46
New York City Continuum of Care VIRTUAL GRANTEE MEETING MAY 29, 2020

New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

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Page 1: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

New York City Continuum of CareVIRTUAL GRANTEE MEETING

MAY 29 2020

HousekeepingSeveral topics to cover and presenters limited time together

Keep your audio muted unless speaking

Feel free to share resources experiences etc in chat box

Submit questions in chat box

bull Welcome to respond to questions and share relevant infoexperiences

bull Amanda will oversee the chatbox and keep note of questions

Speakers

Martha Kenton Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting ndash HUD Continuum of Care NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)

Robin PagliucoDirector of Coordinated Entry Customized Assistance Services NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Craig RetchlessAssistant Deputy Commissioner Customized Assistance Services NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Emma CathellSenior Administrative Analyst Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)

Lorraine Coleman MA CASACbull Interim Senior Vice President Real Estate Management and

Tenant Services Acacia Networkbull Evaluation Committee Co-Chair

Speakers

Alyson Zikmundbull Executive Director of Policy amp Rental Assistance Office of

Development NYC Housing Preservation amp Development (HPD)

bull CoC Steering Committee and CAPS Committee Co-Chair

Charles Winklerbull Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting

NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)bull Performance Management and Evaluation Workgroup

Co-Chair

Amanda Slaterbull Program Coordinator Federal Homeless Policy amp

Reporting NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)bull SOAR Workgroup Co-Chair

Melissa Stevensonbull HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting NYC

Department of Social Services (DSS)bull Data Management Workgroup Co-Chair

MEETING AGENDA

1 Reminders amp Updates

2 HMIS Updates

3 CAPS Check-In

4 COVID-19 Response Resources

5 Q amp A

Reminders amp Updates

Communications

bull COVID-19 Provider Questionnaire

bull Be sure to sign up for our newsletter

bull Updates on CoC Website

bull COVID-19 Resources

bull Governance Charter adopted

Check out our website for up-to-date information httpswww1nycgovsitenycccocproviderscovid-19-resourcespage

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 2: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

HousekeepingSeveral topics to cover and presenters limited time together

Keep your audio muted unless speaking

Feel free to share resources experiences etc in chat box

Submit questions in chat box

bull Welcome to respond to questions and share relevant infoexperiences

bull Amanda will oversee the chatbox and keep note of questions

Speakers

Martha Kenton Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting ndash HUD Continuum of Care NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)

Robin PagliucoDirector of Coordinated Entry Customized Assistance Services NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Craig RetchlessAssistant Deputy Commissioner Customized Assistance Services NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Emma CathellSenior Administrative Analyst Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)

Lorraine Coleman MA CASACbull Interim Senior Vice President Real Estate Management and

Tenant Services Acacia Networkbull Evaluation Committee Co-Chair

Speakers

Alyson Zikmundbull Executive Director of Policy amp Rental Assistance Office of

Development NYC Housing Preservation amp Development (HPD)

bull CoC Steering Committee and CAPS Committee Co-Chair

Charles Winklerbull Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting

NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)bull Performance Management and Evaluation Workgroup

Co-Chair

Amanda Slaterbull Program Coordinator Federal Homeless Policy amp

Reporting NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)bull SOAR Workgroup Co-Chair

Melissa Stevensonbull HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting NYC

Department of Social Services (DSS)bull Data Management Workgroup Co-Chair

MEETING AGENDA

1 Reminders amp Updates

2 HMIS Updates

3 CAPS Check-In

4 COVID-19 Response Resources

5 Q amp A

Reminders amp Updates

Communications

bull COVID-19 Provider Questionnaire

bull Be sure to sign up for our newsletter

bull Updates on CoC Website

bull COVID-19 Resources

bull Governance Charter adopted

Check out our website for up-to-date information httpswww1nycgovsitenycccocproviderscovid-19-resourcespage

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 3: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Speakers

Martha Kenton Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting ndash HUD Continuum of Care NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)

Robin PagliucoDirector of Coordinated Entry Customized Assistance Services NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Craig RetchlessAssistant Deputy Commissioner Customized Assistance Services NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Emma CathellSenior Administrative Analyst Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)

Lorraine Coleman MA CASACbull Interim Senior Vice President Real Estate Management and

Tenant Services Acacia Networkbull Evaluation Committee Co-Chair

Speakers

Alyson Zikmundbull Executive Director of Policy amp Rental Assistance Office of

Development NYC Housing Preservation amp Development (HPD)

bull CoC Steering Committee and CAPS Committee Co-Chair

Charles Winklerbull Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting

NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)bull Performance Management and Evaluation Workgroup

Co-Chair

Amanda Slaterbull Program Coordinator Federal Homeless Policy amp

Reporting NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)bull SOAR Workgroup Co-Chair

Melissa Stevensonbull HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting NYC

Department of Social Services (DSS)bull Data Management Workgroup Co-Chair

MEETING AGENDA

1 Reminders amp Updates

2 HMIS Updates

3 CAPS Check-In

4 COVID-19 Response Resources

5 Q amp A

Reminders amp Updates

Communications

bull COVID-19 Provider Questionnaire

bull Be sure to sign up for our newsletter

bull Updates on CoC Website

bull COVID-19 Resources

bull Governance Charter adopted

Check out our website for up-to-date information httpswww1nycgovsitenycccocproviderscovid-19-resourcespage

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 4: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Speakers

Alyson Zikmundbull Executive Director of Policy amp Rental Assistance Office of

Development NYC Housing Preservation amp Development (HPD)

bull CoC Steering Committee and CAPS Committee Co-Chair

Charles Winklerbull Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting

NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)bull Performance Management and Evaluation Workgroup

Co-Chair

Amanda Slaterbull Program Coordinator Federal Homeless Policy amp

Reporting NYC Department of Social Services (DSS)bull SOAR Workgroup Co-Chair

Melissa Stevensonbull HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting NYC

Department of Social Services (DSS)bull Data Management Workgroup Co-Chair

MEETING AGENDA

1 Reminders amp Updates

2 HMIS Updates

3 CAPS Check-In

4 COVID-19 Response Resources

5 Q amp A

Reminders amp Updates

Communications

bull COVID-19 Provider Questionnaire

bull Be sure to sign up for our newsletter

bull Updates on CoC Website

bull COVID-19 Resources

bull Governance Charter adopted

Check out our website for up-to-date information httpswww1nycgovsitenycccocproviderscovid-19-resourcespage

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 5: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

MEETING AGENDA

1 Reminders amp Updates

2 HMIS Updates

3 CAPS Check-In

4 COVID-19 Response Resources

5 Q amp A

Reminders amp Updates

Communications

bull COVID-19 Provider Questionnaire

bull Be sure to sign up for our newsletter

bull Updates on CoC Website

bull COVID-19 Resources

bull Governance Charter adopted

Check out our website for up-to-date information httpswww1nycgovsitenycccocproviderscovid-19-resourcespage

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 6: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Reminders amp Updates

Communications

bull COVID-19 Provider Questionnaire

bull Be sure to sign up for our newsletter

bull Updates on CoC Website

bull COVID-19 Resources

bull Governance Charter adopted

Check out our website for up-to-date information httpswww1nycgovsitenycccocproviderscovid-19-resourcespage

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 7: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Communications

bull COVID-19 Provider Questionnaire

bull Be sure to sign up for our newsletter

bull Updates on CoC Website

bull COVID-19 Resources

bull Governance Charter adopted

Check out our website for up-to-date information httpswww1nycgovsitenycccocproviderscovid-19-resourcespage

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 8: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Check out our website for up-to-date information httpswww1nycgovsitenycccocproviderscovid-19-resourcespage

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 9: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Food Access Updates

bull Individual tenant sign-up via this link

bull Transitioning from bulk delivery to individual delivery by July 1

bull Get Food will train building staff to become ldquotrusted enrollersrdquo for tenants

bull More to come from HPD and SHNNY

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 10: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Income Recertification Reminder24 CFR 57877 Calculating occupancy charges and rent

bull Recipients and subrecipients must examine a program participants income initiallybull If there is a change or a decrease in the residents income during the year the

resident may request an interim reexamination and the occupancy charge will be adjusted accordingly

bull Recipients or subrecipients must examine a program participants income initially and at least annually thereafter to determine the amount of the contribution toward rent payable by the program participant bull Adjustments to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

must be made as changes in income are identified

bull Each program participant must agree to supply the information or documentation necessary to verify the program participants incomebull Program participants must provide the recipient or subrecipient with information

at any time regarding changes in income or other circumstances that may result in changes to a program participants contribution toward the rental payment

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 11: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Income Recertification Reminder

bull Tenants who have experienced a loss in income can recertify at any time bull HPD Subrecipients

Participants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in incomefill out Reporting Income Decrease form (Formulario para informar unadisminucioacuten de ingresos) and send it to DTRIncomeDecreasehpdnycgov or by fax to 212-863-5299

bull NYCHAYou may request an Interim Recertification quickly and easily through the Self-Service Portal using a smartphone computer tablet or other internet-enabled device If you do not have access to the internet you can obtain the Voucher Holders Request for Interim Change form by calling NYCHArsquos Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771

bull CoC Rental Assistance can pay the full contract rent Minimum rent for Section 8 for both NYCHA amp HPD is $50

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 12: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

HMIS Updates

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 13: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

HMIS Updates

HMIS Income Updates

bull Per HUD the $1200 stimulus payments should NOT be recorded as income

bull The additional $600 stimulus-funded unemployment insurance should also NOT be included however ldquoregularrdquo unemployment insurance should continue to be entered as income

There are currently no changes to HMIS related to COVID-19

bull HUD indicated there may be minor changes to the project descriptor data elements (most likely related to ESG-CV and HOPWA-CV funding) which would go into effect on October 1 2020

Reminder for AWARDS users

bull Foothold has made a COVID-19 screening form available to AWARDS users which can be modified to meet your programrsquos needs

bull This data is not HMIS data ndash the data entered on this form is not currently being uploaded into the NYC HMIS Data Warehouse

bull A Word version of this form can be found here

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 14: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

CAPS Check-In

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 15: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

CAPS System Redesign The PACT system is being redesigned to better incorporate the HUD

requirements for Coordinated Entry

The new system will be called CAPS acronym for Coordinated Assessment and Placement System

The Coordinated Assessment Survey will be integrated into the supportive housing application (aka 2010e) in the new system

Referring agencies will have functionality of adding documents and information from prior SH applications for more complete client history

Housing providers will receive referrals in the new system electronically and be able to schedule interviews provide interview outcomes and report move in and out information for better vacancy control

CAPS will match unit level detail with client eligibility and preferences for more efficient intake for supportive housing providers less no shows and client rejections

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 16: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

CAPS Implementation HRA will provide training to referring agencies and housing providers

closer to the ldquogo liverdquo date of 10122020

For more details on the new CAPS system tune into the CSH sponsored webinar in late June ndash details will be forwarded to CoCcommunity

HRA will be reaching out to many providers ahead of the system launch for information on supportive housing programs we will need for the new system

As with any new system there will be a learning curve for optimal utilization so start to identify lead persons within your agency that can assist with the elbow training for your staff

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 17: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

CAPS COVID 19 Response HRA extended all approved supportive housing applications (as of

31520) until 83120

HRA expanded list of professionals that can complete the psychiatric evaluation for the application

CAPS committee is meeting to evaluate prioritization for referral to supportive housing for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 18: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

COVID-19 Response amp Resources

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 19: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Grant Amendments amp Extensions

Amendments

bull Currently FY 2018 executed grant agreements are available for amendment

bull Add eligible activities not originally part of your grant such as Supportive Services

bull Move funding between budget line items including from Rental Assistance

Extensions

bull You may extend the operating year of your current grant to fully utilize all awarded funding The latest extended operating end date allowed for 2018 grants is December 31 2020

bull This change will impact future renewals by permanently changing the grantrsquos operating start date

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 20: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Step 1 Visit the resource CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments by State on the HUD Exchange

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 21: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Step 2 Scroll below and click on lsquoNew Yorkrsquo

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 22: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Step 3 Scroll to NY-600 and Click CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendment

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 23: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Returning to the HUD Word document go to ldquoViewrdquo and click ldquoNavigation Panerdquo bull This will show and index

on the left pane of the document

This will open a giant Word document with amendments for every NYC CoC Grantbull Make sure you click

ldquoEnable Editingrdquo in the yellow ribbon on top

Before navigating this document go ahead and create a new blank document bull Shortcut for a new

document Ctrl + N Command + N

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 24: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

4 Once itrsquos on the new page delete the recitals that you do not want to amend (HUD has the directions highlighted in the body of each amendment)

1 Type in the grant of the grant you would like to amend in the ldquoSearch document boxrdquo

2 Once you find your grant highlight all the text on the pages of your grantbull Please note it should be

3-5 pagesbull Donrsquot forget the

signature page

3 Once all highlighted copy [right click or Ctrl + C Command + C]

Then paste it [Ctrl + V Command + V] onto the new document you already createdbull Donrsquot adjust formatting

5 Enter the amended informationSign and date the agreement and email to CPD_COVID-19AmendmentNYHUDgov

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 25: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Proactively Identifying Project Performance Impacts of COVID-19Evaluation Workgroup met May 19 via Zoom to gainfeedback from CoC-funded agencies regarding theimpact COVID-19 is having on project performance(based on the annual Evaluation metrics)

Evaluation Workgroup Participation

35

80 CoC-funded Agencies

Areas of

Potential ImpactContributing Factors

Capacity bull Challenges with obtaining unit inspections

(can also impact bull Challenges with unit viewings

grant spend bull Overall slowdown in backfill process

down) bull Tenants passing away

bull Admissions halted due to Setting

bull Admissions halted due to Home Visit Suspension

Income bull Loss of EARNED income

bull Cash benefits increase for those in need

bull Significant slowdown in SSISSDI processing

bull Technology challenges in completing unemployment

applications

bull Challenges in obtaining benefits due to COVID

Other areas noted

Data Uploads are being completed but quality is not being reviewed

Technology Challenges experienced by staff and clients

Length of Stay will increase for RRH amp Youth

Agencies in Attendance

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 26: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Record-keeping during COVID-19CAPTURING FINANCIAL AND CLIENT CHANGES

Corporation for Supportive Housing Resources

bull COVID-19 Budget amp Expense Tracker

bull COVID-19 Resident amp Client Tracking Spreadsheet

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 27: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Eligible Use of Funds

Administrative Funds

bull CoC project administrative funds can be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Supportive Services

bull Assistance acquiring essential household supplies (food water medications transportation information)

bull Hiring additional staff to assist in service delivery

bull Cellphones and wireless plans to enable remote case management services

bull Note Cellphones may only be loaned to program participants and must be returned to the Organization after use

Operations

bull Essential furnishings maintenance and equipment that support operating housing during crises

bull Hiring of staff to support housing operations

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 28: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

APR Submissions

bull Projects are still expected to submit APRs monthly

bull Final drawdowns on grants must be complete when submitting the APR

bull If an extension is needed to submit an accurate and complete APR please contact your local HUD Field Officeo Please communicate the request to the

Federal Homeless Policy team and document the reasons for your timeliness issues

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 29: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management to be covered with May 22 waivers

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

HUD Continuum of Care Mega-Waivers

One-Year Lease Requirement

Click here to view HUDrsquos Memorandum

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 30: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

HUD Continuum of CareMega-Waivers

Steps to take for requesting a waiver

bull Please notify your local CPD Field Office by email expressing your intent to utilize a specific waiver two days before you anticipate using the flexibility

bull Attachment 1 of the memorandum provides details of the exact information the recipient must include in their notification

bull Not necessary to wait for a response from HUD to utilize the Waiver

bull Send email notifying of intent to use then begin using it on the date specified

bull Forward email to CoC for our records

bull Recommended to establish a set of emergency policies and procedures for use during the COVID-19 pandemic

bull This should outline the waivers you plan to utilize and describe the records you will maintain to support those waivers

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 31: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Requirement Rent payments for individual units with leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR)

Applicability The FMR restriction is waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide transitional or permanent supportive housing during the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

The affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for individual units that are leased with CoC Program leasing dollars meet the rent reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 57849(b)(2)

Fair Market Rent for Individual Units and Leasing Costs

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 32: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Disability Documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Requirement A recipient providing PSH must serve individual and families where one member of the household has a qualifying disability (for dedicated projects and DedicatedPlus projects that individual must be the head of household)

The recipient must document a qualifying disability of one of the household members When documentation of disability is the intake workerrsquos observation the regulation requires the recipient to obtain additional confirming evidence within 45 days

Applicability The requirement that intake staff-recorded observation of disability be confirmed and accompanied by other evidence no later than 45 days from the application for assistance documentation requirement is waived for any program participants admitted into PSH funded by the CoC Program for the 6-month period beginning on the date of this memorandum

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 33: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Limit on Eligible Housing Search and Counseling Services

Requirement With respect to program participantrsquos debts 24 CFR 57853(ed)(8)(ii)(B) only allows the costs of credit counseling accessing a free personal credit report and resolving personal credit issues 24 CFR 57853(d) limits the use of CoC Program funds for providing services to only those costs listed in the interim rule

Applicability The limitation on eligible housing search and counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used for up to 6 months of a program participantrsquos utility arrears and up to 6 months of program participantrsquos rent arrears when those arrears make it difficult to obtain housing This waiver is in effect one-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 34: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) ndash Initial Physical Inspection of Unit

Requirement Recipients are required to physically inspect any unit supported with leasing or rental assistance funds to assure that the unit meets housing quality standards (HQS) before any assistance will be provided on behalf of a program participant

Applicability This waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 57875(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on behalf of a program participant is in effect for 6-months beginning on the date of this memorandum for recipients and subrecipients that are able to meet the following criteria a The recipient is able to visually inspect the unit using

technology such as video streaming to ensure the unit meets HQS before any assistance is provided and

b b The recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer necessary

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 35: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

HQS ndash Re-Inspection of Units

Requirement Recipients or subrecipients must inspect all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used at least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 578(b)(2) is waived for 1-year beginning on the date of this memorandum

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 36: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

One-Year Lease Requirement

Requirement Program participants residing in PSH must be the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable and terminable for cause

Applicability The one-year lease requirement is waived for six-months beginning on the date of this memorandum so long as the initial lease term of all leases is for more than one month

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 37: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

As of May 22 Additional HUD Continuum of Care Waivers

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Click here to view HUDrsquos May 22 Memorandum

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 38: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Requirement CoC Program funds may be used to provide short-term (up to 3 months) andor medium-term (for 3 to 24 months) tenant-based rental assistance

Applicability The 24-month rental assistance restriction is waived for program participants in a permanent housing rapid re-housing project who will have reached 24 months of rental assistance beginning on the date of this memorandum until a state or local public health official has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Program participants who have reached 24 months of rental assistance during this time and who will not be able to afford their rent without additional rental assistance will be eligible to receive rental assistance until 3 months after a state or local public health official has determined that special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Permanent Housing Rapid Re-housing Limit to 24 Months of Rental Assistance

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 39: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Limit to be Eligible for DedicatedPLUS Project When Coming from Transitional Housing Being Eliminated

Requirement To be eligible for a DedicatedPLUS project an individual or family must meet the criteria of DedicatedPLUS in the Notice of Funding Availability under which the grant was awarded One of the possible criteria is residing in transitional housing that will be eliminated and meeting the definition of chronically homeless in effect at the time in which the individual or family entered the transitional housing project

Applicability The definition of DedicatedPLUS project is waived for DedicatedPLUS projects funded in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 CoC Program Competitions to allow these projects to serve individuals and families residing in transitional housing whether it is being eliminated or not as long as the individual or family met the definition of chronically homeless upon entry to the TH

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 40: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Assistance Available at Time of Renewal

Requirement With respect to renewing CoC Program awards 24 CFR 57833(c) requires that assistance for a renewal period will be up to 100 percent of the amount available for supportive services and HMIS costs in the final year of the prior funding period up to 100 percent of the amount for leasing and operating in the final year of the prior funding period adjusted in proportion to changes in FMR for the geographic area and for rental assistance up to 100 percent of the result of multiplying the number and unit size(s) in the grant agreement by the number of months in the grant agreement and the applicable FMR

Applicability The requirement that the renewal grant amount be based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being renewed is waived for all projects that amend their grant agreement between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program Competition based on the budget line items in the grants before they were amended

Recipients utilizing this waiver flexibility do not need to follow the notification process Instead HUD will consider any grant agreement amendment executed between March 31 2020 and October 1 2020 to move funds between budget line items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as notification to HUD

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 41: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing Monthly Case Management

Requirement Recipients must require program participants of permanent housing ndash rapid rehousing projects to meet with a case manager at least monthly

Applicability This requirement in 24 CFR 57837(a)(1)(ii)(F) that projects require program participants to meet with case mangers not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing- rapid re-housing projects for an additional three months beginning on the date of this memorandum

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 42: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Q amp A

You can also email your questions to nycccocdssnycgov

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 43: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

How to Raise Hand on Windows PC and Mac

Click the lsquoParticipantsrsquo button at the bottom of the screen

This brings up options to choose from including lsquoRaise handrsquo

How to Raise Hand on Android and iPhone

Click the lsquoMorersquo button at the bottom right corner of the screen and select the lsquoRaise Handrsquo option

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 44: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Thank you

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 45: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

NYC CoC Contacts

Visit wwwnychomelesscom

NYC CoC Co-Chairs

Kristen Mitchell Email mitchellkrdssnycgov

Alyson ZikmundEmail ZikmundAhpdnycgov

Carrie BlossEmailcblossprojecthospitalityorg

NYC DSS Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting Unit

Martha Kenton ndash Executive Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email kentonmdssnycgov

Charles Winkler ndash Deputy Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email winklercdssnycgov

Melissa Stevenson ndash HMIS Director Federal Homeless Policy amp Reporting - HUD Continuum of Care

Email stevensonmedssnycgov

For all general inquiries contact us at nycccocdssnycgov

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program

Page 46: New York City Continuum of Care · 2020-06-19 · Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Customized Assistance Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Emma Cathell Senior Administrative

Be Sure to Subscribe

NYC CoC Mailing List httpwwwnychomelesscom

HUD Exchange Mailing List Homeless Assistance Programs Choose Continuum of

Care Program