Housing Navigators and Resident Service Coordinators: Concepts, Ideas and Opportunities COSCDA Annual Conference September 16~19, 2018 Cindy Namer – MaineHousing Diane Gerry – York County Shelter Programs

ESHAP Overview The Emergency Shelter and Housing Assistance Program consists of three integral funding components. The Shelter Operations Share (Fixed Facilities) The Rapid Re-housing and Stabilization Share (Navigator Services) The Incentives and Performance Share (Performance Measures) In addition, MaineHousing also provides rental subsidies on a first come, first served basis to program participants. in the form of medium-term and permanent rental subsidies. Stability Through Engagement Program (STEP) is medium-term Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) administered by the Program Officers in the Homeless Initiatives department. Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) are permanent set aside subsidies administered by MaineHousing’s HCV Department.

ESHAP Overview Eligibility & Homeless Definition is targeted to individuals and families that meet the definition of homelessness outlined in 42 USC § 11302 Housing Navigator services help a program participant move from homelessness to appropriate housing opportunities, quickly and efficiently, with the primary focus of stable housing!!! Connect clients with the appropriate housing resource that best meets their needs and is based upon a Housing Stability Plan Administer the RentSmart Education Program to all clients.

About our Housing Navigators They are innovators and stewards of system change They are connected to the community They embrace the tenets of Housing First and Rapid Re-Housing models They are dedicated to the Households they serve They believe that no one should experience or deserves to experience homelessness They are the key to this successful program

Housing Stability Plans Housing Stability Plan domains address the following possible participant needs; housing, income, health, transportation, education and legal issues Clients goals should be achievable within 90 days or less Reviewed with client every 30 days and updated with the clients every 90 days

RentSmart A Housing Stability tool……. Landlord and Tenant rights and responsibilities Maintenance and care of your home; standards of cleanliness How to read & understand a lease Communication -- when to call a landlord and when not to Budgeting Check in / Check out forms How to get your security deposit back

Opportunities Housing Navigators collaborate with Resident Service Coordinators Identify Navigator components for RSC’s to work with residents on housing stability Include RSC’s in annual and periodic trainings with Housing Navigators

Homeless Preference HUD initiative to increase applicants who are experiencing homelessness in existing multifamily properties Pilot with Resident Service Coordinators and Housing Navigators to create a model Incorporate the skills of the Navigators with the RSC’s Modify the Tenant Selection Criteria to accommodate a preference for homeless. Replicate in other multifamily and LIHTC properties statewide with all ESHAP grantees.

HUD Resources HUD Homeless Preferences for Multifamily Property Owners and Agents HUD Multifamily Housing is a key mainstream resource that can help local communities address homelessness. HUD has issued guidance on adopting a homeless admissions preference in multifamily properties that receive HUD project-based subsidies. To encourage property owners to adopt the preference, new resources are now available online that explain the benefits of the homeless preference, and answer questions about the simple steps to adopt the preference. https://www.hudexchange.info/news/hud-releases-resources-on-homeless-preferences-for-multifamily-property-owners-and-agents/

MaineHousing Resources The Maine Rental Housing Guide The Maine Rental Housing Guide is designed to provide information pertaining to subsidized housing, housing-related resources, and Maine rental housing laws. http://www.mainehousing.org/docs/default-source/rental/rental- housing-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=28 Maine Housing Search Maine's free rental listing service http://www.mainehousingsearch.org/ Maine Centralized Section 8/HCV Waiting List http://mainesection8centralwaitlist.org/dup/  

Successful Landlord & Navigator Collaboration