Definitions and Housing Options Fairfax County Barbara Schultheiss, M.S.

Useful Definitions

 Category 1 Literally Homeless (1) Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning: (i) Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not meant for human habitation; (ii) Is living in a publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state and local government programs); or (iii) Is exiting an institution where (s)he has resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution  Category 4 Fleeing/ Attempting to Flee DV (4) Any individual or family who: (i) Is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence; (ii) Has no other residence; and (iii) Lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing Literally Homeless

Other definitions of homelessness Category 2 Imminent Risk of Homelessness (2) Individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence, provided that: (i) Residence will be lost within 14 days of the date of application for homeless assistance; (ii) No subsequent residence has been identified; and (iii) The individual or family lacks the resources or support networks needed to obtain other permanent housing  Homeless under other Federal statutes (3) Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with Category 3  children and youth, who do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition, but who: (i) Are defined as homeless under the other listed federal statutes; (ii) Have not had a lease, ownership interest, or occupancy  agreement in permanent housing during the 60 days prior  to the homeless assistance application;  (iii) Have experienced persistent instability as measured by two  moves or more during in the preceding 60 days; and  (iv) Can be expected to continue in such status for an extended  period of time due to special needs or barriers There are no limits to caring.®

 Chronically Homeless “An unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more OR has had at least four (4) episodes of homelessness in the past three (3) years. A disabling condition is defined as “a diagnosable substance abuse disorder, serious mental illness or disability, including the co-occurrence of two or more of these conditions.” In defining the chronically homeless, the term “homeless” means “a person sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (e.g., living on the streets) or in an emergency homeless shelter.”  Please note that “unaccompanied” typically disqualifies persons who are married.  The federal definition has recently changed to include families in PSH; however, our grant did not change and is to only serve single adults with SMI who meet the above requirements. Chronically Homeless for purposes of VOAC’s PSH Grant

 "Housing first" Rapid Re-Housing is for “individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness (residing in emergency or transitional shelters or on the street) and need temporary assistance in order to obtain housing and retain it” (HUD Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) Notice, March 19, 2009).  The simple definition is: help the client get into housing and engage the client to WANT to come back and work with you on various issues they face (i.e. budgeting, parenting, etc.) Housing First

 Clients should obtain their own lease  Up to 24 months of subsidy  Three year program  Re-certification by HUD every year  Program does not go outside of Fairfax County  **This program is changing into the BA II Model. Bridging Affordability

Fairfax County Rental Assistance  The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) screens applicants for suitability for the Fairfax County Rental Program by confirming information provided on the pre-application form, including checking credit records, rental references, and police records. In some cases, HCD conducts a home visit to see how the family is caring for its current dwelling. Residents generally pay a minimum rent or 30% of their household income, whichever is greater, up to a ceiling (maximum) rent. However, at some properties, residents will pay a set rent based upon a standard of affordability. Applicants must also qualify by income (at least the minimum and no more than the maximum) for their unit/household size. Applicants must live or work in Fairfax County to be eligible to apply for FCRP in addition to meeting the income requirements.  Apply online and the waitlist is opened as of October 2013 There are no limits to caring.®

Residences at Mondloch  SRO’s operated by New Hope Housing  For single adults There are no limits to caring.®

Clients absolutely cannot have: Meth charge Sex offense Not owe money to any housing institution (federal housing) Drug use in the last 12 months although client will not be drug tested Must have: income (however, no income may go under exception rule) GR, TANF, etc If in the shelter, must be on CSB’s housing waitlist and ALL documents specified in the requirements Legal presence in U.S. 12 month lease Participate in case management Housing inspection Homeless or threat of being homeless Bridging Affordability Cont

Housing Choice Voucher for disabled homeless clients Must be in shelter in good standing for 30 days Have a disability Agree to case management for one year No drug abuse/use for one year No sex offense Should be working, school, volunteering for 20 hours or more. Not able to be ported out of Fairfax County Can’t owe money to public housing Project Homes– Currently closed.

Fairfax County Residents Single adults and families Singles PSH Providers include: VOAC-Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter New Hope Housing Pathway Homes FACETS  Families PSH Providers Include: New Hope Housing Shelter House Permanent Supportive Housing

 Typically longer than 2 years  In home supports provided by case manager  Some PSH programs are geared towards different disabilities (i.e. mental illness, substance abuse, physical)  30% of income  Some required structured daytime activity such as PRS  (VOAC at BCCS requires structured daytime activity, 30% of income, SMI criteria).  Some PSH Programs require the client to be chronically homeless. PSH Cont.

 Client obtains their own lease in their own name  Client can receive up to 12 months of financial assistance that decreases over the time period  Background checks not required by HOST; however, may be required by landlord HOST

Referrals go to the Community Case Manager for determination on if they are eligible for HOST assistance. Clients need to have their own lease before being referred to the CCM. Host cont.

 HCV (formerly section 8) referred by CSB  Must meet criteria for SMI  30% of income  No lifetime sex offenses  Must find own place to live Special Needs Voucher

 Client gets lease on their own  Pays entire rent although most clients receive HOST money for security deposit and first month’s rent  May have to go through background check Market Rate Rental

Up to 2 years 30% of income  Clients in this program do not lose their “homeless status” due to moving into housing.  Clients would still be eligible for programs such as Project Homes  Clients should be self-sufficient within two years.  Normally must pass background check  A good candidate would be someone who has a job but needs credit repair plan, pay off debt, increase income  **This program is fading out as HUD is supporting permanent housing projects. Transitional Housing

 27/7 Coverage  SMI  Normally compliant with MH treatment  Referral normally made by CSB  Single adults only Group Home

 SMI  Normally treatment resistant  Is unable or unwilling to access traditional services, shelter and housing, needs 24 hour support  Single Adults only Safe Haven

 Up to 2 years  Client pays 30% of income  Client should be off of assistance in 2 years  Background check is completed by Department of Housing  *closed at the moment TBRA Voucher—Currently closed

 Vouchers for persons living with HIV/AIDS diagnosis  Family income at or below 50% of the local area median income for Project-based or Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA/TBRA), and at or below 80% for other HOPWA services  Live in one of the 15 jurisdictions served by NVRC's HOPWA program: Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, or Warren Counties; or the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas or Manassas Park. HOPWA

 Veterans HCV  Must be eligible for VA Benefits (honorable or other than honorable discharge)  30% of income  Participate in VA Case Management  Be homeless  Be SMI, have physical disability or substance abuse diagnosis  No lifetime sex offenses VASH

 Must be receiving at least Medicaid  Must have an assessment completed by CSB, DFS, or physician certifying need  Can receive an auxiliary grant for the remaining amount of a nursing home or assisted living facility  Adults who require assistance with at least two activities of daily living.  Individuals who require assistance because of significant behavior problems.  At least 18 years old with a disability  62 years old without a disability Assisted Living

 Continuing basis, of nursing services and health- related services for the treatment and inpatient care of two or more non-related individuals.  Nursing homes are regulated by the Virginia Department of Health.  Must be receiving at least Medicaid  Must have an assessment completed by CSB, DFS, or physician certifying need  Can receive an auxiliary grant for the remaining amount of a nursing home or assisted living facility  At least 18 years old with a disability Nursing Home

Market Rate Rental  An apartment, room for rent, townhouse, house can all be market rate.  We may be able to assist with things like a security deposit and/or first month’s rent through the HOST team!  You can find places that qualify on Craigslist, Rent.com, and through various other listing sites.  Please note that all units must meet HUD’s Fair Market Rent as determined by each area. There are no limits to caring.®

 QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS? There are no limits to caring.®

 Barbara Schultheiss, Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Homeless Services Consultant Contributors