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The definite open application period will be announced well in advance through a variety of <br />media in an effort to reach all interested parties, Additionally, County staff will enlist the <br />assistance of interested disability advocates in publicizing the dates, times, and locations far <br />application in-take to ensure adequate notice to this population <br />Mental health advocates have suggested that we provide copies of the pre-application forms at <br />Club Nava in order for clubhouse staff and other advocates to assist potential applicants provide <br />the information necessary. In order to do this, we would have to assure that we are providing <br />the same accommodations far all persons with disabilities not just Club Nava members. That <br />would involve identifying all potential "ports of entry" for all disabled persons countywide, which <br />would be an extremely difficult task, As an alternative, staff suggests that, upon request by <br />potential applicants, family members, or other advocates, arrangements can be made for county <br />staff to visit an agency site or a potential applicant's home or other out-of-office location at a <br />predetermined time to conduct the pre-application interview. Additionally, staff has begun <br />discussions with local advocates for the disabled population to identify other methods for <br />ensuring that this segment of the population has full opportunities to apply for Section 8 funding <br />without violating individual rights and federal fair housing laws, <br />Waifing List Maintenance <br />Applications are maintained according to date and time of application and preference ranking. <br />The program presently has maintained the following Waiting List Preferences (equally ranked - <br />10 points) for the applicants that are: <br />a. Involuntary displaced; <br />b, Living in substandard housing to include homeless families; and <br />c, Paying more than 50% of their income for rent and utilities. <br />Additionally, the program has the following Local Preferences (equally ranked - 5 points) far: <br />a. Elderly or disabled families; <br />b. Families who live, work, or have been hired to work in the jurisdiction; <br />c, Families who are graduates or participants in an education and training program <br />to prepare for self-sufficiency; <br />d.. Graduates of transitional housing programs for homeless persons; substance <br />abusers; and victims of domestic abuse; <br />There has been question regarding whether the disabled can have a higher preference ranking <br />among the local preferences. (At this time, both the elderly and disabled have the same ranking <br />local preference.) Local housing authorities are able to establish local preferences along with <br />their preferred ranking. County staff will analyze this request and report back to the Board of <br />County Commissioners in late May regarding the feasibility of targeting the disabled as a higher <br />local preference than other target populations. Approval of submission of the 2004 Annual Plan <br />does not prevent later amendments to the agency's Administrative Plan. <br />