Date: November 19, 2020
To: Housing Services Governing Board
Through: Natalie Lewis, Deputy City Manager Ruth Giese, Community Services Director
From: Mary Brandon, Community Services Deputy Director
Subject: Mesa Housing Services Quarterly Report
Purpose and Recommendation
The purpose of this report is to provide an update with the Mesa Housing Services Governing Board (“Board”) on voucher utilization, housing assistance payments and agency updates.
Background
The City of Mesa Public Housing Authority (“Mesa Housing Authority”) is required to update the Housing Services Governing Board on agency performance.
Discussion . . .
PRESENTATION:
•2020 Voucher Utilization •2020 Rent Payments (HAP) •VASH Program Update •Housing Programs
| File #: | 20-1083 |
| Type: | Presentation | Status: | Agenda Ready |
| In control: | Mesa Housing Services Governing Board |
| On agenda: | 11/19/2020 |
| Title: | Hear a presentation and discuss updates on the City's Housing Choice Voucher Programs including utilization, funding, and expenditures. |
| Attachments: | 1. Presentation, 2. Board Report |
MESA HOUSING SERVICES GOVERNING BOARD
June 25, 2020
The Mesa Housing Services Governing Board of the City of Mesa met via virtual format streamed into the lower level meeting room of the Council Chambers, 57 East 1st Street, on June 25, 2020 at 7:42 a.m.
3-a. Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on updates on the City’s Housing Choice Voucher Programs including utilization, funding, and expenditures.
Housing Supervisor Mary Brandon introduced Housing Services Coordinator Rosario BeltranJoshi who displayed a PowerPoint presentation. (See Attachment 1) She commented that the Mesa Housing Authority is seeking support for the nine mainstream vouchers that were allocated for the City of Mesa.
Ms. Brandon stated the Mesa Housing Authority received notice from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stating an additional nine mainstream vouchers have been awarded, totaling $63,645 annually. She mentioned the CARES Act directed HUD to allocate the additional vouchers to those who received vouchers in 2018 and 2019, increasing the total of mainstream vouchers to 137 for the Mesa Housing Authority. She explained mainstream vouchers serve households that include one non-elderly person with a disability between the age of 18 to 61. (See Page 3 of Attachment 1)
Ms. Brandon presented a chart displaying the quarterly update of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) which are rents paid to the landlords on behalf of participants. She stated the housing utilizations were low in 2019 and increased in 2020 where the HUD-Held Reserves were used. She mentioned rents paid out each month totaled $1,200,000, and the cost per unit is $707, which is a 10% to 12% increase from 12 months ago. (See Page 4 of Attachment 1)
Ms. Brandon pointed out the Mesa Housing Authority should be as close to 100% utilization as possible because of how the administrative fee is calculated. She stated the administrative fee is the funding that helps run the programs. (See Page 5 of Attachment 1)
Ms. Brandon presented a chart displaying utilization decreases and HAP increases. She stated with utilization decreasing and rents increasing there is a concern of balance with the housing program. She explained the two reasons as to why rent payments are increasing are market rents are continually rising, and due to pandemic participants losing income, so the Mesa Housing Authority is paying higher rents. She mentioned the Mesa Housing Authority is using HUD-Held Reserves, since there will be a shortage of HAP money. She reported due to COVID19 the Mesa Housing Authority can apply for funding that will help pay the deficit of the increased rents each month. (See Page 6 of Attachment 1)
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Ms. Beltran-Joshi provided brief updates to the Veteran’s Affairs Program. She noted there are 150 veterans in units and seven veterans currently searching to move into housing units. She reported there has been 21 referrals received in 2020 due to more engagement from the Veterans Affair (VA). She stated a new landlord is participating in the VA program and would like to continue working with veterans by purchasing additional housing properties. She explained since COVID-19 there has been an increase in homeless veterans. She shared in May 2020 Operation Off the Streets has identified four homeless veterans in Mesa who are now receiving service and housing options. (See Page 7 of Attachment 1)
In response to a question from Chairman Giles, Ms. Brandon reported there are 41 VASH Vouchers still available and there is access to additional vouchers when needed.
| File #: | 20-1084 |
| Type: | Minutes | Status: | Agenda Ready |
| In control: | Mesa Housing Services Governing Board |
| On agenda: | 11/19/2020 |
| Title: | Approval of minutes from the June 25, 2020 meeting. |
| Attachments: | 1. June 25, 2020 Mesa Housing Authority Governing Board |
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