Agenda - 12-02-2002-8p - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Thus, based on the aforementioned facts and the following critical points, staff does not recommend opening the Section 8 waiting list at this time. This decision should be reassessed during the last quarter of the year after analyzing our turnover rate in the current fiscal year. Critical Decision Points: • Opening the waiting list raises untrue expectations for assistance in a timely manner particularly given the winter season (the most needy season) is approaching soon. • False hopes lead to irate clients increasing staff security concerns. 2. Purge and clean-up the existing list to a manageable number. The waiting list was last purged in the Fa112000. It is customary that most housing authorities purge the list every two -three years. Since the County has not accepted applications for the last year, we essentially still have atwo-year old waiting list. It is anticipated that it would be disastrous to purge the list with a closed waiting list thereby not allowing applicants an opportunity to reapply for assistance should they be purged from the list. Further, if we purge the list by asking if clients are still interested in the program, that prompts the question that we still cannot answer honestly -When will I receive assistance? Therefore, logistically purging should occur at a time that the waiting list is open. Thus, based on the aforementioned analysis, staff does not recommend purging the Section 8 waiting list at this time. This conclusion should be re-examined at the time of waiting list review. 3. Based on your discretion and authority, create wait-list preferences for people who are homeless, people living in substandard housing; people paying more than fifty percent of income for rent and people with disabilities. The County's Program currently has these preferences as described above under the Waiting List section. 4. Consider requesting more "set aside "funds appropriated by Congress for "veterans, families reunifying with their children, families moving from welfare assistance to employment, and people with disabilities. The County currently actively seeks funding for new vouchers as they become available. Two (2) unsuccessful applications were submitted during this calendar year. The number of vouchers available nationwide has decreased or remained stable while the need has continued to grow thereby fostering a stiff competition for available resources. The County and its non-profit collaborators should continue to pursue Congressional increases for the Section 8 Program in order to meet our local needs. Additionally, this same group should voice opposition to such proposed legislation as House Bill 5605 which categorically changes the Section 8 renewal funding formula in a manner that could have several unintended consequences including reducing local program sizes due to funding constraints.