2021 PHA Annual Plan Final - Laserfiche WebLink

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B.6 I Progress Report. Provide a description of the PHA's progress in meeting its Mission and Goals described in its 5 -Year PHA Plan. A. Expand the supply of assisted housing 1. Apply for additional Section 8 program vouchers should they become available The OHCD applied for additional funding opportunities made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during this present fiscalyear. On December 1, 2020, the County of Hawaii received notification from HUD that it received 75 additional mainstream vouchers. The OHCD was also awarded 15 Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers and will continue to work with child welfare service providers to request additional vouchers as the need arises. In addition to the vouchers noted above, the OHCD requested additional HUD-VASHvouchers. The County continues to work with Veterans Affairs to develop and implement processes to lease these unit vouchers. Adopt strategies and options that maintain the maximum program size of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program The OHCD continued to maintain lease -up percentages at or above 97% of HAP budget to maintain budget levels and continued monitoring offunding by utilizing HUD's Two -Year Tool along with the PHA software system to forecast leasing and spending outcomes. The OHCD will also employ data collected from a 2019 rent study to monitor payment standards in relation to the rent burden of'the participants. Explore ways to expand service delivery to all housing markets on Hawaii island The OHCD utilized approximately 77percent of its Project Base Voucher (PBV) set asides. The 011CD estimates that in 2021, based on availability of funding, it may Project -Base additional vouchers set aside for homeless, veterans, provision of supportive services to persons with a disability or elderly, and a poverty rate of 20 percent or less. The OHCD collaborated with community agencies and service providers to maximize resources and provide available services. The OHCD will also continue to explore innovative solutions and practices to ensure an ongoing supply of affordable housing. B. Improve the quality and efficiency of assisted housing Obtain, improve, and maintain a score equaling a "high performer" status on the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP). HUD allowed SEMAP waivers due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the OHCD has not officially submitted ongoing SEMAP scores to HUD but continued to provide ongoing internal file assessment. As of December 31, 2020, the OHCD internal SEMAP score was 81%. Internal audit of files will continue with supervisors and housing specialists. Staff goal setting and evaluations are ongoing. 2. Maximize the utilization of available vouchers For CY 2020, the OHCD utilized 97% of its UMA's (Unit Months Available). The OHCD continues to utilize HUD's guidance on improving success rates, keeping abreast of ncwrl ' issued guidance, using the provided utilization and monitoring tools, and implementing the various methods regulatorily allowable. Explore new and existing ways to fund, coordinate and link supportive services to housing. The OHCD continued to collaborate with community partners to secure and link program participants to the services available that promote setf-sufficiency. The OHCD adopted a Moving Up strategy, a linear model to transition persons experiencing homelessness to permanent affordable housing. By partnering with Community Alliance Partners (CAP), the local CoC through a Homeless Assistance MOU, we provide a coordinated system far delivering opportunities for affordable housing and supportive services through the Coordinated Entry System. The 01fCD implemented a local limited preference for this targeted population of 100 vouchers per fiscal year. Review and updated the OHCD administrative plan as needed The OHCD continues to review and update the HCV administrative rules to ensure that policies are in compliance with HUD regulations and also conforms to the need of the OHCD and the population served. For example, the OHCD has revised waitlist preferences with collaboration from the local continuum of care and other providers that have vested interest in reducing homelessness on Hawaii island. C. Increase Housing Choice I . Continue to administer and promote the Homeownership Option Program (HOP) The OHCD continued to promote the HOP to all eligible program applicants and participants. The HOP coordinator provided phone informationals when needed to interested participants. Furthermore, the OHCD continued to connect program participants with local Self-help Programs, The OHCD is also exploring the adoption and implementation of a down payment assistance program utilizing IfOMEfunds to fill eligibility gaps. 77te OHCD has also had discussions with HUD-VASH coordinators to explore VA home loans combined with Homeownership as an alternative far permanent housing. Page 3 of 7 form HUD -50075 -HCV (12/2014)