R2005-158 PLACING ON FILE FINAL REPORT

Home Browse Search

FIVE YEAR SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PLAN FINAL REPORT operating costs, including any debt service. As shown above, the amount of annual income needed per unit varies from $3,200 to $5,028 ($267 to $419 per month) in current projects. Because the potential tenants—the chronically homeless— have little or no income, revenue for operations will have to come from rental subsidies. With future funding levels for the Housing Choice Voucher program uncertain, lenders, grantors and developers may be hesitant to commit to long-term projects. i Factors AfFecting Potential Tenants. Policy barriers make it difficult for many chronically homeless persons to access rent subsidies: • Substance abuse history. In accordance with HUD policy, the Decatur Housing � Authority prohibits current substance users from receiving Housing Choice Vouchers or admission to public housing. As mentioned earlier, about 75°10 of the chronic homeless population is affected by substance use disorders and is currently ineligible for rental subsidies under this program. The two Section 811 projects operated by Heritage receive rental subsidies under a separate stream from HUD, but applicants are subject to Housing Choice Voucher standards under Section 811. As a result, persons with substance abuse disorders who are still "using" cannot gain admission to Heritage Grove or Heritage Fields. • Criminal history. Also in accordance with HUD policy, the Decatur Housing Authority prohibits people with histories of criminal activities from receiving Housing Choice Vouchers or admission to public housing for five years after the completion of their sentences, including parole and probation.15 As mentioned earlier, about 34% of the chronic homeless population have felony convictions— mostly from drug offenses —and are ineligible for rental subsidies under this 15 Persons with histories of manufacture or sale of illegal drugs on federally-assisted housing property are banned for life. PAGE Z�L