ADRCs and Housing ADRC National Meeting July 12-13, 2007 Dina Elani Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

ADRCS and Housing APPROACH: You do not need to know the very technical aspects of the housing field

ADRCs and Housing But As an ADRC you ought to know: 1. Why we have an affordable housing shortage 2. Common housing jargon 3. The who and how of locating affordable housing and obtaining rental subsidies 4. Questions to ask consumers about housing needs- (physical environment adaptations, pets, number of family members, etc.)

Why are We Discussing the Affordable Housing Crisis? If you need LTC and have a low income, you are entitled to nursing home care. If you need LTC and have a low income, you are entitled to nursing home care. While HCBS (waivers) are not an entitlement, waiver funding is significantly increasing. While HCBS (waivers) are not an entitlement, waiver funding is significantly increasing. If you have a low income and need a place to live, affordable housing is not an entitlement. If you have a low income and need a place to live, affordable housing is not an entitlement. The funding for HUD subsidized housing is minimally increasing, plus rents are increasing well beyond SSI rates. The funding for HUD subsidized housing is minimally increasing, plus rents are increasing well beyond SSI rates. So, how can a person with low income and LTC needs remain in the community without being substantially employed? So, how can a person with low income and LTC needs remain in the community without being substantially employed?

Income Eligibility Medicaid Eligibility Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Aged, blind and disabled Aged, blind and disabled 2007 = $623/mth, single 2007 = $623/mth, single $934/mth, couple $934/mth, couple (Assets= 2,000/3,000) (Assets= 2,000/3,000) $7,476/yr. $7,476/yr. 300% SSI for HCBS eligibility= $22, % SSI for HCBS eligibility= $22,428 Housing Area Median Income (AMI) MSA, non-MSA basis Denver-Aurora=$71, % AMI 30%= 21,300 50%=35,500 80%=56,800

The Math beyond the Affordable Housing Shortage The Math beyond the Affordable Housing Shortage Minimum wage increased by $2.10, first time since 1997, effective July 24, 2007 Minimum wage increased by $2.10, first time since 1997, effective July 24, 2007 $5.85 –Summer 07*: $5.85 –Summer 07*: $46.80/day $46.80/day $1,450/mth $1,450/mth $17,400/yr $17,400/yr Therefore, $623/mth is SSI and $1,450/mth. for minimum wage Therefore, $623/mth is SSI and $1,450/mth. for minimum wage Compare SSI and minimum wage income to the average rent for a one bedroom apt. in a safe neighborhood in your county Compare SSI and minimum wage income to the average rent for a one bedroom apt. in a safe neighborhood in your county________________ * Summer ’08= $6.55/hour, Summer ’09=$7.25/hour, $58./day, $1798/mth, $21,576/yr

Communication: Need to Learn Each Other’s Language Services/Medicaid Affordable Housing Consumers/Beneficiaries Tenants Supp. Security Income Area Median Income Person, Beds Unit, Head of Household Waivers Vouchers Medicaid, PHAs, HFAs Medicaid, PHAs, HFAs Older Americans Act Older Americans Act Voc Rehab, etc. Voc Rehab, etc.

Jargon Public Housing Authorities/Agencies (PHAs) Created by State law to provide subsidized housing within their communities; part of municipal government, but able to act independently. Created by State law to provide subsidized housing within their communities; part of municipal government, but able to act independently. More than 3,300 PHAs in US; therefore many per State. More than 3,300 PHAs in US; therefore many per State. Administer the variety of Section 8 voucher, 202, 811, public housing programs. Administer the variety of Section 8 voucher, 202, 811, public housing programs. HUD funds allocated directly to each PHA. HUD funds allocated directly to each PHA.

Jargon State Housing Finance Agencies (HFA) State chartered authorities established to meet the affordable housing needs State chartered authorities established to meet the affordable housing needs Most are independent entities that operate under a BoD appointed by Governor. Most are independent entities that operate under a BoD appointed by Governor. One HFA/State -generally One HFA/State -generally Administer low-income housing financing programs– that is the financing to build the facilities. Administer low-income housing financing programs– that is the financing to build the facilities. E.G., Low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds E.G., Low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds Can have a PHA and HFA be within the same organization, infrequent (e.g. Alaska). Can have a PHA and HFA be within the same organization, infrequent (e.g. Alaska).

Jargon Section 8- Housing Choice Vouchers voucher program commenced voucher program commenced Vouchers are used to pay for privately owned and operated housing Vouchers are used to pay for privately owned and operated housing Dominant Federal affordable housing program Dominant Federal affordable housing program 1.95 million vouchers (households) in use 1.95 million vouchers (households) in use 1 in 4 eligible households receive a voucher 1 in 4 eligible households receive a voucher Waiting lists are often closed, average wait is over 24 months. Waiting lists are often closed, average wait is over 24 months. 17% PWDs, 16% Older Americans, 59% families w/ children, 9% other 17% PWDs, 16% Older Americans, 59% families w/ children, 9% other Success rate is 69% in Defined as the ability to find an affordable apartment AND it will accept the voucher rental payment. Success rate is 69% in Defined as the ability to find an affordable apartment AND it will accept the voucher rental payment. Can also be used to pay mortgage for homeownership. Can also be used to pay mortgage for homeownership.

Jargon Public Housing Housing built, owned and operated by the Federal government Housing built, owned and operated by the Federal government Housing Act of 1937, no additional units are now being built Housing Act of 1937, no additional units are now being built 1.3 million households 1.3 million households Different types; high or low-rise apartments, also scattered single family homes Different types; high or low-rise apartments, also scattered single family homes Operated by PHAs Operated by PHAs Each PHA through it’s “PHA plan” assesses housing needs in community and how units will be allocated to different categories of persons in need (e.g. PWDs, Families, Elderly) Each PHA through it’s “PHA plan” assesses housing needs in community and how units will be allocated to different categories of persons in need (e.g. PWDs, Families, Elderly)

ADRCs Assist with Housing Needs: Affordable and Accessible   Home modifications (retrofitting)  Need an affordable and accessible home:  Can I obtain assistance for completing housing program applications (section 8, public housing, 202, 811)  Which programs pay rental subsidies for low-income persons?  Is there emergency housing and how does it work?  Can SSI pay for my rent?  Can subsidizes pay for my mortgage?  How do I locate affordable rental vacancies?  What are reverse mortgages?  Reverse Mortgages