Ok – so what’s the plan to help those who are on section 8 and had their portion of the rent raised in some cases by $100 – $300? And in many cases doubling what they pay?
TENANT EDUCATION
First, we recommend that anyone who is having trouble with paying their section 8 rent, contact the Neighborhood Law Project, Tenant Resource Center/Housing Help Desk, Legal Action of Wisconsin or the Community Action Coalition.
Second, if tenants are trying to get out of their leases, the Housing Mediation Service/Tenant Resource Center can do a mediation for the tenant and landlord to find out if they can come to agreement. There are no fees for low-income individuals.
Third, the Tenant Resource Center, with the help of the Neighborhood Law Project will be developing a Q&A or FAQ along with referral information that can be send out to all Section 8 recipients by the CDA.
Finally, we will be organizing a forum to help inform tenants of their rights. Hopefully, the agencies listed above will be able to be in attendance.
Note: This is all being done without any funding, because it needs to be done. Additionally thanks to members of AHAA and FISH because it wouldn’t be done without you!!!
CHANGES IN LAW
Alder Schumacher will be introducing the following language to the affordable housing trust fund so that $400,000 can be spent to help out the tenants in this situation. This will be discussed at the August Council meeting if all goes well.
Notwithstanding anything in this ordinance to the contrary, up to $400,000 of Trust Fund monies may be disbursed as grants to assist participants in the CDA’s Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program whose tenant portion of rent has increased substantially as a result of HUD’s decrease in 2009 funding to the CDA. The Trust Fund monies may be used to pay that portion of an increase exceeding a rent burden amount determined by the CDA Housing Operations staff to be affordable, within the limitations of the maximum amount of assistance allotted from Trust Fund monies. Payments may be applied to increased rent burden amounts due October 1, 2009 and thereafter, with the potential for retroactive payments for August and September 2009 rent burden amounts if funds are available. This paragraph (4)(m) shall sunset on the earlier of the full disbursement of the sum of $400,000 for the purpose specified herein, or January 1, 2010.”
NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING
Tuesday, July 28th, noon at the Social Justice Center (1202 Williamsons St.) Any and all volunteers are welcome to attend! And stay tuned to the blog for more info.
