RES 97089 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chapter 6: Housing and Shelter There have similarly been recent sweeping changes in the funding of various federal and state programs which serve the homeless either directly or indirectly. The jurisdictions in Alameda County must work together to advocate in favor of continued funding of important programs and against cuts to federal and state programs which address homelessness and affordable housing. At the local and sub-regional levels, a cooperative effort is also needed to coordinate the timing of funding cycles to facilitate the funding of local projects and maximize leveraging of funds from a variety of sources. Efforts to promote awareness of the issue of homelessness and improve public perceptions of homeless and affordable housing projects will help remove impediments and create an environment where program success is enhanced. Strengthening and building the capacity of existing nonprofit organizations is critical to the success of future funding initiatives leading to the development of more permanent affordable housing. It has long been recognized that nonprofits build some of the best affordable housing in the Bay Area. But this is not an easy task, and affordable housing development requires highly skilled and dedicated people. This is true of staff, as well of the people who sit on the organizations' governing board. Building capacity means providing training in matters related to housing finance, land use law, architecture, construction, and public policy. It means developing the skills to work with individuals, neighborhood groups and institutions that will be affected by future development. It also means securing the funding necessary to develop decent wage and benefit packages and the technical support and equipment necessary to maximize efficiency and streamline the development process. • Maintain and improve the quality of and access to the existing supply of housing affordable to the lowest income residents. Action Stens Explore establishment of a voluntary direct rent payment program, whereby public benefits recipients can choose to have a portion of their monthly check paid as rent directly to their landlord. This type of program provides landlords with greater security that they will receive rents on time and can be linked to stabilizing rent levels, and to health and safety monitoring of participating units. Develop rental guarantee programs through which service provider agencies can assist homeless people with sufficient income to rent housing without need of a subsidy, but with poor credit or rental histories, or with felony convictions which make it difficult for them to get a lease. Alameda County-Wide Homeless Continuum of Caze Plan: April 1997 85