Kansas City Project Hope An American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ARRA Homelessness Prevention Rapid Re-Hou

1. Kansas City Project Hope AnAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) CFD 14.257 Overview City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood and Community Services Human Services Division Launched: Monday, November 16, 2009

2. 1 Part I: Overview of Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) The origin of HPRP: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - an $787 billion economic stimulus package passed by the 111th United States Congress on February 13 and signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009 Included Social Welfare Provisions Homelessness Prevention Fund HR 1 - Conference Report Established Social Welfare Programs - Homelessness Prevention Fund Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing was established on March 19, 2009 (federal register): FR-5307-N-01

3. 2 HPRP Purpose The purpose of HPRP is to provide homelessness prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless � many due to the economic crisis � and to provide assistance to rapidly re-house persons who are homeless. HUD strongly encourages targeting assistance to those individuals/families at greatest risk of becoming homeless and who can remain stably housed after this temporary assistance ends.

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5. 4 HPRP is NOT A mortgage assistance program Intended to serve persons who need long-term and/or intensive supports Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG) Different eligibility requirements Different eligible activities

6. 5 ESG vs. HPRP

7. 6 Hope, Belief and Sustaining Change Think about how prevention and emergency assistance is currently provided in your community $4.2 million + Local Control + Design = An opportunity to fix what is broken, not just for today, but for the long-term. Hope for a better community Do people in your community have to go to multiple emergency assistance centers to gather enough money to pay their rent in a time of crisis? Do people in your community receive supportive services when they need rental assistance? Do people in your community that receive mainstream resource benefits, access support if they are in a financial crisis to ensure they really are getting the benefits they need?

8. 7 Guiding Principles Resources should be targeted to households with the highest likelihood of becoming homeless Programs should provide just enough assistance to prevent or end an episode of homelessness and stretching resources as far as possible Distribution of funds should achieve maximum access for needy Kansas City and Clay County citizens Other federal, state, and local funds, including other ARRA funds, must be coordinated HPRP funds should supplement and compliment existing programs to rapidly get funds to Kansas City and Clay County citizens with housing needs that have been caused by the downturn in the economy

9. 8 General Requirements HPRP may serve eligible individuals or families. Payment must be made to a third party (e.g. landlord or utility company). Payment cannot be made directly to a participant An assisted property may not be owned by the grantee, subgrantee, or the parent subsidiary or affiliated organization of the subgrantee.

10. 9 Eligible Categories Financial Assistance Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services Administration

11. 10 Housing Focused Activities Services must focus on the following: Housing stabilization Linking program participants to community resources and mainstream benefits Helping clients develop a plan to prevent future homelessness or housing instability �Activities are intentionally focused on housing � either financial assistance to help pay for housing or services designed to keep people in housing or to find housing.�

12. 11 Eligible Activities: Financial Assistance Rental Assistance � The goal is to maintain someone in housing. Participants may qualify for the following: Short-term rental assistance � not to exceed 3 months Medium-term rental assistance � not to exceed 4-18 months Rental arrears not to exceed 6 months Rental Assistance is limited to 18 months total per participant (Example: 3 months short-term, plus 10 months medium-term, plus 5 months rental arrears equals 18 months of service).

13. 12 Eligible Activities: Financial Assistance (cont�d) Rental Assistance (continued) Grantees may choose to provide maximum benefits or more limited benefits. They may also determine whether to provide: Shallow subsidy (payment of a portion of the rent) 100% of rent Graduated/declining subsidy Ineligible: No rental assistance may be provided to persons in subsidized housing (e.g. Section 8, SPA, HA, CoC other than the participant portion of any arrears) No mortgage assistance may be provided

14. 13 Eligible Activities: Financial Assistance (cont�d) Security and utility deposits Utility assistance � Up to 18 months total, including up to 6 months in arrears. Utilities eligible for assistance are heat, electricity, water, sewer, and garbage disposal. Telephone and cable services are not eligible. Unless it can be documented that a family would be homeless �but for� having the utility bill paid by HPRP, funding sources other than HPRP should be explored to assist with utilities. Simply having a shut-off notice does not mean a participant would become homeless, unless for example, city codes require that tenants have current utilities.

15. 14 Eligible Activities: Financial Assistance (cont�d) 4. Assistance with reasonable moving costs, such as: Moving truck rental Hiring a moving company Moving cost assistance (includes short-term storage fees - maximum of 3 months or until the participant is in housing)

16. 15 Eligible Activities: Financial Assistance (cont�d) Hotel/Motel Vouchers Though generally not a Prevention Activity � HPRP funding may be used to provide hotel or motel vouchers. Hotels must be reasonable and appropriate facilities. No voucher may be issued for more than 30 days. Vouchers may only be issued if NO shelter beds are available AND subsequent rental housing has been identified but is not immediately available for move-in by participants.

17. 16 INELIGIBLE Activities: Financial Assistance Duplicating payments Using HPRP funds and another source for the exact same cost type for the same time period Mortgage assistance/costs Operations for housing programs Assistance longer than 18 months Direct payments to program participants Payment of credit arrears (credit cards, loans, etc.)

18. 17 Eligible Activities: Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services may be used for services that assist program participants with housing stability and placement: Case management; Outreach and engagement; Housing search and placement including counseling related to locating, obtaining, and retaining suitable housing; Legal services to help people stay in their homes (Legal services related to mortgages are not eligible); Credit repair; and Staff costs related to any of the above.

19. 18 INELIGIBLE Activities:Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services Non-housing services such as: Child care Employment training Education (i.e. books, fees, tuition, etc.) Transportation (i.e. gas, bus tokens, cabs, etc.) Food, household items, clothing Furniture and appliances Discharge planning at institutions

20. 19 Ineligible or Prohibited HPRP Activities Payment of mortgage assistance Operation of emergency shelters or other on-going program costs Transitional housing Construction/rehabilitation Credit card bills or other consumer debt Car repair or other transportation costs Travel costs Food Medical, dental care, or medicine

21. 20 Ineligible or Prohibited HPRP Activities Clothing or grooming Home furnishings Pet care Entertainment activities Work or education related materials Cash assistance to program participants Any other activity that another Recovery Act Resource may pay for, including child care and employment training

22. 21 Inspections: Habitability Standards To qualify for funding under HPRP, rental units must meet habitability standards and any federal, state, or local ordinances (specifically excluding environmental reviews and requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969). Inspections must be conducted at initial occupancy, when a participant moves into a new unit, and annually as long as the participant is receiving HPRP assistance. Habitability standards do not require a HUD certified inspector.

23. 22 Inspections: Lead-Based Paint Lead-Based Paint requirements are more stringent than the habitability standards, and apply to all housing in which families assisted with HPRP funds will reside, whether they are assisted with homelessness prevention or rapid re-housing Lead-Based Paint regulations apply to the unit and to common areas servicing the unit if the unit was constructed before 1978 and a child under age 6 will be residing in the unit

24. 23 Inspections: Lead-Based Paint Exemptions from this regulation are defined in 24 CFR Part 35.115 and include: Zero-bedroom or SRO-sized units, Housing for the elderly and there are no children under age 6, Units where an inspection has been conducted in accordance with HUD regulations, and found not to have lead paint or had lead paint identified and removed as required by HUD, or Any of the other exemptions in this section.

25. 24 Inspections: Lead-Based Paint An initial visual assessment and periodic inspections are required for as long as HPRP assistance is received The unit must be inspected again when a new family assisted with HPRP funds moves in, and the clock for periodic inspections is reset The owner must provide a notice to occupants if an evaluation and hazard reduction activities have taken place, in accordance with 24 CFR part 35.125 Please carefully read the regulations that implement the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, at 24 CFR part 35, subparts A, B, M, and R

26. 25 Inspections: Lead-Based Paint Visual assessment means looking for: Deteriorated paint; Visible surface dust, debris, and residue as part of a risk assessment or clearance examination; or The completion or failure of a hazard reduction measure. Per 24 CFR part 35.115 Visual assessments must be conducted by a HUD-Certified Visual Assessor.

27. 26 Documenting �Risk Factors� for Homelessness Prevention - Participant must meet at least one or more of the following� *Eviction within 2 weeks from a private dwelling (including housing provided by family and friends) Residency in housing that has been condemned, or foreclosed on, or where high overcrowding results in lease or code violations Sudden and significant loss of income or recent traumatic life event, death of spouse/partner or primary care provider, or recent health crisis that prevented the household from meeting its financial responsibilities Sudden and significant increase in utility costs or significant amount of medical debt Discharge within 2 weeks from an institution in which the person has been a resident for 180 days (prison, mental health institutions, and hospitals) Letter required from Friend or family memberLetter required from Friend or family member

28. 27 Eviction - Under Missouri Law � Attorney General Landlord Tenant Law (July 2009) A landlord may not evict a tenant without a court order. The landlord may begin eviction proceedings if a tenant: Damages property Fails to pay rent Violates the terms of the lease Injures the lessor or another tenant Allows drug-related criminal activity on the premises Fails to vacate at the end of the lease term Gambles illegally on the property Case.Net: Obtaining court filings https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do

29. 28 Documenting �Risk Factors� for Rapid Re-Housing- Participant must meet at least one or more of the following� Sleeping in an emergency shelter Sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, abandoned buildings, streets/sidewalks Staying in a hospital or other institution for up to 180 days but was sleeping in an emergency shelter or other place not meant for human habitation (cars, parks, streets, etc.), immediately prior to entry into the hospital or institution Graduating from, or timing out of, a transitional housing program

30. 29 Questions�

31. 30 Part II: Project PartnersProgram Design, Implementation

32. 31 Part II: Project Partners, Program Design and Implementation Project Partners Central Intake Application Process for Enrolling a Participant Risk Factors Area Median Income (at least 50%) Assessment Individualized Plan Service Level Record Maintenance

33. 32 Part II: Project Partners, Program Design and Implementation (cont�d.) Housing Location How to obtain landlord information Landlord Enrollment Form - The City must pre-qualify landlord prior participation in the program Request for Inspection form Habitability Inspection Landlord/Tenant Move In/Move Out Form

34. 33 Part II: Project Partner Boundaries

35. 34 Part II: Project Partners (cont�d) 2-Tiered Project

36. 35 Participant Centered- Surrounded by Diverse Experience and Accessible

37. 36 Part II: How to Access to Program

38. 37 Part II: Determining Eligibility �The Application Process� Central Intake Screening: United Way 2-1-1 (pre-qualify) Risk Factors Area Median Income (AMI) 50% Refers to HPRP Authorized Agency Lead Agency (Authorized HPRP Sub-recipient) Receives Referral & Conducts Initial Consultation & Eligibility Determination Income: the household's total income must be at or below 50 % AMI

39. 38 Part II: Determining Eligibility - Income/Asset Review - 50% of Area Median Income (AMI)

40. 39  Lead Agency/Partner Agency Housing Status: Establishes if household is either homeless (for rapid re-housing assistance) or �at risk� of losing its housing (for homelessness prevention assistance); AND meet both of the following circumstances: No appropriate subsequent housing options have been identified; The household lacks the financial resources and support networks needed to obtain immediate housing or remain in its existing housing. Recertify every 3 months if medium-term

41. 40 Determining Eligibility - Income/Asset Review - 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), (cont�d.) HUD: Handout Income Inclusions Income Exclusions Income Documentation Standards Reasonable Documentation Timeliness of Documentation Third Party Verification Income and Asset Review Form - Handout & Excel Form Note: Home owners may be eligible for utility assistance if all other criteria is met. Rental/relocation assistance may also be provide if the owner has been foreclosed on and must relocate. All other criteria must be met. Note Income Asset Form is under construction and will be on web page upon completion. An email notice with a link will be sent out to everyone. Note Income Asset Form is under construction and will be on web page upon completion. An email notice with a link will be sent out to everyone.

42. 41 Part II: Housing Location Housing Locator will: Recruit landlords Obtain landlord application (see Landlord Enrollment Form) Verify County taxes and liens against property are current Maintain a list of eligible landlords and post on web page Initiate initial inspection requests in the behalf of agencies - See Inspection Request Form Conduct emergency habitability non-lead based inspection Maintain co-op agreement with habitability inspection Track re-certification dates

43. 42 Review created list of approved landlords with the participant Make contact with landlord and make arrangements to view the property Contact the Housing Authority to schedule an inspection and rent reasonableness determination Client and Case Manager should be present When property passes If yes - confirm the rent approved is acceptable to landlord Schedule a lease and contract signing When property fails Review report with HAKC and determine if a re-inspection should be granted Work with HAKC and Participant to develop a reschedule date, or Begin new search if deficiencies are too significant Report delays in scheduling inspections immediately to the City Note: There is a cost for re-inspections! Part II: Housing Location (cont�d)Steps to Identifying a Property and Requesting an Inspection

44. 43 Part II: Housing Location (cont�d)Habitability and Lead Base Paint Inspections Housing Authority - standardized pricing schedule for deliverables: Maintain dedicated inspector - Angela Gayheart Maintain a back up system Coverage for Clay County & extend Co-op price to authorized agencies and Jackson County Conduct rent reasonableness determination based on location, amenities, square footage, etc. Recommend rent which must be used Conduct initial habitability inspection (include lead inspection for all units built before 1978 in which a child under 6 is a member of the household) Send final report to requesting agency Include in report the status (pass, pass with deficiencies, and/or property failed with reason) Conduct re-inspection upon approval by the requesting agency

45. 44 Part II: Records Maintenance: Steps to Preparing an HPRP File HPRP Checklist of forms-Handout Required document: Eligibility Information- Risk factor documentation/ & Assessment Method of Verify Income Eligibility Third Party Verification Forms Document review- pay stubs, form 1040/ 1040A. award letters, passbook, bank statements, etc Third party oral - Telephone call to employer, case manager include date, position, etc Self-declaration- participant statement (use only as a last resort) Individualized Plan- include goals developed by participant and case manager Release forms Grievance Policy Rights and Responsibilities Certification of Accuracy/ Release Authorization Housing Location Information Inspection Request and Reports Lease Agreement and Agency Contract with Landlord Recertification if medium-term Case Notes

46. 45 Part II: Financial: Invoice, Expenditure, and Reimbursement Reports Instructions for completing invoice and expenditure reports Documenting expenses Invoice Form (Handout) Expenditure report (Handout)

47. 46 Part II: Reporting Requirements - Brief Description Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) City responsible for submitting electronic drawdown for Fund from HUD Report Expenditures by HUD approved categories Homeless Prevention (HP) includes HMIS expenditures Homeless Assistance (Rapid Re-housing) Administration eSnaps Agencies assures participant level data is into MAAClink Real time entry- as participant is being entered or Within 3 business days of contact City report aggregate participant level data to HUD FederalReporting.gov (ARRA Section 1512) Report Expenditures for the prime (City), sub-recipient (lead agency) and vendors (partner agencies) Report on vendor product and services Total number of payments to vendors (less than $25,000) Total dollar amount of payments to vendors (less than $25,000) Includes: Amount expended Jobs Created/ Maintained Projected number of persons served Accomplishments

48. 47 Part II: Reporting Requirements - Deadlines (cont�d.)

49. 48 Part II: Achieving Compliance Through Working Together

50. 49 How to Contact Us: Human Services Division Robert J. Mohart Multi-purpose Center 3200 Wayne Avenue Kansas City, MO 64109 (816) 784-4500

51. 50 Questions�