ADDITIONAL Waivers to CoC Funded Programs and YHDP that affect Rapid Re-housing Programs

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rapid Re-housing programs must adjust their policies and protocols in order to accommodate new social distancing measures. HUD released additional waivers to Rapid Re-housing program requirements on Friday, May 22 to ensure that youth are able to maintain stable housing and support while contending with the economic fallout and public health measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

New Waivers:

  • Rapid Re-housing rental assistance can now be provided past the usual 24-month restriction.

  • The waiver for in-person case management is extended another 3 months to the end of August. 

Previous Waivers: 

  • Service Providers can now place clients in Rapid Re-housing units that are higher than Fair Market Rate (FMR), but not greater than the reasonable rent

  • To place clients more quickly, service providers can now use CoC funding to pay for up to 6 months of rental and utility debts. This waiver is in place for 1 year.  

  • Case management is no longer required monthly and can be offered on an as-needed basis for the next 2 months.

  • Housing inspections are no longer required to be completed in person but should be done via videoconferencing. Once the shelter in place is lifted, the unit should be physically re-inspected.

  • New rapid re-housing leases don’t need to be yearly for the next 6 months, leases can be less than a year now as long as they are longer than 1 month.


Actions to Take Now: 

  • To use any of these waivers, service providers need to notify their HUD Field Office’s Community Planning and Development Director via email or mail. 

    • The notification must be sent 2 days before the service provider intends to use the waiver.

    • The waiver should include: 

      • Name, Title, & Contact Info for the service provider.

      • Service area(s) affected by the disaster.

      • When the waiver will start to be used.

      • Which waivers will be used (official waiver names listed here and here).

  • Determine if clients that are nearing the 24-month mark in your rapid re-housing program need to continue rental assistance. 

  • Assess current unit inspection protocols and adjust them so that they can now be completed via videoconference.

  • Work with clients to determine if they will want case management for the next 3 months. For clients who decline, consider bringing awareness to services via email/text on a regular basis.


Important Links:
 

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ADDITIONAL Waivers to ESG Funded Programs that affect Rapid Re-housing Programs and New ESG Funding Appropriations

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HUD Guidance on Landlord Engagement and COVID-19