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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 - HA HCV WAIT LIST OPENING � r REQUEST FOR HOUSING Y U' m7 AUTHORITY ACTION MEETING DATE: RECORDING SECRETARY USE ONLY: APRIL 7, 2015 TITLE APPROVED OPENING OF THE HOUSING CHOICE ❑ As Recommended VOUCHER WAIT LIST ❑ As Amended (STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 5, 3C) CONTINUED TO RECOMMENDED ACTION IVE DI CTOI� Authorize the Executive Director to open the Housing Choice Voucher Wait List on July 1, 2015 and close on July 31, 2015. DISCUSSION The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as the Section 8 Program, is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that is a rental assistance program for low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to meet the expense of affordable, and safe housing in the private market. The Santa Ana Housing Authority (SAHA) provides eligibility and housing assistance to applicants applying for the program. The SAHA contacts with the applicant once their application has been approved. The applicant is then able to locate their own housing. Once housing has been established, SAHA will arrange the allocated HUD housing subsidy be paid directly to the landlord. The family then pays the difference bewteen the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. In order to qualify for rental assistance, households and individuals must express interest by signing up for the wait list. Only households and individuals on the wait list are screened for eligibility and can enter into the program. The program wait list opened on October 1, 2007 and closed on November 30, 2007. SAHA received over 10,000 applications during that period. In 2007 applicants were accepted by date and time of application submitted with a priority preference to those residing and working in the City of Santa Ana. Applicants applying for the upcoming wait list will again have preference based on their residence or work in the City. A lottery system will also be in place to provide a fair and equitable opportunity to all applicants. SAHA will determine how many applications will be accepted based on past funding and number of applications received. The application will be available online and at the kiosk located in the Santa Ana Housing Authority waiting room. The Santa Ana Housing Authority will outreach to local partners, agencies and organizations including, but not limited to: Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), AIDS Services Foundation, Fair Housing Council of Orange County, Orange County Health Care Agency, Latino 4 - 1 Opening of the Housing Choice Voucher Wait List April 7, 2015 Page 2 Health Access, Orange County Mental Health Agency, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana WORK Center, and Vietnamese Community Center, among others. A public notice will be published in the Orange County Register, La Opinion, and Nguoi Viet newspapers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Public notices will inform the public of the details of the Housing Choice Voucher Wait List. At the close of the wait list on July 31 , 2015, SAHA will continue to accept online applications from veterans, giving priority to those that reside or work in the City. The SAHA anticipates that the wait list will be exhausted by the end of 2015 and recommends opening the wait list for a 30-day period from July 1, 2015 with a closing date of July 31, 2015. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet Goal #5, 3C - Community Health, Livability, Engagement & Sustainability. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Kelly Reej41 Executive irector Housing Authority of the City of Santa Ana KR/MZ/11 4 - 2