Permanent Housing Placement (PHP) and Supportive Services

What is the purpose of PHP? To secure new and permanent housing for HOPWA-eligible individuals through the assistance of reasonable security deposits and related application fees.

What kind of assistance can we provide with PHP? Rent security deposits (not to exceed the amount equal to 2 months of rent) Utility security deposits (Does not include phone, cable, internet) Costs for application fees Costs for credit check fees

Who qualifies for PHP? All HOPWA-eligible individuals Examples: 1. A homeless individual who needs assistance to move into permanent housing. 2. A TBRA client who needs rent security deposit assistance to move to a new residence. 3. An STRMU client who needs utility security deposit assistance to move into permanent housing. 4. A client receiving only supportive services

How do Project Sponsors decide whether to offer PHP? Agencies should make this decision based upon: Funds available for the HOPWA program Clients’ needs Fiscal capacity to maintain accounting records

What are the steps required to offer PHP? Project Sponsor submits a PHP Application to their AA (Appendix D in the HOPWA program Manual) AAs must approve the application and submit application to HIVSTDReport.tech@dshs.state.tx.us on behalf of Project Sponsors for approval.

Next steps… DSHS will contact AA/Project Sponsor to provide accounting technical assistance from the DSHS Contract and Oversight Support Unit (COS). At a minimum, AA’s fiscal monitor must participate in the TA call in order to support their Project Sponsor(s).

Next steps… Follow the DSHS Accounting Guidelines for documenting and maintaining PHP activities. AA submits revised Project Sponsor Data Sheet(s) to HIVSTDReport.tech@dshs.state.tx.us. DSHS FOPS consultant gives final approval to AA.

How do…. Project Sponsors pay the security deposit? Project Sponsors track the money when we get the deposit back? Project Sponsors track the money when we do NOT get the deposit back? Project Sponsors track the deposit for clients who remain in the same residence but have left the HOPWA program?

How can Project Sponsor(s) ensure the deposit is returned to the agency and not the client? Establish a policy/procedure that requires either the Project Sponsor or the client to authorize that the deposit is returned to the agency and not to the client (client confidentiality must be ensured). Ex1: A signed agreement between the client and Project Sponsor stating the deposit funds will be returned to the agency. Ex2: An addendum to client’s lease stating deposit is returned to the agency.

What if we want to move PHP money back to another program activity (TBRA, STRMU, SS)? Submit revised Project Sponsor Data Sheet to HIVSTDReport.tech@dshs.state.tx.us.

Supportive Services For all HOPWA-eligible individuals: Case management, smoke detectors, and basic telephone service Can also be used as a stand-alone service

What’s next? Tuesday, 10-11am, January 8, 2008 -HOPWA Quarterly Report and Section 8 Waiver Submit questions for HOPWA TA sessions to HIVSTDReport.tech@dshs.state.tx.us

HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND SAFE HOLIDAY!!