2022 PHA Annual Plan final - Laserfiche WebLink

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B.3 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 I. Apply for additional Section 8 program vouchers should they become available The OHCD applied for additional finding opportunities made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during this present fiscal year. The OHCD was also awarded 3 additional Foster Youth to independence (FYI) vouchers and will continue to work with child wee/fare service providers to request additional vouchers as the need arises. in addition to the vouchers noted above, the OHCD was awarded 110 Emergency Housing Vouchers. 2. Adopt strategies and options that maintain the maximum program size of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program As of February 2022, the OHCD continued to maintain lease -up percentages at or above 97.3% of HAP budget to maintain budget levels and continued monitoring offiunding by utilising HUD's Two -Year Tool along with the PHA software system to forecast leasing and spending oulcontes. Due to the ongoing public health crisis our agency adopted HUD approved waivers that a/lowedflexibilities to applicants, tenants, and landlords. These waivers allowedfor staff to provide housing assistance with the highest level offlexibility to the families we serve. The HUD approved waivers that were adopted by the OHCD up until December 31, 2021. are attached in Appendix E. In addition, the OHCD requested additional waivers to postpone SEMAP reporting and allow voucher extensions for the duration of 2022. 3. Explore ways to expand service delivery to all housing markets on Hawaii island The OHCD set aside 30 percent of its HCV program for Project Basing. The OHCD estimates that at the end of CY2022, it will have a total of 320 PBV units. The OHCD collaborated with community agencies and service providers to maximi=e resources andprovide 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 I. Obtain, improve, and maintain a score equaling a "high performer" status on the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP). HUD adopted 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. HUD's newest waiver for SEMAP submittal ends December 31, 2022. As of December 1, 2021, the OHCD internal SEMAP score was 86%. Internal audit of files will continue with supervisors and housing specialists. Staff goal setting and evaluations are ongoing. The OHCD has invested in training and certifications for its staff to ensure improved performance and productivity. The OHCD continues to utilise Nan McKay, Inc. for program related training. In addition, the OHCD purchased a subscription to HAIGroup to ftdfill its training needs. 2. Maximize the utilization of available vouchers For CY 2021, the OHCD ulili=ed 97% of its UAIA's. The OHCD continues to utili=e HUD's guidance on improving success rates, keeping abreast of newly issued guidance, using the provided ulili=alion and monitoring tools, and implementing the various methods regulatorily allowable. The OHCD has an anticipated budget expenditure of 99%. The OHCD has chosen to absorb port-insfrom within the State of Hawai'i and any port -in participant family that has resided in its jurisdiction for more than six (6) months. 3. 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 linkprogram participants to the services available that promote self-sufficiency. The OHCD hired a dedicated landlord liaison to increase owner participation by providing a direct contact person to address landlord concerns and questions. The landlord liaison will provide informational and training sessions for new potential landlords. The position of the landlord liaison will provide landlords a single point of contact to ensure that inquires. questions, and concerns are responded to in a timely and professional manner. 4. 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 tirith HUD regulations and also conforms to the need of the OHCD and the population served. For example, the OHCD has revised waitlist preferences based on comments from the general public, community partners, and non-profit agencies. The OHCD has also taken a "big picture" approach by reviewing HUD guidelines, practices, and trends with PHA's nationwide, and administrative processes to ensure that we are providing the most fluid and seamless service to our consumers and landlords. Page 3 of 9 form HUD -50075 -HCV (03/3112024)