Sec. 07.01.19.07. Homelessness Prevention Program

A. Program Purpose. The Homelessness Prevention Program:

(1) Assists family units in a housing crisis; and

(2) Provides services that may include but are not limited to:

(a) Case management;

(b) Counseling to identify households at risk of becoming homeless;

(c) Training on budgeting and other life skills;

(d) Education as to tenant rights and responsibilities;

(e) Mediation between the landlord and tenant; and

(f) Cash assistance.

B. Eligibility for Services. A family unit is eligible for services if the family unit is:

(1) Living in permanent rental housing, and facing immediate eviction or at risk of being evicted;

(2) Able to present verification of a pending eviction or risk of eviction; and

(3) Determined by the provider to be able to continue to stay in the permanent housing or to move to other permanent housing through payment to or arrangement with the landlord.

C. Use of Funds.

(1) Homelessness prevention funds may be used for the following activities:

(a) Direct grants to family units to prevent evictions;

(b) Eviction prevention counselors or landlord tenant mediators;

(c) Early intervention services for at-risk households;

(d) Revolving loan funds or rent banks; and

(e) Other activities as approved by the Department.

(2) If staff positions are funded, the only eligible costs are salary, FICA, and unemployment insurance. Additional costs for the position are funded through other sources.

D. Local Contribution.

(1) The local jurisdiction shall provide a contribution to the Homelessness Prevention Program.

(2) The local contribution shall consist of:

(a) Administrative funds;

(b) Cash or in-kind resources; or

(c) Funds or resources that have been leveraged by the local jurisdiction.