TO: Chair and Housing Authority Commissioners
THROUGH: Steve Powers, Executive Director
FROM: Andrew Wilch, Housing Administrator
SUBJECT:
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Revisions to the Administrative Plan for the Section 8 Housing Programs
Ward(s): All Wards
Commissioners(s): All Commissioners
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
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ISSUE:
Shall the Authority adopt Resolution No. 2231 adopting the revised Administrative Plan for the Section 8 Program, which incorporates Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandated changes and Salem Housing Authority policies related to initial and on-going eligibility, effective May 30, 2018?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2231; revising the Administrative Plan for the Section 8 Program, which incorporated HUD mandated changes and Salem Housing Authority policies related to initial and on-going eligibility, effective May 30, 2017.
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
Salem Housing Authority (SHA) maintains an Administrative Plan for the Section 8 Housing Program governing the eligibility and continued participation of the applicants and participants for the Housing Choice Voucher and Moderate Rehabilitation programs. SHA updates the Administrative Plan for the program to incorporate new regulatory requirements and improve program responsiveness to local needs.
The proposed revisions incorporate the initial and on-going eligibility requirements for participation in the program that are mandated by HUD and SHA policies.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
HUD requires the Housing Authority Commission consent to revisions of the Administrative Plan for the Program. The proposed revisions to the Administrative Plan comply with 24 CFR 982, by incorporating program policies governing Section 8 and Moderate Rehabilitation programs. The proposed revisions also incorporate regulatory and policy changes made in order to improve program responsiveness to local needs.
Substantial modifications have been made to the following sections of the Administrative Plan affecting the initial and on-going eligibility criteria for applicants and participants in the program.
The last revisions to the Administrative Plan was effective November 14, 2016. The proposed revisions would be effective May 30, 2018. The proposed revisions are underlined in the attached Administrative Plan.
In Chapter 1, on page 28, SHA policy removed the date deadline for updating the admin plan, now it will be updated annually, without a specific month for the update.
In Chapter 2, on page 40, added that if the client brings their own interpreter, they must be 18 years of age or older.
In Chapter 3, page 50, removed the statement that the information must be verified through specific sources. It limits the types of verifications that are acceptable.
In Chapter 3, page 53, removed specific reasons that family members may be absent so that we are not limiting the reasons. Will review absences on a case-by-case basis.
In Chapter 3, page 64, added SHA policy regarding Vulnerable Youth.
In Chapter 4, page 93, removed preference through NW Human Services, added NED to include as a specific preference, defined preferences on VASH, FUPY, VRAP, and HRAP.
In Chapter 4, page 103, clarified - 10 business days for consistency.
Chapter 4, page 106, updated briefing policy to be consistent with the new process of the briefing video and the ways clients can watch and receive their voucher.
Chapter 6, page 132, updated policy for signing the declaration form as there is no longer a separate form, it is included in the pre-application.
Chapter 6, page 159, removed language about “use fees”. This is no longer calculated in the Utility Allowance Schedule.
Chapter 16, page 368, removed language stating that the client had no further rights after the decision was made in the hearing.
Chapter 17, page 419, updated SHA policy on Request for Proposal criteria for selection of Project Based Vouchers.
Chapter 17, page 424, defined policy on Supportive Services.
Chapter 17, page 425, changed policy, SHA has not established local requirements designed to promote Project Based Voucher assistance in partially assisted buildings.
Chapter 17, page 430, updated policy to allow inspections every 24 months instead of annually.
Chapter 17, page 437, revised policy to state that housing may reduce the number of contract units instead of must.
Chapter 17, page, 443, changed language in SHA policy to say we “may” instead of “must”.
Andrew Wilch
Housing Administrator
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2231
2. Administrative Plan for the Section 8 Program, effective May 30, 2018