F-3 DHS -Landlord Outreach - Arlingtonva
Subject: DHS – Outreach to Landlords FY 2017 Proposed Budget Budget Work Session Follow-up April 8, 2016 The following information is provided in response to a request made by Mr. Dorsey at the work session on March 17, 2016, outreach to landlords.
Can/Does DHS do outreach to landlords to help reduce the stigma/misconceptions about tenants using a housing voucher or subsidy to pay rent? Is DHS the best agency to provide that outreach? (Dorsey) Response: DHS and the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness sponsor an “Arlington Landlord & Property Manager Workshop - - A Guide to Housing Program Resources” every other year. This event, to be held May 20, brings together community landlords, including those who accept Housing Grants and Housing Choice Vouchers and those who don’t, with service providers who work with residents to help them obtain and maintain their housing. The invitation list specifically targets known landlords with MARK units who might not be inclined to take residents with rental assistance, as well as the County’s non-profit housing partners. Sessions educate landlords about the benefits of participating in rental assistance and case management service programs available to low income Arlington residents. Housing Grant and Housing Choice Voucher program specialists reach out to landlords to promote their programs. The Housing Choice Voucher program conducts an hour long “Primer on the HCV Program” that dispels the myths and spells out the benefits of the program. DHS has two Housing Locators (staff) whose job is to assist households in locating affordable housing with Housing Grants, a Housing Choice Voucher, or other rental assistance in a Rapid Rehousing or Permanent Supportive Housing program. In their role, Housing Locators have established relationships with landlords throughout the community, including those who aren’t inclined to accept tenants with leasing barriers who receive rental assistance. On an ongoing basis, they provide information and educate landlords about the benefits of having residents connected to DHS housing program resources. Housing Locators market DHS housing assistance programs and are responsible for recruiting new landlords. DHS housing specialists, case managers and non-profit case managers are perhaps the best ambassadors for promoting housing assistance programs by virtue of their work in the housing community. Case Managers visit apartment management offices on a routine basis to assist their clients who might be having problems with lease compliance. Landlords appreciate the prompt resolution of issues.
L:\DMFBUD\Bud17\Work Sessions\Follow-up which has gone to the Board\F-3 DHS -Landlord Outreach.docx
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Can/Does DHS do outreach to landlords to help reduce the stigma/misconceptions about tenants using a housing voucher or subsidy to pay rent? Is DHS the best agency to provide that outreach? (Dorsey) Response: DHS and the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness sponsor an “Arlington Landlord & Property Manager Workshop - - A Guide to Housing Program Resources” every other year. This event, to be held May 20, brings together community landlords, including those who accept Housing Grants and Housing Choice Vouchers and those who don’t, with service providers who work with residents to help them obtain and maintain their housing. The invitation list specifically targets known landlords with MARK units who might not be inclined to take residents with rental assistance, as well as the County’s non-profit housing partners. Sessions educate landlords about the benefits of participating in rental assistance and case management service programs available to low income Arlington residents. Housing Grant and Housing Choice Voucher program specialists reach out to landlords to promote their programs. The Housing Choice Voucher program conducts an hour long “Primer on the HCV Program” that dispels the myths and spells out the benefits of the program. DHS has two Housing Locators (staff) whose job is to assist households in locating affordable housing with Housing Grants, a Housing Choice Voucher, or other rental assistance in a Rapid Rehousing or Permanent Supportive Housing program. In their role, Housing Locators have established relationships with landlords throughout the community, including those who aren’t inclined to accept tenants with leasing barriers who receive rental assistance. On an ongoing basis, they provide information and educate landlords about the benefits of having residents connected to DHS housing program resources. Housing Locators market DHS housing assistance programs and are responsible for recruiting new landlords. DHS housing specialists, case managers and non-profit case managers are perhaps the best ambassadors for promoting housing assistance programs by virtue of their work in the housing community. Case Managers visit apartment management offices on a routine basis to assist their clients who might be having problems with lease compliance. Landlords appreciate the prompt resolution of issues.
L:\DMFBUD\Bud17\Work Sessions\Follow-up which has gone to the Board\F-3 DHS -Landlord Outreach.docx
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