MFP Monthly Webinar June 2016

MFP Transition Numbers As of June 9, referrals have been received 110 participants have transitioned to date (15 in 2014 and 53 in 2015 and 42 so far in 2016)

Population Completed 365 DSD 9 MDC PRTF PRTF 1915(i) SDMI 2 Elderly 1 Physically disabled 2 Total Complete Transitions: 14 Completed 365 Days 3 With 5 more permanent slots to be added by the end of the month. Bozeman – 1 ED/ 1 - PD; L&C – 1 PD; and Billings – 1 PD; GF – 1 ED

MFP Housing Data MFP Housing Placements Placements to date: 6/9/2016 Category MDC 0208 PRTF 0208 PRTF 1915(i) SDMIElderlyPhysically Disabled Total Group Home (4 bed or less) Assisted Living Apartment Home Total by Category

Subsidized Housing Breakdown Housing Breakdown to date: 6/9/2016 Housing by Population Project Based Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Public Housing USDA RD Housing Bridge LIHTCTotal DSD MDC PRTF 0208 PRTF 1915(i) SDMI Elderly5 5 Physically disabled Total by population

Community Housing Placement Scenario During the next few MFP monthly webinars we will be discussing a community housing placement scenario. The scenario will involve real life issues and solutions that may arise when an individual is seeking to move back into the community from an institutional setting. The goal of the scenario is not only to be educational for the listeners but also interactive to allow discussion on the topic. Each lesson will begin with a key component for a successful housing transition. Next there will be a summary of the scenario. A different housing tool will be utilized from the MFP Housing toolkit each time. Finally we will summarize a few of the concerns and solutions.

Housing Assessment What is a Housing Assessment? A housing assessment is an analysis of a person’s housing wants, needs and requirements. A thorough housing assessment would include an examination of one’s income and expenses, required personal identification documentation, previous housing history, criminal & credit history, and personal preferences. Why is it important? Understanding what a person wants, needs and requires in a housing situation is critical in determining where to begin preparing a person for a successful housing placement.

Case Summary Joe Bass is a physically disabled individual living in a nursing home in Dry Creek, Montana. He is looking to return to the community and would like to rent an apartment or a house in the neighboring community of Elk Lake. Sandy Trout is his HCBS waiver case manager who is well seasoned and is very familiar with the community resources in Elk Lake. Joe is anxious to get out and wants to aggressively participate in moving things forward. He has been on a waiting list for a Housing Choice Voucher for two years now and is hoping to receive a call from them soon. Joe is trying to plan ahead but needs some assistance in determining what he will need. Sandy really wants Joe to be successful in transitioning out to the community. Sandy has agreed to help him perform a housing assessment to determine what Joe will want, need and require in a community placement.

Case Summary continued… Elk Lake, Montana is a rural community with close to 3500 people in northwest Montana. There is a rural hospital located close to the center of town and there is some apartment vacancy within the community but the average one bedroom rent costs $650 per month. The Housing Choice Voucher waitlist can take up to 3 years for an applicant to come to the top of the list. There are several Project Based Section 8 apartment buildings within the town and the waitlist for those apartments only average 2 to 6 months for an applicant to get to the top. The community members are really close knit and enjoy helping each other out, because of this there are over a half dozen community charitable organizations. Elk Lake has a fully handicap accessible fishing access site situated next to one of the best fishing holes in the state, and just a few blocks from downtown.

Require a wheel chair ramp, other accessible features. Bass, Joe, P 6/7/73 43 $733 Moose Hill, Public Housing Authority 2012 Was not terminated but owe $300 for damages to unit Possession of pot

May need a close parking spot to apt. May need help with a deposit, first months, rent and paying off the what is owed to the other PHA for damages. Have been in the nursing home for 2 years ready to move out. Have $200 dollars in savings. Want to make new friends and loves to fish. Completed Drug Free Certification Course several years ago.

Scenario Concerns The participant: Needs help with obtaining a new ID. Does not currently have accessible housing in the community Only makes $733 from SSI Rent for one bedroom averages $650 a month Owes a previous Housing Authority $300 for damages Does not have money for a deposit or first month’s rent Had a criminal conviction for possession of marijuana Is not currently up on the Housing Choice Voucher list Needs an accessible parking space

Scenario Advantages Joe is eager to move out and wants to aggressively participate in his housing planning Sandy is a rock star case manager There may be some Project Based Section 8 Housing opportunities available within a few months The community is willing to help There is a hospital in town Joe does have $200 dollars in his savings Joe will have the opportunity to enjoy his fishing hobby

Scenario Solutions Housing Applications should be put in with the Project Based Section 8 properties Joe could utilize his savings to pay down is housing debt A payment plan could be negotiated for any remaining balances Receipts on debt repayment should be obtained Documentation of his completion of the Drug Free certification course and personal references should be obtained Applications to other resources such as SNAP and LIEAP should be made. Outreach to the community organizations for furniture, food and $ for a deposit could be explored Appropriate waiver program resources should be applied A request for a reasonable modification should be made if the apartment is not accessible. A request for a reasonable accommodation for close parking spot should also be made.

Discussion or Further Questions?