WELCOME HOUSING PROVIDER FORUM

Transcription

1 WELCOME 2008 HOUSING PROVIDER FORUM

2 DEBORAH FIRMIN HOUSING ADMINISTRATOR

3 Faces & Places, Keeping Them Safe Welcome & Introductions Issues/Solutions & Chocolate Information Packages

4 Agenda Faces and Places Keeping Them Safe New Development Home Ownership NRH Web site Applicants Informed Choices Ongoing Eligibility & the Arrears Data Base Finances for Today & Tomorrow BREAK Visit the Information displays

5 Agenda SHSC Supporting the Sector Fraud & Identity Theft LUNCH Partnering to Eliminate Domestic Violence What to Expect in the Event of a Fire Evaluations & Prizes

6 Bracelet Personality Test

7 LORA BECKWITH GENERAL MANAGER

8 Faces and Places of Affordable Housing Keeping Them Safe Strategic Plan

9 Strategic Plan The NRH Strategic Plan was developed in consultation with stakeholders 4 Key Directions emerged: 1. Innovative affordable housing solutions 2. Environmentally responsive and sustainable communities 3. Strong partnerships with stakeholders 4. Adaptable servicedelivery network

10 Strategic Plan DIRECTION #1 INNOVATIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS

11 Innovative Affordable Housing Solutions Waiting List Continues to Grow Over 8,000 people are on the affordable housing waiting list: 35 % are seniors 30 % are individuals between 16 and 54 years of age 35 % are families In the past five years, there has been a 5% increase in the number of households on the waiting list Applicants can wait 18 years for accommodation depending on the location.

12 Innovative Affordable Housing Solutions Affordable Housing Development The Federal and Provincial governments have provided $16.5M for the development of 343 units of new affordable housing 139 units have already been completed 204 units are underway

13 Innovative Affordable Housing Solutions Rent Supplement / Housing Allowance 100 Private Landlords offer 610 Rent Supplement Units

14 Strategic Plan DIRECTION #2 ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIVE & SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

15 Environmentally Responsive & Sustainable Communities Energy Conservation Building components are replaced upon life expiry with energy conservation in mind Changing people s habits is critical to success New steel doors with moveable window provide an air tight seal while allowing for ventilation and light Limiting Thermostats are set at a maximum of 78 degrees Fahrenheit

16 Strategic Plan DIRECTION #3 STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS

17 Strong Partnerships with Stakeholders From the development of new housing units to the daytoday enjoyment of those units, the success of affordable housing is increasingly dependent on partnerships Community Partnerships Federal and Provincial Governments, Municipalities, Regional Departments, NonProfit and Cooperative Housing providers, Canadian Mental Health Association, Community Cares, Project Share, Developers, Anagram Premier, Housing Help Centres, Real Estate Board, FACS, Women s Place, Employment Services, Homelessness Initiative Outreach Program. Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, Credit Counselling of Niagara, Ontario March of Dimes, YMCA Niagara, YWCA, Salvation Army, Community Services (Children and Senior), Public Health (Mental Health and Nutrition) Welland Heritage Council, Addiction Centre, Faith Groups, Hope Centre, Brain Injury Community Reentry, etc.

18 Strong Partnerships with Stakeholders Federal/Provincial Partners Each year federal funding is lost as agreements end and mortgages are paid off. The rent supplement programs are provided based on time limited funding from the Federal/Provincial governments. Ten years from now we will have lost funding for 149 units of rent supplement and the full 170 units under the housing allowance program. Or the equivalent of 319 units NRH supports the Provincial in its efforts to bring the Federal government to the table

19 Strong Partnerships with Stakeholders Niagara Region In 2002, Niagara Region set up Niagara Regional Housing as an independent nonprofit corporation to act as Service Manager on behalf of Niagara Region Niagara Region is one of NRH s closest partners and as such we are continually exploring opportunities to improve the delivery of services Recently the NRH Board agreed to open the Operating Agreement with Niagara Region to include any operational efficiencies that might benefit our clients

20 Strong Partnerships with Stakeholders Capital Investment There are currently over 7500 units of affordable housing in Niagara. Capital investment in this asset makes good business sense. Building condition assessments confirm: 18 properties will deplete their capital reserve funds within the next 5 years Another 29 properties will be depleted by the year 2016 NRH is reviewing financing options to assist housing providers

21 Strategic Plan DIRECTION #4 ADAPTABLE SERVICE DELIVERY NETWORK

22 Adaptable Service Delivery Network Key Objectives To put the appropriate supports in place that will assist NRH employees and the housing provider network in its work Work Priorities Provide onestop resource/service information Undertake training/education sessions as needed Improve public perception of affordable housing

23 SUGAN MANNAVARAJAN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR NEW DEVELOPMENT

24 Projects: King Street, St. Catharines, On Oakdale Avenue, St. Catharines, On 3. Oakdale Landing Inc., St. Catharines, On 4. Mainstream Gateway, St. Catharines, On 5. Capital Pines Inc., Thorold, On 6. MSANF Inc., Niagara Falls, On 7. Bethlehem Not for Profit, Niagara Falls, On 8. Community Living Port Colborne Wainfleet, Port Colborne, On CanadaOntario Affordable Housing Program Wave 1

25 21 King Street, St. Catharines ON

26 290 Oakdale Avenue, St. Catharines ON

27 Oakdale Landing Inc., St. Catharines ON

28 Mainstream Gateway, St. Catharines ON

29 Capital Pines Inc., Thorold ON

30 MSANF Inc., Niagara Falls ON

31 Bethlehem Not for Profit, Niagara Falls ON

32 Community Living Port Colborne Wainfleet, Port Colborne, ON

33 BRENDA DODRIDGE HOUSING COORDINATOR

34 WELCOME HOME NIAGARA Niagara Regional Housing Delivery Plan: Phase 1 (May, 2007) Market rent paying tenants in NRH owed units/rent Supplement units/affordable housing waiting list Phase 2 (February 19, 2008) Market rent paying tenants in NonProfits/Coops Phase 3 (April, 2008) General Public March 31, 2009 All funding and unit allocations must be committed

35 WELCOME HOME NIAGARA Phase 1 Success Stories! As of April, 2008 the dream of owning a home has become a reality for a total of 8 households!! 4 Tenants 4 Applicants Niagara Allocation 121 homes

36 WELCOME HOME NIAGARA Quotes from successful purchasers: I have been renting for over 10 years. The best part about owning my own home is the investment I am making for my future. I would like to thank Niagara Regional Housing for all their help and support in making my dream come true. My daughter was so excited to pick out her own colour for her new room. bright PINK!!

37 QUESTIONS

38 WENDY THOMPSON MANAGER RESOURCE UNIT

39 Your new

40 What can you expect from the new NRH website? Userfriendly information: Definitions Explanations Clear language Simple print

41 What can you expect from the new NRH website? Useful information: About what you do About what you need About information and legislation related to affordable housing

42 New NRH Web will include the following for housing providers.. Waitlist information Descriptions of communities Listing of housing providers Forms/documents Notices Housing Provider Newsletter Training Information Best Practices (ex. asset management, energy conservation) FACT Sheet

43 What do Housing Providers want from the NRH website? Think about how you use the NRH website What information is important to you? How would you like to use the NRH website? Let your Housing Administrator know your ideas

44 QUESTIONS

45 JEANETTE MCKAY SUPERVISOR HOUSING ACCESS

46 NEW APPLICATION Draft Application Changes Questionnaire Circulation in Summer/Fall 2008

47 LIZ BRILLINGER HOUSING ADMINISTRATOR

48 ONGOING ELIGIBILITY Eligibility must be reviewed at least once in every 12 month period Household Income Legal Status in Canada Age Requirement Live Independently Homeowner Modified Units Pursuit of Income Occupancy Standards Arrears to another Affordable Housing Provider

49 Household Income Full disclosure of all income and assets Must include all appropriate supporting documents Legal Status in Canada Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada Refugee claimant need to confirm current status and that no removal order is in place

50 Age Requirement At least one member of the household must be 16 years of age or older Live Independently Household members can live independently with or without support services Homeowner Within 6 months of receiving RGI assistance a homeowner must provide verification of the sale of their home

51 Modified Units At least one member of the household must continue to require the modifications provided by the unit The household must meet the criteria set out in O. Reg. 298/01, s. 27 (3) Housing Access can determine ongoing eligibility for modified units

52 Pursuit of Income Confirmation that all members of the household have pursued all sources of income that they may be eligible for Supporting documentation is required

53 Occupancy Standards RGI household must meet occupancy standards Supporting documentation of their need for an additional bedroom Housing Access can determine ongoing eligibility for an additional bedroom

54 Arrears to Another Affordable Housing Provider Current housing provider must confirm that repayment schedules to other housing providers are being honoured Send Housing Access the members/tenants name, date of birth, and Social Insurance Number Housing Access will check the provincial arrears database and inform you of the result

55 What happens if the household does not provide the required documentation? Household will be deemed ineligible for subsidy A Notice of Market Rent / Housing Charge must be sent to the household outlining the reasons Should the household provide the required documentation prior to the commencement of market rent the rent/housing charge may be recalculated

56 Send ineligible letter What happens if someone is ineligible? No response from household, rent/housing charge will be market as of the specified date Household requests an internal review the housing provider s appeal committee will hold the review within 10 business days Household advised decision within 5 business days that decision is final Staff proceed with relevant changes to rent/housing charge where required

57 Resources NRH forms for Modified Units, Additional bedroom requests and Arrears are available in the providers section at Check out the Guide to RentGearedtoIncome Assistance Contact either your Housing Administrator or Housing Access should you have any questions or concerns

58 QUESTIONS

59 DONNA MINO PROGRAM COST ANALYST

60 Capital Reserves 5 year capital plan Energy conservation plans Preventative Maintenance plans

61 5 Year Capital Plan Annually the board should ensure that the Capital plan is updated as capital work is: Completed Deferred or Revised The 5 year capital plan is to be submitted yearly along with your Annual Information Return.

62 Energy Conservation Plan Quick fixes include: T12 to T8 bulbs Switching incandescent lightbulbs to compact fluorescent Annual inspections of toilets and taps for leaks Motion sensors on lights in common areas such as garbage rooms Major Fixes include: Replacing electric makeup air units and electric domestic hot water tanks with gas if there is gas close to the buildings.

63 Preventative Maintenance Plan Clean exhaust fans Clean furnaces and change filters Internal road and parking lot repairs Roof repairs Scheduling of all annual inspections including big equipment inspections

64 Reporting Capital Expenditures NRH 04 01C for NonProfits and Coop Providers NRH for Federal Providers Replacement and upgrade of major building components Construction of walkways; fencing; or regrading or construction of retaining walls Paving of driveways and parking lot areas Appliances Large office equipment Large equipment Furniture

65 Reporting Operating Expenditures NRH 04 01C for NonProfits and Coop Providers NRH for Federal Providers Building repairs, electrical repairs, plumbing repairs, heating systems repairs, painting Equipment repairs Contract services Grounds maintenance, tree planting and removing, repairs to asphalt Annual inspections

66 Update on Tools for Housing Providers Available within the new Annual Information Return (AIR) Page D2 for Nonprofits and Cooperatives Page B3 for Federal Providers

67 Year end: Unit Activity Data Report Section 103, 106, Rent Supp. GEARED TO INCOME MARKET Social Housing Annual Information Return Second Year Return 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Project Unit Type Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Occ Vac Total Bachelor 1 B Apt 2 B Apt 3 B Apt 4 B Apt 1 B Apt 2 B Apt 3 B Apt 4 B Apt 1 B TH 2 B TH 3 B TH 4 B TH 5 B TH 1 B TH 2 B TH 3 B TH 4 B TH 5 B TH Total RGI Units Bachelor 1 B Apt 2 B Apt 3 B Apt 4 B Apt 1 B Apt 2 B Apt 3 B Apt 4 B Apt 1 B TH 2 B TH 3 B TH 4 B TH 5 B TH 1 B TH 2 B TH 3 B TH 4 B TH 5 B TH Total Market Units Total Portfolio Units Instructions: (1) Include the number of units available at the end of each period (whether occupied or vacant) for each classification (2) A unit which becomes vacant retains its classification until it becomes occupied, at which time it assumes the classification of the new occupant (2) See the Guide to the Annual Information Return for the definition of an RGI and Market unit. Page D2

68 QUESTIONS

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