BACKGROUND
With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, Congress allocated $5 billion in funding for new Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) which are designed to assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness; at risk of experiencing homelessness; fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; or were recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or having a high risk of housing instability. On May 10, 2021, Roseville Housing Authority (RHA) received notice of an award for 50 EHVs.
RHA received a one-time Services Fee of $175,000 ($3,500 per EHV voucher) to support efforts in implementing and operating an effective EHV services program. HUD requires each Housing Authority to partner with the local Continuum of Care (CoC) to assist qualifying families through a direct referral process. Placer County's CoC, The Homeless Resource Council of the Sierras (HRCS), has begun accepting direct referrals from approved agencies to ensure coordination of services for the most vulnerable households in the County. The non-profit partners will provide supportive services to voucher holders including but not limited to providing:
- support to households in applying for and completing EHV applications to RHA
- housing search assistance
- counseling on compliance with rental lease requirements
- referrals for assistance with security deposits, utility hook-up fees and deposits
HRCS will manage the work of the non-profit partners and invoice RHA monthly based on services provided and fees paid on behalf of the voucher holders, not to exceed $125,000. RHA has reserved $50,000 of the Services Fee for participating landlords to receive a one-time $1,000 payment when they enter into a lease with RHA on behalf of each Emergency Housing Voucher holder. EHVs were developed specifically for households that have had difficulty maintaining housing. The connection to support services, financial resources and housing search assistance will maximize housing success with the vouchers, local landlords, and the overall program.