Delaware State Housing Authority HomeWorks Partnership Delaware State Housing Authority 18 The Green  Dover, DE 19901 (302) 739-4263  (888) 363-8808 www.DEStateHousing.com

Introduction In 2011 DSHA established the Delaware State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is to assist low-income individuals who require affordable housing and supportive services to live safely and independently in the community.

SRAP Program Goals SRAP provides rental assistance to particularly vulnerable populations: People exiting or at risk of admission to state or privately-run long-term care institutions, Youth exiting foster care Families for whom the lack of affordable housing is a barrier to reunification. The program has been extremely successful, with an annual budget authority of almost $6 million and over 700 leased units throughout the state of Delaware.

HomeWorks Pilot In 2013, DSHA entered into discussions with the Department of Education (DOE) to extend SRAP assistance to families within the education system identified as homeless Provide 12 months of housing assistance to eligible homeless families with children enrolled in school districts Connect homeless families with needed resources and provide housing stability Reduce School District transportation costs for homeless families Provide stability for children to improve attendance and overall scholastic performance

HomeWorks Begins In 2014, Christina School District (CSD) was selected as the District in which to pilot this program Initially $1,000,000 was set aside to fund approximately 100 HomeWorks vouchers Christina School District created a selection panel to review applications to determine eligibility CDS and DSHA partnered with a non-profit case management provider, Family Promise of Northern New Castle County, to provide support services and assist clients in locating rental units

Eligibility Requirements (DSHA) Must be at 40% State Median Income or less Must be eligible to receive continuing supportive services from a partnering state agency, or an approved service provider (participation in supportive services is voluntary) Must be a U.S. Citizen, and a resident of the State of Delaware

HomeWorks Process & Eligibility Requirements (CSD) All applications must be submitted through the school Homeless Liaison Must meet Homeless Requirements Must reside within CSD boundaries Must have a student registered in CSD Must complete a paper application All application must be submitted to CSD Housing Committee

Agency Roles Partnering Agencies CSD/FP Client DSHA Landlord Issue voucher Provide: Application assistance Transition assistance Continuing supportive services Track: Cost information DSHA Pay rental subsidy Landlord

HomeWorks Application Process DSHA SRAP Coordinator CSD Admin Support (enters applicant information via secure website) CSD Application Review Panel CSD Admin Support (collects paper applications) School Liaisons School Liaisons School Liaisons School Liaisons

Voucher Issuance and Enrollment Briefings Sessions may be held individually, or in groups Sessions will be held in Christina School District location All adult members of the applicant’s household must be in attendance Applicant is provided with: SRAP Information Packet Educational materials (to present to potential landlords) Housing Resource and Locator Information

Voucher Issuance and Enrollment Briefings Information covered: Payment standards and maximum allowable rent amounts Utility allowances and how they work Tenant contribution toward the rent and how it is calculated 28% monthly income – standardized utility allowance

HomeWorks Today As of September 2016, the HomeWorks pilot with CSD has served 107 families, including 250+ school-aged children, with a median age of 9 years old The average annual housing assistance cost is $10,500 per family CSD has reduced overall transportation costs related to homeless students For FY2017, $2.5 million was funded by the Delaware Legislature to expand the program to other school districts in Delaware

Director of Housing Management DSHA Contact Information Chris Whaley Director of Housing Management Chrisw@destatehousing.com Julianne Watkins SRAP Coordinator Julianne@destatehousing.com Delaware State Housing Authority 18 The Green Dover, Delaware 19901 Telephone: 739-4263  Fax: 739-1669 Toll Free: 888-363-8808