MINEOLA, NY – September 22, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today announced that the County has received a grant totaling $6,458,35.00 that will provide rental assistance, housing relocation, and stabilization services for families and individuals during the economic crisis. The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Title I of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
“Nassau County is committed to assisting those who are already homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, and this grant will ensure they get the help and services they need in the most effective way possible,” said Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. “In this economy, many people are experiencing tough times – losing their job, falling behind on their rent or mortgage, and too often they do not know where to turn. The HPRP program gives them a place to turn.”
The Nassau County Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP), administered by the Office of Housing & Homeless Services (OHHS) works proactively with families and individuals who are in need of services during these difficult times. The funds are aimed at families and individuals who “but for this assistance” are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The goal of the program is to help people obtain long term sustainable housing and be able to maintain housing once the HPRP assistance ends.
The program consists of three key elements:
- Prevention: Providing the necessary resources and support to prevent homelessness. After identifying those most at risk, appropriate preventive measures such as financial assistance, case management, and housing stabilization are taken.
- Diversion: Prevents homelessness for those who are applying for emergency shelter. Diversion techniques include, but are not limited to: helping people to housing they have just left; using financial incentives or mediation to allow alternatives.
- Rapid Re-housing: Those who have already become homeless are re-housed using any combination of financial assistance, case management, housing location, and stabilization services.
The Nassau County HPRP offers financial assistance and case management services. Housing-related services include a variety of supports such as short-term (3 months) or medium-term (18 months maximum) rental assistance, with recertification every 3 months to verify the continued need for assistance,legal services, mediation, credit counseling, security or utility deposits, utility/rent arrears payments, moving cost, storage (up to 3 months) and case management. All financial assistance is payable directly to third-party vendors, and no cash assistance is given to program participants.
Eligible recipients of HPRP benefits include individuals and families with children who have incomes at or below 50% of the area medium income, which is currently $101,800 for a family of four; those who have no appropriate housing options identified; those who lack sufficient resources and support networks to maintain existing housing after the 18-month period of assistance ends; future affordability is a key component of eligibility for HPRP funds and must be financially independent and able to maintain their residence within the 18 month time frame allowed by the program.
