Program Basics

HOM operates several different permanent housing programs on behalf of multiple partners in the community, including Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) programs.  While each of the programs is unique, there are some key components that are universal across all the programs.  Following are some program basics for participants:

Most of the programs operated by HOM are homeless assistance programs, targeted to individuals and families who are currently experiencing homelessness.  To participate in these programs, individuals and/or families must be referred from the community’s coordinated entry system(s).  One of the main purposes of coordinated entry is to ensure that people with the most severe service needs and levels of vulnerability are prioritized for housing and homeless assistance.  Our community’s coordinated entry system(s) are further explained here.

The assistance is provided to the tenant, rather than to a dwelling unit or building. Participants in the housing programs are assisted in locating a dwelling unit of their choice in the community that meets program eligibility requirements. For the dwelling unit to be eligible for the program, the unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection. The rent for the unit must also be determined to be reasonable in comparison to other unassisted units similar in location, size, unit type, age, unit amenities and property facilities. The HOM participant is the leaseholder and the sole tenant for the dwelling unit. HOM enters into a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract or Rental Assistance Agreement with landlords to provide rental assistance to HOM participants and their authorized family members.

Permanent Supportive Housing Participants in Permanent Supportive Housing programs are required to pay at least 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards the cost of rent and utilities. HOM calculates the participant’s portion of rent in accordance with applicable program guidelines. The remaining portion of the Contract Rent for the dwelling unit is subsidized by the program and is paid directly to the Landlord. Rapid Re-Housing Service providers together with participant households determine the amount of rent and utilities that the household can afford monthly and in accordance with applicable program guidelines. The remaining portion of the Contract Rent for the dwelling unit is subsidized by the program and is paid directly to the Landlord.

All the programs provide both financial rental assistance and client-centered supportive services designed to ensure housing stability and recovery.  Supportive services are provided by HOM partners, including integrated behavioral health and homeless services providers.

At the time of your initial orientation to the program, you will be provided with access to Padmission, our online housing search platform.  Padmission is where you can locate affordable and available housing units and landlords that work with our housing programs.  Padmission allows you to:

  • Search for units by city, size, rent, utilities, housing programs accepted, and more
  • See photos of properties and detailed property profiles
  • Contact landlords directly for viewing and application steps

You must complete the landlord’s application and meet the tenant eligibility criteria of the landlord. You are also free to use any other available resources in your housing search. Useful resources include rental publications, rental locating services, classifieds, and the apartment search platforms on the internet. Things you should consider in your search may include:

  • Amount of the rent being charged by the landlord
  • Will you be responsible for payment of utilities, or will the landlord provide them?
  • Location in terms of proximity to shopping, public transportation routes, doctors’
  • offices, pharmacies, family, schools, and other support structures in the community
  • Upkeep of the community, including grounds maintenance and landscaping, lighting and security

You will have 60 days from the date of your initial orientation to secure housing. If you are not successful in securing housing within 60 days, you may request an extension in writing.  The extension request form is available on Forms Central.

The unit must PASS a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection BEFORE we can execute a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract on behalf of the HOM.

You’ll find helpful information about the inspection process on Forms Central, including the HUD Pamphlet, A Good Place to Live. The pamphlet provides general information and performance criteria for the HQS Inspection process by room in the dwelling unit. We’ve also developed an HQS Tip Sheet to provide a list of common fail items for inspections.

Inspections are also required annually to ensure that the dwelling unit continues to meet Housing Quality Standards.

Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Landlords are required to disclose the presence of any known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling. Tenants must also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention. HOM provides the EPA’s Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home pamphlet to all program participants.  A Lead Warning Statement must be completed and signed by the Landlord, Tenant, and HOM prior to the leasing and execution of a HAP Contract for the dwelling unit.

The EPA and HUD Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule Questions and Answers is available on Forms Central.

On a periodic basis, HOM participants recertify their continued eligibility and assistance level in the housing programs. Upon interim or annual re-examinations, HOM re-calculates the participant’s portion of rent. Changes in the participant’s portion of rent will be provided to the participant and landlord in a one-page amendment to the existing HAP Contract or Rental Assistance Agreement. The amendment will provide the new Tenant Rent and Housing Assistance Payment to the participant and landlord and the effective date of the change. The participant’s portion of rent is determined by HOM only, and it is illegal to charge any additional amounts for rent or any other items not specified in the Lease that have not been specifically approved by HOM.

Program termination occurs when a participant has completed the program, no longer meets eligibility criteria for the program or has violated their obligations in the program.  HOM works closely with our partners to identify solutions to problems that help participants to maintain housing stability in the program.  Termination is generally a last resort option in supportive housing programs. Some examples of actions or inactions by participants that may lead to program termination include:

  • Violation of obligations under the program;
  • Failure to sign and submit consent forms;
  • Drug-related or violent criminal activity;
  • Fraud, bribery or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with the housing program;
  • Engaging in or threatening abusive or violent behavior toward HOM or landlord personnel;

If a participant’s assistance in the program is terminated, HOM will provide notice of termination with the reason for the termination, the effective date of the termination, and information on how to appeal the decision.