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5-Year Plan Goals

Attachments
B.2 Goals
Goals:

1. Manage existing housing program as a High Performer. to achieve a score of 90% of above under the U.S. Department of HUD Public Housing Assessment Program.

Objective

  • Achieve high scores in the areas of physical, financial, management and capital funds.
  • Serve as good stewards of financial resources.
  • Continuously improve process, procedures, and organizational structure to meet goals.

2. Assess options to renovate and/or modernize public housing developments.

Objective

  • Conduct a physical needs assessment plan (PNA)
  • Develop a strategic plan for options based on PNA
  • Renovate kitchens / bathrooms with cabinets, countertops, and flooring. Windows, roofs, upgrade appliances

3. Continuing to Enhance the public image and marketability of the WHA communities. Increasing an understanding and need of WHA programs and services within Beaufort County.

Objective

  • Maintain curb appeal for all developments by improving landscaping; maintain the grounds, play areas, regular trash and bulky item pick up.
  • Continue to improve the website with access to information for residents, applicants, landlords and public.
  • Continue to improve social media presence to effectively communicate agency changes and events to the public at large.
  • Continue resident newsletter publication
  • Continue to produce the Annual Report on the health of WHA for the community at-large.
  • Keep the public apprised of WHA events, programs, and services through the news releases to the local media.

4. Implement and enhance security measures to ensure communities are provided a safe and secure environment.

Objective

  • Promote safety through improved lighting, fencing, signage,
  • Commit capital funding to install security cameras on our public housing properties.
  • Continue to enhance working relationships with resident councils and local law enforcement.
  • Continue to update a list of persons banned from our properties directly related to their involvement in violent and drug-related criminal activities.
  • Conduct personal safety training for WHA and residents.

5. Deliver timely and high-quality management services to the residents of WHA.

Objective

  • Promote excellent customer service
  • Improve staff skills through training and certifications.
  • Conduct customer service surveys and quality inspection checks of work performed.

6. Manage the HCV Program effectively to maintain high performer under the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP)

Objective

  • Increase voucher utilization rate above 80% while maintaining a voucher fund utilization of 100% to prevent funding shortfalls.
  • Conduct 100% of all annual re-certifications and HQS inspections timely for HCV participants.
  • Perform initial inspections within 14 days of the receipt of the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA).

7. Increase assisted housing choices

Objective

  • Conduct outreach efforts to potential voucher landlords.
    • Annual informational HCV program for participating and non-participating landlords/agents to explain program basics.
    • Provide detailed information for prospective landlords on our website.
  • Encourage homeownership
    • Continue the HCV Homeownership Program
    • Continue homeownership counseling through HUD approved counseling agencies.
    • Promote homeownership assistance programs such as Habitat for Humanity, NACA and other agencies to make the American Dream more accessible to the families we serve.
  • Apply for voucher opportunities as they become available.

8. Improve WHA resident's access to services that support economic opportunity and quality of life.

Objective

  • Apply for the FSS and ROSS Coordinator grant
  • Continue to partner with supportive agencies
  • Improve the functionality of the Resident Council and Resident Advisory Board
  • Apply for additional funding opportunities available to WHA: not limited to the below mentioned grants.
    • Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant
    • Housing Related Hazards Grants
    • Moving to Work

B.3 Progress Report.

The Washington Housing Authority is proud to report on the progress made over the last five (5) years.

HUD Strategic Goal: Increase the availability of decent, safe, and affordable housing.

Objective: Achieve required scores in the areas of physical, financial, management operations and capital funds

  • WHA scored 90% or higher under the U.S. Department of HUD Public Housing Assessment Program

Objective: Assess options to rebuild, renovate and/or modernize public housing developments

  • 115 new HVAC units in the Oak Crest community.
  • Window replacement for 50 units in the Eastern Village community.
  • Parking-lot paving throughout the communities.
  • Balcony door replacement for the East Haven community.
  • HVAC replacement for the Easthaven property 40 units.
  • Roof replacement throughout the Oakcrest Community.

Objective: Enhance the public image and marketability of the WHA communities thereby increasing an understanding and need of WHA programs and services within Beaufort County.

  • WHA website has been redesigned to be more accessible by the residents, landlords, and community at large.
  • Quarterly newsletters are sent out.
  • News updates are provided regularly on the WHA website and social media pages.

Objective: Implement and enhance security measures that ensure communities are provided a safe and secure environment.

  • Security Cameras were installed in the Old Fort Community
  • Ban List remains updated and submitted to law enforcement.
  • A relationship has been built between the Washington Police Department and WHA. An officer has been assigned to assist WHA with its needs.

Objective: Deliver timely and high-quality management services to the residents of WHA

  • Customer Service Surveys implemented.
  • Training of staff to increase skillset.
  • Quality Control Report for Work orders

Objective: Manage the HCV Program in an effective and efficient manner to maintain high performer under the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP)

  • Initial Inspection have been conducted timely to increase lease up.
  • Inspections have been conducted via a contracting agent (US Inspections) when necessary.
  • Currently Standard Performer but striving to increase score.

Objective: Increase assisted housing choices

  • HCV Admin Funds are utilized for landlord incentives for adding new units.
  • More Landlords are willing to participate with the HCV program than previous years.
    • Currently there are 97 active owners.
  • WHA has one Homeownership participant. Outreach efforts are continuing to grow this program.

Objective: Undertake affirmative action measures to ensure access to assisted families regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status and disability.

  • WHA has implemented a fair housing policy in the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan as well as the Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Objective: Undertake affirmative measures to provide suitable living environment for families living in assisted housing, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.

  • WHA has implemented a fair housing policy in the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan as well as the Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Objective: Undertake affirmative measures to ensure accessible housing to persons with all varieties of disabilities regardless of unit size required.

  • WHA has implemented a fair housing policy in the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan as well as the Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

B.4: Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA) Goals:

The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA), as reauthorized effective immediately, is now known as VAWA 2013. This Act covers both the public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs, if applicable, administered by public housing authorities. VAWA 2013 expanded these protections to cover tax credit programs, too. The State of North Carolina also has protections that cover all housing types, not just federally assisted housing. VAWA provides protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assaults to prevent them from losing housing as a result of being a victim (hereafter referred to collectively as "domestic violence"). This protection also extends to immediate family or other individuals residing in the household. Immediate family is defined as a spouse, parent, brother, sister or child of the victim, or an individual to whom that person stands in loco parentis; or any other person residing in the unit that is in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.

Implementation Plan

In 2006, Washington Housing Authority (WHA) mailed or hand delivered notification to all HCV households and public housing addresses to inform them of the protections provided under VAWA. Since that time, WHA has continued to inform new move-ins to public housing to make them aware of the VAWA protections. WHA posts information in management offices and waiting rooms to make housing participants and applicants aware of their option to seek protections if they are victims of domestic violence.

WHA strictly enforces its lease agreement in areas of criminal activity, disruptions to the neighborhood, and property damage. In most cases, WHA does not know if a person is a victim of domestic violence unless the victim reports this to the WHA. It is the obligation of the victim, applicant, or victim's advocate to make this status known to WHA. At any time, it is made known to WHA that a participant or applicant is a victim of domestic violence, WHA will pause its negative action to allow the victim the time needed to provide documentation of the abuse.

Documentation of Domestic Violence

WHA will provide, in writing, HUD form 50066 to be completed by the victim within 14 business days or the victim may choose to submit third party documentation. Third party documentation may include local law enforcement records, documentation signed by the victim and an employee, agent of a victim service provider, an attorney, medical or mental health professional from which the victim has sought assistance. The professional attests under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. 1746) that he or she believes the incidence of domestic violence is grounds for protection under VAWA regulations. If the victim does not return the HUD 50066 or the third party verification within 14 business days or secure an extension from WHA, the victim cannot be assured of receiving VAWA protections. Once the HUD form or third party verification is provided, WHA will not seek additional evidence from the victim. All of the information will be treated confidentially and will not be shared with any other entity or individual.

Assistance for Victims

Each situation is different and victims of domestic violence will be assisted on a case by case basis, depending on the individual circumstances. The following are some of the actions WHA may take.

  • Lease Bifurcation - WHA may split a lease agreement to remove the offender and allow the victim and other household members to remain. If the offender is the head of household, WHA will provide the remaining adult household member the opportunity to establish eligibility or a reasonable time in which to find another dwelling.
  • Moving without proper notice - If a documented victim must vacate a unit in order to be safe, WHA will not use this as grounds for the termination of housing assistance.
  • Emergency Transfers - WHA generally maintains 97% occupancy levels in public housing which may result in a vacant unit being unavailable. VAWA indicates that victims of a sexual assault that occurred in their dwelling should be transferred within 90 days. WHA will attempt to meet this time frame but cannot guarantee it as a vacant unit may not be available. WHA will consider over-housing a family in this situation to expedite the transfer. To qualify for a VAWA emergency transfer, the tenant must request the transfer in writing and reasonably believe he or she is under threat of imminent harm. Transfers are at the expense of the family.
  • Securing Access to Unit - WHA will change the locks within 24 hours at no cost if requested to do so by a victim of domestic violence. However, the lock changes will not be done free of charge multiple times when the occupant continues to share the key with the abuser. Also, with the concurrence of the victim, WHA will trespass the abuser from public housing property. All victims of domestic violence should report the incidents to their manager as soon as practical and safe to do so. All such reports will be kept confidential.
  • In cases where two household members both claim to be the victim and name the other household member as the perpetrator, WHA will require third party documentation to determine the actual status of the household members.

Grounds for Eviction and/or Termination of Assistance

Nothing in this policy may be construed to limit the authority of WHA to terminate housing assistance to any tenant or lawful occupant if WHA can demonstrate an actual and imminent threat to other tenants, WHA employees, or others providing services to the public housing or property. Actual and imminent threat consists of a physical danger that is real, would occur within an immediate time frame, and could result in death or bodily harm. The factors that will be considered include: the duration of the risk, the nature and severity of the potential harm, and the likelihood that the potential harm will occur. As is the case with all terminations of assistance, the affected family will have the option of asking for a grievance or an informal hearing if they disagree with the termination.

Resources

Attention Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking

If you are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking you have legal protections under both state and federal statutes. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) prevents a victim from losing housing due to being a victim of abuse. However, in order to receive these protections the victim must report the issue to their landlord. Police reports or certifications from the victim or service provider may be provided. VAWA requires this information to be handled in a private and confidential manner. If the abuse is not reported the housing provider may treat police calls as criminal activity and pursue ease termination.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking the following resources are available to provide assistance.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    • 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
    • www.TheHotline.org
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline
    • 1.800.656.HOPE (4673)
  • North Carolina Legal Aid
    • 919.828.4647
    • 866.219.5262

C1. Significant Amendment or Modification Defined

Definition of Substantial Deviation and Significant Amendment or Modification for the 5-Year and Annual Plan FY 2025-2029

PHAs are required to define and adopt their own standards of substantial deviation from the 5-year plan and significant amendment to the Annual Plan. The definition of significant amendment is important because it describes when the PHA will subject a change to the policies or activities described in the Annual Plan to full public hearing and HUD review before implementation [24CFR Part 903.7(r)].

a. Definition of Substantial Deviation from the 5-Year Plan

The Washington Housing Authority shall define Substantial Deviation from the five-year plan as follows:

  • Any collective change in the planned or actual use of federal funds for activities that would prohibit or redirect the Washington Housing Authority strategic goals or mission of providing eligible families with stable and affordable housing while treating each person with dignity and respect from being implemented as identified in the five-year plan.

    This includes elimination or major change in any activities proposed, or policies provided in the agency plan that would momentously affect services or programs provided to residents. This definition does not include budget revisions, changes in organizational structure, changes resulting from HUD-imposed regulations, or minor policy changes.

  • Any collective change in the planned or actual use of federal funds as identified in the 5-year play that exceeds 20% of the Washington Housing Authority's annual program budget for all combined public housing activities to include in the Capital Fund Program.

b. Definition of Significant Amendment or Modification to the Annual and 5-year Plan

  • Changes of a sufficient nature to the rent, admissions policies, or the organization of the waiting list not required by federal regulatory requirements as to a change in the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan or the Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy.
  • Change to the Washington Housing Authority's plans effecting the demolition or disposition of public housing, designation of senior or disabled housing, the homeownership program, and a plan to convert public housing units to other than assisted housing.
  • This includes elimination or major changes to any activities proposed, or policies provided in the agency plan that would momentously affect services or programs provided residents. This definition does not include budget revisions, changes in organizational structure, changes resulting from HUD-imposed regulations, or minor policy changes.

c. Capital Fund Program Definition or Significant Amendment or Modification to the Annual and 5-year Plan

  • A proposed demolition, disposition, homeownership, Capital Fund Financing, development, or mixed finance proposal are considered by HUD to be significant amendments to CFP 5-year Action Plan based on the Capital Fund Rule

Demolition and or Disposition

  • Lot off Sparrow Drive cul-de-sac. An unused parcel of land is requested for disposition for continuing the affordable housing NRP program.
    • On February 8, 1973, the Redevelopment Commission of the City of Washington sold to the Washington Housing Authority Disposal Parcel No. 28 shown on the attached map. This parcel was part of several other much larger parcels sold to the Authority, which were to become Old Fort Housing Project, NC 32-4. This project was completed in April 1974.

C2. Resident Advisory Board (RAB) Comments (Update)

The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) formally met on June 24, 2024, at 2 PM.

Awaiting Update

The Washington Housing Authority (WHA) did send out surveys in March 2024 to all public housing residents regarding any recommendations to improve housing accommodations. The WHA received the following comments:

  1. Remodeling of bathrooms (Eastern Village, Easthaven)
  2. Remodeling of kitchens (Old Fort Community, Oakcrest)
  3. Exterior Door Replacement (Eastern Village
  4. Floor replacement (Eastern Village, Oakcrest, Westbrook)
  5. Appliance Replacement (Westbrook)
  6. HVAC replacement ( Westbrook)

The recommendations from residents have been incorporated in WHA's overall Capital Fund plan for the next five (5) years.

Housing/Family needs questions that were asked on the 2024 Resident Survey:

  1. Would you like any information on the following (% of response reported):
    1. Housekeeping Skills (12%)
    2. Mental Health (16%)
    3. Budgeting (28%)
    4. Local services for residents (56%)
    5. Continuing Education (28%)
  2. Do you have any immediate household needs? (% of response reported):
    1. Food (9.5%)
    2. Bedding (47%)
    3. Furniture (38.10)
    4. Transportation (33.3%)

Capital Funds Projects 2025-2029

The Washington Housing Authority will continue the renovations and upkeep of its public housing properties over the next five (5) years. These projects have been listed below along with cost estimates:

  • Eastern Village
    • Roofs
    • $200,000
    • CFP 26
  • Eastern Village Annex
    • Roofs
    • $200,000
    • CFP 27
  • Site-Wide
    • Tree removal
    • $70,000
    • CFP 25
  • Site-Wide
    • Tree Removal
    • $70,000
    • CFP 2
  • Old Fort
    • Kitchen Renovations
    • $390,000, $195,000 per year
    • PT1: CFP 25, PT2: CFP 26
  • Old Fort
    • Vinyl Siding
    • $500,000.00, $250,000,00 per year
    • PT1: CFP 25, PT2: CFP 26
  • Site-Wide
    • Sidewalks
    • $50,000, $145,000
    • CFP 26, CFP 27
  • Westbrook
    • HVAC Replacement
    • $350,000
    • CFP 24
  • Sitewide
    • Bathroom Renovations
    • $200,000
    • CFP 27
  • Easthaven
    • Common areas painting
    • $50,000
    • CFP 27
  • Old Fort
    • Roofs
    • $400,000
    • CFP 29
  • Eastern Village
    • HVAC Replacement
    • $175,000
    • PT 2: CFP 25
  • Eastern Village Annex
    • HVAC Replacement
    • $400,000
    • CFP 28
  • Site-wide
    • Plumbing
    • $50,000, $100,000
    • CFP 27, CFP 28
  • Capital Fund Year - 2025
    • Number of Projected Projects - 4
    • Total Estimated Costs - $690,000.00
  • Capital Fund Year - 2026
    • Number of Projected Projects - 4
    • Total Estimated Costs - $695,000.00
  • Capital Fund Year - 2027
    • Number of Projected Projects - 6
    • Total Estimated Costs - $695,000.00
  • Capital Fund Year - 2028
    • Number of Projected Projects - 4
    • Total Estimated Costs - $690,000.00
  • Capital Fund Year - 2029
    • Number of Projected Projects - 4
    • Total Estimated Costs - $690,000.00