DISCUSSION
Program regulations provide flexibility for each housing authority to develop an application and selection process to meet its particular circumstances. The process must be consistent in determining which applicants should be placed on the waiting list; and also comply with HUD rules on non-discrimination.
- The application and selection process must be stated in the Housing Authority Administrative Plan and approved by the Housing Commission.
- To further fair housing opportunity, the Housing Authority must advertise in local newspaper of general circulation and also through minority media. The public notice must state any limitation on who may apply to be on the waiting list.
- The Housing Authority shall establish internal procedures to support the objective and assign staff for implementation.
The decision to open to waiting list depends upon local needs; however, HUD guidelines state that the waiting list should not be allowed to grow to such a size that the wait for housing is unreasonable. The Housing Authority should close their waiting list when it has insufficient funds to assist all applicants on the waiting list within a reasonable period of time. HUD does not define “reasonable”, but it is recommended that the wait should not be more than 12 to 24 months.
There are over 14,000 applicants currently on the Garden Grove waiting list. It is estimated that it will take over 15 years to assist all qualifying applicants on the current list. Staff is presently working with the Long Beach Veterans Administration to link homeless veterans with housing services. Staff is also working with other agencies such as 211 Orange County to link low income veterans to available services.