Options for the Parameters for New Transitional Housing Funding

for Lawrence Community Shelter Clients

FROM:           Shannon Oury, Executive Director, Lawrence Douglas County                                       Housing Authority

DATE:            February 8, 2016

The LDCHA’s current Transitional Housing program provides up to 24 months of rent subsidy and one-time grants for security and utility deposits.  Households rent from private market landlords and pay a portion of the total rent, with the LDCHA paying the difference between what the participant can afford and the total rent.  Monthly rent subsidy, utility and security deposit grants are paid directly to the landlord or to the utility provider.  The household enters into an agreement to participate in support services while in the Transitional Housing Program.

On August 11, 2015 the Lawrence City Commission allocated $100,000 in funding in the 2016 budget for a Transitional Housing program that will be aimed at reducing the homeless population now being served at the Lawrence Community Shelter.  The Affordable Housing Advisory Board has been asked to make recommendations to the City Commissioners to identify the program requirements.

Douglas County Funds

On October 14, 2015, the Douglas County Commission allocated $50,000 to be used for households residing at the Lawrence Community Shelter with the following parameters:

· Families

· Douglas County residents

The LDCHA is using the Transitional Housing model of providing 24 months of assistance paired with support services.  This process has been started and 2 families have been issued vouchers; one is leased and the other is looking for a unit. An additional family is being processed and will be issued soon.

City Funds

Program Requirement Options: The following options have been identified as possible program requirements for targeted utilization of these funds.

Families

Of the households at the Shelter that are on the Transitional Housing waiting list, the majority are families ranging in number from 2 to 7 members. The cost of housing increases as the number of family members increase. The LDCHA estimates it could house 9 households, including households of one, for 24 months with $100,000. If the funds were directed at housing families only, the LDCHA believes it could house just 5 - 6 families for the same time period.

Douglas County Residents

The definition of a Douglas County Resident is an applicant whose current or most recent residential address is in Douglas County, Kansas, or who is relocating to the county for purpose of employment. The following documents will be accepted as verification of residency:

· Current lease for an address in Lawrence or Douglas County, Kansas;

· Current driver's license with a Douglas County, Kansas address; (other than the shelter address)

· If homeless, a current affidavit of receiving services by a local social service agency that can demonstrate a plan to become a permanent resident of Douglas County such as school records for children, documentation from DCF, etc

· Statement of current or guaranteed future employment located in Douglas County.

Working participants

The rental assistance provided is based on approximately 30% of the household's income. This means more subsidy is required for households that have zero income as opposed to households that have income either through work or through Social Security disability income, benefits, or from other sources. The Shelter reports that 40% of its guests have earned income or SSI/SSDI assistance as of September 30, 2015. The Shelter has a total of 63 guests receiving income in some form.

Bert Nash Clients

The Shelter estimates that 30-40% of guests at the Shelter are working with the Bert Nash Community Center. There has been a discussion of directing some funding to clients of Bert Nash.

Other Considerations

The LDCHA will want the program eligibility requirements to mirror its existing HOME Transitional Housing requirements, for 24 months.