Hampton said yes a person could move higher up on the local list if one meets
10 the preferences.
11 Javon Holley said the two cannot be mixed, but one can be on both lists and accept or
12 deny whichever becomes available first.
13 Chair Dorosin said there are 771 people on the housing choice voucher waiting list, and
14 asked if there are people who have these vouchers but cannot find housing, and thus lose the
15 voucher.
16 Sherrill Hampton said there is a 120-time period to secure housing, and yes, vouchers
17 can be lost. She said staff tries to check in at the 60-day mark to see how the search is going.
18 She said the HUD program allows for one 60-day extension, and the local program will allow for
19 two.
20 Chair Dorosin said one step of this process is creating more vouchers, and asked if a
21 targeted recruitment of landlords would be helpful through the towns or service partners.
22 Commissioner Jacobs said this program is great, but he had originally looked at going at
23 this differently by finding housing and subsidizing the apartment owner to reserve those units for
24 those who would then receive vouchers.
25 Sherrill Hampton referred to page one, and the type of help that will be available: tenant
26 based voucher, project based voucher, and sponsored based vouchers. She said more
27 vouchers are needed to make more happen, and staff has started with 15 vouchers to start, and
28 then go on to project and sponsored based. She said current funding is limited and staff
29 needed to start with tenant based, with the hopes of moving onto project/sponsor based.
30 Commissioner Jacobs said it would be easier to look for housing if one knows where to
31 look. He said staff may not be able to steer, but consistent partners make the search much
32 easier.
33 Sherrill Hampton said not everyone will want to live in Chapel Hill or Carrboro, and staff
34 wants to ensure choice. She said 270 landlords have been invited to the landlord meeting on
35 November 28tn
36 Chair Dorosin referred to the $50 minimum rent, and asked if this can be waived.
37 Sherrill Hampton said yes.
38 Javon Holley said if one has no income, the $50 is typically waived.
39 Chair Dorosin referred to Attachment C (2019 fair market rents), and said the voucher
40 may not cover the amount of the rent. He asked if the voucher can be adjusted.
41 Sherrill Hampton said staff plans to do this by zip code, and some areas of the County
42 will exceed these amounts. She said vouchers can be adjusted to pay more, but that will
43 reduce the overall amount of available vouchers.
44 Commissioner Marcoplos said this program sounds very promising, and is glad to see it
45 moving forward. He clarified that staff mentioned a shortage of one-bedroom housing inventory.
46 Sherrill Hampton said yes and thus residents who have one bedroom vouchers end up
47 with a two-bedroom unit. She said this especially true in urban areas, and developers do not
48 build one-bedroom units.
49 Commissioner Marcoplos said he wanted to highlight this need for a later discussion.
50 Javon Holley said this is a problem all over the country, and no one is building affordable
51 one-bedroom units, especially in urban areas.
19
20
1 Commissioner Marcoplos said a one-bedroom dwelling would only be suitable for 1-2
2 people.
3 Javon Holley said it can be larger, as the living room is allowed to be a bedroom.
4 Commissioner Marcoplos said the 1-2 person household could live in small (tiny) home.
5 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the Department on Aging is a part of these
6 conversations.
7 Sherrill Hampton said yes.
8 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the Department on Aging is steering people to the
9 Housing Department, or is it working autonomously.
10 Sherrill Hampton said both departments are working together on the Mater Aging Plan
11 (MAP).
12 Chair Dorosin said there is consensus to move forward on this pilot program.
13
14 RECOMMENDATION(S):
15 The Manager recommends that the Board review the proposed guidelines for the new Orange
16 County Local Rent Supplement Program (OC-LRSP) and provide comments in preparation for
17 an upcoming regular meeting, authorizing the Manager to execute the necessary agreement(s)
18 with the Orange County Housing Authority to administer the Program.
19
20
21 3. Board of Commissioners - Boards and Commissions Appointment Process
22 Discussion
23
24 BACKGROUND:
25 Members of the Board of Commissioners have referenced various topics over the past year
26 related to Boards and Commissions for Board discussion. Staff met over the summer break to
27 review these topics and develop proposed recommendations/changes to be discussed further at
28 this work session. Attachment A details identified issues to be discussed, and Attachment C
29 depicts a proposed streamlined abstract format/membership roster/applicant interest list for
30 Board appointments.
31
32 1. Discussion Decision Point:
33 -To consider discussing the Adult Care Home CAC and the possibility of the
34 reduction in number of positions (since there are sometimes many vacancies)
35 and/or the option of merging this committee with the Nursing Home CAC.
36 See Attachment B- emails from Autumn Cox, Ombudsman, Area Agency on
37 Aging-TJCOG (attachment b).
38
39 Donna Baker said there were emails in the Commissioners' packets from the
40 Ombudsman, and suggested having her come to a meeting (annual presentations), and the
41 Chair of the Board to participate in any proposed changes the Board of County Commissioners
42 may want to propose. She said this Board wants to remain at its current size.
43 Commissioner Rich said it is hard to fill larger boards, and suggested talking about this
44 during the annual review. She said she would like to reduce this board, and other boards,
45 where possible, as it is frustrating when boards cannot have a quorum due to lack of numbers.
46 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if merging these boards would work, and allow the
47 same amount/type of work to be done.
48 Commissioner Price said she attended the Adult Care Home CAC, which meets in the
49 afternoon. She said this board was reviewing the various adult care homes.
_ 20
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Department of Housing and Community Development
THE RISK MITIGATION AND HOUSING DISPLACEMENT FUND
OVERVIEW
In an effort to encourage landlord participation in Orange County rental assistance and other subsidy
programs, assist with housing stabilization and mitigate displacement of low-and very low-income
residents, and prevent homelessness,the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
created the pilot Risk Mitigation and Housing Displacement Fund.The Fund, which is administered by
the Orange County Department of Housing and Community Development Department (OCHCD),
provides assistance in three (3) activity areas:
• Risk Mitigation (for landlords)
• Housing Stabilization (assistance for security deposits, utility connections, and rental payments)
• Displacement Mitigation (due to an urgent community need such as manufactured home park
closures and natural disasters)
The Fund was initially capitalized with $67,778 in the FY 2017-18 budget. In FY 2018-2019,the BOCC
allocated $75,000 to the Fund. In FY 2019-2020 and in subsequent years,the BOCC will replenish the
fund to maintain the $75,000 level, based on availability of funds. OCHCD reserves the right, based on
need and without prior notice,to shift funds from one activity area to another.
Financial assistance under the Risk Mitigation and Housing Stabilization activity areas is based on
availability of funds and are provided on a first come,first served basis. To be eligible for assistance
under the Displacement Mitigation activity area, an individual or family must be participating in the
Displacement Mitigation Assistance Program (D-MAP) or be referred based on another urgent
community need, such as natural disaster or closure of naturally occurring affordable housing
complexes. The following paragraphs provide additional information on each activity areas.
RISK MITIGATION
Assistance under this area is available to landlords participating in the following voucher programs:
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV)
• Permanent Supportive Housing Voucher(PSHV)
• Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF)
• HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS(HOPWA)
• Orange County Rapid Re-Housing Program (OCRRHP)
• Orange County Local Rent Supplement Program (OC-LRSP)
• Key Rental Assistance (Key)
• Transitions to Community Living Voucher(TLCV)
Mailing Address Main Office Satellite Office
P.O.Box 8181 300 W.Tryon Street 2501 Homestead Road
Hillsborough,NC 27278 Hillsborough,NC 27278 Chapel Hill,NC 27S16
Telephone(919)245-2490• Fax(919)644-3056 •TDD(919)644-3045
21
OCHCD reserves the right, based on need and without prior notice,to provide assistance to landlords
participating in other subsidy programs.
For damages less than $10,000, assistance may cover costs over and above any insurance proceeds the
landlord may receive.The landlord requesting assistance must inform the County of any insurance
proceeds received prior to receiving funds from the County. For damages above $10,000, assistance may
be granted for those items not covered by insurance.
Assistance should only be requested when repair costs are more than the security deposit and cannot
be related to general maintenance items. Landlords must submit the attached application to be
considered for funding.The maximum amount of assistance will not exceed the lesser of$3,500 or 50%
of the total repair cost.
The landlord must allow OCHCD's Rehabilitation Specialists to document the damage, provide
specifications for completion of repairs, and inspect the completed work before the funds are disbursed.
If the repairs necessitate involvement of the County's Permitting and Inspections Division, all work must
pass the required inspections according to Building Code and a Certificate of Occupancy must be issued,
as applicable. A copy of the passed inspection reports and the Certificate of Occupancy, as applicable,
must be forwarded to OCHCD.
Should the landlord also seek relief for damages through the judicial system and recoup any monies,
OCHCD should be reimbursed for the monies paid by the Fund.
HOUSING STABILIZATION
Assistance under this activity area is available to low-income households that are either:
• Participants in the following voucher programs:*
o Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV)
o Permanent Supportive Housing Voucher(PSHV)
o Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF)
o HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
o Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS(HOPWA)
o Orange County Rapid Re-Housing Program (OCRRHP)
o Orange County Local Rent Supplement Program (OC-LRSP)
o Key Rental Assistance (Key)
o Transitions to Community Living Voucher(TLCV)
• Individuals who have been assessed through Coordinated Entry as at risk of or currently
experiencing homelessness and who have identified safe, decent, and affordable housing
• Individuals referred by various Orange County Departments and local service providers (e.g.,
Aging, Health/Family Success Alliance, Criminal Justice Resource and Social Services, Community
Empowerment Fund, Interfaith Council, Compass Center, etc.)
*Preference will be given to applicants who reside within the unincorporated areas of Orange County,
Efland, and parts of Mebane within Orange County;residents of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough
are encouraged to apply for funds available from those municipalities before applying to the County's
Housing Stabilization Fund, or to go through Coordinated Entry or any of the local service providers listed
above for referral.
2
22
Assistance under this activity area may pay for security deposits, utility connections and arrearages,
and/or rental payments and arrearages, and, in certain emergency situations and upon OCHCD approval,
other urgent housing-related costs (e.g., short-term stays in hotels, moving costs), especially for hard-to-
house individuals and families, such as large families with children, seniors, people with disabilities,
veterans, and people with justice system involvement.Assistance under this activity area will not
duplicate any assistance provided by any other program.
For this fund, "low-income" means households earning no more than 80%of the area median income
(AMI) for Orange County.The most current AMI limits are below:
Household Size
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
30%AMI 17,850 20,400 22,950 25,450 27,500 29,550 31,600 33,600
50%AMI 29,700 33,950 38,200 42,400 45,800 49,200 52,600 56,000
60%AMI 35,640 40,740 45,840 50,880 54,960 59,040 63,120 67,200
80%AMI 47,500 54,300 61,100 67,850 73,300 78,750 84,150 89,600
Source:2019 HOME Income Limits
Applying for Housing Stabilization Assistance
Referrals and individual applications for assistance should include:
• A written request describing:
o The need for assistance
o Pertinent background information on the client and other household members
o Information on the identified housing unit or complex(name of the complex, if
applicable, and address)
o Name and address of the landlord or property manager to whom the check for
assistance should be made payable (whenever possible, a W-9 for the landlord or
property manager should be included)
• Signed consent by the client to release information to Orange County to include both OCHCD
and DSS (in some cases, DSS and OCHCD may exchange information in order to provide a
comprehensive package of assistance).
• Documentation of participation in a voucher program, as applicable.
• Documentation verifying total gross household income (see the RM-HD Fund Housing
Stabilization Application for a checklist of the acceptable source documentation).
• Copy of the lease or other documentation from the landlord showing the client has been
approved to live at the identified unit and amount of funds needed, as applicable.
• Statement or invoice from utility provider, as applicable.
Reimbursement to Referring Agencies
In situations when assistance is required urgently, referring agencies may use their own funds assist
clients, and OCHCD may reimburse referring agencies for these expenses from the Fund. Applicants
must first be approved for assistance by OCHCD and referring agencies must receive prior approval from
OCHCD in order to receive reimbursement. Only eligible costs for clients approved for assistance by
OCHCD will be eligible for reimbursement.
DISPLACEMENT MITIGATION
Assistance under this activity area is only available when an urgent community housing need and
displacement of residents occurs, such as a manufactured home park closure or natural disaster. Funds
3
23
may be used to provide direct assistance to affected individuals and families at or below eighty percent
(80%) of the Area Median Income for Orange County. If the urgent community need relates to
manufactured home park closures, persons requesting assistance must be participating in the County's
Displacement Mitigation Assistance Program (D-MAP). Available assistance includes payment of security
deposits, utility connections, etc.
This document is an overview of the Risk Mitigation and Housing Displacement Fund. Interested persons
and entities should contact OCHCD for more information. Orange County reserves the right to amend,
revise, and/or waive the program requirements, specified assistance, and activity areas based on
community needs and budgetary and personnel constraints.
Revised 3/30/20
4