Consolidated Homeless Fund Application Workshop

Consolidated Homeless Fund Application Workshop

Consolidated Homeless Fund Partnership

January 2013

INTRODUCTION

Welcome & Overview

Introductions

Handouts

INTRODUCTION

Updates – Coordinated Access Plan

Upcoming Webinars

Other updates?

INTRODUCTION

Resources – Interim Regulations –

http://www.hudhre.info/documents/

HEARTH_ESGInterimRule&ConPlanConformingAmendments.pdf

Resource Exchange – http://www.hudhre.info/index.cfm

OHCD Website – http://www.hrc.ri.gov/index.php

INTRODUCTION

CHF Funding Sources: City of Pawtucket, Emergency Solutions Grant Program ($151,436) City of Providence, Emergency Solutions Grant Program ($411,969) City of Woonsocket, Emergency Solutions Grant Program (97,607) State of Rhode Island, Emergency Solutions Grant Program ($590,995) State of Rhode Island, Title XX Homeless Funds ($1,368,385) State of Rhode Island, HRC Homelessness Resources ($1,380,000)

TOTAL: $4,000,392

INTRODUCTION

Funding not included in CHF: HUD McKinney Homeless Funding through RIH

(Continuum of Care) Other Title XX programs still managed by DHS State and Local Community Development Block

Grants Emergency Food and Shelter Board/FEMA Community Services Grant/Legislative Grant

INTRODUCTION

CHF Important Dates

INTRODUCTION Goal/Purpose of Partnership

Reduce administrative burden on grantees, to allow more resources and time to be allocated to client services.

Develop consistent policies and procedures across municipal boundaries to allow for more effective and efficient programs and services.

Increase efficiency and reduce the duplication of administrative efforts across municipal and state units of government.

INTRODUCTION General Objectives of CHF:

Support existing homeless shelter and service providers: Operating and maintaining of emergency shelters. Support of essential services.

Provide emergency assistance to individuals and families who are currently homeless or face imminent homelessness (financial assistance and housing stabilization services).

INTRODUCTION CHF Eligible Activities

Shelter Operations/Maintenance

Essential Services

Shelter Prevention and Shelter/Street Services

Shelter Improvements

HMIS Management & Coordination

INTRODUCTION CHF Eligible Populations

There are two eligible populations identified for Consolidated Homeless Fund programs:*

Homeless as defined by HUD (Categories 1 – 4)

1. Literally Homeless

2. Imminently homeless (within 14 days)

3. Unaccompanied youth/families who meet other Federal homeless definition (must also meet additional criteria for HUD, similar to 2)

4. Fleeing/attempting to flee Domestic Violence

At risk of Homelessness as defined by HUD

*Please refer to HUD’s full definition of homelessness and at risk of homelessness; what is listed above is only a summary.

HUD & OIG

The HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG) became statutory with the signing of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452)

The OIG is an independent office within HUD. As an independent official appointed by the President the IG is free from undue influence or constraints in performing his function.

What is OIG?

HUD/OIG Mission Statement

Promotes the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of HUD programs and operations to assist the Department in meeting its mission.

Detects and prevents waste, fraud, and abuse.

Seeks administrative sanctions, civil recoveries and/ or criminal prosecution of those responsible for waste, fraud and abuse in HUD programs and operations.

Where is OIG in New England?

Hartford, CT

Manchester, NH

Boston, MA

HUD & OIG

The HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG) became statutory with the signing of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452)

The OIG is an independent office within HUD. As an independent official appointed by the President the IG is free from undue influence or constraints in performing his function.

What is OIG?

HUD/OIG Mission Statement

Promotes the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of HUD programs and operations to assist the Department in meeting its mission.

Detects and prevents waste, fraud, and abuse.

Seeks administrative sanctions, civil recoveries and/ or criminal prosecution of those responsible for waste, fraud and abuse in HUD programs and operations.

Where is OIG in New England?

Hartford, CT

Manchester, NH

Boston, MA

DETECTING FRAUD

HUD/OIG Investigations

• Public Corruption• Mortgage Fraud• Grant Fraud• Program Fraud

Identifying Potential Investigations

HUD CPD Staff

State/Local Agencies

Other LE Agencies

Newspapers

Public

Hotline

Potential Fraud

• Misuse of Funds– False Eligibility – False Deeds– Misrepresenting

Landlord– Multiple Applications– Identity Theft– Conflict of Interest

PotentialFraud Violations

• False Statements

• Theft/Embezzlement

• Wire Fraud

• Theft or Bribery Involving a Federal Program

• False Claims

• Mail Fraud

• Public Corruption

Things to Report

• Allegations of Fraud/Corruption

• Failure to follow regulations

• Failure to provide proper documentation

Ex-Layton administrator sentenced for misusing funds

• A former Layton city administrator has been sentenced for misappropriating federal dollars intended for low-income housing projects to pay his own salary.

• Three years of probation, and ordered to pay $116,064 in restitution.

• Embezzling public funds.

Former Director of Community Development for the city of East

St. Louis was sentenced

• Three years in federal prison, $6,000 fine, $300 special assessment, and three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

• Two counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud and one count of accepting improper benefits in connection with business conducted by his office.

Lewiston Developer sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison

• 14 months incarceration, followed by three years probation, $180,000 in restitution.

• Fraud and embezzlement. Misappropriating Federal money.

Asbestos Contractor pled guilty to Conspiracy to accept bribe

• Admitted accepting $10,000 in bribe to steer a HUD contract for the demolition of property to the company whose owner gave him the bribe.

• Faces five years in Federal prison and $250,000 fine.

New England RegionContact

Alexander Rosania – Special AgentDirect Line: (617) 994-8465Email: [email protected]

OIG National Hotline – (800) [email protected]

HEARTH ACT

Updates & Implications

INTRODUCTION HEARTH – Homeless Emergency and Rapid

Transition to Housing Program (HEARTH) ESG – Increase for IHSP & HMIS Activities

Allocations reduced from last year, as we had supplemental IHSP funds last year.

Regulation Changes – Statewide Assessment Process New Definition of Homelessness Other Program Requirements

HEARTH OVERVIEW Other Changes:

Increased emphasis on HMIS data quality and performance outcomes and outputs.

Employee compensation and other overhead costs directly related to carrying out services are eligible costs of those program components.

Indirect Cost Allocations are now eligible.

The Partnership must pay each subrecipient for allowable costs within 30 days after receiving the subrecipient’s complete payment request.

APPLICATION

APPLICATION Submit –

Paper Application – to Darlene Electronic Application – to Darlene

One Application Per Activity Type: Shelter Rehabilitation Shelter Operation (NEW OFS Application) Essential Services for Homeless Persons Intensive Housing Stabilization Program HMIS Management & Coordination

APPLICATION CHF Review Process –

Capacity (20%) Need (20%)

Area/Population Served

Design (20%) Beds, Clients, Services

Performance (20%) HMIS, Consumer input, Measures Increased emphasis on this factor

Financial (20%) Budget, Match, Fundraising

APPLICATION Distribution Estimates –

CLIENT ASSESSMENT & SERVICE PLAN STANDARDS

CLIENT ASSESSMENT & SERVICE PLAN STANDARDS

HMIS

CLIENT ASSESSMENT & SERVICE PLAN STANDARDS REFER –

Outreach to Community & Improve Referrals ASSESS –

Short Standardized Assessment Form for all CHF Providers Prioritize planning for return to Permanent Housing at program

entry. RESPOND –

CHF Providers are system “responders” Successful outcomes incentivized through annual Performance

based “Bonus Awards” HOUSE -

The ultimate goal for all homeless households is to exit the system.

Once households are housed, CHF providers will offer follow-up case management services and resources on an “as needed basis” (IHSP, LIHEAP, etc).

DOCUMENTATION & ADMINISTRATION

DOCUMENTATION & ADMINISTRATION ALL CHF Providers must:

Enter beneficiary data into HMIS (or Domestic Violence Provider Database) accurately and on a timely basis.

Follow the documentation standards in the CHF Manual.

See recent webinar! Posted on our website: www.chfpartnership.org

DOCUMENTATION & ADMINISTRATION ALL CHF Providers must:

Agree to participate in periodic onsite monitoring Send staff to period workshops Routinely request payments Adhere to federal and state regulations (including

requirements applicable to their ultimate funding source.)

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT CHF Providers will be held to performance standards

outlined in their contracts.

These performance objectives will be discussed and outlined in greater detail during the award and contracting phase following the review of submitted applications.

If an agency repeatedly fails to meet their performance objectives current and/or future funding may be jeopardized.

Periodic progress reports will be issued to providers to track progress.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT Performance Outcomes may include:*

High number of clients exited to permanent housing; Low number of clients exiting to emergency shelter; High number of clients exiting shelters with an increase in

income; High number of chronically homeless clients exiting to

permanent housing; or High numbers of clients with a reduced length of shelter

stay, prior to permanent housing. Low number of clients with repeated episodes of

homelessness.

*The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) will be used to track these outcomes, so the capacity to collect and enter data into HMIS is very important for any prospective applicant.

BREAK

SHELTER IMPROVEMENTS

SHELTER IMPROVEMENTS Eligible Participants –

Individuals and families who are homeless.

Eligible Costs – The conversion or renovation of buildings to be

used as emergency shelter for homeless families and individuals. Eligible costs include: Labor Materials Tools Other costs for renovation, including soft costs

SHELTER IMPROVEMENTS Minimum Period of Use –

Major Requirements – The emergency shelter must be owned by a government entity or

private nonprofit. Any renovations shall be sufficient to ensure that the building

involved is safe and sanitary (review the Shelter Inspection Form in the Appendix).

SHELTER OPERATIONS

SHELTER OPERATIONS Eligible Participants –

Individuals and families who are homeless. Eligible Costs –

The costs for maintaining an emergency shelter, transitional housing facility, and/or Housing First Program. Eligible costs are limited to: Minor or Routine Repairs Rent Security Fuel Equipment Insurance Utilities Food Furnishings & Other Supplies necessary for operation

SHELTER OPERATIONS Types of Programs:

Emergency Shelters

Transitional Housing

Permanent Supportive Housing

Operation First Step: Back Home (For Newly Homeless)

Almost Home (For medium to long term homeless)

SHELTER OPERATIONS Major Requirements –

Provide services for entire grant period. Any family shelters/safe homes cannot deny entry

to families with children under 18 on basis of age. All family shelters, transitional housing facilities,

and other shelters that utilize a waitlist that are funded under this activity must participate in Statewide Family Shelter Hotline and Waitlist (operated by 211).

All family shelters, transitional housing facilities, and other shelters will target their services to the most vulnerable families on the waitlist.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Eligible Activities - Case Management

Child Care

Education Services

Employment Assistance & Job Training

Outpatient Health Services

Legal Services

Life Skills

Mental Health Services

Substance Abuse Treatment Services

Transportation

Services for Special Populations

Street Outreach

Eligible Population – Individuals and families who are homeless.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES Major Requirements –

Provide services for the full grant year Year Round Programs: June 1, 2013 – May 30th, 2014

All clients entered into HMIS

Ineligible Activities: Any activities not detailed are assumed to be ineligible. Any cost not directly associated with the supported activity. Advocacy, planning, and organizational capacity building Staff recruitment/training

HMIS MANAGEMENT

HMIS MANAGEMENTEligible Activities: Funds to pay the costs of contributing data to the

HMIS, including the costs of: Purchasing or leasing computer hardware; Purchasing software or software licenses; Purchasing or leasing equipment, including telephones, fax

machines, and furniture; Obtaining technical support; Leasing office space; Paying charges for electricity, gas, water, phone service,

and high-speed data transmission necessary to operate or contribute data to the HMIS;

HMIS MANAGEMENT Funds to pay the costs of contributing data to the

HMIS, including the costs of: Paying salaries for operating HMIS, including:

Completing data entry; Monitoring and reviewing data quality; Completing data analysis; Reporting; Training staff on using the HMIS or comparable database; and Implementing and complying with HMIS requirements;

Paying costs of staff to travel to and attend HUD-sponsored and HUD-approved training on HMIS and programs authorized by Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; and

Paying staff travel costs to conduct intake.

HMIS MANAGEMENT Major Requirements –

Activities funded under this section must comply with HUD’s standards on participation, data collection, and reporting under a local HMIS.

A provider funded under this activity should have the capacity to provide: training, data review and analysis, monthly reports, and troubleshooting for all CHF agencies utilizing HMIS (approximately 20-30 agencies, with up to 60 programs).

INTENSIVE HOUSING STABILIZATION PROGRAM



Other Eligibility Requirements – Client must be homeless but for this assistance

(No other housing or financial resources available to them).

Client must be likely to sustain housing once assistance ends.

Client must be willing to participate in case management and financial counseling.

Client must meet income guidelines.


Eligible Categories of Assistance –

Shelter Prevention Statewide

Shelter/Street Services Statewide

Re-Housing targeting the Chronic Homeless Statewide


Shelter Prevention Statewide Target most likely to present at shelter/street.

Not necessarily those persons with the least housing barriers and/or those who are highly self-sufficient prior to the provision of IHSP services.

Estimated 3-6 months of financial assistance and up to 9 months of case management and financial counseling


Shelter/Street Services Statewide Target most likely sustain housing once assistance

ends.

Estimated 6-9 months of financial assistance and up to 12 months of case management and financial counseling.


Re-Housing Services targeting the Chronically Homeless Statewide Different from “rapid” re-housing, targets the longtime

users of the system.

Estimated 3-6 months of outreach to engage and prepare clients for IHSP, then an estimated 6-12 months of financial assistance and up to 15 months of case management and financial counseling.



Eligible Activities – Housing Relocation and Stabilization

Services, (Up to 24 months) including: Housing Stability Case Management Housing Search and Placement Assistance Landlord Mediation or outreach to property owners Legal services related with eviction defense and

prevention Credit repair or financial counseling services Motel/Hotel Vouchers (1-3 days)


Eligible Activities – Short or Medium Term Financial Assistance

(Up to 24 months) including: Rental Assistance (Includes up to 6 months of arrears) Rental Deposits Utility Assistance (Includes up to 6 months of arrears) Utility Deposits Moving Cost Assistance


Major Program Requirements – All units must meet state and federal Habitability

and Lead Hazard requirements. Households must participate in financial literacy. Households must have a minimum of:

2 Case management visits (per month of financial assistance).

1 out of every 2 visits shall take place in the household’s residence.


Major Program Requirements – Clients must be recertified for eligibility every 3

months (Prevention) and annually for Shelter/Street Services.

Whenever possible, providers shall make use of pro-rated and graduated financial assistance models to help gradually transition clients to paying their rent independently.


Rental Assistance Requirements


Rental Assistance Requirements -

Questions?Comments?

Documents

Consolidated Homeless Fund Application Workshop