TITLE
Recommendation to request for authorization to open the Housing Authority Waiting List for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Housing Authority Waiting List for the HCV program was last opened in May 2003 and approximately 18,000 applications were received at that time. The majority of those applicants have been screened for eligibility and forwarded for voucher issuance. The few remaining will be processed before the new waiting list is in place.
Accordingly, authorization is requested to open the Waiting List. With authorization, it is anticipated that the Waiting List will open in mid-February 2016. The opening will be widely advertised and applications will be made available online only. Staff will be outreaching to local community organizations that serve Long Beach residents. Applicants will be given a period of not more than 14 days to complete and submit their applications. Applications received within the designated period will be randomly computer sorted; however, State and local preferences affect the order in which applicants are selected. Veterans, veterans' surviving spouses, and Long Beach residents (those who live or work in Long Beach) are selected before those applicants who are not. Other preference include those with disabilities and the elderly (age 62 or older). Applicants claiming homelessness will be referred for certification of homelessness to the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for the City of Long Beach.
To ensure the Waiting List remains viable, and new applicants do not have to wait an extended period of time to apply, this list will expire five years from the date of closing. Any applications remaining on the Waiting List at that time will expire. The applicants will be notified and the process to reopen the Waiting List will begin.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Vu and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on November 18, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIO...
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