7/16/2014
Waiting Lists Colorado Division of Housing 2014 Webinar Series July 17, 2014 Presented by Susan Niner and Katherine Helgerson
In this webinar… • • • • • • •
Opening and Closing the Waiting List DOH Local Preferences Purging Existing Waiting Lists Two Application Process FAQs Elite Q&A Session
982.206 Opening the Waiting List
(a)Public Notice (2) The PHA must give the public notice by publication in a local newspaper of general circulation, and also by minority media and other suitable means.
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Example Public Notice Public Notice The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Division of Housing (DOH) in conjunction with Your Agency will open its Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list for one day on Wednesday, October 21, 2009. The waiting list is only open to applicants who meet DOH’s disability preference and can verify disability as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To request an application, contact Your Agency at (303) 555-5555. Completed applications can be submitted in two different ways. Applications will be accepted in person from 8:30-4:30 PM, on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the Your Agency office located at Your Agency Address. Completed applications can also be mailed and postmarked on October 21, 2009. Only applications with a postmark of October 21, 2009 will be accepted. To request an application contact Your Agency at (303) 555-5555.
Public Notice Details….. • Notice must: Comply with HUD Fair Housing requirements State any limitations on who may apply(preferences) State where and when to apply
Opening vs. Closing • Opening the waiting list requires a minimum of 30days notice.
• Closing the waiting list should be done at your agency’s discretion. We recommend you close the list at the point it contains an adequate pool (1224 months) of applicants
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Outreach • PHA outreach efforts must comply with fair housing requirements: ▫ Identify underserved populations ▫ Target underserved populations in your community ▫ Ensure outreach efforts target underrepresented populations ▫ Avoid outreach efforts that exclude people in protected classes.
•Sleeping in a place not designed for or used as a regular sleeping accommodation, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, camping ground, etc.
Local Preference
•Living in a shelter designed to provide temporary living arrangements (including emergency shelter, congregate shelters, transitional housing, hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by government programs) •Exiting an institution where they:
resided for ≤ 90 days AND were residing in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately prior to entering the institution
Disability: Any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.
Homelessness
Local Preference
Disabled
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982.207 Local Preferences • (b) Particular local preferences(3) Preference for person with disabilities. The PHA may adopt a preference for admission of families that include a person with disabilities. However, the PHA may not adopt a preference for admission of persons with a specific disability. • Can not require that the family be an active participant with your agency.
Colorado defines "domestic violence" as violence--or even the threat of violence--toward someone with whom the offender has been involved in an intimate relationship. The definition includes any other crime against any person, property or an animal when the act is used to coerce, control, punish, intimidate or get revenge upon someone with whom the perpetrator has had an intimate relationship. Having married or shared a residence with the other person is not necessarily enough to meet the definition of "an intimate relationship." If there is a child parented by the perpetrator and the victim, an intimate relationship is deemed to have existed between them.
Institutional settings include mental health institutes, nursing homes, and institutions for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Local Preference
Victims of Domestic Violence
Local Preference
Non elderly disabled families transitioning from nursing homes and other approved institutional settings into community-based living.
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What do I do with my existing List? • You will need to: Conduct a purge by sending a new Pre-Application Form out to all current applicants. The Pre-Application Form should be accompanied with the “new preference letter.” No one will be removed from the list, however they will be ranked based on what preference they qualify for as declared on the new Pre-Application form.
Important Purge Information • Send letter and the Pre-Application Form via first class mail. Are they still interested? Are they still eligible?
• Letter must provide a date by which they must respond.
Letter is returned with no forwarding addressyou are done. Letter is returned with a forwarding addressresend the letter and give them 10-days to respond.
Two Step Application Process • Step One ▫ Pre-Application- will collect information needed for initial assessment & eligibility for admission onto waiting list ▫ No verification conducted at this time
• Step Two ▫ Full Application verifies: ▫ Income ▫ Preference ▫ SS number ▫ ID/Birth Certificate ▫ Sign consents ▫ Citizenship status
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Accepting Applications • Process must be accessible to all including the disabled, the elderly and those with LEP. • Conduct preliminary assessment of eligibility. • Begin by date and time stamping all applications when received.
Approved- send letter informing them of placement on list within 30-days of application. Denied- send certified letter within 30-days of application informing them that they have been determined ineligible. Include information regarding requesting an informal review.
Ensure that your letter includes the applicants requirement to notify you within 10-days of any changes in mailing address, phone number etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What do I do if an applicant comes to the top of the list but is not ready to receive a voucher at that time? Can they go to the bottom of the list or retain their current placement? DOH does not currently have a policy that addresses this so the answer is no. If a family refuses the voucher when offered they will be removed from the list.
FAQs (Cont.) 2. Can I advertise the jurisdiction covered by my agency in my notice announcing the opening of the waiting list? Yes you can. However, keep in mind that under certain circumstances an individual may request to use their voucher in another part of the state or another part of the country under portability regulations.
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FAQs (Cont.) 3. How long do I have to advertise? There is no length requirement
4. Do we need to advertise when we close the waiting list? There is not a requirement to advertise when closing the list.
Forms & Letter Templates: 1. Pre-Application- designed for easy entry into the Elite database 2. Full Application- designed for easy entry into the Elite database 3. Application Accepted Letter 4. Application Denied Letter 5. Purge Letter
What about Elite?? • Requirement: All DOH Waiting Lists must be data-entered into Elite by 8/31/14!! • Chapter 2 of the Elite User Manual • Contact your DOH Contract Manager for 1:1 guidance and assistance
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QUESTIONS???
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Date: Time: Staff Initials: For Agency Use Only
"Agency Name Here"
PRE-APPLICATION
Head of Household Name:
Social Security Number:
Mailing Address: County:
City:
State:
Date of Birth:
Ethnicity: Hispanic Non-Hispanic
Zip:
Phone: Gender: Male Female
U.S. Citizen: Yes No
Race: White Black American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander Additional Family Members
Gender
DOB
Social Security Number
Income: LIST ALL INCOME BEFORE ANY DEDUCTIONS received for all who will reside with the head of household. Income examples include wages (full or part-time), Public Assistance (TANF or General Assistance), Social Security, SSI, disability, pensions, unemployment, babysitting, child support, alimony, scholarships, grants, money from family members, etc. Total Annual Family Gross Income: $ Have you ever been evicted from Assisted Housing: Yes No Program Affiliation: Are you a Family Unification Program Household (FUP) Yes No PREFERENCES: Please check all that apply
Families that are experiencing homelessness Families that include a person with a disability Families that include victims of domestic violence Non Elderly Disabled families transitioning from nursing homes and other approved institutional settings into independent, community-based living. CERTIFICATIONS: The Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing is an equal opportunity housing agency and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, marital or familial status. APPLICANT CERTIFICATION: Signature required of all family members 18 years or older. Use reverse if needed. WARNING: Title 18, Section 1001 of the United States Code states that a person is guilty of a felony for knowingly and willingly making false or fraudulent statements to any department or agency of the United States. I hereby certify that the information completed on this form is given voluntarily and is true and correct. I understand that this pre-application does not imply any obligation or constitute a guarantee or contract by the Division of Housing (DOH). My signature below not only certifies that the information provided is true and correct but also authorizes DOH to conduct a CBI background check. This background check will include all adult family members of my household including myself.
Print Name
Signature
Date
OMB Control # 2502-0581 Exp. (11/30/2015) Optional and Supplemental Contact Information for HUD-Assisted Housing Applicants SUPPLEMENT TO APPLICATION FOR FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING This form is to be provided to each applicant for federally assisted housing Instructions: Optional Contact Person or Organization: You have the right by law to include as part of your application for housing, the name, address, telephone number, and other relevant information of a family member, friend, or social, health, advocacy, or other organization. This contact information is for the purpose of identifying a person or organization that may be able to help in resolving any issues that may arise during your tenancy or to assist in providing any special care or services you may require. You may update, remove, or change the information you provide on this form at any time. You are not required to provide this contact information, but if you choose to do so, please include the relevant information on this form. Check this box if you choose not to provide the contact information. Applicant Name: Mailing Address: Telephone No:
Cell Phone No:
Name of Additional Contact Person or Organization: Address: Telephone No:
Cell Phone No:
E-Mail Address (if applicable): Relationship to Applicant: Reason for Contact: (Check all that apply) Emergency Unable
to contact you Termination of rental assistance Eviction from unit Late payment of rent
Assist with Recertification Process Change in lease terms Change in house rules Other: ______________________________
Commitment of Housing Authority or Owner: If you are approved for housing, this information will be kept as part of your tenant file. If issues arise during your tenancy or if you require any services or special care, we may contact the person or organization you listed to assist in resolving the issues or in providing any services or special care to you. Confidentiality Statement: The information provided on this form is confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone except as permitted by the applicant or applicable law. Legal Notification: Section 644 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-550, approved October 28, 1992) requires each applicant for federally assisted housing to be offered the option of providing information regarding an additional contact person or organization. By accepting the applicant’s application, the housing provider agrees to comply with the non-discrimination and equal opportunity requirements of 24 CFR section 5.105, including the prohibitions on discrimination in admission to or participation in federally assisted housing programs on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status under the Fair Housing Act, and the prohibition on age discrimination under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
Signature of Applicant
Date
The information collection requirements contained in this form were submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The public reporting burden is estimated at 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Section 644 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13604) imposed on HUD the obligation to require housing providers participating in HUD’s assisted housing programs to provide any individual or family applying for occupancy in HUD-assisted housing with the option to include in the application for occupancy the name, address, telephone number, and other relevant information of a family member, friend, or person associated with a social, health, advocacy, or similar organization. The objective of providing such information is to facilitate contact by the housing provider with the person or organization identified by the tenant to assist in providing any delivery of services or special care to the tenant and assist with resolving any tenancy issues arising during the tenancy of such tenant. This supplemental application information is to be maintained by the housing provider and maintained as confidential information. Providing the information is basic to the operations of the HUD Assisted-Housing Program and is voluntary. It supports statutory requirements and program and management controls that prevent fraud, waste and mismanagement. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Privacy Statement: Public Law 102-550, authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to collect all the information (except the Social Security Number (SSN)) which will be used by HUD to protect disbursement data from fraudulent actions. Form HUD- 92006 (05/09)
Agency:
HCV Full Application GENERAL INFORMATION ‐ HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD (Please Print):
Head of Household Name:
Mailing Address or Shelter Name:
City:
Current Contact Telephone Numbers: Home: (
)
E‐Mail Address:
Date of Birth:
Gender: Male Female
Social Security Number:
State:
Zip:
Cell: (
)
U.S. Citizen: Yes No
Disabled:
Yes No
Ethnicity: Hispanic Non‐Hispanic Race: White Black American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander Income: Select all that apply and include monthly amounts received before any deductions: SSDI $____________
Wages $____________________
TANF $___________________
Child Support $_________________
SSI $_____________
Day Labor $_________________
OAP $____________________
Income from Assets $____________
Social Security $______
Commission/Tips $____________
School financial aid $_________
Alimony/ Maintenance $_________
VA Benefits $_________
Unemployment $_____________
Family/Friends $____________
Retirement/ Pension $___________
AND $___________
Other____________________
Other__________________
Other_____________________
Assets: Select all that apply and include current balances: Savings Account $___________
Stocks $__________________
Certificates of Deposit $_____
Payee/escrow account $_______
Checking Account $__________
Bonds $__________________
Own a home $_____________
Other __________________
Trust Fund $________________
Money Market Funds $______
Cash $____________________
Other __________________
APPLICATION SELECTION PREFERENCE: You have applied for a Housing Choice Voucher through a local organization that administers the vouchers for the Colorado Division of Housing (DOH). DOH has established waiting list preferences. Please select the preference(s) below that apply to your situation. You will be required to verify that you meet the selected preference(s). HOMELESS FAMILIES THAT INCLUDE A PERSON WITH A DISABLITY FAMILIES THAT INCLUDE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NON ELDERLY DISABLED FAMILIES TRANSITIONING FROM NURSING HOMES AND OTHER APPROVED INSTITIONAL SETTINGS IN TO INDEPENDENT, COMMUNITY‐BASED LIVING. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO SELECTION PREFERENCE
GENERAL INFORMATION - ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS (Please Print):
Household Member Name:
Social Security Number:
City:
Current Contact Telephone Numbers: Home: (
)
E‐Mail Address:
Mailing Address or Shelter Name:
Gender: Male Female
State:
Zip:
Cell: (
)
U.S. Citizen:
Yes No
Date of Birth:
Disabled:
Yes No
Ethnicity: Hispanic Non‐Hispanic Race: White Black American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander Income: Select all that apply and include monthly amounts received before any deductions: SSDI $____________
Wages $____________________
TANF $___________________
Child Support $_________________
SSI $_____________
Day Labor $_________________
OAP $____________________
Income from Assets $____________
Social Security $______
Commission/Tips $____________
School financial aid $_________
Alimony/ Maintenance $_________
VA Benefits $_________
Unemployment $_____________
Family/Friends $____________
Retirement/ Pension $___________
AND $___________
Other____________________
Other__________________
Other_____________________
Assets: Select all that apply and include current balances: Savings Account $___________
Stocks $__________________
Certificates of Deposit $_____
Payee/escrow account $_______
Checking Account $__________
Bonds $__________________
Own a home $_____________
Other __________________
Trust Fund $________________
Money Market Funds $______
Cash $____________________
Other __________________
Household Member Name:
Social Security Number:
City:
Current Contact Telephone Numbers: Home: (
)
E‐Mail Address:
Mailing Address or Shelter Name:
Gender: Male Female
State:
Zip:
Cell: (
)
U.S. Citizen:
Yes No
Date of Birth:
Disabled:
Yes No
Ethnicity: Hispanic Non‐Hispanic Race: White Black American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander Income: Select all that apply and include monthly amounts received before any deductions: SSDI $____________
Wages $____________________
TANF $___________________
Child Support $_________________
SSI $_____________
Day Labor $_________________
OAP $____________________
Income from Assets $____________
Social Security $______
Commission/Tips $____________
School financial aid $_________
Alimony/ Maintenance $_________
VA Benefits $_________
Unemployment $_____________
Family/Friends $____________
Retirement/ Pension $___________
AND $___________
Other____________________
Other__________________
Other_____________________
Assets: Select all that apply and include current balances:
Savings Account $___________
Stocks $__________________
Certificates of Deposit $_____
Payee/escrow account $_______
Checking Account $__________
Bonds $__________________
Own a home $_____________
Other __________________
Trust Fund $________________
Money Market Funds $______
Cash $____________________
Other __________________
Household Member Name:
Social Security Number:
City:
Current Contact Telephone Numbers: Home: (
)
E‐Mail Address:
Mailing Address or Shelter Name:
Gender: Male Female
State:
Zip:
Cell: (
)
U.S. Citizen:
Yes No
Date of Birth:
Disabled:
Yes No
Ethnicity: Hispanic Non‐Hispanic Race: White Black American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander Income: Select all that apply and include monthly amounts received before any deductions: SSDI $____________
Wages $____________________
TANF $___________________
Child Support $_________________
SSI $_____________
Day Labor $_________________
OAP $____________________
Income from Assets $____________
Social Security $______
Commission/Tips $____________
School financial aid $_________
Alimony/ Maintenance $_________
VA Benefits $_________
Unemployment $_____________
Family/Friends $____________
Retirement/ Pension $___________
AND $___________
Other____________________
Other__________________
Other_____________________
Assets: Select all that apply and include current balances: Savings Account $___________
Stocks $__________________
Certificates of Deposit $_____
Payee/escrow account $_______
Checking Account $__________
Bonds $__________________
Own a home $_____________
Other __________________
Trust Fund $________________
Money Market Funds $______
Cash $____________________
Other __________________
Household Member Name:
Social Security Number:
City:
Current Contact Telephone Numbers: Home: (
)
E‐Mail Address:
Mailing Address or Shelter Name:
Gender: Male Female
State:
Zip:
Cell: (
)
U.S. Citizen:
Yes No
Date of Birth:
Disabled:
Yes No
Ethnicity: Hispanic Non‐Hispanic Race: White Black American Indian/Alaska Native Asian/Pacific Islander Income: Select all that apply and include monthly amounts received before any deductions: SSDI $____________
Wages $____________________
TANF $___________________
Child Support $_________________
SSI $_____________
Day Labor $_________________
OAP $____________________
Income from Assets $____________
Social Security $______
Commission/Tips $____________
School financial aid $_________
Alimony/ Maintenance $_________
VA Benefits $_________
Unemployment $_____________
Family/Friends $____________
Retirement/ Pension $___________
AND $___________
Other____________________
Other__________________
Other_____________________
Assets: Select all that apply and include current balances: Savings Account $___________
Stocks $__________________
Certificates of Deposit $_____
Payee/escrow account $_______
Checking Account $__________
Bonds $__________________
Own a home $_____________
Other __________________
Trust Fund $________________
Money Market Funds $______
Cash $____________________
Other __________________
Please photocopy this page to add additional household members.
SIGNATURE AND APPLICATION CERTIFICATION: I certify that the information provided on this application was given voluntarily and is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the answers are subject to verification. I understand it is a criminal offense to misrepresent facts of a claim or benefits before an agency providing federal assistance. I understand that if I make false statements or misrepresentations concerning my total family income or family circumstances, I may be subject to punishment under local, state and federal laws. I understand that this application does not imply any obligation or constitute a guarantee or contract by the Colorado Division of Housing (DOH). I understand that my eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher Program is dependent on the results of a criminal background check conducted through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). My signature below not only certifies that the information provided is true and correct but also authorizes DOH to conduct a CBI background check. This background check will include all adult family members of my household including myself. I understand that the signatures below authorize DOH to obtain income reports for all household members. These reports may be obtained from the Colorado Benefits Management System, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and Family Support Registry databases. Information from these reports will be considered when determining my family’s eligibility for housing assistance and calculating rent portions. I also hereby authorize DOH, Division of Child Welfare and any Colorado county department of human/social services to share information necessary to determine eligibility for the FUP program.
Signature of Head of Household
Date
Signature of Other Adult Member
Date
Signature of Other Adult Member
Date
Signature of Other Adult Member
Date
Signature of Other Adult Member
Date
WARNING: Title 18, Section 1001 of the United States Code states that a person is guilty of a felony for knowingly and willingly making false or fraudulent statements to any department or agency of the United States.
OMB Control # 2502-0581 Exp. (11/30/2015) Supplemental and Optional Contact Information for HUD-Assisted Housing Applicants SUPPLEMENT TO APPLICATION FOR FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING This form is to be provided to each applicant for federally assisted housing Instructions: Optional Contact Person or Organization: You have the right by law to include as part of your application for housing, the name, address, telephone number, and other relevant information of a family member, friend, or social, health, advocacy, or other organization. This contact information is for the purpose of identifying a person or organization that may be able to help in resolving any issues that may arise during your tenancy or to assist in providing any special care or services you may require. You may update, remove, or change the information you provide on this form at any time. You are not required to provide this contact information, but if you choose to do so, please include the relevant information on this form. Applicant Name: Mailing Address: Telephone No:
Cell Phone No:
Name of Additional Contact Person or Organization: Address: Telephone No:
Cell Phone No:
E-Mail Address (if applicable): Relationship to Applicant: Reason for Contact: (Check all that apply) Emergency Unable to contact you Termination of rental assistance Eviction from unit Late payment of rent
Assist with Recertification Process Change in lease terms Change in house rules Other: ______________________________
Commitment of Housing Authority or Owner: If you are approved for housing, this information will be kept as part of your tenant file. If issues arise during your tenancy or if you require any services or special care, we may contact the person or organization you listed to assist in resolving the issues or in providing any services or special care to you. Confidentiality Statement: The information provided on this form is confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone except as permitted by the applicant or applicable law. Legal Notification: Section 644 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-550, approved October 28, 1992) requires each applicant for federally assisted housing to be offered the option of providing information regarding an additional contact person or organization. By accepting the applicant’s application, the housing provider agrees to comply with the non-discrimination and equal opportunity requirements of 24 CFR section 5.105, including the prohibitions on discrimination in admission to or participation in federally assisted housing programs on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status under the Fair Housing Act, and the prohibition on age discrimination under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Check this box if you choose not to provide the contact information. Signature of Applicant
Date
The information collection requirements contained in this form were submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). The public reporting burden is estimated at 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Section 644 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13604) imposed on HUD the obligation to require housing providers participating in HUD’s assisted housing programs to provide any individual or family applying for occupancy in HUD-assisted housing with the option to include in the application for occupancy the name, address, telephone number, and other relevant information of a family member, friend, or person associated with a social, health, advocacy, or similar organization. The objective of providing such information is to facilitate contact by the housing provider with the person or organization identified by the tenant to assist in providing any delivery of services or special care to the tenant and assist with resolving any tenancy issues arising during the tenancy of such tenant. This supplemental application information is to be maintained by the housing provider and maintained as confidential information. Providing the information is basic to the operations of the HUD Assisted-Housing Program and is voluntary. It supports statutory requirements and program and management controls that prevent fraud, waste and mismanagement. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Privacy Statement: Public Law 102-550, authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to collect all the information (except the Social Security Number (SSN)) which will be used by HUD to protect disbursement data from fraudulent actions. Form HUD- 92006
Application Accepted Letter Your Letterhead Here
DATE
Tammy Tenant 123 Main St. Denver, CO 12345
Dear Tammy Tenant:
[Your Agency Name] is in receipt of your application for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Your application has been reviewed and accepted. Your named will be placed on the waiting list first according to the preference(s), if any, for which you qualified, and secondly using date and time. Please keep in mind that preferences can change which may result in your position on the waiting list changing. [Your Agency name] will use the US Postal Service when corresponding with you. It is imperative that you keep in contact with our office and inform us of any address changes or changes in your family composition or circumstances. All notifications of address/family changes must be submitted in writing to: Agency Name Agency Address Agency City, State & Zip Fax Number Email (if applicable) You also have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. If you have any questions, or if you or anyone in your household is a person with disabilities, and you require a specific accommodation in order to participate in the housing assistance program, please contact [Agency Contact Information].
Sincerely,
Agency Contact Title
Application Denied Letter Your Letterhead Here
DATE
Tammy Tenant 123 Main St. Denver, CO 12345
Dear Tammy Tenant
[Your Agency Name] is in receipt of your application for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Your application was reviewed and denied because “insert reason for denial here.” You have the right to request an informal review to dispute your waiting list ineligibility determination. The request must be in writing, made to the address below and received by [Your Agency Name] no later than “Insert date here” (10-business days).
Agency Name Agency Address Agency City, State & Zip Fax Number Email (if applicable) [Your Agency Name] will announce via public notice any future openings of our waiting list at which time you are welcome to reapply. You also have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. If you have any questions, or if you or anyone in your household is a person with disabilities, and you require a specific accommodation in order to participate in the housing assistance program, please contact “Agency Contact Information.”
Sincerely,
Agency Contact Title
Waitlist Purge Example Letter July 1, 2014
Notice to all applicants on our Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. If you are receiving this letter, you are a current applicant on our waiting list. We are updating you on the waiting list policies and also purging our waiting list. Please read both sides for important information.
1. New Waiting list Preference Policy per Division of Housing (DOH): Effective July 1, 2014 DOH has changed the preferences used and the ranking criteria for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8). The two changes are:
DOH removed elderly as a preference. DOH’s waiting list preferences are now compounding, which means that qualifying for more than one preference will result in an applicant being higher on the list than someone qualifying for only one preference.
As a result of these changes, please be aware that your number on the waiting list can and will change due to the many circumstances that can affect waiting list position. Why was this change made? This change was made to ensure that DOH is serving those who are most in need. As a result, an individual who is a person with a disability and who is also homeless will now rank higher on the list than someone with no preference or only one preference. What does this mean for me? AGENCY’S waiting list has been updated according to preferences that you selected on your original application. As a result, you current position on the list has changed, depending on what preferences you selected at time of application. What happens if I do not meet a preference? If you do not currently meet one of the preference categories, you will not be removed from the list. What happens when I come to the top of the list? When someone comes to the top of the list, and is number one, and there is an open voucher, they will be invited to an interview. At the interview we will start the eligibility process. The applicant will be required to show proof of the preference they selected. If they are not able to prove the preference, the preference point(s) will be removed and the family will be re-ranked based on the preference(s) they can verify. Given this, it is more important than ever to keep AGENCY updated to any changes in your family or in the preference(s) you may qualify for or no longer qualify for.
Waitlist Purge Example Letter You can call XXX-XXX-XXXX to check your position on the list. Please understand that being on the waiting list does not guarantee that you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher. You must qualify for the program by providing all necessary verifications.
2. PURGING OF THE WAITING LIST: We are currently purging our waiting list. You are required to complete and return the enclosed Pre-Application and Attachment A to us no later than . This application and the preferences selected will be used to determine your placement on the waiting list. Keep in mind, you will need to be able to provide verification of any preference you select when you reach the top of the list. Complete the enclosed Pre Application / Attachment A and return it to Agency Name and Address or faxed to XXX-XXX-XXXX. Please make sure to call to inform the housing department that you have sent a fax and confirm that we have received it. Pre applications received in our office after will result in the applicant being removed from the waiting list. If you are removed from the list, you can reapply at another time, when the list is open. We will advertise in the local paper when our list reopens. We do not anticipate that our list will open for many years.
3. CHANGE OF INFORMATION: It is your responsibility to notify us of any preference, address, phone or contact information changes. If you have a change to report, please report it in writing to: Agency Name Agency Address Agency Address Agency Fax.
If you have any questions, or if you or anyone in your household is a person with disabilities, and you require a specific accommodation in order to participate in the housing assistance program, please contact us at XXX-XXX-XXXX. Sincerely,
