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SPECIAL RESIDENT MEETINGON RAD APPLICATION FOR LEDROIT APARTMENTS
Dear Residents, We look forward to providing an additional update on our efforts to submit a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) application to HUD for LeDroit Apartments. Please join us for our second meeting on Wednesday, August 20th at 2 PM or 6 PM to learn more about the RAD application process. While we would prefer to meet with you in person, we want to keep you safe. Our team will also be calling all residents both before and after the meeting to help address any questions you may have.
To receive an invite to the Webex meeting, please contact: [email protected] or call (202) 996-8526
— Tyrone Garrett, Executive Director
DCHA is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants & residents with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter service, please contact ADA/504/Language Department at 202-535-2737 or [email protected] with your complete request. Please allow at least 3 business days to make the necessary arrangements. If you need a foreign language translator, please contact ADA/504/Language Department at 202-535-2737 or [email protected]. Please allow at least 5 business days to make the necessary arrangements.
VIA PHONE AND WEBEX
THURSDAYAUG 20, 2020
2 P.M. or 6 P.M.
To: Residents of Kelly Miller/LeDroit From: DCHA Re: Next RAD Meetings, August 20, 2020, 2pm and 6pm
We look forward to having you take part in our second round of meetings on Thursday, August 20, 2020. Please contact [email protected] or call (202) 996-8526 for assistance.
2pm meeting instructions: (line will open at 1:30pm) https://tinyurl.com/LDKMdcha2pm By phone: +1-415-655-0001, Access Code: 160 092 1256 #
6pm meeting instructions: (line will open at 5:30pm) https://tinyurl.com/LDKMdcha6pm By phone: +1-415-655-0001, Access Code: 160 702 8850 # Additional meeting information and recordings of July 30th meetings can be viewed at:
www.dcha.us/kellymillerledroit
DCHA Resident Meeting Instructions
We will hold two meetings for your property: 2pm and 6pm. No RSVP is necessary and it is
recommended that you try to attend at least one of the two meetings; however, you may attend both
if you chose to. Meetings are accessible by video conference or you may dial-into the meetings.
Instructions for Joining the Resident Meetings
Joining by Landline or Basic Cellular phone:
Step 1: Dial the WebEx Conference Call Line provided: 1-415-655-0001
Step 2: Enter the access code provided for the meeting
Step 3: When prompted, state your first and last name
Step 4: Once in the meeting, the meeting host will MUTE your line
Joining by Smartphone or Mobile Device (with wi-fi or cellular service):
With a smartphone you may join, using the video conferencing feature
Step 1: Download the Cisco WebEx Messings app:
Step 2: Click on the meeting link provided by DCHA, received by text message or email
message
Step 3: Meeting will open in the app
Step 4: Join Meeting by adding in your name and email address
Step 5: Mute yourself
Joining by Laptop or Computer (need Wi-fi to access):
Step 1: Click on the meeting link provided by DCHA, received by text message or email
message
Step 2: The meeting will open in an internet browser with an option to Call or join via installed
app
Step 3: If you DO NOT have the app downloaded, it will prompt you to join via internet
browser
Step 4: Join from your browser
Step 5: Enter your name and email address
:
Step 6: Join Meeting (by clicking on the green Join Meeting button)
Step 7: Mute Yourself
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Overview for DCHA Properties
Summer 2020 August 20, 2020
2
Our Mission What we strive to do everyday
To preserve, manage, and develop quality affordable housing to extremely low- through moderate-income households, foster sustainable communities, and cultivate human capital opportunities for residents to improve their lives
3
• Introduction of DCHA Staff
• Why RAD? & RAD Facts
• LeDroit Apartments and Kelly Miller Townhomes Overview
o Kelly Miller Walkups
• Planned RAD Transactions of DCHA Properties
• Colorado/Columbia RAD facts
• Relocation Process Overview
• Office of Resident Services
• Resident Engagement
• COVID-19 Considerations
• Next Steps
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Agenda
4
2. RAD is an option to obtain more sustainable funding
choices for Public Housing Authorities and improve the
public housing properties by converting to a Section 8
contract and funding stream rather than Section 9.
WHY…apply for HUD’s RAD program?
1. The federal government does not provide enough funding
to make the improvements that residents of public housing
deserve.
DCHA Capital Needs
(2019, est.)
$2.5 Billion
5
WITH…
• No Resident Displacement
• No Loss of Housing Benefits
• No Change in Rent Calculation (30% of income)* *Unless someone is paying flat or ceiling rent
*Additional HUD guidance here
WHY…apply for HUD’s RAD program?
RAD is a HUD program that allows DCHA to:
• Fund major building improvements
• Stabilize federal funding for the future
6
• RAD stands for “Rental Assistance Demonstration”
• HUD crafted this federal program as a response to fill the growing
gap between decreasing federal funding and increasing capital
needs of public housing units.
• Because federal funding is often not enough to provide for the high
upkeep costs of existing properties, RAD allows a Public Housing
Authority (“PHA”) to move away from the federal Annual
Contributions Contract (“ACC”) to Section 8 Project Based
assistance.
• This makes it possible to obtain funding from private/alternative
sources to improve the capital needs of buildings.
RAD Facts
7
HOW…..does RAD work?
RAD allows the public housing authority to
work with partners who want to invest in
building improvements
This could give DCHA the opportunity to:
• Borrow money for the improvements
• Seek bond issuance for the improvements
• Work with philanthropic partners
• Take on development partners or investors
8
WHAT….will DCHA do with RAD?
Apartment Renovations: kitchens, bathrooms,
finishes)
Updated Systems: electrical, plumbing, fire,
mechanical (heating and A/C)
Energy Efficiency Measures
New windows, roofs and building exteriors
Enhanced Community Spaces
Improved Building Security
We will be looking for resident feedback for future
building improvements.
Scope-of-work can include:
9
WHAT….will DCHA do with RAD?
Same number of
apartments
Same configuration of units
Phased construction to
minimize moves
In the case of these LeDroit
Apartments and Kelly Miller
Townhomes, revised RAD
funding stream from HUD
under Section 8 is more
stable and capable of
servicing future
maintenance needs of
properties.
10
LeDroit Senior Apartments
• Current Rehabilitation & Maintenance budget permits full rehabilitation of LeDroit Apartments
• Work will be Phased (12 units at a time)
• Relocating Residents within the building to rehabbed units where possible.
• Relocation to other public housing units may be required depending on phasing and availability of vacant units
11
Kelly Miller Townhomes & LeDroit Senior Apartments
• Roof repair at Kelly Miller Townhomes is complete
• Painting of units at Kelly Mille Townhomes is mostly complete (interrupted by COVID)
• Painting of the remaining units will resume shortly
12
LeDroit Senior Apartments
13
LeDroit Senior Apartments
14
Kelly Miller & LeDroit Walk-Ups *Future Engagement
15
Kelly Miller & LeDroit Walk-Ups *Future Engagement
16 16
• MELVO: Montana Terrace, Elvans Road, Lincoln Road,
Villager and Ontario Road
• Judiciary House
• Kelly Miller (partial)/LeDroit Apartments
• Potomac Gardens (partial)
• Langston Dwellings
• Portions of Stoddert Terrace and Benning Terrace
Current Proposed RAD Projects in
Transformation Plan
17 17
Columbia/Colorado
• Columbia Road and Colorado Apartments consist of a total of
44 units of Public Housing converted to RAD Project Based
Voucher (“PBV”).
• RAD Conversion completed and approved by HUD in May of
2018.
• The Columbia Road Colorado Apartments RAD conversion
had no additional financing.
• DCHA created Colorado Columbia LLC as Owner of these two
sites.
• Colorado Columbia LLC is controlled 100% by DCHA.
• Under RAD, project based HAP is between Colorado
Columbia LLC and DCHA.
• The units converted to RAD at both sites continue to be
managed by DCHA’s PMO division.
Columbia /Colorado is a Current Example of RAD
Converted Property
18
WHAT….are my rights as a resident?
Guaranteed right-to-return
No-rescreening
Full relocation assistance if
you need to move temporarily
during construction
Resident Councils funded in
same way
Resident rent based on 30%
of adjusted income*
*with the exception of units subject to floor or ceiling rents
19
Relocation Process
20
Office of Resident Services
Family Self-Sufficiency
Homeownership Referrals Workforce
Development
Resident Services
Community Navigator: Henry Johnson 202-415-2277
Financial Literacy
Residents
21
Prior to submitting application to HUD:
• DCHA provides residents with a Resident Information Notice (RIN) to convey
general written information on potential project plans and basic resident rights
under RAD.
• DCHA conducts at least two resident meetings
DCHA must secure board approval to submit RAD application to HUD
• DCHA will submit to HUD a written summary of resident comments and the
DCHA responses to comments received
Additional meetings:
• DCHA must hold an additional meeting with residents before submitting the
financing plan to HUD.
• Other meetings may be necessary if plans change or if PHA requires
extensions to HUD
DCHA will ensure effective communication with persons with disabilities
and language barriers
• This means making meetings accessible to various types of disabilities which
could limit communication
• DCHA also complies with DC Language Access laws
RAD Resident Engagement
22
Resident Engagement
COVID-19: HUD Guidance on RAD
Mandatory public meetings must still take place, despite
COVID-19.
• However, if PHA is under the effect of an emergency
order or other law prohibiting gatherings or enacting
meeting size limits, meetings can be held remotely or in a
virtual manner.
• If meetings are held online/remotely, PHA must have a
method in place to accept questions and post answers to
those questions.
• Maintain an attendance log (“sign in”) of resident
participants
• Accommodate Limited English Proficiency needs, and
comply with ADA
• Provide residents with a follow-up notice after the meeting
with a summary of presented information & means to ask
additional questions
• Calls with residents both before and after meetings
23
Next Steps
Residents will receive written answers to questions
posed before and at this meeting.
Residents will receive an additional phone call after this
meeting.
For Property Specific Questions, please contact:
Cheromia Hightower at [email protected] or
202-403-9326
For relocation questions, please contact:
Katrina Jeter at [email protected] or 202-926-7004
Call (202) 996-8526 or Email
[email protected] with RAD or
Transformation Plan inquiries
We look forward to working with our residents on this
important initiative.
What you can expect:
1
Q&As*
First Round RAD Resident Meeting
LeDroit & Kelly Miller Thursday, July 30, 2020
*Answers have been paraphrased and summarized
2PM MEETING
1. Q: [Ms. H]: Who are the owners of the building once it converts to RAD?
A: [Andrea Powell, DCHA]: Our first RAD conversion, Colorado and Columbia,
occurred in 2018. As part of that conversion, DCHA had to create a separate corporate
entity as we cannot enter into a HAP contract with ourselves. Thus, we created this
separate corporate entity, Columbia and Colorado LLC, that owns both of the properties.
Columbia and Colorado LLC is fully owned by DCHA.
[Further Information On Ownership: In such case, the property would be transferred
to a limited liability company or limited partnership. DCHA anticipates it will be the
general partner of the new entity and would also continue to manage the property.
DCHA will continue to keep the residents informed as financing plans are developed.
Such information also will need to be provided to HUD as part of the RAD conversion
process. In the event that no additional financing is sought, the property would be
transferred to an entity controlled by DCHA. DCHA’s conversion of Colorado
Apartments and Columbia Road to RAD in 2018 is an example of a conversion to RAD
with no additional outside financing. In the case of the Colorado Columbia RAD
conversion, the property is owned by Colorado Columbia LLC, which is controlled by
DCHA. The RAD units at Columbia and Colorado continue to be managed day to day by
DCHA’s PMO division. The RAD project based HAP contract is between DCHA and the
Colorado Columbia LLC. For the RAD conversion, DCHA had to create a separate
corporate entity to own the property because DCHA cannot enter into a HAP contract
with itself.]
2. Q: [Ms. H]: The RAD materials said there is a guaranteed right to return, is this the
right to return to the same unit or just return to the property?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: Regarding return to the unit, the intention is to return
everyone to their original apartment, however, there are currently 8 vacant units at
LeDroit, as we work our way through the remodel, these units will be available in a later
phase. These units will be fully renovated and have all of the amenities provided in all of
2
the other fully renovated units in each phase. This limited number of currently vacant
units will allow a limited number of individuals the opportunity to make just one move. If
someone chose this option, then they would not be returning to their original unit and
they would be moving once into one of these formerly vacant units. It is important to note
that these units allowing a single move will not be available in Phase 1.
[Further Information on Right to Return: The right to return means that if someone is
a resident at the site that is currently public housing, you have a right to continue to
remain as a resident after the conversion to Project Based Section 8. Farther down the
road, at the end of the process, residents will sign a new RAD lease. You will continue
with same rights, but will sign a new lease with very similar terms. If you are a resident
today, and you remain a resident at the conversion, you will have the right to return.]
3. Q: [Ms. H]: A lot of people do not understand that for PBV vouchers, you have to be
in the unit for one year before applying for a voucher, and for PBRV, you have to be
in the unit for two years. Can you explain this?
A: [Andrea Powell, DCHA]: The RAD Section 8 conversion involves project based
vouchers. [Project based vouchers are tied to the unit and cannot be taken out on the open
market.] However, once we go through the HUD process [which can be lengthy] we will
notify you that the property has converted. A year after conversion is complete, we will
let you know that you are eligible to request a mobility voucher [which can be taken out
on the open market], but these are subject to availability. At this phase, we are talking
about moving and getting work done in advance of a HUD RAD approval. As I just
mentioned, the HUD approval will happen later down the road; at that point you will be
asked to sign a new lease. This will be when the one year timeframe begins.
Q: [Ms. T]: If you want to transfer out of the building that is being converted, do
you have to wait 6 months before requesting this transfer? [Asking because her unit
would not convert for at least 6 months.]
A: [Andrea Powell, DCHA]: You would proceed with the normal transfer process. This
is separate from the RAD process. The normal transfer process depends on how many
people are waiting for units to become available within the public housing portfolio.
A: [Brandy Lynch, DCHA]: I am not sure at this point where you are on the list, but as
soon as you come up for a transfer, we will notify you.
4. Q: [Mr. R]: What if you do not want to move, and want to stay in your apartment?
3
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: We will need to temporarily move you during the renovation
as the construction will be extensive. It would not be safe for a resident to remain in their
apartment while we do the construction as we will be replacing kitchens and bathrooms,
flooring, electrical and plumbing. Residents will be temporarily (or in some cases if they
choose to move into a newly-renovated, currently vacant unit), permanently relocated to
another unit within the building. Moving assistance will be provided by DCHA.
5. Q: [Ms. S.]: I live in one of the 4th
street walk-ups, how soon will you get to my
building? [Is this part of the RAD conversion?]
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: The walk-ups are part of a different portion of the project;
they are not part of the RAD conversion. That being said, we will have a separate round
of meetings to discuss your project. We have not determined the scope of work or
schedule for addressing your building yet, but we can assure you that we will not be
doing anything significant at this point, but will meet with residents in those units again
at a later date.
6. Q: [Ms. T]: I live in the Kelly Miller Townhomes; will they be working on the
Townhomes any time soon? [Ms. Tompkins explained that they already came to
paint her townhome and she was very happy with the results].
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: We have replaced the roofs and painted 32 of the 40 units in
all five of the Kelly Miller Townhome buildings. We temporarily stopped painting due to
COVID-19, but will resume that as soon as it is safe to do so. Other than that, there will
be no additional work done on the Kelly Miller Townhomes at this point.
7. Q: [Ms. R.]: What does conversion from “Public Housing” to “Section 8” mean? Is
public Section 8 the same as Section 8 voucher? What are the next steps for the
Kelly Miller Townhomes?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: We are looking to convert LeDroit Senior and Kelly Miller
Townhomes to Project Based Section 8, from what they currently operate under, which is
Section 9 Public Housing. We are doing this conversion because the funding is more
stable under Section 8 than under Section 9 Public Housing. Public Housing funding has
steadily decreased over the past two decades. In order for DCHA to make improvements,
we need reliable funding, which is why we need to convert to RAD Project Based Section
8. We plan to convert the buildings, maintain ownership through a wholly-owned
corporate entity, and continue to manage, all while keeping the same rules and policies in
place. Residents will continue to pay the same amount in rent if you pay 30% of your
income. The only difference for residents will be if they are already paying a flat or
ceiling rent. In this scenario, your rent under RAD may go up over the next few years
4
following conversion. The vouchers associated with a Section 8 RAD conversion are
project based, which means that the subsidy stays with the property, not the person. This
means you cannot take the project based voucher with you; instead, it is attached to the
unit. For the Kelly Miller Townhomes, there is not much more work to be done before
the conversion. At some point in the RAD conversion process you will sign a new lease.
However, getting to this point could take several years.
A: [Andrea Powell, DCHA]: As you indicated, the RAD conversion is project based
conversion, not a tenant based conversion. However, after the conversion to RAD is
complete, and after the resident has lived in the unit for a year, if it is a Project Based
Voucher (“PBV”) conversion, or two years if it is a Project Based Rental Voucher
(“PBRV”) conversion, that tenant may request a mobility voucher which is tenant based.
However, these vouchers are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
8. Q: [Ms. L]: As far as signing the new lease, do we have to go through the
recertification process again?
A: [Andrea Powell, DCHA]: You will continue to recertify as you normally would with
DCHA’s Property Management Operations (“PMO”) division. Depending on when you
recertify, you will not have to do a separate recertification when you sign your new lease.
One of the benefits of RAD is that residents do not have to recertify in order to sign their
new lease and no rescreening.
9. Q: [Mr. M]: Will there be structural changes made to the units? I have a divider
between my living room and kitchen and I would like to keep it. Also, who do we
refer pest concerns to? Will we be able to tour a finished unit to see how it looks
before we move in?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: We are not planning on any major structural changes at this
time. The remodel will include new kitchen, bath, heating and cooling (etc.). All pest
concerns will still go through your property manager during RAD conversion. We have
discussed having a model unit for residents to tour to see the upgrades and may revisit
this option.
10. Q: [Ms. C]: I live in a walk-up, are these buildings going to be completely renovated
to the point that we would have to move off of the property?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: Our plans for the walk-ups are more complicated, so we don’t
have a full plan ready for that at the moment. Once we determine our plan, we will have a
new round of meetings in the future to discuss redevelopment.
5
11. Q: [Ms. Y.]: [Personal Question]: I was told I would be moving into a different unit,
but then my unit was given to someone else.
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [This resident is being assisted with her request off-
line of the RAD Resident Meeting Call as this is a personal issue outside the scope of
RAD].
12. Q: [Ms. A]: [Personal Question regarding the serious nature of her roach issue in
her unit]
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [The resident is being assisted by Ms. Hightower
who scheduled an exterminator appointment. Issue resolved off-line].
13. Q: [Ms. M]: [Personal Question regarding gaps in utility closet which allow rats to
enter unit. Her issue with pests has been resolved, but was concerned for neighbors
who were still having rat issues.]
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [The resident is being assisted by Ms. Hightower].
14. Q: [Ms. E]: [Personal Question regarding receiving approval for a voucher].
A: [Katrina Jeter, DCHA]: [The resident is being assisted by Ms. Jeter]
15. Q: [Ms. L]: What units are considered to be “walk-ups”? And will you be
renovating these units?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: We consider apartment buildings with a common staircase to
be “walk-ups”. The townhomes all have individual porches. We realize that these units
need significant work and will be determining a plan for addressing these buildings in the
near future. We will plan a meeting at a later date to discuss that separate project.
16. Q: [Sandra Leftwich]: For the credit program, will this look at my credit over the
length of time I have been a resident in the Public Housing Program?
A: [Ronald Fisher, DCHA]: The Rent Reporting and Credit Program doesn’t go back, it
only looks at your credit going forward from the time you join the program. For example,
let’s say your fiancé enrolls next month, then their credit would be recorded for the
months following. As long as they pay their rent on time, positive trade-lines are
established.
6
17. Q: [Ms. P]: Will the credit programs still be beneficial if we already owe back rent?
If we currently owe back rent, how can we take advantage of these [financial]
programs?
A: [Ronald Fisher, DCHA]: We have thought this situation through. While the credit
building program may not be your best option at this point because of the back rent owed,
we partner with a number of credit counseling agencies and financial coaches that could
help guide you. We want to work with you to make sure back rent is paid and any issues
resolved. Please contact me offline and we can discuss further.
Ronald Fisher
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Manager, Office of Resident Serivces
Direct: (202) 495-8943
Email: [email protected]
18. Q: [Ms. M]: [Asked a personal question regarding a missing screen door.]
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [Ms. Hightower is addressing this concern with
resident offline.]
19. Q: [Mr. K]: My concern is about accessibility for residents who do not have access
to telephones to reach you [to ask questions about RAD]. I don’t have the ability to
go online to these [RAD Resident Meetings]. What are the plans to reach out to
residents who have limited access or may not be able to join these [remote]
meetings? Why can’t we just meet in person for these meetings?
A: [LaShawn Douglas, DCHA]: In preparation for this meeting, we have provided
paper copies of the meeting materials and other information regarding the RAD
transformation. We encourage residents to reach out to their property manager to let them
know if you cannot join the meeting or are having difficulty accessing the meeting or
materials. We will work with property management and residents to determine ways in
which everyone will have access.
A: [Jose Sousa, DCHA]: I appreciate the question, at this point in time due to COVID-
19, it not conducive to conduct large-scale meetings. We would not be able to do this
meeting on site with this amount of people. We do not want anyone to get sick because of
7
exposure. As Ms. Douglas mentioned, we provided the paper copies of this presentation
to each and every unit. We can set up a one-on-one meeting on an individualized basis.
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: Like Mr. Sousa stated, under normal circumstances, we
would be conducting these meetings in person. During this Public Health Emergency, our
primary concern is to protect everyone’s health. This is why we are holding these
meetings remotely. Due to the serious nature of COVID-19, we have to put resident
safety at the forefront. If someone has a special need that prevents them from being able
to join the meeting, we will work with that person one-on-one to arrange an individual
meeting/call.
20. Q: [Mr. K]: After the RAD conversion does this mean HUD is passing the baton to
DCHA or are you collaborating on this project as far as rental demonstration? I
don’t quite understanding the transformation, where does the funding come from?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: While HUD does not require a PHA to undergo a certain
conversion; they do strongly encourage PHAs to make use of the RAD program.
Converting to RAD will put us on the path to be able to seek more stable year-to-year
funding from HUD, and will also allow us to tap other sources of funding to make repairs
to the buildings, such as low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), and mortgage
financing. . Converting to RAD converts the subsidy from Section 9 Public Housing to
Project Based Section8. It is important to note that RAD conversion is “revenue-neutral”
and so it does not mean that DCHA will receive MORE money directly from HUD, but
Section 8 funding has been more consistent from year-to –year and conversion will allow
DCHA to tap into the other sources of funds listed above. These two factors will allow
DCHA to plan for keeping the properties in a state of good repair long into the future.
21. Q: [Ms. Z]: Is the project based voucher portable?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: The voucher associated with Section 8 is a project based
voucher, this means it is attached to the unit and not to the person. Project based vouchers
are not portable for this reason. As Ms. Powell mentioned earlier during the Q&A [see
Question 3 and Question 7], After the conversion to RAD is complete, and after the
resident has lived in the unit for a year, if it is a Project Based Voucher (“PBV”)
conversion, or two years if it is a Project Based Rental Voucher (“PBRV”) conversion,
that tenant may request a mobility voucher which is tenant based. However, these
vouchers are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. If you request one of these
mobility vouchers in the future and if they are available, you would then be able to work
with the Housing Choice Voucher Program to discuss the possibility to port out. Again,
the mobility voucher process is rather far down the road at this point in the RAD
conversion.
8
22. Q: [Mr. S]: [Asked personal question about his lease.]
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [Ms. Hightower is addressing this concern with
resident offline.]
23. Q: [Ms. C]: [Asked personal question about transfer.]
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [Ms. Hightower is addressing this concern with
resident offline.]
24. Q: [Ms. T]: I live in the walk-ups, how long will this work take? I may come back
for the evening session, are new topics being discussed then?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: The work on the walk-ups will likely be a longer-term
redevelopment project. At this point we don’t know what this will look like, but will be
holding meetings with residents in the future once we determine the plan. The evening
session will be the same, but we will also address questions from residents that may touch
on different topics.
6PM MEETING
1. Q: [Mr. D]: How long will it take for the movers to come and move us? I live in unit
###. Will the same people move me back as well? Will DCHA be taking care of the
moving?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: Renovation on your unit is at least a year away. As we get
closer, the Mobility team will contact you to work with you to prepare for your move.
A: [Katrina Jeter, DCHA]: We will reach out to you at least 3-5 months in advance of
your move and will provide reminders in the weeks leading up to your move. DCHA will
provide movers to assist in the moves to and from your unit.
2. Q: [Mr. H]: I live in unit ###. I have a disability, who do I talk to about this in
advance of my move?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: Talk to Ms. Jeter about your specific concerns and issues
regarding the move. However, renovation of your unit number is not for at least a year
away.
9
A: [Deborah Jackson, DCHA]: When we get to your unit, we will contact you
individually and ask about your individual questions, concerns and needs and any
accommodations you will need. We want to place you in a unit that accommodates your
specific needs. If you have immediate needs, special requests or accommodations, take
these straight to your property manager.
3. Q: [Ms. G]: My mother lives in unit ###, is her renovation later next year?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: It will be about a year before your mother’s unit is renovated.
4. Q: [Ms. H]: I have a number of questions. What is the right to return? What is the
definition of permanent residency for right to return? Under Section 8, will there be
new private owners of the property
A: [Andrea Powell, DCHA]: The right to return means that if someone is a resident at
the site that is currently public housing, you have a right to continue to remain as a
resident after the conversion to Project Based Section 8. Farther down the road, at the end
of the process, residents will sign a new RAD lease. You will continue with same rights,
but will sign a new lease with very similar terms. If you are a resident today, and you
remain a resident at the conversion, you will have the right to return. Regarding the
ownership question, the conversion to Section 8 does not result in having truly private
owners. [In such case, the property would be transferred to a limited liability company or
limited partnership. DCHA anticipates it will be the general partner of the new entity and
would also continue to manage the property. DCHA will continue to keep the residents
informed as financing plans are developed. Such information also will need to be
provided to HUD as part of the RAD conversion process. In the event that no additional
financing is sought, the property would be transferred to an entity controlled by DCHA.
DCHA’s conversion of Colorado Apartments and Columbia Road to RAD in 2018 is an
example of a conversion to RAD with no additional outside financing. In the case of the
Colorado Columbia RAD conversion, the property is owned by Colorado Columbia LLC,
which is controlled by DCHA. The RAD units at Columbia and Colorado continue to be
managed day to day by DCHA’s PMO division. The RAD project based HAP contract is
between DCHA and the Colorado Columbia LLC. For the RAD conversion, DCHA had
to create a separate corporate entity to own the property because DCHA cannot enter into
a HAP contract with itself.]
5. Q: [Ms. H]: One of my questions involves employees working on the development
sites. Will developers make a sincere effort to hire residents? I know they started
outsourcing with call center representatives when there are so many public housing
residents in need of jobs.
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A: [Jose Sousa, DCHA]: We had to move to a third party operator for the call center at
the beginning of the public health emergency but all calls taking place during norma
business hours are being answered by DCHA Call Center employees. As with several of
DCHA’s redevelopment initiatives, we will work to ensure that Section 3 goals are being
met and exceeded.
6. Q: [Ms. C]: What happens if you have a rent balance when the property converts to
RAD? Will we be eligible for residency?
A: [Andrea Powell, DCHA]: We will work with folks to work through those balances;
no one will be turned away from living in the converted RAD property because of a
balance. However, folks have obligations under their current leases, and we encourage
you to reach out to your property manager to work through addressing your rent balance.
Between now and the conversion, people need to comply with their leases by paying rent.
7. Q: [Ms. C]: My question is regarding the Rent to Own Program and the credit
program. Are these programs just for the Head of Household (“HOH”), or are they
available to other family members, such as those 18-years and older and those with
disabilities?
A: [Ronald Fisher, DCHA]: As far as the credit reporting program that I mentioned, that
is primarily for HOH. For that program, as long as you are paying rent based off of any
income (employed or unemployed) you can participate. Your second question regarding
other people in the household, we do offer some programs such as the workforce program
is for anyone who is captured on the family composition. Individuals on the family
composition are more than welcome to participate in these services. Some of the services
are geared towards HOH, but the Rent to Own Program is geared towards any DCHA
adult resident on the composition. Think of it as a holistic approach with the whole
family. You may go in and receive credit coaching, and you may have a son or daughter
join in on a financial literacy program or workforce program.
8. Q: [Mr. H]: Can I keep using my same address if I am temporarily relocated?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: When we do the renovations, we will have to move you out
of your unit, but it is our intention to return everyone who wants to move back to their
original apartment. There may be a workaround with a rider so a resident can keep their
current address during relocation. DCHA will look into this and provide guidance to
residents as to how this would work.
As we renovate units that are currently vacant in the building, there is an option to move
directly from your apartment to a brand new unit so that you can move only once. In a
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case like this, you would have to have a permanent change of address, but you would
only have to move once.
A: [Andrea Powell, DCHA]: We may be able to create a lease addendum. This means
that the new lease would be effective at the same unit. We will talk through this internally
and get back to you.
9. Q: [Mr. M]: I am a senior, what kind of assistance will I be receiving for this move?
A: [Katrina Jeter, DCHA]: DCHA will be providing packing assistance and movers
will do all of the work. Before your move we will keep you well informed as it gets
closer to your moving date. While we are doing the renovation we have to temporarily
move you out but we will be there every step of the way. We will make that process is
smooth and hassle free for you.
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: Regarding timing, the packing and moving takes
approximately two weeks and the renovations to the units should take about 6 months.
10. Q: [Mr. P]: [Asked a personal question about getting a gate installed].
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [Ms. Hightower is working with this resident on
this issue offline].
11. Q: [Ms. C]: [Asked a personal question about relocation.]
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [Ms. Hightower is working with this resident on
this issue offline.].
12. Q: [Ms. J]: When are they moving everyone? I live in the senior building.
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: It will be at least a year from now before we move you for
your renovation. Ms. Jeter and her team will contact you in advance of any move you will
need to make.
13. Q: [Ms. T]: [Asked a personal question about inspections.]
A: [Cheromia Hightower, DCHA]: [Ms. Hightower is working with this resident on
this issue offline.]
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14. Q: [Ms. T]: Why are you having all of the residents at this meeting even though the
RAD project doesn’t affect all of the residents? Are people who live on V Street
moving?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: We are not moving people at V Street at this point; we are
moving people at the Senior Building. Regarding the combined meetings, we thought it
was better to invite everyone, to make sure everyone got the information, even though
your condition is different, we wanted to make sure everyone is included.
15. Q: [Mr. M]: I live in Kelly Miller, if and when do we have to move? I live in unit ###
on V Street in one of the walk-ups.
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: We will have another round of meetings for folks living in
walk-ups; at this time, we plan to have meeting in the fall or winter regarding these units.
16. Q: [Mr. M]: I heard something about vouchers, who can get vouchers? Do mobility
vouchers mean you can live anywhere in the city?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: The RAD conversion involves Project Based Vouchers,
which are tied to the units not to the resident. [After the conversion to RAD is complete,
and after the resident has lived in the unit for a year, if it is a Project Based Voucher
(“PBV”) conversion, or two years if it is a Project Based Rental Voucher (“PBRV”)
conversion, that tenant may request a mobility voucher which is tenant based. However,
these vouchers are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. If you request one of
these mobility vouchers in the future and if they are available, and you receive one, you
would work with the Housing Choice Voucher Program to discuss moving within the city
or around the country. There are rules about whether another state can accept a voucher.
If someone were to have a tenant based voucher, we would work with the other
jurisdiction. If you want to stay in the District, you can move within the District.]
17. Q: [Ms. H]: [Asked in Chat] Will another governing body govern [the property
after the conversion to] Project Based Section 8? Will DCHA still manage the
property?
A: [Ms. Powell]: The way we dealt with the Colorado and Columbia RAD conversion,
and the way we anticipate dealing with this project is that the RAD will still be controlled
and managed by DCHA. In such case, the property would be transferred to a limited
liability company or limited partnership. DCHA anticipates it will be the general partner
of the new entity and would also continue to manage the property. DCHA will continue
to keep the residents informed as financing plans are developed. Such information also
will need to be provided to HUD as part of the RAD conversion process. In the event that
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no additional financing is sought, the property would be transferred to an entity
controlled by DCHA. DCHA’s conversion of Colorado Apartments and Columbia Road
to RAD in 2018 is an example of a conversion to RAD with no additional outside
financing. In the case of the Colorado Columbia RAD conversion, the property is owned
by Colorado Columbia LLC, which is controlled by DCHA. The RAD units at Columbia
and Colorado continue to be managed day to day by DCHA’s PMO division. The RAD
project based HAP contract is between DCHA and the Colorado Columbia LLC. For the
RAD conversion, DCHA had to create a separate corporate entity to own the property
because DCHA cannot enter into a HAP contract with itself. We will keep residents
informed as we move through this process.
18. Q: [Ms. H]: [Asked in Chat] Do RAD Properties fall under Rent to Own Programs?
A: [Alex Morris, DCHA]: No. Our Family Self-Sufficiency Program can help expand
on how home ownership programs within DCHA are structured.
