Applications Currently Being Accepted – New Income Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced new income guidelines to be applied to all federal assistance programs. The new guidelines represent a slight increase in the amount of funds an individual or family can earn, and still qualify for assistance.
Applications are being accepted for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) funds and are now using these new guidelines.
Applicants must call 2-1-1 between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays, for a preliminary screening. Funds are extremely limited and the following guidelines will be strictly adhered to.
INCOME
Applicants must have a stable or consistent income, or immediate plans to obtain income. Income includes wages, disability or other government payments, child support, and unemployment benefits among other forms of payment.
Annual income cannot exceed the following federal government program limits, which were raised on June 1, 2011. A family of 2 can earn no more than $25,650 a year to be eligible.
| 50% AMI* |
$22,450 |
$25,650 |
$28,850 |
$32,050 |
$34,650 |
$37,200 |
$39,750 |
$42,350 |
|---|
*Area Median Family Income
CURRENT HOUSING STATUS
Applicants must have an imminent threat of becoming homeless, an eviction notice or foreclosure action. For homeowners facing foreclosure, HPRP cannot make mortgage payments but can help relocate a foreclosed household to rental housing.
People who are homeless can apply. A homeless person is someone who is sleeping on the street, or in a place not designed for sleeping, or in a homeless shelter.
OPTIONS
Applicants must have no other options for housing. This means the applicant does not have the opportunity to live with family or friends.
STABILITY
Applicants must show that they can maintain housing on their own after receiving short-term, temporary HPRP assistance.
FORMAL APPLICATION
When calling 2-1-1, applicants will be asked to confirm this information. Those who meet the criteria from the phone interview will be scheduled for intake. Documentation will be required to prove that the criteria are met.
HOUSING PLAN
The applicant must meet with a case manager and develop a plan which will lead them to stable housing after the HPRP assistance ends.
The HPRP was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The City has assisted 272 households since the program began in November 2009.
OTHER RESOURCES
Those who do not meet these criteria should not apply. However, information regarding other resources may be obtained by calling 2-1-1 and asking about general information for rent and utility assistance.
