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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 5-Year PHA Plan5-Year PHA Plan (for All PHAs) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Public and Indian Housing OMB No. 2577-0226 Expires: 03/31/2024 Purpose. The 5-Year and Annual PHA Plans provide a ready source for interested parties to locate basic PHA policies, rules, and requirements concerning the PHA’s operations, programs, and services, and informs HUD, families served by the PHA, and members of the public of the PHA’s mission, goals and objectives for serving the needs of low- income, very low- income, and extremely low- income families Applicability. The Form HUD-50075-5Y is to be completed once every 5 PHA fiscal years by all PHAs. Page 1 of ϭϭ form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) A. PHA Information. A.1 PHA Name: _County of Hawai’i Office of Housing and Community Development__________________ PHA Code: ___HI002_______ PHA Plan for Fiscal Year Beginning: (MM/YYYY): __07/2025____________ The Five-Year Period of the Plan (i.e. 2019-2023): _2025-2029_____________ PHA Plan Submission Type: 5-Year Plan Submission Revised 5-Year Plan Submission Availability of Information. In addition to the items listed in this form, PHAs must have the elements listed below readily available to the public. A PHA must identify the specific location(s) where the proposed PHA Plan, PHA Plan Elements, and all information relevant to the public hearing and proposed PHA Plan are available for inspection by the public. Additionally, the PHA must provide information on how the public may reasonably obtain additional information on the PHA policies contained in the standard Annual Plan, but excluded from their streamlined submissions. At a minimum, PHAs must post PHA Plans, including updates, at each Asset Management Project (AMP) and main office or central office of the PHA. PHAs are strongly encouraged to post complete PHA Plans on their official websites. PHAs are also encouraged to provide each resident council a copy of their PHA Plans. 1990 Kino’ole Street, Suite 102 Hilo, Hawai’i 96720 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg B, 2nd Floor Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i 96740 www.hawaiicounty.gov/EH PHA Consortia: (Check box if submitting a Joint PHA Plan and complete table below.) Participating PHAs PHA Code Program(s) in the Consortia Program(s) not in the Consortia No. of Units in Each Program PH HCV Lead PHA: Page 2 of ϭϭ form HUD-50075-5Y (3/31/2024) B. Plan Elements. Required for all PHAs completing this form. B.1 Mission. State the PHA’s mission for serving the needs of low- income, very low- income, and extremely low- income families in the PHA’s jurisdiction for the next five years. The Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is responsible for the planning, administration and operation of all the County of Hawaii’s housing programs such as the Section 8 rental assistance for qualified families. The mission of the OHCD is to provide for the development of viable communities in Hawaii County through decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities. The reports below provide important data about the communities and families on Hawai'i island that are in need of housing assistance and affordable housing. Hawai‘i County Consolidated Plan, 2025-2029 The County of Hawai‘i is required to submit a Consolidated Plan (CP) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to receive the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The purpose of the CP is to ensure that jurisdictions receiving Federal HUD assistance plan for the housing and related needs of low- and moderate-income families in a way that improves the availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing in a suitable living environment. The County’s CP has three major sections: Housing & Special Needs Housing; Homeless; and Community Development. The County’s CP provides goals, priorities, needs, and data used to develop the plan for how the County intends to administer the HUD CDBG and ESG allocations, and for the State to receive its annual Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) allocations to assist in meeting the housing needs of Hawai‘i citizens. As required by federal regulations and the County's Citizen Participation Plan, the County held a series of public meetings to engage with the various communities to hear their views and comments on goals and priorities addressing housing, community development, and homelessness in Hawaii County for the next five years. Meetings were held in Pahala, Waimea, Kona, Pahoa, Hilo, and via Zoom. Input received will assist the County in establishing its goals and priorities for future HUD grants, which will be incorporated into the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. The goals and objective are addressed in the County of Hawai‘i Consolidated Plan can be viewed at: www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/grants-funding Hawai‘i Housing Planning Study, 2024 Beginning in 2022, SMS Research and Marketing Services, Inc. conducted a statewide study. However, after SMS filed for bankruptcy, the study was transferred to Ward Research, Inc., which then completed the 2024 Hawaii Housing Planning Study (HHPS). Prepared for a consortium of state and county agencies, the HHPS serves as a comprehensive resource on housing in Hawaii. It identifies current housing conditions, presents demographic and economic characteristics of households, and assesses housing need, demand, and preferences. Additionally, the study provides updated data on the housing inventory and rental market, supporting informed housing planning efforts. Page 3 of ϭϭ form HUD-50075-5Y (3/31/2024) B.2 Goals and Objectives. Identify the PHA’s quantifiable goals and objectives that will enable the PHA to serve the needs of low- income, very low- income, and extremely low- income families for the next five years. $Expand the supply of assisted housing on Hawai‘i island Apply for additional Section 8 program vouchers should they become available Adopt strategies and options that maintain the maximum program size of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Explore ways to expand service delivery to all housing markets on Hawai‘i island %Improve the quality and efficiency of assisted housing Obtain and maintain a score equaling a “high performer” status on the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) Maintain utilization for Section 8 vouchers at 98%, subject to availability of funding Explore new and existing ways to fund, coordinate and link supportive services to housing Continue to enhance the efficiency and quality of assisted housing by maintaining key programs such as the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) contracts, Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program, Mainstream Voucher program, Stability Voucher program, and Emergency Housing Voucher program. These initiatives provide targeted rental assistance and supportive services to vulnerable populations, ensuring long-term housing stability. &Expand housing options Collaborate efforts with local developers and existing agencies to increase homeownership opportunities. Provide outreach to potential landlords, including education on the Section 8 program through our website and in-person informational meetings.  2+&'intends to utilize Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs) at several Public Housing Agency (PHA)-owned properties, LQFOXGLQJ+DOH.LNDKD1Ɨ.DKXD+DOH28OX:LQL.XNXLROD3KDVH– 3HUPDQHQW6XSSRUWLYH+RXVLQJDQGƿXOL(NDKL 'Promote Self-Sufficiency Increase the number of families enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program by promoting program participation at annual re-exams, displaying visual displays in interviewing cubicles and community engagement. Increase the number of low-income home ownership by administering the Section 8 Homeownership Option Program (HOP) Track and Celebrate FSS and HOP success stories through the OHCD newsletter and social media to motivate enrollment. Increase and promote awareness of the American Job Center to new and current participants to promote education and job training (Pursue partnerships that will further the goal of affordable housing opportunities Continue to maintain partnerships with community, Federal, and State agencies to expand resources and strengthen long-term sustainability by integrating housing efforts into broader community development initiatives Participate in the Community Alliance Program (CAP) )Ensure equal opportunity and affirmatively further fair housing Ensure access and suitable living conditions for families utilizing federally assisted housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ancestry familial status, maritalstatus, disability or HIV infection. Continue to improve and dissemination of Fair Housing information to new and existing participants Schedule and encourage annual fair housing training and/or webinars for staff Update the Fair Housing Video and maintain the Fair Housing plan on the County website *Provide the highest quality of governance and services Improve OHCD image and reputation Deliver quality service Create and maintain an inclusive and safe working environment Attract and retain qualified employees, provide opportunities for employees to perform their best, recognize employee contributions Implement training to maintain professional staffing and expertise in a changing environment and additional training for leadership Implement mentors +Improve housing delivery system Continue to provide online fillable forms, waitlist information, applications to various voucher and project-based voucher programs, and landlord and tenant informational documents pertaining to subsidized housing. Provide on-going staff training Provide the utility allowance annually ,Provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing Continue to provide monthly internal quality control HQS inspections Page 4 of ϭϭ form HUD-50075-5Y (3/31/2024) 2. Continue to ensure that rents are fair, reasonable, and affordable J. Violence Against Women Act Compliance 1. Actively follow the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2. Ensure proper VAWA notification, documentation, and confidentiality 3. Follow VAWA policies related to program participation Page 5 of ϭϭ form HUD-50075-5Y (3/31/2024) B.3 Progress Report. Include a report on the progress the PHA has made in meeting the goals and objectives described in the previous 5-Year Plan. A. Expand the supply of assisted housing 1. Apply for additional Section 8 Program vouchers should they become available. The OHCD will continue to look for additional funding opportunities made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The county of Hawai’i, Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) has successfully applied for 46 additional Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers. The VASH program is a collaborative effort between HDU and VA to provide rental assistance combined with supportive services. These vouchers are vital in addressing homelessness among our veteran populations offering not only housing stability but access to healthcare, health services and case management. 2. Adopt strategies and options that maintain the maximum program size of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) will sustain lease-up rates at or above 98% of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) budget to preserve budget allocations. It will also continue to monitor funding by employing HUD’s Two-Year Tool in conjunction with the Public Housing Authority (PHA) software system to project leasing and expenditure outcomes. The OHCD will also explore strategic outreach initiatives to attract eligible participants and optimize program enrollment. This approach, combined with regular audits and data analysis, will help ensure the maximum utilization of available resources and maintain the program at its full capacity. 3. Explore ways to expand service delivery to all housing markets on Hawaii Island In 2024 the OHCD housed 50 families in units at Hale Na Koa ‘O Hanakahi. Hale Na Koa ‘O Hanakahi offers high-quality, and accessible homes to seniors and veterans, who will benefit from the supportive services and community-oriented environment. To expand service delivery across Hawaii Island, OHCD Hawaii will conduct a comprehensive market analysis to identify housing needs and gaps. Engaging through public forums and partnerships will provide valuable insights and resources. Regular monitoring and community feedback will ensure programs remain effective and responsive to evolving needs. The OHCD intends to utilize Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs) at 3+$RZQHGproperties, including Hale Kikaha, Na Kahua Hale O Ulu Wini, .XDNLQL3KDVHand Ouli Ekahi. B. Improve the quality and efficiency of assisted housing 1. Obtain, improve, and maintain a score equaling a “high performer” status on the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP). The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) achieved a SEMAP score of 88% for the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, moving closer to attaining High Performer status (90%-100%). This marks an increase from the previous year's score of 14%. The OHCD continues to utilize software Quality Control Review system to monitor transactions with ongoing staff goal setting and evaluations contributing to this improvement. 2. Maximize utilization of available vouchers As of October 2024, the OHCD successfully leased 2,029 units, utilizing 95.26% of the available vouchers. The total expenditure for the program has reached $23.42 million, reflecting our commitment to ensuring these residents have access to safe, stable, and supportive housing. 3. Explore new and existing ways to fund, coordinate and link supportive services to housing. The OHCD will continue working with community partners, including those in HUD’s Continuum of Care, to connect program participants to services and projects that support self-sufficiency. OHCD will seek additional funding, partnerships and improve referral systems and communication between agencies to better link supportive services with housing. 4. Review and update the OHCD administrative plan as needed The OHCD has conducted a thorough review and update of its Administrative Plan to enhance operational efficiency and align with the upcoming changes introduced by the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA). These updates ensure compliance with new regulations, streamline processes, and improve service delivery to program participants. OHCD remains committed to regularly revising the Administrative Plan to reflect policy changes and best practices. Page 6 of ϭϭ form HUD-50075-5Y (3/31/2024) C. Increase Housing Choices 1. Continue at administer and promote Homeownership Option (HOP) Program The OHCD will continue to administer and promote the Homeownership Option Program (HOP) by actively engaging with eligible participants through targeted outreach and education. OHCD will provide comprehensive support, including referrals to financial counseling and homeownership workshops. Additionally, OHCD will strengthen partnerships with local lenders, real estate professionals, and community organizations to expand resources and opportunities available to participants. Regular program evaluation and feedback will be utilized to refine strategies and ensure the program meets the evolving needs of the community. To date, the OHCD is currently utilizing 27% of its available HOP vouchers. 2. Develop and promote working partnerships with landlords around Hawaii island to encourage participation with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. The OHCD will continue to strengthen partnerships with landlords across Hawaii Island by actively participating in the County’s annual Fair Housing Workshops, Landlord Summits, Inter-Faith Coalition Events, and similar events to highlight the advantages of participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The OHCD has an existing staff member to serve as a landlord liaison, focusing on outreach, recruitment, and providing support to property owners and agents. This approach aims to build strong relationships with landlords and encourage broader participation in the HCV program. 3. Research and explore for additional funding sources for landlord incentive programs. D. Promote Self-Sufficiency 1. Increase the number of families enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program by promoting program participation at annual re-exams and by displaying visual displays in interviewing cubicles. Total Individual Participants in CY 2024: 65 Current Participant Households as of December 31, 2024: 56 Total Escrow Paid to FSS participants in CY 2024: $154,855.50 The OHCD continues to promote the FSS program through flyers mailed with annual reexaminations and visual displays. The OHCD will maintain its monthly informational meetings in East and West Hawai‘i, offering all eligible individuals the opportunity to learn about the benefits of the FSS Program. Enrollment efforts will focus on educating OHCD staff toenhance program promotion and facilitate referrals during appointments and orientation sessions. 2. Increase and promote awareness of the American Job Center to new and current participants. The OHCD continues to promote the American Job Center (AJC) to all program participants. Additionally, the FSS Program Coordinator holds all FSS program certifications at the AJC, leveraging their workshops, one-on-one sessions, training programs and career development opportunities providing participants with convenient access to support their path to financial independence and self-sufficiency. E. Seek partnerships that will further the goal of affordable housing opportunities 1. Continue to maintain partnerships with community, Federal, and State agencies The OHCD will continue to maintain and strengthen its partnerships with community organizations, federal agencies, and state agencies to enhance service delivery and housing solutions across Hawaii Island. By fostering open communication and collaboration, OHCD will ensure alignment on housing priorities and leverage the unique resources and expertise each partner brings. The OHCD will continue to engage in regular meetings and collaborative planning sessions to sustain these relationships and ensure the collective success of our housing programs. 2. Participate in the Community Alliance Program (CAP) regularly, in an effort to end homelessness The OHCD will continue to seek and participate in the various community-wide events that address the goal of ending homelessness, promoting access to programs, optimizing self-sufficiency, and furthering fair housing. 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. The OHCD will ensure equal opportunity and affirmatively further fair housing by strictly adhering to federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. OHCD will implement policies and practices that promote equitable access to federally assisted housing, ensuring that no individual or family faces discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or HIV status. To uphold these standards, OHCD will provide regular training for staff and partners, conduct fair housing audits, and offer accessible complaint mechanisms for reporting discrimination. Page 7 of ϭϭ form HUD-50075-5Y (3/31/2024) 2. Continue to improve the dissemination of Fair Housing information to new and existing participants. To enhance the dissemination of fair housing information, the OHCD will focus on distributing informative materials both in print and online. Social media platforms will be used to regularly share key information and updates, reaching a wider audience and ensuring that both new and existing participants can easily access fair housing information. 3. Schedule and encourage annual fair housing trainings and/or webinars for staff The OHCD will continue to promote Fair Housing Month in April with an annual virtual Fair Housing Conference organized in partnership with the State of Hawai‘i, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the counties of Hawai‘i, Maui, and Kaua‘i, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai’i and other organizations. The conference features a series of free online events designed to help participants better understand and comply with Fair Housing laws. This collaborative approach ensures widespread education and promotes adherence to Fair Housing regulations across the state. G. Improve housing delivery system 1. Continue to provide online fillable forms, waitlist information, applications to various voucher and project-based voucher programs, and landlord and tenant informational documents pertaining to subsidized housing. The OHCD will continue to enhance the housing delivery system by maintaining and expanding the availability of online resources, including fillable forms, waitlist information, applications for various voucher and project-based voucher programs, and informational documents for both landlords and tenants in subsidized housing. Additionally, the office will conduct audits of staff roles and job descriptions to ensure workloads are balanced and tasks are completed effectively, fostering a more efficient and responsive service delivery system. 2. Support the professional growth of the OHCD staff by providing adequate training opportunities The OHCD will provide ongoing training opportunities. The OHCD will continue to offer both individual and group training sessions on a range of housing topics, ensuring staff are well-versed in key resources such as the PHA’s Administrative Plan, relevant third-party training and reference materials. This comprehensive training approach will ensure staff remain up to date with the industry’s best practices, regulations, and policies, empowering them to deliver high-quality services and adapt to evolving housing needs. 3. Provide utility allowance schedule annually The calendar year 2025 schedule was updated in October 2024. The utility schedule for single family homes and multifamily units remained the same from the previous calendar year 2024. The OHCD will complete the revision process on an annual basis as required by HUD. B.4 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Goals. Provide a statement of the PHA’s goals, activities objectives, policies, or programs that will enable the PHA to serve the needs of child and adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is committed to supporting victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The OHCD ensures the safety and stability of these victims by implementing policies and procedures in compliance with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The OHCD collaborates with local service providers to obtain updated information on support services in the community such as counseling, legal aid, and healthcare. Staff are trained in VAWA protections and trauma-informed practices to assist victims effectively. Policies within the Administrative Plan also include lease bifurcation, allowing victims to remain in their housing while removing the abuser, and prohibiting evictions or adverse actions against victims based solely on their status as victims. Through these measures, the OHCD will continue to seek out educational resources to train both participants and staff to create a secure and supportive housing environment that addresses the needs of victims, enabling them to recover and rebuild their lives with dignity and safety. C Other Document and/or Certification Requirements. Page 8 of 11 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) C.1 Significant Amendment or Modification. Provide a statement on the criteria used for determining a significant amendment or modification to the 5-Year Plan. In accordance with 24 CFR §903.7(r)(2) which requires public housing authorities to identify the basic criteria the agency will use to determine a substantial deviation from its 5-Year Plan and significant amendments or modification to the 5-Year Plan and Annual Plan, the following definitions are used: Substantial Deviation: x A substantial change in the direction pertaining to the goals and objectives outlined in the 5-year plan. x Any change to the Office of Housing and Community Development’s (OHCD) mission statement Significant Amendment/Modification: x Changes which would significantly affect eligibility, organization of waiting lists, admissions policies, tenant rent policies, and any additions of new programs. C.2 Resident Advisory Board (RAB) Comments. (a) Did the RAB(s) have comments to the 5-Year PHA Plan? Y N (b) If yes, comments must be submitted by the PHA as an attachment to the 5-Year PHA Plan. PHAs must also include a narrative describing their analysis of the RAB recommendations and the decisions made on these recommendations. C.3 Certification by State or Local Officials. Form HUD-50077-SL, Certification by State or Local Officials of PHA Plans Consistency with the Consolidated Plan, must be submitted by the PHA as an electronic attachment to the PHA Plan. Appendix B: Certification by State or Local Official of PHA Plans Consistency with the Consolidated Plan Appendix C: Civil Rights Certification Appendix D: Certifications of Compliance with PHA Plans and Related Regulations C.4 Required Submission for HUD FO Review. (a) Did the public challenge any elements of the Plan? Y N (b) If yes, include Challenged Elements. Page 9 of 11 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) D. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). D.1 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. (Non-qualified PHAs are only required to complete this section on the Annual PHA Plan. All qualified PHAs must complete this section.) Provide a statement of the PHA’s strategies and actions to achieve fair housing goals outlined in an accepted Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with 24 CFR § 5.154(d)(5). Use the chart provided below. (PHAs should add as many goals as necessary to overcome fair housing issues and contributing factors.) Until such time as the PHA is required to submit an AFH, the PHA is not obligated to complete this chart. The PHA will fulfill, nevertheless, the requirements at 24 CFR § 903.7(o) enacted prior to August 17, 2015. See Instructions for further detail on completing this item. Fair Housing Goal: Describe fair housing strategies and actions to achieve the goal The OHCD is committed to achieving fair housing goals as outlined in its Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) in line with 24 CFR § 5.154(d)(5). To increase access to affordable housing, the OHCD will use Housing Choice Vouchers and conduct landlord outreach. To reduce discrimination, the OHCD will continue to provide fair housing training annually for non-English or limited english proficiency speakers and collaborate with local organizations. Fair Housing Goal: Describe fair housing strategies and actions to achieve the goal Fair housing information and resources are available on the OHCD website at www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/community-resources/fair-housing. The site includes videos, landlord and tenant guidance on common discrimination issues, details on reasonable accommodations, and direct contact information for filing complaints. It also features information about the State’s coordinated Fair Housing webinars, held each April during National Fair Housing Awareness Month. Fair Housing Goal: Describe fair housing strategies and actions to achieve the goal The OHCD will continue to focus on enhancing training for staff to ensure they are well-versed in fair housing laws, discrimination issues, and best practices for promoting equal housing opportunities. Regular training sessions will equip staff to handle complaints effectively and provide accurate guidance to tenants and landlords. To increase participation in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the PHA will conduct outreach to recruit new landlords, offering them education on the benefits of the program, incentives, and support to ease the process of renting to voucher holders. These efforts aim to expand housing options and foster a more inclusive rental market.