1. Delaware State Housing Authority HomeWorks Partnership
Delaware State Housing Authority 18 The Green  Dover, DE (302)  (888)

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Director of Housing Management
DSHA Contact Information
Chris Whaley
Director of Housing Management
Julianne Watkins
SRAP Coordinator
Delaware State Housing Authority 18 The Green Dover, Delaware Telephone:  Fax: Toll Free: