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| Inside news from the Housing Authority of Portland | February 2009 |
Section 8 Landlord Guarantee Fund Launches
On March 1, HAP debuts its Section 8 Landlord Guarantee Fund, an innovative pilot initiative to improve access to housing for Section 8 voucher holders. The Landlord Guarantee Fund is an incentive for landlords to open up more units to the program.
For several months, HAP staff has been working to improve the rental success rate of Section 8 voucher holders. Through discussions with landlords, HAP learned that a fund to cover damage to units may increase landlord willingness to participate in the program. The new fund will be available to just a percentage of families issued a voucher this year, so its effectiveness can be tested. Staff will track whether these voucher holders lease up more successfully and how many new landlords choose to enter the program as a result of the fund. Under the terms of the fund, landlords are eligible to collect up to a maximum of two months rent if the tenant leaves the unit with more than $1,000 in damage that is beyond normal wear and tear, for up to two years after initial tenancy. Results will be evaluated at the end of the first year.
“Our initial response from landlords has been very positive,” said Rachel Devlin, community initiatives manager for HAP’s Rent Assistance department. “We’re optimistic that this solution will help renters be more successful in finding places to live and persuade more landlords to participate in the Section 8 program.”
Read more about the Section 8 Landlord Guarantee Fund
Renovation Transforms Transitional Housing in North Portland
A $1 million renovation at Cambridge Court has
transformed another corner in the Humboldt neighborhood. The
60-year old complex of 20 two-bedroom family apartments is located
across the street from HAP’s brand new Humboldt Gardens
redevelopment. Owned by HAP since 1991, the property is
master-leased by Central City Concern as housing for families
transitioning from drug and alcohol treatment. The finished renovation is a significant improvement in the livability and curb appeal of the property. A new roof, siding, paint, windows and doors give new polish to the facade. Landscaping upgrades, a new courtyard and playground bring families together in a more inviting setting. Inside the units, home is much sweeter and more energy efficient for residents with new kitchen cabinets, counters, new appliances, and flooring. “This investment benefits both the residents and the neighborhood,” said Juli Garvey, asset manager in HAP’s Real Estate Operations department. “We’ve extended the building’s life and enhanced its use as a safe, comfortable home for families reaching for self-sufficiency.”
HAP
Redevelops University Place in Downtown's West End
University Place, a 100-year old apartment building
located in downtown Portland at SW 13th and Clay, is ready to come
down. By spring 2010, a new 48-unit apartment complex to house
individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will replace
the current structure. HAP purchased the building in 2002 as a redevelopment opportunity and began looking at other options for the site last year. At the same time, Multnomah County asked for HAP’s assistance in locating a new home for their Bridgeview program and the two efforts were combined. Bridgeview will feature short-term housing equipped with 24-hour on-site staffing, mental health treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, clinical supervision and other support services. “This is a good example of how we work closely with partners like the county to deliver housing that is tailor-made for a specific service,” said Mike Andrews, HAP’s director of development and community revitalization.
The building will be torn down in March and construction will begin in April. The $8 million project is funded in part by HAP, the Portland Development Commission, and Oregon Housing and Community Services.
Read more about the University Place redevelopment
HAP PROFILE: Special Needs Portfolio
Cambridge Court is a lifeline for families facing
the challenges of drug and alcohol treatment and family
reunification. When redeveloped, University Place will be a
first stop for people struggling with chronic homelessness. Both
properties are owned by HAP and master-leased to other community
partners for special programs. Together with 32 other
properties, they are part of HAP’s special needs
portfolio.
HAP owns a total of 437 units in these special needs properties that are spread over the Portland metro area. They range in size from a single-family house with a shared living situation to one-person apartments to a 90-unit apartment building. While each is run by a different program provider, they share in common service to a population struggling with multiple challenges — low income, mental health issues, HIV/AIDS, developmental disabilities, chronic homelessness, transitioning from the correction system, or working towards recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
“One of the challenges that service providers face is finding affordable housing for their clients,” said Steve Rudman, HAP executive director. “They specialize in people and we specialize in housing, and the people they serve need housing. This is a way we can come together to support a shared commitment to serving the most vulnerable in our community.”
Monthly Reports
Read the latest Dashboard report
HAP IN THE
NEWS
Read more about HAP’s projects,
accomplishments and work in the community.
THE BEE: Snow forces food donation plans to change
DAILY JOURNAL OF COMMERCE: Resource Access Center project will move ahead
GRESHAM OUTLOOK: Widmark joins Housing Authority board
OPB NEWS: Wyden Sees Help For Oregon In Federal Stimulus Package
THE OREGONIAN: Oregon's ready to spend, but will the stimulus click?
THE OREGONIAN: Resource center gets boost from City Council
PHONE: 503-802-8300 • E-MAIL: hapunwrapped@hapdx.org • WEB: www.hapdx.org