HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10102000 - HA1 HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA
TO: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
FROM: Robert McEwan,Executive Director
DATE: October 10, 2000
SUBJECT: REVISED FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN RECOMMENDED BY HUD
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
1. RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the revised Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan for the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa as
recommended by the U. S.Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD).
II. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
III. REASONS FOR RECOMIUIENDATIONIBACKGROUND
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program was created by section 554 of the National Affordable Housing Act(the Act),
which amended title I of the United States Housing Act of 1937(42 U.S.C.section 1437 et se . by adding a new section 23.
The stated purpose of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program is to enable eligible families to achieve economic independence and
self-sufficiency. The Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa established their Family Self-Sufficiency Program
according to HUD guidelines in 1344 with an original action plan.
On March 24,2000 the U,S.Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)notified the Housing Authority of
the County of Contra Costa that a revised Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan is required from Housing Authorities operating a
Family Self-Sufficiency Program, The Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan provides an outline of the program including the
purpose,objective and description of the program operation. A copy of the agency's FSS Action Plan is attached for your
review.
IV. CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the Board of Commissioners elect not to approve the revised Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan,the Housing
Authority of the County of Contra Costa would not be in compliance with the notice issued by HUD recommending the revision
of this plan.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE _
RECOMMENDATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON October 10. 200' _ APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED _XX OTHER
VOTE OF COMMISSIONERS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT'THIS IS A
XX UNANIMOUS (ABSENT --------a------°-- } TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON TIME
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ATTESTED t1et&kar _10, 2000
PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
B L DEPUTY
bo-fss action plan
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY
ACTION PLAN
As of July 31, 2000
Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa
3133 Estudillo_Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan
July 31, 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PURPOSE.................................................................................................................l
2. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE ......................................................................................1
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE FAMILIES EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE.........1
A. Demographics............................................................................ .........................1
B. Numbers of Families Expected to Participate......................................................1
4. FAMILY SELECTION PROCEDURES ..............................................................1
A. FSS Preferences...................................................................................................2
B. FSS Application Process......................................................................................2
C. Selection of Participants from the Waiting List...................................................2
D. Denial of Participation in FSS .............................................................................2
E. Certification of Nondiscrimination.......................................................................2
5. INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION .......................................3
A. Escrow Accounts..................................................................................................3
B. Individual Training and Service Plan...................................................................3
C. Training,Education and Workshops....................................................................3
6. OUTREACH............................................................................................................3
7. ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT SERVICES..........................................................4
A. Certification of Coordinator.................................................................................4
B. Program Coordinating Committee {PCC}...........................................................4
8. COMPLETION OF THE CON'T'RACT OF PARTICIPATION........................4
A. Family Responsibilities........................................................................................4
B. Completion of Contract and Requirements for Graduation.................................5
C. Denial of Graduation Request..............................................................................5
D. Extension of the Contract of Participation...........................................................5
9. TERMINATION OR WITHHOLDING OF SERVICES....................................6
10. PORTABILITY .......................................................................................................6
A. Incoming Portables ..............................................................................................6
B. Outgoing Portables...............................................................................................6
11. MEASUREMENT OF OUTCOMES.....................................................................7
12. FAMILY'S RIGHT TO CONTINUED SECTION 8 ASSIS'T'ANCE................7
Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa
Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan
July 31,2000
1. PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program for the Housing Authority of the
County of Contra Costa(HACCC) is to provide Section 8 residents with a holistic
approach to building individuals, guiding families and developing goals to achieve self-
sufficiency. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is committed to the celebration of
accomplishments and promoting the family to achieve economic independence.
2. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program is to reduce the dependency of
low-income families on welfare assistance, Section 8 housing assistance, and other
Federal, State and local subsidies.
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE FAMILIES EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE:
As of July 31, 2000, the Housing Authority of Contra Costa has 5,661 families (including
portables)receiving Section 8 housing assistance. 'There are 1,502 families on the
HACCC waiting list and 65 families on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
A. Demographics
The following demographics describe characteristics of the families receiving
Section 8 housing assistance.
RACE/ETHNICITY RECIPIENTS FSS PARTICIPANTS
White/Non Hispanic 6,358 47%
White/Hispanic 1,186 8%
BlackNibs anic -0- -0-
Black/Non Hispanic 3,956 42%
American Indian/His anic -0- -0-
American Indian/Non His anis 74 -0-
Asian/Hispanic -0- -0-
Asian/Non-Hispanic 1,220 3%
B. lumbers of Families Expected to Participate
The HACCC was awarded 460 slots for use in the FSS Program. Currently,the
HACCC has 65 active participants and 1,502 on the waiting list. The HACCC
intends to maintain up to one hundred(100) families in the FSS program The
HACCC does not have any families participating in Operation Bootstrap or
Project Self-Sufficiency.
4. FAMILY SELECTION PROCEDURES:
The HACCC will offer the slots on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program to all Section 8
voucher or certificate participants, selected in order of their expressed interest in the FSS
program. Actual selection of applicants will be made after participants have completed
an FSS Orientation Program and completed an intake packet that is reviewed by the FSS
Coordinator.
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A. FSS Preferences: The HACCC gives an FSS selection preference to portable
incoming families with active FSS Contracts of Participation.
B. FSS Application Process
1. Briefing-The HACCC will do a brief overview of the FSS Program and
handout brochures to encourage clients to participate. They will also be
instructed on future scheduling of the FSS Orientation Programs.
2. Applicants for the FSS Program need to complete the intake form and
submit the form to the FSS Program Coordinator. They will then be put on
a list for the next available orientation. They will be notified by mail of
the date and time of orientation. If a client is unable to attend an
orientation because of work conflicts the FSS Coordinator will meet
individually with clients to enroll.
C. Selection of Participants from the Waiting List
Applicants are required to complete assessments and assignments relating
specifically to the development of an Individual Training and Service Plan
(ITSP). Assignments may include, but are not limited to: cleaning up driving
records, completing a school application; and seeking professional assistance
for mental health issues.
D. Denial of Participation in FSS
HACCC, at its discretion, may deny participation in the FSS program under
the following circumstances:
1. When a family that previously participated was terminated from FSS
because it did not meet its FSS obligations according to its Contract of
Participation;
2. When a family does not meet the requirements of the Family Selection
Process;
3. When a participant is not interested in working permanent, full-time
hours within the five year contract period;
4. When a participant is not interested in getting off'all cash aid.
E. Certification of Nondiscrimination
The HACCC will not deny any family or individual the equal opportunity to
apply for or participate in the FSS program on the basis of race, color, sex,
religion, creed,national or ethnic origin, age, familial or marital status, handicap
or disability, or sexual orientation in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Right
Act of 1964 as amended, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as amended,
and Executive Order 1103. The Housing Authority may decide that an
H:\WYNSTMTZ\N4ondy ReporU\Action Plan for FSS 10 02 OO.doc 2
accommodation is not reasonable if it causes undue financial and/or
administrative burdens.
5. INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION:
A. Escrow Accounts
The HACCC will establish and deposit funds to individual FSS escrow
accounts for FSS participants. according to HUD guidelines. These escrow
funds are the main incentive to most FSS participants. Escrow funds are
disbursed to the FSS participant when a participant graduates from the FSS
Program or when a participant needs a pre-approved interim disbursement
toward a specific goal.
B. Individual Training and Service Plan
The HACC will assist FSS families to develop Individual Training and
Service Plans(ITSP)to help participants determine the actions necessary to
become self-sufficient. These six-part action plans include a holistic approach
to self-sufficiency by looking at their education, employment,medical,
transportation, childcare and family self-sufficiency income guidelines. Each
category includes goals in all areas that are necessary to move the participant
ahead. All FSS ITSPs will include an interim goal that all family members
will be free from all cash aid for a period of at least one year prior to the
expiration of the FSS Contract of Participation. (Family is defined as anyone
living in the household during the year before graduation from the FSS
Program).
C. Training,Education and Workshops
Through the Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator,the Program Coordinating
Committee (PCC)and other forums,the HACCC will link FSS participants
with job training, educational, social service agencies and homeownership
programs to provide the supportive services necessary to develop their self-
sufficiency training and service plans.
6. OUTREACH:
The HACCC will recruit potential FSS participants through a variety of modes to ensure
that all eligible families are aware of the opportunities available through the FSS
program.
Recruitment activities will include, but are not limited to: 1)mailing informational
brochures to all Section 8 clients; including FSS information in HACCC publications;
2)posting FSS brochures on bulletin boards; 3)providing informational brochures at the
HACCC office and other social service agencies.
Information on regularly scheduled monthly orientation meetings will be provided to
Housing Authority employees with direct contact with potential Section 8 participants.
They will also provide brochures to active FSS clients to give to friends or relatives who
are on Section 8. Attending Section 8 briefings by the Family Self-Sufficiency
Coordinator to give an overview of the program, is a further aid to recruiting efforts.
HAWYNSTMTMMontly Reports\Action Flan for FSS 10 02 OO.doc 3
7. ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT SERVICES:
A. Certification of Coordinator
The Family Self-Sufficiency- Coordinator has more than four years
experience working for both the Housing Authority of Alameda County
and the Housing Authorit-,• of Contra Costa County. She has a Bachelor of
Arts Degree in Psychology. was a realtor for 10 years,has taught and
counseled people for more than 15 years.
As part of this position her duties include: outreach and recruitment; case
management; comprehensive assessments to develop an effective self-
sufficiency plan; knowledge of community resources for Contra Costa
County; knowledge of the support systems in place to meet clients needs;
knowledge of HUD FSS regulations; knowledge of life skills training and
homeownership programs.
B. Program Coordinating Committee(PCC)
The PHA participates in a Housing Assistance Alliance group that consists
of 16 agencies to secure commitments of public and private resources.
The PCC meets quarterly to review the progress of the FSS programs,to
facilitate coordination of services,to share program information, and to
change outreach and program implementation strategies.
The PHA certifies that Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)to
secure commitments of resources have been signed between the City of
Richmond Housing Authority, City of Pittsburg Housing Authority and
the following agencies sen-ing the low-income populations: Community
Development Department of Contra Costa County Homeless Program,
Shelter Inc., Family Service Centers, Hercules District Office, Antioch
District Office and Richmond District Office.
The PHA will initiate MOUs with other local organizations as warranted
to facilitate the goals and objectives of the FSS program, and to promote
successful strategies for participants in the FSS Program.
8. COMPLETION OF THE CONTRACT OF PARTICIPATION:
A. Family Responsibilities
Family responsibilities under the Contract of Participation include,but are not
limited to,the following requirements:
1. Comply with the terms of the Section 8 program and the lease; and
2. Comply with the family obligations under the section 8 program.
HAWYNSTIvITMontly RgwrtslAction Flan for FSS 10 02 OO.doc 4
D. Completion of Contract and Requirements for Graduation
1. Completion of the Contract of Participation occurs when the HACCC
determines that the family has fulfilled all of its responsibilities under the
contract, or thirty percent(30%)of the family's monthly income equals or
is greater than the Fair Market Rent(FMR) amount for the unit size for
which the family qualifies.
2. To successfully graduate from the FSS program,the family must
demonstrate completion of all interim and final goals in the Contract of
Participation on or before the expiration date of the contract. This
includes submitting verification that all household members are
independent of all cash aid, and submitting verification that the head of
household is full-time permanently employed for one year prior to
graduating.
It is not a requirement to leave the Section 8 program in order to graduate
from FSS.
C. Denial of Graduation Request
If the PHA determines that a participant did not successfully graduate from
the program,the participant may request an informal hearing to determine
whether the decision to deny graduation was made in accordance with HUD
regulations and the guidelines in this plan. Any hearing will follow the same
procedure as set in the Section 8 hearing procedures. A request for an
informal hearing must be made in writing within 10 calendar days of the date
of the PHA's notification of the decision to deny graduation from the FSS
Program.
D. Extension of the Contract of Participation
An extension of the contract can be made to a participant that has not
completed their goals because of a hardship. The initial step would be a one-
year extension. A contract may be extended for a maximum of two years
from the original date of graduation.
1. Requesting an extension
To request an extension, a participant will provide the FSS Coordinator
with a letter requesting the extension,reasons for the extension and what
goals have already been achieved. This contract will be submitted to the
Deputy Executive Director for approval. It is up to the discretion of the
Deputy Executive Director to grant this extension based on the submitted
information. If the extension is granted the escrow account will cease to
continue for the duration of the extension. The Deputy Executive
Director,the FSS Coordinator and the participant will sign an extension
contract. This form will include the new date of the extension and the new
goal.
2. If the extension is not granted,the client will be terminated and all escrow
money will be forfeited.
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9. TERMINATION OR WITHHOLDING OF SERVICES:
The FSS Contract of Participation will be terminated if: (1. The FSS family's Section 8
assistance is terminated; (2. If HUD regulations and guidelines are not followed
according to the Contract of Participation, including but not limited to, reporting of
income and change in family composition; (3. If participant fails to complete their goals
in the five-year period; and(4. Participant or any member of the family is unable to get
off all family cash aid one year prior to graduating.
10. PORTABILITY
A. Incoming portables-The HACCC is not obligated to accept incoming portable
FSS participants into the FSS program. Acceptance of incoming portable clients
into the HACCC FSS program is entirely at the discretion of the HACCC.
1. Family responsibilities-It is the responsibility of all FSS families
exercising portability into the jurisdiction of the Housing Authority of
Contra Costa County to notify the housing authority of their status as an
FSS participant.
The family is also required to contact the Family Self-Sufficiency
Coordinator by phone or by mail notifying them of the change in their
address. Incoming portable families must complete an FSS intake packet
and a new Contract of Participation with the Housing Authority within 90
days of their lease up in the HACCC jurisdiction or there will be a loss in
escrow credits until the above forms are signed by the participant.
If a participant fails to contact the new Housing Authority within the 90
period they may still be effective on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program,
but will lose any escrow after the 90 period up until they sign the Contract
of Participation.
2. Denial of Acceptance-The PHA will notify the incoming portable family
of the denial of acceptance by mail. Upon receipt of the letter a
participant who is denied acceptance may request an informal hearing in
writing within 10 calendar days of the date of notification of the decision
to deny acceptance.
B. Outgoing Portables
1. Family Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the FSS family to inform the receiving Housing
Authority of its FSS status and to contact the FSS Coordinator at the receiving
Housing Authority. If there is no FSS Program at the receiving Housing
Authority the participant needs to either graduate at the previous Housing
Authority before they port. or if the family can demonstrate that it can fulfill
its responsibilities under the FSS contract in the new location, it is the sole
discretion of the previous Housing Authority to grant continuance.
HAWYNST ITZWontly Reports\Action Flan for FSS 10 02 00.doc 6
2. Granting FSS Continuance:
If the previous Housing Authority chooses to keep the FSS active at their
Housing Authority they will notify the receiving Housing Authority that they
are keeping this client on FSS and maintaining the escrow account if
applicable.
11. MEASUREMENT OF OUTCOMES.
The PHA maintains a database that records statistics on FSS Program participants. This
information is submitted to I-IUD in the required MTCS 50058 format. In accordance
with SEMAP requirements,the PHA will calculate the percentage of mandatory FSS
slots filled.
12. FAMILY'S RIGHT TO CONTINUED SECTION 8 ASSISTANCE:
Participation in the FSS program is voluntary. Although it is a requirement to be on
Section 8 in order to be a member of the FSS program election not to participate will not
affect the family's admission to or continued participation in the Section 8 Program.
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