Regional Centers are soliciting proposals for the development of new or the expansion of existing Housing Access Services businesses resulting in the establishment of Housing Access Services throughout the state that can utilize the OOMM Roommate Matching Service. Housing Access Services Start-up funding is available to a service provider offering these Housing Access Services, for training and office setup. Ongoing funding will be provided using service code 089. A) Individual Housing Transition Services - These services provide direct support and assistance with activities and processes associated with an individual's preparation for, and transition to, housing. These services include: 1. Conducting a tenant screening and housing assessment that identifies the participant’s preferences and barriers related to successful tenancy. The assessment includes collecting information on potential housing transition barriers, and identification of housing retention barriers. 2. Developing an individualized housing support plan based upon the housing assessment that addresses identified barriers, includes short and long-term measurable goals for each issue, establishes the participant’s approach to meeting the goal, and identifies when other providers or services, both reimbursed and not reimbursed by Medicaid, may be required to meet the goal. 3. Assisting the individual with the housing application process and the housing search process. 4. Assisting the individual with identifying resources to cover set-up fees for utilities or service access, including telephone, electricity, heating and water, and services necessary for the individual’s health and safety, consisting of pest eradication and one-time cleaning prior to occupancy. 5. Assisting the individual with coordinating resources to identify and address conditions in the living environment prior to move-in that may compromise the safety of the consumer. 6. Assisting the individual with details of the move including communicating with the landlord to negotiate a move-in date, reading and understanding the terms of the lease, scheduling set-up of utilities and services, and arranging the move of consumers’ belongings. 7. Developing a housing support crisis plan that includes prevention and early intervention services when housing is jeopardized. B) Individual Housing & Tenancy Sustaining Services - This service is made available to support individuals to maintain tenancy once housing is secured. The availability of ongoing housing-related services in addition to other long-term services and supports promotes housing success, fosters community integration and inclusion, and develops natural support networks. These tenancy support services include: 1. Providing the individual with early identification and intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing, such as late rental payment and other lease violations. 2. Providing the individual with education and training on the roles, rights and responsibilities of the tenant and landlord. 3. Coaching the individual on developing and maintaining key relationships with landlords/property managers with a goal of fostering successful tenancy. 4. Assisting the individual in resolving disputes with landlords and/or neighbors to reduce risk of eviction or other adverse action. 5. Providing the individual with advocacy and linkage with community resources to prevent eviction when housing is, or may potentially become, jeopardized. 6. Assisting the individual with the housing recertification process. 7. Coordinating with the tenant to review, update and modify their housing support and crisis plan on a regular basis to reflect current needs and address existing or recurring housing retention barriers. 8. Providing the individual with continuous training in being a good tenant and lease compliance, including ongoing support with activities related to household management.
