NVFS Shared Housing Program. Presented by Gwen McQueeney, Deputy Director Northern Virginia Family Service

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1 NVFS Shared Housing Program Presented by Gwen McQueeney, Deputy Director Northern Virginia Family Service

2 Northern Virginia Family Service 92 Bed Family Shelter in Manassas, Prince William County, Virginia. Serving high barrier clients: low or no income; multiple evictions; criminal history; lack of transportation; poor or no credit; lack of education, and job training. In 2011, Northern Virginia Family Service received a grant allowing us to hire the first Housing Locator in Prince William County...bridging the gap between homelessness and housing.

3 PWC Household Income Indicators In 2013, the average weekly wage was $831.

4 Prince William County Housing Prince William County is ranked the fourth fastest growing county in the state of Virginia. At $20.26/hr, Virginia has the 8 th highest housing wage in the nation. PWC FMR for a 1 bedroom unit $1328 per month; 2 bedroom unit $1506 per month; and 3 bedroom unit $1943 per month.

5 Decline in Affordable Housing Misty Ridge apartments demolished to make way for new luxury apartments. Prescott apartments demolished to make way for construction of new residential townhomes. City of Manassas, denies two applications for Affordable Housing units. Rising rents and a decline in affordable rental units has made housing unaffordable for low income families.

6 Landlord Incentives Clients/tenants attend life skill workshops focused on How to be a Good Tenant & Basics of Renting Clients receive community case management Quicker occupancy time/lower occupancy rate Guidance with lease preparation Guaranteed rent payment Conflict guidance/resolution Semi-annual Landlord breakfast

7 Shared Housing Solutions NVFS programs Utilizing HPP (rental assistance)clients Transitional Housing Emergency Assistance Food Pantry PWC Office of Housing Utilizing Housing Choice Landlords PWC Area on Aging Housing opportunities in lieu of care Immigrant housing community Markets to freely advertise shared housing needs Newspaper advertisements for shared housing

8 Benefits of Shared Housing and Why it works For Home Owners and Renters with Space to Rent It is a way to prevent foreclosure It is a way to prevent eviction Off set cost of the home, such as utilities Provide a service, such as having a caregiver in the home Companionship Security Mutual agreement For the Renter (Client) High barriers, such as credit score, may not be an issue Affordable Housing Off sets living costs Possible employment opportunity Companionship Security Mutual agreement

9 Housing Partners & Tools Network Housing Locator Network Local Businesses Real Estate Brokerage Firms Property Management Volunteers Media Print newspaper, magazine, church bulletins, brochures Social Facebook, Tweeter, and Craigslist

10 Northern Virginia Family Service Gwen McQueeney, Deputy Director Direct: Kimberly Davidson, Housing Locator Direct: Andrea Eck, Director of Housing Direct:

11 Housing First Philosophy Rapid Placement into Housing Progressive Engagement Case Management Model Role of Coordinated Entry

12 Rapid Re-Housing Services and Eligibility Housing Start-Up Financial Assistance Housing Search Assistance and Advocacy Time-Limited Graduated Rental Subsidy up to One Year Housing Stability Case Management Services Literally Homeless (Streets or Shelter) Under 30% of AMI for family size ($1,950 per month for a family of three)

13 Housing Landscape Snohomish and Neighboring Counties 2014 Fair Market Rents: $913 one bedroom, $1,123 two bedroom, $1,655 three bedroom Vacancy Rate 4% for properties with rents that exceed $1,000 per month; 3% for properties with rents less than $1,000 per month.

14 Participant Barriers No Income or Low-Income Unemployed No Employment History No Rental History Prior Evictions Property Damage Debts Owed to Prior Landlords Criminal History Bad or No Credit

15 Housing Search Assistance and Advocacy: Building Your Landlord Network Work with a landlord liaison, Housing Authorities and other programs within your agency to develop landlord inventory Attend Landlord or Property Management Association Meetings to pitch your agency/programs Ask your current landlords and clients for references

16 Housing Search and Advocacy: Negotiating with Landlords Run a Tenant Screening to Identify Barriers Coach clients to address issues diplomatically with landlords and get as involved as needed/appropriate Emphasize work client has done since discrepancies took place: counseling, education, employment, drug/alcohol treatment, parenting classes, renter certification, etc. Emphasize any improvement in credit or payment plans established

17 Housing Search and Advocacy: Negotiating with Landlords Emphasize work client will do in the program and new supports client will have access to. Letters of community support: service providers, educators, employers Emphasize your involvement as a case manager Negotiate around lease terms Offer last month s rent, increased deposits No promises

18 Housing Stability Case Management: Maintaining Landlord Relationships Tenant Education and Conflict Coaching Constant Communication with Landlord Act Immediately When Issues Arise Involve the Landlord in the Resolution Do Not Relocate Clients unless Absolutely Necessary Help Create Peaceful Transitions Appreciate and Support Clients and Landlords

19 Housing Placement Outcomes 189 Households/456 Individuals Enrolled Since Households/382 Individuals Housed Average time to house is 26 days 92% Stably Housed at Exit