georgia housing voucher and bridge funding · pdf filegeorgia housing voucher and bridge...

S E T T L E M E N T A G R E E M E N T R E V I E W

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A D U L T M E N T A L H E A L T H

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Georgia Housing Voucher andBridge Funding Programs

2Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Settlement Agreement Requirements

To provide supported housing and bridge funding to persons with serious and persistent mental illness

• Priority• Those currently being served in state hospitals• Frequently readmitted to state hospitals• Frequently seen in emergency rooms• Chronically homeless• And or who are being released from jails or prisons


Program Design

• A “Housing First” approach• Voluntary flexible community based services• Access to community activities based on the

individual's preference• Lease in individual’s name• Fair Market Rent standard with a utility allowance• 30 to 40% of individual’s income towards housing cost• Unit must meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS)• Housing separate from service compliance


Referral Source

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015% % % % %

Homeless 17% 47% 50% 47% 52%Intensive 41% 21% 16% 15% 8%Hospitals 7% 9% 17% 16% 13%Families 22% 9% 8% 13% 12%Prisons 0% 0% 0% 2% 4%Other 13% 14% 9% 7% 11%

Total Approved Referrals 2,901


Georgia Housing Voucher ProgramTotal Number Placed in Housing by State Fiscal Year

100 Served by July 1, 2011• Result: 117 117% of Goal



1,400 Served by July 1, 2014• Result: 1,607 115% of Goal

2,000 Served by July 1, 2015• Result: 2,423 121% of Goal


GHVP Status Report

Total Authorized for Housing 2,890Total Number Served 2,423Current in GHVP Supported Leases 1,629Total Program Months 38,754Approved and Looking for Housing 236Number of Properties 986Number of Providers 77 Number of Individuals Transferred to HCV 168Number Left for Positive Reasons 180Number Left for Negative reasons 453Number/% $0 Income with Current Leases 685/42%Number of Counties out of 156 88


Performance Measures

Housing stability: % of individuals that remained in the program after 6 months• 1762/1908 92%• DBHDD/HUD Standard 77%• Above (Below) Standard 15%

Reengagement (Number of successfully engaged by total Number of “Negative Leavers”)• 89/453 20%• DBHDD Standard 10%• Above (below) standard 10%


Long Term Housing Stability

• SFY 2011 GHVP Tenants 82/117 70%• SFY 2012 GHVP Tenants 350/483 72%• SFY 2013 GHVP Tenants 281/363 77%• SFY 2014 GHVP tenants 533/644 83%• SFY 2015 GHVP tenants 769/816 94%

Overall Program Stability: 2,015 In stable housing by 2,423 Total Placed 83%


SFY 2016 GHVP Housing Capacity

SFY 2016 Budget $14,356,169 (Less) Obligated for Existing Tenants $10,611,805 Balance $ 3,744,365 # Active 236# Active Impact on GHVP $ 1,556,862Plus Projected Turnover (240 per year) $ 851,565Potential Available $ 2,539,103 New Vouchers Available* 385Projected total Served* 2,423+236+385=3,044Projected signed leases* 1,608+236+385-240=2,010

* Based on 50% in housing before 1-1-16 and 50% after


Bridge Funding

Total Number in Voucher Program 2,423

Total Number in VASH Partnership 79

Total Number in Hospital Transitions 131

Total Number in Bridge Funding Only 15

Total Number Served 2,648

SFY 2015 Cumulative Goal 1,800

% of Goal 147%


Bridge Funding

% of Total % Needing

Provider Fee 20% $1,604,346 100%Furnishings 25% $1,957,114 76%Household Items 8% $ 636,852 65%Utility Deposits 7% $ 528,248 65%Security Deposits 10% $ 787,897 76%1st and 2nd month Rent 25% $1,927,041 96%Other 5% $ 400,164 16%Total $7,841,664


Scattered Site HousingSettlement Agreement Criteria

“Supported Housing includes scattered-site housing as well as apartments clustered in a single building. By July 1, 2015, 50% of Supported Housing units shall be provided in scattered-site housing, which requires that no more than 20% of the units in one building, or no more than two units in one building (whichever is greater), may be used to provide Supported Housing under this agreement. Personal care homes shall not qualify as scattered site housing.”

Result: Survey conducted during the month of June 2015 found 87% in scattered sites, 37% above minimum standard (1,381/1,581)


Impact of the GHVP and Keys to SuccessRegional Transitional Coordinators:

They make the whole system work

• Regional transition coordinators are the best trained most knowledgeable community integration specialist in the state.

• They are DBHDD’s presence in the community presenting the full array of DBHDD’s resources to community groups and property owners.

• Relationship between the providers and DBHDD is firmly entrenched through the transition coordinators at the local level.

• Regional transition coordinators “run” the program and work with providers to expand their understanding of housing programs and solve barriers to each individual in the program.

• Act as problem solvers on individual cases as a liaison between hospitals and providers.

• Can readily interpret clinical issues, recovery plans, and provider capacity. • Train providers in housing quality standards and expands relationships with

property owners, continuums of care, diversion courts, jails and prisons, and other community based “in-reach” activities.


Impact of the GHVP and Keys to SuccessProviders

• 50 + providers were able to add staff, engaged the private rental market in a much more meaningful way, gain valuable experience in conducting HQS inspections.

• GHVP increased options for the expansion of services (ACT, ICM, CST, CM) allowing for better coordination with hospital transitions, crisis stabilization units, and crisis apartments.

• Providers able to engage their clients in a stable living environment. Time saved by knowing the location of the client rather than seeking them out on the street or in shelters. “Can’t provide meaningful services in a homeless shelter.”

• Housing key to meeting service fidelity models.


Impact of the GHVP and Keys to SuccessReferrals

• Strong coordination between PATH teams (People Assisting The Homeless) and ACT teams (Assertive Community Treatment) creating a seamless system of homeless outreach, service coordination, and housing (including partnership with Atlanta United Way).

• Referral system based on meeting the individual’s needs.

• Strong hospital discharge planning coordination made up of hospital staff, transition coordinators, and providers expediting housing placements.

• “In reach” efforts into prisons/jails and coordination with mental health courts increase referrals by 64 in one year (240% increase).


Impact of the GHVP and Keys to Success Administration

• Simple flexible rules, simple forms, only asking for necessary information.

• Efficient review of submitted files from providers to the regions and then the regions to state for processing. Check and a balance with local program operation.

• Efficient turnaround from the initial invoice through a quality check with DBHDD’s third party contractor (Cobb Douglas CSB)

• DBHDD accounts payable staff with a 1 day processing average and responding under tight time frame.

• A referral form that asks is the individual eligible, what services are needed, and how the provider will support those needs. Person centered and unique to each individual.


Impact of the GHVP and Keys to SuccessDBHDD

• Before the settlement: Some said DBHDD does not do housing. Now: DBHDD is the state leader in providing supported housing for people with disabilities in a wide range of housing options, especially those with mental illness-DBHDD is in the housing business, serving the most difficult.

• DBHDD is the 8th largest provider of rental assistance in the state.• DBHDD has the internal staff capacity to understand local real estate

markets, engage property owners, continuums of care, and public housing authorities.

• Stigma is reduced one property at a time as the most difficult to house become readily accepted as good tenants (986 properties and counting).

• DBHDD is best equipped to directly impact the lives of chronic homeless individuals (Support services, PATH teams, and a wide array of housing options) and those leaving institutions.

• DBHDD comes to the criminal justice reform table with services and housing.

• DBHDD is able to create a coordinated referral “flow” through it’s other residential programs.


Impact of Housing on IndividualsIn Their Own Words

Living Situation Before GHVP

• I was living in the woods without a tent or sleeping bag. I was able to take a shower every once in a while at friends.

• Living post to post/homeless basically in and out of mental hospital.

• I was in jail and on the wrong road.• One room shack that leaks infested with bugs.• Before I received a GHV, I was homeless. I found refuge in

places that was not safe and or healthy for anyone. No water, no gas, no electricity, no ventilation, n0 heat or air.

• Homeless and then was in Waycross for trying to kill myself.• I used to be in foster care and bounced from place to place all

my life. People only let me stay with them because I had a check. They took my money and left me with none, when they were tired of me they put me out. I have been in the hospital so much I feel that is my home.



Impact of GHVP on Their Lives

• It gave me a sense of independence. Helped me get my kids back. It gave me a sense of stability and security. I feel safe.

• Takes away the worry of a house and lets me concentrate on recovery. I’m not sure about the neighborhood yet, so I’m still watchful.

• I have a space to live for me and my kids and I feel safe.• I feel like I have a purpose now.• I know that I will be some where I can call home• Not homeless• I now have a safe place I can call my own and I don’t feel like I’m

thrown away.• I would be homeless and in jail but for this Georgia housing voucher• My entire outlook on my life has improved. No longer feel vulnerable

to becoming a victim again. I feel completely in control.



Impact of Bridge Funding on Their Lives

• I had nothing, I had lost everything• Very proud of my home• It gives my great confidence and my ego is sky high• All the items helped the apartment become a home and start off on the

right tack.• The bridge funding purchases has made a tremendous difference

bringing a positive quality to my life. It allows me the fundamental necessities for basic living.

• I have all nice clean new furniture. I don’t feel ashamed anymore.• It’s nice to have your own foundation and furnishing it was a blessing.

I have a home now that I can be proud of. I can’t do nothing but grow from this. It gives me mental and emotional stability too.

• I would have never thought I could have all these nice things without the program. My daughter even has a bed now. I feel a sense of relief. I feel like I have more than a house to provide to my daughter, I have a home.



Community Connections

• Haven’t made any friends yet. I do feel connected and involved with the neighborhood and my activities are centered around the apartment complex

• I don’t socialize with many people but I have met a few people in the complex, I mostly stay within the apartment.

• Right now my friends are outside the complex-my church family, but I am very respectful and kind to my surroundings and look forward to meeting nice good hearted people.

• I have met some neighbors but I haven’t made any friends yet. People exclude me because I’m in mental health program.

• The housing voucher has allowed me to establish boundaries with those who might want to take advantage of me having my own place because they might try to stay here, but they cant stay here cause no one is allowed to be here but me, and I like that, knowing no one can come in and root me out of my safety.


Housing Need and Choice Evaluation

Purpose

Every person meeting ADA criteria and engaged in DBHDD services has an informed housing preference plan.

The individual is informed about various possible housing options.

Prioritizes housing resources.

Documents housing need for planning and the development of new housing options.


SFY 2015 Housing Funding Capacity By Program

Georgia Housing Voucher Program 2,000

Georgia Residential Program 1,200

Shelter Plus Care 1,350

Public Housing Authorities 168

Veterans Admin Supported Housing (VASH) 78

Total 4,796


Housing Capacity-Expansion

A DBHDD created a base line budge for SFY 2016 that will provide the funding capacity for 2,000 individuals based on existing conditions. It is $2 million higher than the SFY 2015 budget. For this analysis it is assumed to remain constant.

B DCA is able to prioritize 50% of the Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) to the settlement population of those approximately 16,000 that turn over during the year (7%). It is assumed that the partnership between DBHDD and DCA will utilize approximately 70% of that 560 unit capacity for 400 total units for the two year period. HUD approved a continuation of the priority, contingent upon "DCA's continuing obligations to meet the supported housing provisions in the DOJ Olmtead Settlement Agreement". This shows a two year extension of Georgia's obligation under the Settlement Agreement. This will be adjusted if conditions warrant. Note: DBHDD and DCA under an MOU will continue to investigate how to expand HCV opportunities for very low income individuals with disabilities.

C HUD awarded DCA the capacity for approximately 500 project based 811 rental assistance vouchers targeted to the settlement population and DCH's Money Follows the Person eligible individuals. It is estimated by DBHDD, that DBHDD will be able to access 80% of the total available (400). The roll out is spread out over four years. As units become available they will be replaced with eligible individuals. Note: this assumes no new awards of an 811 application, yet Georgia has been very successful in pastapplications.

D DBHDD provides some marginal bridge funding to fully utilize the VASH supported housing program to the Dublin region that does not currently have that ability. It is projected to be only marginally utilized.

E The Atlanta Housing Authority and the Columbus Housing Authority is working with DBHDD to transfer individuals on a GHVP into their Housing Choice Voucher program. As a "moving to work" PHA they are able to offer more flexible demonstration programs at the local level. DBHDD estimates an annual transfer of 100 individuals per year from the Atlanta Housing Authority (the first 5 were transferred in SFY 2015 and a draft MOU is under consideration) and 10 from the Columbus Housing Authority.These partnerships are extended out as on going relationships.

Housing Capacity-Expansion

July-15 July-16 July-17 July-18 July-19 July-20

DBHDD New GHVP 0 0 0 0 0

DCA Section 8 (New) 400 400 0 0 0

HUD 811 (New) 100 100 100 100 0

VASH 5 5 5 5 5

Other PHA's (Atl, Col) 110 110 110 110 110

Total 615 615 215 215 115

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Housing Capacity-Turnover

E DBHDD currently turns over an estimated 240 GHVP vouchers per year.

F The Shelter Plus Care turnover rate is calculated assuming a base of 1800 Shelter Plus Care slots, a turnover rate of 10%, and 60% with a mental health issues and of those 75% meeting ADA criteria.

G DBHDD supports nearly 2,000 units in intensive, semi-independent and independent housing settings. Based on a survey, approximately 60% are settlement eligible placements. These units turnover at a combined programmatic rate of 30% per year, creating 360 new housing opportunities per year

H The HUD 811 turnover rate is estimated at 10%

Housing Capacity Based on Program Turnover

July-15 July-16 July-17 July-18 July-19 July-20

DBHDD Turnover 240 240 240 240 240

Shelter Plus Care Turnover 81 81 81 81 81

Residential Services Program 360 360 360 360 360

HUD 811 Turnover 0 10 25 35 50

Total 681 691 706 716 731

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Total Housing Capacity

Total Housing Slots Available for New Individuals

July-16 July-17 July-18 July-19 July-20

DBHDD-GHVP 240 240 240 240 240

DBHDD-Residential 360 360 360 360 360

Vash 5 5 5 5 5

Shelter Plus Care 81 81 81 81 81

Public Housing Authorities 510 510 110 110 110

HUD 811 100 110 125 135 50

Total 1296 1306 921 931 846

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