Transcript HOM Inc. Housing Operations and Management

Supportive Housing Programs
Housing Persons with Serious Mental Illness
HUD McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Programs
HOM manages supportive housing programs that serve homeless individuals
and families with serious mental illness
Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation (ABC) is the non-profit grantee of the
HUD Homeless programs
ABC contracts with HOM, Inc. = Housing
Assistance
Magellan is the for-profit managed care provider of behavioral health services
for Maricopa County
Magellan & Network of Providers = Supportive
Services
Homelessness and Mental Illness
• It is estimated that as high as 25% of the homeless population suffers
from serious mental illness
• In comparison, only 6% of Americans are seriously mentally ill
• Mental illnesses are treatable and recovery is possible
• Stable housing is the key first step in any effort towards recovery
Maricopa County has a significant amount of housing
resources dedicated to this population which benefit the
multifamily housing industry tremendously.
Approximately 1,600 “vouchers” throughout Maricopa
County representing approximately $12 million annually in
rental assistance paid
Tenant Based Rental Assistance
Dwelling must be
located in Maricopa
County.
Rent for the unit
must be
determined to be
reasonable in
comparison to
other unassisted
units.
The HOM, Inc.
participant is the
leaseholder for the
dwelling unit.
HOM, Inc. does not
screen program
participants for
suitability for
tenancy. Such
screening is the
Landlord's
responsibility.
Participant
Issued Ticket
For Housing
Assistance
Participant
submits
application to
Landlord
Landlord
approves
applicant for
tenancy
Landlord and
Tenant execute
lease
HQS Inspection
Passes
HOM approves
leasing the unit
(RFTA)
HOM and
Landlord
execute HAP
Contract
HOM pays HAP
Tenant pays
Tenant Rent
Issues of Non-Compliance
During Tenancy
HOM
Behavioral Health
Housing Specialist
Case Manager
• Each participant is assigned a
Housing Specialist at HOM
who provides the client with
assistance with housing issues
during their participation in
the program.
• Case management services
from Behavioral Health
Provider Network
Organization.
• Housing Specialists are the
Landlord's first points of
contact in the event that there
are issues of non-compliance.
• Provide the participant with
wrap-around supportive
services designed to assist
the person to successfully
live independently in the
community.
Owner or Property
Manager
• Any notices of noncompliance must be served
directly to the
tenant/participant with a
copy to HOM at the time of
service
• Landlords may contact HOM
in advance of action for
guidance and intervention;
however, ultimately
Landlords must enforce
their lease.
• HOM uses non-compliance
notices as leverage in
counseling participants
about tenant and program
responsibilities.
Stigma
• A mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or
reproach, as on one's reputation.
• Based on stereotypes, stigma is a negative
judgment based on a personal trait — in this
case, having a mental health condition.
• Often inaccurate and hurtful representations of
mental illness
Dispelling myths associated with providing
housing to persons with serious mental
illness
Myth: Persons with mental illness
can’t afford or won’t pay the rent for
the apartment
• Participants pay 30% of their monthly
income – 30% of $0 is $0, 30% of $674 is
$202
• HOM, Inc. pays a monthly housing
assistance payment for the difference
• Many participants have a representative
payee that pays their bills, including rent
and utilities
• Failure to pay rent could lead to eviction
and program termination – loss of subsidy
Myth: Persons with mental illness are
not provided with supportive services
in their apartments
• Participants receive case management from a
local behavioral health provider that is
responsible for providing “wrap around”
supportive services to the participant in housing
• HOM, Inc. Housing Specialists are a phone call or
e-mail away and are available to help with issues
of concern and often can diffuse situations
before notices or eviction action is necessary
• Most participants do not require intensive, onsite support services and have no issues living
independently in apartment communities
Myth: Persons with mental illness
will not take care of the apartment
• Participants do take care of their units –
our programs have great stability with
long-term tenants
• Case Managers from the Behavioral Health
Authority visit the participants in their units
• HOM, Inc. conducts annual HQS inspections
of the units
• HOM, Inc. offers a reimbursement process
for damages or vacancy loss at the end of
the lease (not to exceed one month’s rent)
Myth: I have to have a totally
separate set of rules to follow with a
housing program for persons with
disabilities
• Landlords use their standard lease with the
participant and enforce it and the community
policies as they would with anyone else
• The HAP Contract between HOM, Inc. and the
Landlord primarily covers payment, inspection
and other general requirements – not a whole
set of different or extra rules
• Exception: Reasonable Accommodations – if
necessary to afford a person with a disability
equal opportunity to the housing – NOT
unique to our housing programs
Myth: Once I agree to participate in
a supportive housing program, I
have to take all applicants from all
programs. (Take one, take all)
• You retain the right to screen applicants for
tenancy using your normal tenant selection
criteria.
• You are not required to take all applicants
from a particular program, nor are you
required to accept all programs at your
property because you accept one program.
• Just don’t discriminate against people in
protected classes! Race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
Michael Shore
Phone: (602) 507-6737
[email protected]
www.hominc.com
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