Tanisha Thomas plays with her son Kingston, 3, in one of the child care rooms following the grand opening ceremony of the new Riverside Campus of the Center for Transforming Lives in the Morningside neighborhood of Fort Worth on May 2. With the help of the organization, Thomas was able to find stability after experiencing homelessness and battling suicidal thoughts.
Chris Torres
ctorres@star-telegram.com
In the first two weeks of the program, Center for Transforming Lives has distributed $45,000 to Tarrant County residents in need of emergency rental and utility assistance.
In August, Tarrant County Commissioners decided to outsource the assistance that the Human Services department had previously done because it was not being run efficiently. The Center for Transforming Lives subsequently won the $2.3 million contract to provide rental and utility assistance to residents beginning on Nov. 3.
Carol Klocek, CEO of the Center for Transforming Lives, said people were already lined up at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 3 waiting to apply for the program. In four hours, the center received 170 applications without ever having advertised the program. Thirty of the county’s in-process applicants were also transferred over that day.
On Tuesday, Klocek said 23 households will receive the assistance they requested on Nov. 3. Once that is done, the portal will open back up for more applications to be submitted.
Klocek said the center has been charged with getting the allotted $2 million of aid to the community as quickly as possible, but she’s not sure how long the funds will last. The county gave a grant of $2.3 million to the center with only $300,000 of that going toward administrative costs. The remainder is designated for aid.
“Will that aid run out in six months? In seven months? And then, will there be a gap until the next year, or will there be, you know, additional funds?” Klocek said. “But what we want to do is stabilize as many households as we can and do that quickly, and that’s our primary charge.”
Commissioner Roderick Miles, who hosted the public town hall at the center, said if the money is spent before the year-long contract ends, that will give the commissioners a strong case to say more investment is necessary.
“How can you refute the evidence?” Miles said. “If we run through $2 million, then it’s incumbent upon us to say the need is greater than we anticipated, and we need to earmark, and we need to put more money into this program. It makes my colleagues and I reexamine how we’re doing our budget every year.”
Before the county opted to outsource the utility and rental assistance programs, Human Services was only giving out about $1.5 million in aid. Budget director Helen Giese said the $4.5 million budget wasn’t being maximized to help residents in need.
By spending over $2 million less of taxpayer money, the county is helping more members of the community through the partnership with Center for Transforming Lives.
Rand Otten, acting director of Human Services, said at the October commissioners court meeting that in one month, the county’s department helped about 30 to 40 individuals pay rent in emergencies and about 100 people who needed help paying for utilities.
According to the county staff report, Center for Transforming Lives proposed to assist approximately 2,200 households from Nov. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026.
There is a great amount of need and a severe shortage of affordable housing in Tarrant County, Klocek said.
“The problem is that for so many households, a flat tire, an illness, a gap in child care, all of those kinds of situations can cause people to destabilize,” Klocek said. “A lot of people are also having to take care of an older relative, and so maybe they have child care issues, but an older relative gets sick, so they have to take off work for that, and they work for an employer who doesn’t allow sick time, or doesn’t have flexibility. So all of those kinds of situations can mean they can’t make rent payments.”
Under the Center for Transforming Lives, residents will no longer be able to receive long-term utility assistance as they could under Human Services. They will be allowed to apply for aid once a year and receive up to three months of help.
“We’re really limiting this to an emergency assistance program,” Klocek said. “So with our goal of preventing homelessness and allowing people to really weather those things that come up, … but where people are going to be able to pay their rent.”
Residents in need will be able to get connected with the other resources the center offers and other organizations who can help through the process of applying for emergency assistance at the Center for Transforming Lives.
Miles said with the number of people ready to apply on Day 1, he saw that the center is a safe and trusted place for the community.
“People know where it is, and they’re here waiting because they know, once the door is open, they’ll get what they need,” Miles said. “So I feel really good about how we’ve started.”
Rachel Royster is a news and government reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, specifically focused on Tarrant County. She joined the newsroom after interning at the Austin American-Statesman, the Waco Tribune-Herald and Capital Community News in DC. A Houston native and Baylor grad, Rachel enjoys traveling, reading and being outside. She welcomes any and all news tips to her email.
Low-income housing programs, like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), offer rental assistance to those who meet specific income and eligibility criteria.
I understand that navigating the application process can be daunting, which is why it’s important to know what’s required of you. These programs, primarily funded by the federal government, aim to provide affordable options to those in need.
To begin your journey toward qualifying for low-income housing, you must first determine your eligibility, which typically revolves around your income, family size, and citizenship or eligible immigration status.
Contacting your local public housing authority (PHA) is a smart move, as this agency can provide guidance through the process and inform you about the specific programs available in your area, like the options outlined by HUD’s Public Housing Program.
Key Takeaways
Low-income housing programs, like Section 8 and Public Housing, offer crucial affordable housing options.
Eligibility is based on income limits, family size, and certain priority groups.
Engage with local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) for application guidance.
Prepare the required documents and understand the application process thoroughly.
Expect long waiting lists due to high demand and limited supply.
Affordable housing aids in improving health, education, and employment outcomes for communities.
Overview
Low-income housing, often associated with programs like Section 8, provides rental assistance to eligible individuals and families with lower incomes. Eligibility criteria typically include income level, family status, and citizenship or immigration status. Various programs are designed to ensure that housing costs do not become prohibitive for those earning significantly less than the area’s median income.
Importance of Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is vital because it supports economic stability and community diversity. By providing access to housing that individuals and families can afford, you can see how it promotes better outcomes in health, education, and employment for community members.
It enables individuals to allocate resources to other essential aspects of life, such as nutrition and healthcare, contributing to the overall well-being of a society.
Income limits are crucial in determining eligibility for low-income housing. Your income must not exceed certain thresholds defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These limits vary by location and are calculated as percentages of the area median income (AMI). For instance, to be eligible for certain programs, You may need to have an income that is 50% below the AMI.
Family Size Considerations
The size of my family also affects my eligibility for low-income housing. Larger families may have higher income limits, allowing for a fair assessment of housing needs proportional to family size. This ensures that the income criteria accurately reflect the financial resources needed to support all members of my household.
Priority Populations
Certain populations are given priority in the allocation of low-income housing. This can include the elderly, people with disabilities families with young children, or a member who is pregnant. If I belong to one of these populations, I may thus be more likely to qualify for housing assistance and may be given preference in certain housing programs.
Types of Low-Income Programs
Public housing provides affordable apartments for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Administered by local public housing agencies (PHAs), rents in these units are typically based on a percentage of the tenant’s income to ensure affordability. To join the program, interested individuals must contact a PHA in their state.
Section 8 Choice Vouchers
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program empowers very low-income families to choose their housing while receiving governmental assistance to make it affordable according to HUD.gov. Tenants can use these vouchers to cover all or part of their rent in the private market, and the PHA directly pays the landlord the subsidized amount.
Section 202 Supportive for the Elderly
This program specifically caters to seniors, providing housing that not only is affordable but also offers the necessary supportive services to help elderly residents live independently. Housing under Section 202 has income-based rent and might include amenities like transportation and community dining, tailored to older adults’ needs.
Application Process
To apply for low-income housing, precision is crucial. I’ll guide you through collecting the necessary documentation, where to apply, and navigating the lottery system that often determines placement.
Gathering Required Documents
Proof of income (such as pay stubs or tax returns)
Valid identification (like a driver’s license or passport)
Birth certificates for all family members
Social Security cards for each applicant
I keep these documents organized and accessible, knowing that they are essential for a complete application.
Where to Apply
Locate your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) to start the application process. Each agency has its own application process, but you can typically apply for a housing choice voucher online, by mail, or in person at the PHA office. It’s important to apply through the PHA serving the community to ensure my eligibility based on local income limits.
Understanding the Lottery System
Because demand often exceeds supply, many PHAs use a lottery system for their Section 8 voucher program as per the CSR Report. Once my application is in, I’m placed on a lottery or waiting list. It’s critical to know that being selected is not guaranteed, and wait times can vary considerably. If my name is chosen, the PHA will contact me with further instructions on how to proceed.
Waiting List Management
When applying for low-income housing, understanding how waiting list management works is as crucial as meeting the eligibility criteria. The waiting list itself is a critical part of the process that requires consistent attention and accurate estimation of potential wait times.
Estimating Wait Times
The length of the waiting list and the number of applicants play a significant role in determining how long you might wait before receiving assistance. You can get an idea of the timeframe by inquiring with the housing authority about the number of applicants ahead of you and the average wait time each year. Documentation, such as the PHOG Waiting List Chapter, can provide insights into how housing authorities manage these lists.
Role of Public Housing Authorities
In my experience, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are key players in administering low-income housing programs. They serve as a bridge between the government’s housing aid and eligible residents, ensuring access to affordable homes.
Navigating Through Local PHA
Local PHAs have the responsibility of determining eligibility for programs like the Public Housing Program. I assess eligibility based on factors including annual gross income, whether applicants qualify as elderly, persons with disabilities, or as families, and their U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
To understand the application process, I work with individuals to ensure they meet these criteria. The process may vary between states, and sometimes, one may need to apply in person. Learning to navigate through your local PHA can be the first step toward securing assistance.
PHA Resources and Assistance
PHAs provide much more than just housing; they offer resources and support that aid residents in maintaining their homes. For instance, the Housing Choice Voucher Program Section 8 empowers very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to find decent in the private market. It’s my job to help residents understand the types of support available to them and how to apply for these programs effectively.
Local PHAs, like the Memphis Housing Authority, receive federal aid to manage housing for low-income residents at affordable rents. They also provide technical and professional assistance in planning, developing, and managing these developments, ensuring residents receive quality housing.
Tenant Responsibilities
As a tenant, I am aware that my ability to remain in low-income housing hinges on fulfilling specific obligations, of which the most crucial are adhering to my lease agreements and respecting the property rules set by my landlord or housing authority.
Abiding by Lease Agreements
I ensure that I read and understand my lease agreement thoroughly before signing. The lease is a legally binding document that stipulates my obligations, including rent payments, prompt reporting of maintenance issues, and proper notice before leaving the unit.
Respecting Property Rules
I recognize the importance of abiding by the property rules which may include guidelines on noise levels, pet ownership, waste disposal, and common area maintenance. These rules are in place to maintain a safe and clean living environment for all residents.
Appeals and Grievances
When you face a denial from a low-income program, knowing the steps to challenge the decision is crucial. Each program provides a process for appeals and grievances to ensure fairness.
Handling Denials
If I receive a denial of admission from a housing program, I must receive a written notice specifying the reasons for the decision. This is a standard protocol required for all HUD and USDA housing programs. Importantly, under certain circumstances, I may be eligible to appeal this decision. For instance, on reviewing my denial from the Affordable Housing Online, if the denial was based on incorrect information, I have the right to request a correction and a subsequent review of my application.
Filing for a Hearing
In response to a denial, I have the option to file for a grievance hearing. This formal process allows me to present evidence and argue my case before a neutral party. The steps to initiate this process include requesting the hearing in writing within a specified deadline. The National Housing Law Project outlines that to prepare for the hearing, I can gather relevant documents, seek legal advice, and prepare to make a clear presentation of my case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for low-income housing assistance?
Eligibility for low-income housing assistance is typically determined by income level, family size, and housing needs. My income must not exceed the income limits set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which are based on the median income in my area.
How can I apply for a Section 8 housing voucher?
To apply for a Section 8 housing voucher, you need to contact the local Public Housing Agency (PHA) and complete an application. Waiting lists can be long, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible.
What documents do I need to submit for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program?
For the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, you’re usually required to submit proof of income, tax returns, identification, and additional documentation to verify your eligibility. Check the application instructions provided by the housing property or manager for a specific list.
Are there ways to receive immediate housing assistance in case of an emergency?
Yes, immediate housing assistance might be available in an emergency such as job loss or disaster.
How is the income limit for affordable housing determined in various states?
Income limits for affordable housing are determined by HUD and vary by state and county. They are typically set at 50% to 80% of the median income for the area.
What processes are involved in applying through my local Public Housing Agency?
Applying through your local Public Housing Agency involves submitting an application with the required supporting documents, undergoing an eligibility review, and possibly being placed on a waiting list. You will then be contacted when a suitable housing option becomes available.
Final Words
Eligibility largely hinges on income, family size, and citizenship or eligible immigration status, with income limits set in relation to the Area Median Income (AMI).
Applying through your local PHA is crucial for accessing programs tailored to your area’s needs, and understanding the system, including the potential use of a lottery for placement, is key to successfully securing affordable housing.
The process underscores the importance of affordable housing in promoting economic stability, community diversity, and the well-being of individuals and families in need.
After a lengthy discussion, the Los Angeles City Council voted Friday to prohibit the eviction of tenants whose rental assistance applications have been approved but who have not yet received their funds.
The move comes days before a deadline for tenants to pay pandemic-era rental arrears. Under the city’s plan to end COVID-19 eviction protections, unpaid rent accumulated from Oct. 1, 2021, to Jan. 31, 2023, is due Thursday.
More than 25,000 applicants are waiting to find out if they are eligible for funds from the United to House L.A. Emergency Renters Assistance Program, which provides up to six months of unpaid rent for qualified and selected renters and property owners.
Roughly 3,200 applicants were approved for the program, but most have not received their aid. Only 25% of the $30.4 million allocated for emergency assistance has been distributed.
Renters who did not apply for the program or were not approved could face eviction if they do not make their outstanding payments by Thursday. The deadline to apply was in October.
The City Council motion, introduced by Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Paul Krekorian, originally aimed to protect every renter who applied to the United to House L.A. program, regardless of their application status.
After pushback from groups representing property owners, the motion was amended to prohibit evictions only for applicants whose applications have been approved. Those individuals will be protected from eviction for 120 days after Feb. 1 while their rental assistance funds are processed.
“Tenants who have already been approved for emergency rental assistance should not be evicted while they’re waiting for their checks,” Krekorian said. “Their landlords are going to get paid, so they shouldn’t be putting tenants out just because the city took a little longer to get them the money.”
Applicants who have not yet been approved but are qualified will receive the same protections once granted approval.
Daniel Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles, said the motion was unfair to small property owners who rely on rent payments for their livelihood.
Before the amendment was enacted, the motion would have prevented landlords from evicting tenants for an indefinite period of time while they waited for their application to be processed.
“Owners would not be participating in the program if they knew this would be the ramification,” he said. “It’s not as egregious as it would have been without this amendment.”
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Fred Sutton, senior vice president of local public affairs for the California Apartment Assn., also said the amendment was key. But he’s still wary of how long it might take for renters and owners to receive their money.
“It’s just a matter of those funds getting to the individual,” he said, “but we are very concerned about the procedural bureaucracy that takes so long to get these dollars out the door.”
Sutton also criticized the “rushed” timeline of the City Council motion, which was introduced on Wednesday.
“There was one business day to review a very broad and somewhat complicated motion and on a procedural level, that shouldn’t be acceptable,” he said.
Hernandez said it was necessary to get the motion approved prior to the rent payment deadline.
“With the Feb. 1 rent debt deadline looming and thousands of tenants at risk of eviction, it’s incumbent on us to do everything we can to stop the eviction-to-homelessness pipeline and keep people in their homes,” she said. “The city can and must do more to keep Angelenos housed.”
Suffolk County is transferring up to $2 million to the towns of Babylon and Brookhaven for rental assistance.
The money from the county’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program is aimed at replenishing rental-assistance funds that the two towns have exhausted. Both Babylon and Brookhaven still have applications from residents seeking help with their rent, according to a county statement.
Suffolk was allocated $14.5 million in ERAP funding to assist renters facing hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the towns of Smithtown, Riverhead, Southold, East Hampton, Southampton. and Shelter Island. So far, the county says it has provided about $10 million in assistance.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone made the announcement of the county transfer of funds Thursday at the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk County office on Carleton Avenue in Central Islip. The EOC of Suffolk County, represented at the event by its COO Simone Holder-Daniel, is one of the agencies that has been distributing emergency rental assistance funds in the Town of Brookhaven.
Also attending the announcement was Sondra Cochran, executive director of the Wyandanch Community Development Corporation, which distributes the ERAP funds in the Town of Babylon.
The actual amount that the county will provide to the towns will be determined once the state approves all of the applications for assistance that remain outstanding. In New York State, the rental assistance program was primarily aimed to help renters who’s household earns less than 80 percent of the area median income and are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
The money to fund the rental assistance program originated from the federal government, which allocated up to $46.55 billion through the 2021 Consolidate Appropriations Act enacted in Dec. 2020, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that was enacted in March 2021, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The funds have been provided directly to states and local governments.
MEDFORD, Ore., June 18, 2020 (Newswire.com)
– Requests for rental assistance and food are on the rise in Jackson County with no sign of abating since COVID-19 showed up in the region. That’s according to 211info, a free, confidential referral and information service that connects area residents to local health and human services.
In March, 211info saw a 30% increase in web searches from the Medford region over the previous month. Since then, the nonprofit has fielded hundreds of calls from area residents hardest hit by the economic downturn. The greatest needs? Rent and housing assistance, food, and smoking cessation support.
This doesn’t come as a surprise to Carrie Prechtel, who spent three years serving as 211info’s Community Engagement Coordinator in Jackson and Josephine Counties. “Even before the pandemic, one in three renters in Jackson County were spending more than half their income on rent, leaving little margin for basic living expenses.”
Then COVID-19 showed up in the region and with it a stay-at-home order and statewide shutdowns to help slow the spread of the virus. In the first four weeks almost 9% of the Jackson County labor force filed for unemployment.
As to the increase in requests for smoking cessation support, Dan Herman, 211info’s Chief Executive Officer suspects it may have to do with concerns over the toll COVID-19 can take on even a healthy individual’s lungs. As Oregon Health Authority’s designated COVID-19 hotline for the state, 211info also serves as a central resource for area residents looking for information about the novel coronavirus, including symptoms to look for, where to receive care and how to get tested.
And even though 211info has been in the region for several years now, community members are likely to see more prominent reminders of the nonprofit’s presence. That’s because 211info recently launched an awareness campaign in Jackson County to ensure community members know where they can go for help to get their needs met.
Herman says the agency takes beloved television personality Mr. Rogers’ “Look for the helpers” mantra to heart: “At 211info we’re all about looking for the helpers — and all about connecting members of our community with that help for free. That’s why we work side-by-side with community partners to connect Jackson County residents with resources when they need them the most.”
211info works closely with a number of community partners in Jackson County including Head Start for Jackson County, Jackson County Continuum of Care, the City of Medford, United Way of Jackson County, ACCESS and Maslow Project, among others.
About 211info: 211info is a nonprofit organization funded by state and municipal contracts, foundations, United Ways, donations and community partners in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Learn more at 211info.org.
Media Contact:
Dan Herman Email: dan.herman@211info.org Phone: 360-521-6527
