2021 PHA Annual Plan Final - Laserfiche WebLink

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Develop and promote working partnerships with landlords around Hawaii island to encourage participation with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Although this year has been a challenging year to connect with others on a larger scale, the OHCD continued to participate in the Fair Housing Workshops, Landlords Summits, Inter -Faith Coalition Events and other similar type of events to promote the benefits of participating with the Housing Choice Voucher program. The OHCD maintains its current landlord partnerships by keeping lines of communication open, keeping them informed of any policy changes, improving efficiency through streamlined processes, and providing a high level of standards and professionalism through customer service. The OHCD also implements continuing education and guidance on regulations and provides the status of our organization through regular housing specialist workshops. The OHCD anticipates exploring the additional role of existing staff to serve as an owner/agent liaison to outreach and recruit. Research and explore for additional funding sources for landlord incentive programs During this fiscal year, the OHCD utilized CARES Actfunds to design and implement an Emergency Landlord Incentive pilot program to increase landlord participation. Gift cards to local hardware stores will be distributed to qualified new or returning landlords. Additionally, in order to increase housing stabilityfor our participants, incentives are provided for initial lease terms. The OHCD is currently researching and redesigning its residential rehabilitation loan program to include owners who lease to low income households. More than half of the occupied units across our rental programs are over 25 years old and maybe in need of repairs. By expanding CDBGfunds to include rental rehabilitation, we seek to continue the supply ofdecent, safe, and sanitary housing. Promote Self -Sufficiency Increase the number of families enrolled in the Family Self -Sufficiency (FSS) Program by promoting program participation at new admission, annual re -exams and by displaying visual displays in interviewing cubicles and the lobby area. Increase the number offamilies enrolled in the Family Self -Sufficiency (FSS) program (as of February 3, 2021). Current Participant Households: 70 Total Individual Participants: Households by Income Level: 30% or { 31% to 50% 51% to 80% 81% to 100% Total Escrow Dollars Paid CY 2019 304 Current 70 and Former 234 25 12 15 18 $36,991.00 the Ot1C'D will continue its efjorts to provide monthly and individual injormational meetings in Last and West Hawai'i. These meetings provide eligible individuals the necessary information about the benefits of the FSS and HOP Programs. Enrollment activities will include efforts to educate PHA staff to increase promotion and referrals during appointments and at orientation presentations. 2. Increase and promote an areness of the American Job Ccntcr to new and currnt participants HCV and FSS participants are continually encouraged to seek assistance from the American Job Center. 77ie OHCD continues to work with stafffrom the American Job Center to search for additional opportunities to connect participants to new and expanding employment options. E. Seek partnerships that will further the goal of affordable housing opportunities 1. Continue to maintain partnerships with comniunity, Federal, and State agencies The OHCD has fostered open communication with other housing agencies within the State of Hawai `i to share best practices with similar challenges. This partnership with other PHA's not only strengthens our network but also provides innovative ways to improve the delivery of'services to the communities that we serve. Participate in the Community Alliance Program (CAP) regularly, in an effort to end homelessness The OHCD has made regular efforts to participate and collaborate with the Community Alliance Partnership (CAP). The OHCD has executed an MOU that preferences homeless applicants to be referred to the HCV waitlist directivfrom CAP for HCV eligibility. Thi's preference was also written into the new HCV administrative rules which became effective July], 2020, F. Ensure equal opportunity and affirmatively further fair housing 1. Ensure access and suitable living conditions for families utilizing federally assisted housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, and HIV infection. T7ie Existing housing and Community Development staff'attended two virtual trainings in May and .tune oj'2020, which was hosted by the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and HUD. The OHCD also hosted two training sessions in October of 2020 for Homeless service providers to explore best practices in shelters, as well as the transition to permanent housing. In-person Fair Housing train ings came to a halt in March of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The OHCD is looking forward to hosting a virtual seminar iii April 2021, in commemoration of'Fiair housing mond/. Page 4 of7 form HUD -50075 -HCV (12/2014)