CCEH HPRP

Q&A: Are there new HUD income limits for 2010?

2010-06-09T12:01:00.000-04:00

Link to 2010 info: http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il.html

Understanding HPRP

2010-03-18T14:48:00.000-04:00

There have been several meetings hosted by CCEH and DSS since the start of HPRP in October 2009. And many regions and cities have had meetings internally to discuss the challenges and yes, successes of HPRP as well. We have heard many comments, questioning the intentions of HPRP. The word "doubletalk" has been presented several times as providers share that there have been mixed messages regarding who the program is intended to serve.

1. Should we serve households with zero income?
2. Is the program for the chronically homeless?
3. What if we know someone won't be sustainable?
4. What if they return to homelessness?
5. What about the outcomes?

This issues are all related to each other, so before I offer an answer from several sources please share your comments.

"Highlights from The NAEH Conference" By, Carol Walter, ED of CCEH

2010-02-17T15:28:00.001-05:00

HUD Deputy Secretary asks HPRP Providers to Serve Higher Risk Households

The National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference on family homelessness began this morning with more than 600 registrants, a record. Nan Roman, the President of NAEH and Mark Johnston, Deputy Secretary at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development delivered the morning plenary. Here are some highlights:

Mark Johnston-HUD:

“HPRP has been a roller coaster ride for everyone, and I feel like I am sitting in the last car.”

The program represents the first stable resource through the federal government geared toward preventing homelessness.

National information so far shows higher use of funds for prevention than rapid re-housing. HUD is concerned about this because it is hard to get prevention right. The right person for this program isn’t every needy family who walks through the door.
“You need to keep asking yourself this question [as you select who you serve with prevention dollars] but for this assistance, will this household be homeless.?” I noticed he said will be homeless, not may be homeless.

Johnston stated that while some believe HUD has given mixed messages on targeting, grantees should re-read the notice (regulations) if they are wondering who HUD wants them to serve. HE emphasized that additional risk factors could be applied. They expect that this program will serve the same profile of people through prevention as have been served in shelter. This may differ from community to community. (See Hud's Additional HPRP Eligibility Criteria Suggestions)

Johnston said that while stability is the goal, reducing homelessness by serving people who are shelter bound is HUD’s priority and will define success,.

Countering what many around the country, and in CT, have expressed as concerns that programs will be seen as failures if they target people who may not sustain their housing, Johnston provocatively stated, “If data shows that no-one you serve [in prevention] eventually becomes homeless it most certainly means that your program didn’t target correctly.” Said Johnston

All of this makes me realize that HUD, and admittedly CCEH, are worried that our early cautions not to target chronically homeless people for HPRP (and no-one things we should, that is why we fight for Supportive Housing) have backfired and people are setting the bar way too high for HPRP to actually prevent homelessness in communities.
Nan Roman-NAEH:
People are to be commended for the excellent work in implementing HPRP so quickly. Government and community-based providers have done a remarkable job.
All indications point to a very difficult time for extremely low-income people over the coming months, and family homelessness is on the rise.
Early experience with HPRP nationally is cause for concern: communities have spent far more money on prevention than rapid re-housing and much of the prevention funding is going to households closer to the 50% annual median income than the very, very low income households.
Many HPRP resources around the country are going to families who wouldn’t become homeless ‘but for’ this assistance as intended. She referred to the effect of over-generalizing as ‘air-conditioning the outdoors’.
The majority of people near 50% AMI, and the ‘newly unemployed’ families who so many communities are serving through prevention will never become homeless, research says.

Favorite Quotes:
Norm Suchar-NAEH

Kathryn Gale-Almenda County, CA

Afternoon session on evaluating HPRP.
“Prevention programs always start messy and get better with time”, Norm Suchar

Kathryn Gale:
“The Almeda County prevention program prioritizes people who are doubled up over people with eviction notices. The majority of people who use shelter (Norm confirms this is true nationally) come from doubled up situations. Very, very few people who are legally evicted ever become homeless.”

“No-one should be saving money for a security deposit or first months rent in your shelters today. Get them out. That is what HPRP is for.”
“No-one should be waiting for their housing authority unit or a section 8 which is being finalized in shelters today. Get them out.”

"The Fed's Homelessness" from TIME

2010-01-27T14:25:00.000-05:00

After her husband left her, Jennifer Santana lost her job. When she was evicted from her apartment, Santana, 37, held her family together by living with a friend and then in her van. But as the nights grew cold in early December, she stood huddled with her three children in front of the Orange County cold-weather shelter in Santa Ana, Calif. "There were long lines of men and women, and the people were laying out mats on the floor. It was scary. I could not believe I was standing there with my kids."

In America's communities, the local homeless shelter is just one step away from life on the street. Fortunately for Santana's and other families, county and United Way funds pay for adults with children 18 and younger to be immediately housed in motels. Six weeks after moving into a motel, a small, unheralded federal program — the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) — began helping Santana move into an apartment. "I am so excited. Things are going to be normal again," says Santana, a short-haired blond who has found work as a licensed vocational nurse.

(See pictures of Americans in their homes.)

Equipped with $1.5 billion of the nearly $800 billion stimulus package, the HPRP started giving out funds in October that some experts believe have helped an estimated 600,000 Americans avoid homelessness. The program helps people pay security deposits, utility bills, moving bills and rent checks to either avoid eviction or move from transitional housing into their own apartments. The assistance lasts from three to 18 months. People on the verge of homelessness did not qualify for federal assistance previously, says Housing and Urban Development spokesman Brian Sullivan. "Now we are in the prevention game in a way we have never been before." Says Nan Roman, executive director of the National Alliance to End Homelessness: "The focus is on people who can get right back in the workforce."

Soup kitchens and shelters are the traditional ways society has looked after the homeless. But homeless advocates argue that making sure people can continue to afford housing is the central issue. "Services not connected to housing do little good," says Larry Haynes, executive director of Mercy House, the homeless organization that runs the Santa Ana shelter and an array of other programs in Orange County. "Pancake breakfasts provided by the middle and upper class make people feel better, but where are the pancakes the next day?" he adds. "Haiti is a sad reminder that having a place to live is the base for everything else — for employment, for keeping kids in school, for your health and for your well-being," says Roman. "In the past, our homeless system did not do much about housing except offer temporary shelter."

(See high-end homes that won't sell.)

An estimated 672,000 people are homeless on any given night, and over the course of a year, between 2 million and 3 million people experience homelessness for a few weeks or a few months. The chronic homeless, many of whom have psychological or substance-abuse problems, comprise only 20% of the homeless population. Meanwhile, unemployment and foreclosure have sent tens of thousands of families into financial free fall. At the beginning of 2009, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities projected that the severe recession and the growth of long-term unemployment would push an additional 1.5 million people into the streets. Asks Roman: "Why should we think that people can get their lives together, get a job, keep their kids in school, when they live in a van or a shelter? It is not reasonable. People need the stability of a home. You need housing to be employed. It's the platform for everything else." With long-term unemployment at record highs, Congress is considering providing an additional $1 billion in funding for HPRP as part of a forthcoming jobs bill.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors' Hunger and Homelessness Survey, released in December, shows that family homelessness increased in three-quarters of the 27 major cities surveyed during 2009. Big cities have the largest numbers of homeless. According to the alliance, at the end of 2009, Los Angeles topped the nation with 68,608 homeless; New York City had 50,372; Detroit had 18,062; Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada, had 11,417; Houston had 10,363; and the Denver and Phoenix metropolitan areas approximately 8,500 each. The concentration of the homeless per 10,000 in population is a different story. With the near collapse of the auto industry in 2009, Detroit led the nation, with 216 homeless per 10,000 people. Next in the rankings: Mendocino County, California (161.3), Monroe County, Florida (146.9), and Portland, Maine (116).

(See the top 10 news stories of 2009.)

The deep recession has caused an uptick in homelessness in rural communities as well. Tent communities began to spring up among the lovely farms and rolling hills of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, last fall, says Community Homeless Advisor Kay Mosher McDivitt. In December, McDivitt told congressional staff on the Housing committees that Lancaster County has focused on rapid rehousing for several years, with good results. "With the shift in focus," says McDivitt, "we were able to move families out of shelter and back into permanent housing more quickly, often within three months or less, and 80% of these families are able to maintain that housing." Before the shift, fewer than 40% of shelter families moved into permanent housing, and some became part of the chronic homeless.

As one example, McDivitt spoke about Mary, a mother with two small sons who had lost her job and was four months behind on rent. With the help of HPRP and intervention by a case manager, the landlord forgave three months' rent. With only one month in arrears and one month of future rent, Mary was able to find a full-time job and arrange for day care, and by the second month, she was again able to pay her rent.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1956213,00.html#ixzz0dqGbjM2x

Q&A: At what point is it appropriate to "exit" a client household from HMIS - upon the provision of final assistance or at a later date? Does HUD require the grantee to track the housing stability of households following the receipt of HPRP assistance?

2010-01-26T13:45:00.001-05:00

Grantees and subgrantees should exit a program participant and record a Program Exit Date that coincides with the date the participant is no longer considered a program participant. The exit date may represent the last day a service was provided or the last date of a period of ongoing assistance. Programs should have a clear and consistent procedure for determining when a client who is receiving supportive services is no longer considered a program participant. For example, if a person has been receiving weekly case management as part of a rapid re-housing program and either formally terminates his or her involvement or fails to keep appointments such that the program no longer considers the individual to be a program participant, then the last date of service and exit date may be the date of the last case management session.
For HPRP programs, the Program Exit Date may be the same as the Program Entry Date if participation begins and ends on the same day (e.g., in the case of a one-time payment for arrears, a security deposit, or one month of rental assistance). For a program participant receiving ongoing assistance for two or more consecutive months, the Program Exit Date should be equivalent to the last day of the last month for which the rental assistance payment applies.
HUD does not require follow-up reporting on housing stability. The housing status identified at program exit should be the agency’s best assessment of the household’s near-term stability as of the time of exit.

Please note that the CT HPRP administered through DSS is tracking housing stability.

Q&A: If an applicant is assessed for program eligibility, and the applicant ultimately does not meet program requirements, should the client be entered into HMIS?

2010-01-26T13:40:00.001-05:00

Although the time spent assessing all households is an eligible expense, only HPRP program participants that actually receive financial assistance and/or housing relocation and stabilization services need to be entered into HMIS. Only those program participants who receive HPRP assistance, as recorded in HMIS or a comparable data system, are reported in the QPR and APR.

*Question and answer from HUDhre.info

Q&A: Can we serve criminal offenders or ex-offenders?

2010-01-26T12:57:00.002-05:00

See question and answer below from HUD regarding serving ex-offenders:

If otherwise eligible for HPRP assistance, can ex-offenders or offenders who are scheduled for release but have no suitable housing options be assisted with HPRP?

HPRP regulations do not require grantees to disqualify individuals or families based on criminal history. HUD requires only that all program participants meet the minimum eligibility criteria and that grantees comply with all local and Federal requirements.
Grantees are allowed flexibility in designing their programs, which means they have the discretion to establish their own policies regarding ex-offenders. If grantees choose to serve ex-offenders with HPRP funds, it is the role of grantees and subgrantees to work with landlords in developing strategies to reduce barriers to housing for ex-offenders.

Per the definitions in HPRP Notice, persons who have been incarcerated for less than 180 days and were homeless prior to entering the institution would be assisted under the rapid re-housing category. Persons that have been in the institution for longer than 180 days would be assisted under the prevention category.

Q&A: Are halfway houses considered transitional housing? Can we help people living in halfway houses?

2010-01-26T12:47:00.001-05:00

Halfway houses that are contracted through the CT Department of Corrections are not considered transitional housing. Sober living facilities (also called halfway houses), licensed as rooming/boarding or leased as apartments are also not transitional housing.

Halfway houses are a level 1 correctional facility so residents are under DOC supervision and therefore still considered an institution. If they have been at the halfway house or incarcerated for 180 days or more, they can be served through prevention, more specifically prevention with relocation.

Q&A: As far as you know, are we allowed to pay for a lease for a space for a mobile home? We have a case where a lady owns a mobile home/trailor, but does not have the money currently so rent a space to put it on so it can be hooked up.

2010-01-26T12:28:00.000-05:00

Based on the HUD answer below, it appears that it is acceptable.

From HUDhre: Is payment of rented trailer pads/lots on which a mobile home residence rests an eligible expense under HPRP?

Rental assistance or arrears to pay for a lot on which a trailer is located can be eligible under financial assistance, although it is up to the grantee to determine whether to use HPRP funds for financial assistance costs associated with manufactured homes/trailer pads. HUD does not prohibit it

Q&A: Can HPRP funds be used to assist illegal immigrants? If so, what type of identification documentation is acceptable?

2010-01-12T12:28:00.001-05:00

In accordance with Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, an alien (a person who is not a U.S. citizen or national) may be eligible for assistance under HPRP only if he or she is a “qualified alien” (defined in 8 U.S.C. 1641). This means that no entity that receives funds under HPRP may knowingly provide HPRP assistance to an alien who is not a qualified alien.
The law requires all state and local governments that directly administer HPRP assistance to first verify that an alien is a qualified alien before using HPRP funds to assist him or her. Nonprofit organizations that administer HPRP assistance are not required, but may, verify that an alien is a qualified alien in order to provide him or her with HPRP assistance. However, if a nonprofit organization pursues verification, it must follow the requirements set forth in the interim guidance published by the Department of Justice.
For more information on these requirements (including documentation), see the “Interim Guidance on Verification of Citizenship, Qualified Alien Status, and Eligibility under Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996,” 63 Federal Register 61344 (Nov. 17, 1997), available at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html. (Select 1997 Federal Register and search for page 61344. Scroll down through the list provided to find “Interim Guidance of Verification of Citizenship, Qualified Alien.”)
Grantees/subgrantees with additional questions are encouraged to contact their local US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. An office locator is available at https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices

Q&A: Is it acceptable to use HPRP funds on renting a room for housing, excluding motels?

2009-12-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

From HUD virtual helpdesk: Yes, HPRP assistance can be provided in these situations as long as there is a lease in place and there is no conflict of interest (e.g., there may be a conflict of interest if the landlord is the renter's brother). It is the grantee's job to fully assess the situation to ensure a conflict does not exist, and that the applicant has no other resources, support networks, or housing options to prevent homelessness.

Q&A: Can an HPRP provider get a security deposit back if the household moves?

2009-12-01T16:34:00.000-05:00

It is the decision of the lead agency and/or provider if their agreement with clients includes recovering security deposit funds if they move.

From HUDhre: HUD is giving grantees the discretion to determine how to handle security deposits. The grantee may recover the security deposit, in which case it must be treated as program income. Alternately, the grantee may allow the household to keep the deposit and use it towards their next unit. Finally, the landlord or property management company may keep a portion of the deposit if it is needed to pay for costs incurred by the tenant such as damages to the unit.

Q&A: We know that HPRP assistance cannot be provided to properties owned by either the lead agency or a sub-contractor but does that apply cross-regionally?

2009-12-01T16:31:00.000-05:00

From HUD Financial Assistance Document: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/fia/nhap/docs/HPRP_Eligible_Activities/FinancialAssistance.pdf

An assisted property may not be owned by the grantee, subgrantee, or the parent, subsidiary or affiliated organization of the subgrantee.

It appears that it is acceptable cross-regionally unless the requesting program has any connection as stated above. By that statement, it also appears acceptable within region as long as there is no connection as stated above.

Q&A: Is all social security income that is excluded from income or is it just deferred payments?

2009-12-01T14:06:00.000-05:00

From HUD Income Eligibility Documentation: http://www.hudhre.info/documents/hprp_IncomeDocReqs.pdf

Gross income that must be included in calculation: Any monthly payments in lieu of earnings, such as unemployment, disability compensation, SSI, SSDI, and worker's compensation.

Not included in income calculation: Deferred periodic amounts from SSI and Social Security benefits that are received in a lump sum amount or in prospective monthly amounts.

Q&A: Are sober houses/recovery houses considered transitional housing?

2009-12-01T13:47:00.001-05:00

No, they are not transitional housing. Sober/Recovery housing fall under "sober living facilities" as a type of housing in CT. There are DMHAS supported sober/recovery housing which may provide rental assistance/reimbursement; uncertified housing is supported only by rental payments. Many uncertified sober units have oral leases (month to month) which are legal in CT, but there must be a written lease to support a client using HPRP funds.

Click on link below for more info on Sober Housing in CT
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/rpt/2009-R-0316.htm

Q&A: Why is child support being counted as income? Isn’t this a violation of the IRS code?

2009-11-18T18:00:00.001-05:00

Child support is on the income list for HUD HMIS requirements. HUD is federal so I imagine if it were in violation of another federal department, then they would catch it or deal with that conflict. It is necessary information to collect for this program, as any legal income that will support stabilization needs to be documented.

Q&A: Can HPRP funds be used for furniture?

2009-11-18T17:49:00.005-05:00

As stated in the Notice, HPRP funds may not be used to help participants purchase furniture. However, there are a number of resources available to help households who need assistance furnishing an apartment.

Visit http://www.nationalfurniturebank.org/index.html to find a furniture bank in your community.

HUD recommends HPRP roundtable discussions

2009-11-17T14:36:00.001-05:00

This powerpoint presentation contains a series of questions for consideration in implementing HPRP programs.

http://www.hudhre.info/documents/HPRP_RoundtableDiscussion.pdf

Staff Affidavit

2009-11-17T14:00:00.002-05:00

The Staff Affidavit is a requirement for all households determined to be eligible for HPRP assistance. The Staff Affidavit documents that the HPRP household meets all eligibility criteria for HPRP assistance, certifies that true and complete information was used to determine eligibility, and certifies that no conflict of interest exists related to the provision of HPRP assistance. The Staff Affidavit, linked to below, is a required form and subject to review by HUD. Implementation required by November 1, 2009.

HPRP Staff Affidavit: http://www.hudhre.info/documents/HPRP_StaffAffidavit.pdf

Resource: HUD's Vision for HPRP training powerpoint

2009-11-17T11:06:00.007-05:00

(PDF) 2009 Regional HPRP Training powerpoint: http://hudhre.info/documents/HPRP_HUDVision.pdf

Resource: Connecting HUD's HPRP with Mainstream Workforce Programs

2009-11-17T11:05:00.004-05:00

(PDF) This paper explores the role of employment services in preventing homelessness and in rapidly returning homeless individuals and families to housing stability. The paper also examines the role that HUD’s new Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re‐Housing Program (HPRP) can play in assisting people to achieve or sustain employment. Strategies for collaboration between the housing and employment sectors are discussed. This paper is targeted to HPRP grantees and sub‐grantees – specifically, program leaders who supervise case managers and have responsibility for helping people using HPRP services to access mainstream workforce investment services. It is also a resource for local workforce investment boards, their staff, and contractors. http://hudhre.info/documents/HPRPWorkforcePrograms.pdf

Resource: HPRP Case Management

2009-11-17T11:03:00.000-05:00

(PDF) This document explores the role of case management in preventing homelessness and in rapidly returning homeless individuals and families to housing stability. Tasks such as assessment and planning are described, providing the case manager specific information about case management within the HPRP program. The document can also be useful for system planners who are considering job descriptions, performance measures, and contract provisions within the HPRP program. A “Case Scenario” is included in this document to demonstrate how a potential client’s or household’s needs may or may not be addressed through the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program and how a case manager can work with individuals or families to plan the right mix of services. Case Scenario boxes are presented throughout this document to illustrate how case management principles can be applied to a household. “Case Management Tips” are easily identified by the icon.

An example of a Housing Stabilization Plan is included as Appendix A and is populated with information applicable to the case scenario.

Resource: Designing and Delivering HPRP Financial Assistance

2009-11-17T11:02:00.000-05:00

(PDF) The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re‐Housing Program (HPRP) provides communities with a range of flexible financial tools to prevent homelessness as well as to assist in re‐housing homeless households. This paper provides users with a convenient reference and overview of the scope of HPRP eligible financial assistance activities. It also covers key rental assistance program design concepts, including existing program models along with guidance on approaches that differ from standard models.

Model: Rural Homeless Initiative of Southeast and Central Ohio

2009-11-17T10:59:00.002-05:00

(PDF) This two‐year pilot project explored the unique homeless prevention aspect of regional coordination and planning to end homelessness in 17 rural counties of Southeast and Central Ohio. Results indicated that communities vary in their ability to plan and implement, issues found in RHISCO mirror national homelessness issues, and improving point in time counts and mainstream involvement in planning are successful in ending homelessness.

Model: Homeless Prevention in Lancaster, PA

2009-11-17T10:58:00.002-05:00

(PDF) This case study has been written as a resource for communities who would like to begin or modify an existing program to focus greater attention on rapidly re‐house individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The agency highlighted in this case study has been re‐housing clients since the late 1980s in a relatively rural part of Pennsylvania.

Model: Hennepin County Rapid Re-housing

2009-11-17T10:57:00.003-05:00

(PDF) This case study explores Rapid‐Exit, programs that offer rapid re‐housing and supportive services to families who reside in homeless shelters of Hennepin County, MN. In general, these homeless shelters experienced 1) a reduction in the number of families who utilize homeless shelters, and 2) a reduction in the lengths of stay at homeless shelters. Approximately 500 families are served by Rapid‐Exit every year.

Model: Family Housing Collaborative

2009-11-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

(PDF) This case study explores the unique homeless prevention aspect of rapidly re‐housing families and providing them with intensive case management services as soon as possible but within 15 days of referral to FHC. Semi‐annual results in 2008 indicated that 143 families participated in the program and 93 percent of them successfully obtained housing and supportive services in compliance with program design.

Model: Chicago's Housing Locator

2009-11-17T10:55:00.002-05:00

(PDF) This case study explores providing 1) rapid‐rehousing placement services to families who reside in homeless shelters, and 2) relocation services to families who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Since its inception in 2006, the Housing Locator program has housed more than 845 households, 279 of which were housed in 2008.

Model: Ohio Dept of Development Family Homelessness Prevention Pilot

2009-11-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

(PDF download.) The Ohio Department of Development Family Homelessness Prevention Pilot Project (OFHPP) This case study explores the unique homeless prevention aspect of providing families with direct client assistance and intensive case management services for up to six months. As of December 2008, 421 families successfully obtained permanent housing and received supportive services in support of self‐sufficiency and leveraging community resources.

Model: The Home Base prevention program in NYC

2009-11-17T10:50:00.003-05:00

PDF document: This case study explores Homebase, a program administered by the New York City Department of Homeless Services, that offers community prevention, diversion and aftercare services to homeless families in the New York City area. The program serves roughly 5,000 households per year and has generally experienced a lower rate of increase in shelter entry between years 2004 and 2007.

Resource: download HPRP "101" Training outline

2009-11-10T13:56:00.005-05:00

Q&A: Can HPRP providers train others on HPRP?

2009-11-04T16:19:00.002-05:00

Yes, providers are welcome to use the HPRP 101 power point and tools provided by CCEH to train other agencies and interested parties. Lead agencies or their sub-grantees cannot “bill” DSS for providing HPRP trainings. HPRP trainings are provided by DSS via CCEH.

Q&A: How can someone get trained on HMIS?

2009-11-04T16:18:00.004-05:00

See web site for HMIS training schedules. HMIS trainings for HPRP will also be ongoing.

Q&A: What trainings can HPRP providers expect?

2009-11-04T16:18:00.003-05:00

There have been four HPRP 101 trainings provided statewide. There has been a “Working with Clients for HPRP” training also, and additional one will be provided in November 2009. Providers can expect statewide round tables to discuss barriers, ideas, problem-solving, successes. CCEH will also identify additional training opportunities based upon needs. Please see Training and Implementation Support Plan on www.cceh.org/hprp.

Q&A: Are local providers responsible for HPRP reporting?

2009-11-04T16:17:00.001-05:00

Each lead agency may have reporting expectations for each of their subcontractors. Regarding DSS, the lead agencies are responsible for reporting according to their contracts. DSS reports to HUD. CCEH will produce the reports. We will post the reporting matrix on our website and this blog by October 30, 2009.

Q&A: How long are providers expected to follow up with clients receiving assistance?

2009-11-04T16:16:00.007-05:00

Providers are expected to follow up every three months for up to 18 months for clients that received “one-time” assistance and ongoing assistance.

Q&A: Are providers expected to follow up on clients that received “one-time” assistance?

2009-11-04T16:16:00.006-05:00

Yes. DSS expects providers to also follow up on clients every 3 months for up to 18 months who received one-time financial assistance or other eligible service through HPRP.

Q&A: How are HPRP providers expected to follow up? Mailers? Surveys? Is proof of followup tracked through HMIS?

2009-11-04T16:16:00.005-05:00

This process will be developed by December 2009 and communicated to the lead agencies by DSS.

Q&A: What is recertification? Will there be a tool that DSS expects providers to use for recertification?

2009-11-04T16:15:00.002-05:00

Recertification is the process of redetermination of eligibility after a client has received services for 3 months. Recertification should be done every 3 months if the client continues to receive financial assistance or other HPRP services. A paper version of the recertification tool has been finalized and sent to each lead agency. The recertification assessment is also avaibable in HMIS.

Q&A: What is the difference between utility assistance and a utility deposit?

2009-11-04T16:14:00.005-05:00

Utility assistance is ongoing financial assistance, possibly up to 18 months for an eligible client. An example is someone that cannot currently afford costly utility payments due to heating and is not eligible for a matching payment program or other programs that may assist with utility payments.

Utility deposits are useful for households that are required to pay a deposit for service connection, usually due to poor credit, lack of credit, or history of late payments or outstanding bills with utility company. Utility deposits are also helpful for those that have been “shut-off” by utility company and must pay full amount of outstanding bill to resume service.

Q&A: What's up with these outcomes? They are too aggressive.

2009-11-04T16:14:00.004-05:00

Outcomes will be revisited by DSS after the first quarter and we will put out an addendum to correct some of the outcomes and due dates that were misprinted in the executed contracts.

Q&A: Is case management and/or supports mandatory for HPRP eligible clients?

2009-11-04T16:14:00.001-05:00

No, they are not mandatory. All regions have agencies that are contracted to provide those services. Services may be encouraged for stabilization. Services include case management, legal services and credit repair/budgeting.

Q&A: Does an applicant have to have an income to be eligible for HPRP?

2009-11-04T16:13:00.004-05:00

HUD guidelines for HPRP do not state that a person or household must have an income or sustainable income. Lead agencies were given the opportunity to add additional risk factors or criteria in their proposals to DSS. Those without an income should not be excluded, but programs are expected to assess each case to determine if the temporary financial assistance will be sufficient to help stabilize that eligible household. These funds are not intended for those with long term needs or supports. It is for those “but for” this assistance would be homeless.

Q&A: Are HPRP providers administering case management or support services expected to provide intensive case management?

2009-11-04T16:13:00.003-05:00

Intensive case management may be defined differently by each agency. The intent of the case management services for CT-HPRP is to provide stabilization assistance, follow up and ensure connection to resources. Frequently, intensive case management is intended for those who need permanent supports, but it is up to the region if they have the case management capacity to provide intensive supports. Again, it is not recommended because this is a temporary program.

Q&A: Can rent arrears be paid with HPRP funds if an applicant has a Section 8 certificate or other type subsidy?

2009-11-04T16:12:00.003-05:00

From HUDhre.info: While a household receiving an ongoing housing subsidy cannot receive HPRP rental assistance, HPRP can be used to help the household pay for up to six months of arrears in cases where the household has fallen behind on its portion of the payment due to a time lag between the household’s change in income and the recalculation of the tenant rent contribution. Note that the payment of arrears is eligible because it represents a different period of time – i.e., the arrears represents a back payment of the client portion, while the current rental assistance is a payment going forward.

Q&A: Is there required verification and documentation for HPRP eligibility?

2009-11-04T16:11:00.005-05:00

If an applicant meets any of the prevention or rapid re-housing risk factors listed in the CT HPRP applications, it should be verified. HUD has provided guidelines that must be implemented by November 1, 2009. Here's the link for Income and Housing Eligibility Documentation details.

For housing status documentation: http://www.hudhre.info/documents/HPRP_HousingStatusReqs.pdf
For income verification: http://www.hudhre.info/documents/hprp_IncomeDocReqs.pdf

Q&A: Does an “undocumented citizen” include people with a green card?

2009-11-04T16:11:00.001-05:00

A green card holder is a documented person.

Q&A: Can someone with a Section 8 certificate or other type subsidy receive assistance with a security deposit through HPRP funds?

2009-11-04T16:10:00.002-05:00

Yes. Eligibility for the DSS Security Deposit Guarantee Program should be checked first. From HUDhre.info: “Finally, clients receiving rental assistance under another program may be eligible for other types of HPRP assistance, as long as they are not also receiving that “type” of assistance through another source. For example, a homeless veteran entering a HUD-VASH project may receive security deposit assistance with HPRP funds.”

Q&A: Mortgage foreclosure – if the client’s meet the income eligibility can they receive HPRP assistance other than a housing subsidy?

2009-11-04T16:09:00.004-05:00

No. HPRP funds cannot be associated with mortgage, taxes or mortgage refinancing. If the household is in foreclosure and they would be homeless but for this assistance and they meet the HUD eligibility, HPRP may be used for assistance other than the mortgage.

Q&A: Is rent reasonableness being analyzed for prevention and rapid re-housing?

2009-11-04T16:09:00.003-05:00

Rent Reasonableness applies to rapid re-housing or prevention with relocation, not prevention in place.

Q&A: Has HUD changed its guideline on arrears: that the 6 months of arrears will not count towards the client’s 18 months of assistance?

2009-11-04T16:08:00.000-05:00

We are not aware of any such change. The 6 months of arrears does count towards the 18 month limit.

Q&A: Can people refuse to do the pre-screen with 211 and just get the regional lead agency contact information?

2009-11-04T16:07:00.004-05:00

Yes, people can refuse to complete the screening tool with 2-1-1. If they refuse, the agency will be expected to start the client record, including completing the screening tool.

Q&A: If 2-1-1 cannot get in contact with the appropriate provider, do they follow up?

2009-11-04T16:07:00.001-05:00

Yes, 2-1-1 will provide the caller with contact information and attempt to contact the caller up to 3 times to ensure connection with the appropriate HPRP provider. 2-1-1 should not be expected to follow up with callers or applicants that did not originate with them.

Q&A: Will the call specialist really do the 3 way call with the client and the contractor?

2009-11-04T16:06:00.000-05:00

Yes, as long as the 2-1-1 housing specialist can get through to the correct HPRP provider.

Q&A: Should callers/applicants be directed to Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Program before screening for HPRP if they request rental arrears?

2009-11-04T16:00:00.001-05:00

HPRP is a homelessness prevention program. The resources are limited and should be directed to people who would be homeless but for this assistance. Rental arrears are an eligible cost under HPRP, but should be applied only to households for whom homelessness will result from a lack of assistance.

Q&A: If a client receives a security deposit with HPRP funds, who receives the security deposit if the client moves out? The program or the client?

2009-11-04T15:57:00.001-05:00

The decision should be made with guidance from lead agency and/or program level.

From HUDhre.info: HUD is giving grantees the discretion to determine how to handle security deposits. The grantee may recover the security deposit, in which case it must be treated as program income. Alternately, the grantee may allow the household to keep the deposit and use it towards their next unit. Finally, the landlord or property management company may keep a portion of the deposit if it is needed to pay for costs incurred by the tenant such as damages to the unit.

Sample agreement: http://www.hudhre.info/documents/DepositReturnAgreement.doc

Q&A: If someone at risk of housing loss or has lost housing in one HPRP region, and wants to relocate...

2009-11-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

Q: If an individual or family is at risk of housing loss or has lost housing in one HPRP region, and wants to relocate to another region, which HPRP region or program provides the service?

A: The household should be identified by zip code of current residence or area of habitation. The appropriate provider in that catchment area or region should provide all necessary assistance for household to secure housing, ie. relocation costs, security deposit. After the household secures housing in the “new” catchment area or region, the appropriate HPRP provider in that area should provide services including rental assistance if needed. The “new” provider will also be expected to perform recertification and follow up.

Q&A: Can case managers conduct the required housing inspections?

2009-11-04T15:30:00.002-05:00

Providers do not have to hire an additional inspection specialist for housing inspections, but they must adhere to the HUD habitability standard checklist. Lead based inspections require a HUD certified inspector or agency to complete this. Lead based inspections should be done on prospective housing for households with children 6 and under.

For Housing Inspections from HUDhre.info: The housing habitability standards described in Appendix C of the Notice. These standards apply only when a program participant is receiving financial assistance and moving into a new unit. They do NOT apply to persons receiving services only. They also do not apply to persons served with HPRP prevention assistance in a unit in which the program participants were already residing (prevention in place). Please see other questions for the lead-based paint assessment requirements, as they differ from the habitability standard inspection requirements.

Note that the habitability standards are different from the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) used for other HUD programs. Because the HQS criteria are more stringent than the habitability standards, a grantee could use either standard. Also note that the HPRP Notice does not exempt units from having to be compliant with local housing codes. Therefore, if there are requirements that are in both the local housing code and the HPRP Notice, the grantee must comply with the more stringent of the two.

In contrast to HQS inspections, the habitability standards do not require a certified inspector. For example, HPRP project staff or staff from or hired by an agency of the grantee’s local government can conduct the inspection. In addition, if a program participant is moving in to a unit and using another subsidy program that requires an inspection, staff from the other program may conduct the inspection, as long as they follow the minimum habitability standards required by HPRP. Inspections must be conducted upon initial occupancy and then on an annual basis for the term of HPRP assistance.

For Lead Based Paint requirements from HUDhre.info: Please note that housing that is occupied by families with children under the age of 6 and that was constructed before 1978 – whether served with prevention or re-housing assistance - must also comply with Lead Based Paint inspection requirements, per the Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act. Visual assessments can be conducted by a HUD-Certified Visual Assessor under HPRP, and must meet the requirements as outlined in the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, as noted in Section VII.F of the Notice. A 20-minute online training course on conducting visual assessments can be found on HUD’s website at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/training/visualassessment/h00101.htm.

HPRP Inspections: http://www.hudhre.info/documents/HPRP_InspectionFactSheet.pdf

Habitability checklist: http://www.hudhre.info/documents/HabitStandardsChecklist.doc

Understanding the Lead Based Paint Requirements: http://www.hudhre.info/documents/HPRP_LeadPaintGuidance.pdf

Q&A: Why is there is no employment or rent burden criteria? I think clients will end up back in the shelters after 18 months.

2009-11-04T15:29:00.003-05:00

There may be criteria adjustment at a statewide and regional level as we learn more about what is most effective. Individual programs were asked in the RFP to identify additional risk criteria or targeting criteria.

Q&A: I'm confused by this language: "An assisted property may not be owned by the grantee, subgrantee or the parent, subsidiary or affiliated org"

2009-11-04T15:29:00.002-05:00

DSS, Lead agencies and all subcontractors may not relocate households within housing owned by their regional lead or contracted agencies.

Q&A: How will it be handled if clients are determined ineligible from the application and want to fight it?

2009-11-04T15:28:00.001-05:00

Each lead agency should have a grievance procedure and appeals process in place. If a program deems someone ineligible, then the applicant should be referred to other services.

Q&A: How do we properly target applicants for HPRP assistance?

2009-11-04T15:27:00.000-05:00

A few tips include:
• People who have employment, or prospects for gaining income or employment in the next 3-6 months
• HPRP is not for people who have experienced long term homelessness and need ongoing subsidy and support services
• HPRP should divert households who are shelter bound to housing when there are simply no other alternatives
• In other words, the household would be homeless and seeking shelter without this assistance. Not might be, will be.

There is no part of the country that has the entire answer to targeting. As implementations develop and refine targeting criteria we will share it. It is import to remember that HPRP is a homelessness prevention program, not a poverty or eviction prevention program. It can not possible fill the monumental gap in our safety net for people who are poor or in economic distress. Households served must have documentation that they have been asked to leave their place of residence.

Q&A: When verifying income, is it gross or net income?

2009-11-04T15:17:00.000-05:00

You need to verify gross income.