Homeless Prevention or Rapid Re-Housing

HPRP Funds Available

Are you or do you know a family who is renting and facing the possibility of becoming evicted and homeless??? If so, there may be help available.  Qualifiers include, but are not limited to, income of 50% or less than the area median income, eviction notice, behind in rent or utilities, residing in a shelter or with friends/family.  If you feel you need short-term help in order to get "back on your feet" call 330-821-6332 for more information.

Program Mission

To meet the basic needs of households and individuals, to provide the opportunity for stabilization, and to be good stewards of community resources through collaboration and best practice.

Program Philosophy

Housing (shelter) is a basic need for all human beings.  Basic human needs must be met in order for people to grow and progress, which leads to greater social and psychological completeness.

Program Purpose

To give a helping hand to those individuals and families who are at imminent risk of homelessness due to economic downturn.  Restore housing stability and obtain and maintain self-sufficiency.

Services

• Financial assistance for rent and utilities
• Outreach/engagement services
• Case management/housing stabilization
• Credit counseling

Eligibility

• Imminent risk of homelessness
• At 50% or below area median income
• Ability to maintain housing stability after the assistances ends compliance with HUD mandates.

Referral

Program participants are referred to the program by community agencies, landlords, and self-referrals.

Documentation Requirements

Evidence of imminent risk of homelessness

• Eviction Notice (must include address, property manager and or landlord's signature)
• A copy of the lease
• Utility shut-off notice
• Self-declaration of imminent risk of homelessness (providers have the form)

One of the following for income verification

• 3 months worth of pay-stubs
• If on SSI/SSDI, an award letter
• Unemployment certification from Stark County Department of Job and Family Services
• Previous year's Tax Return
• If zero income - must complete the self-declaration of income (Prevention Providers have this form)

Two of the following forms of identification for each adult household member and one for each child

• Current driver's license
• State ID or School Picture ID
• Social security card

Lead-based paint inspection

A lead-based paint assessment is required under the following conditions:

• The house/apartment was built before 1978
• There are children under the age of 6
• The household is seeking financial assistance

If the lead-based paint assessment identifies concerns, the landlord must remedy the problem.  If the landlord refuses to remedy the problem, the Prevention Program is unable to assist the household in remaining in that home.  The Prevention Program can however assist the household if they elect to move.  Visit http://www.hudhre.info for more information.

Application Process

• Contact one of the Providers listed below
• Intake staff verifies initial eligibility
• If client meets initial eligibility, an appointment will be scheduled for further eligibility determination.
• Households must provide required documentation within 14 days.  If any of the required documentation is not provided, case managers are required to close the case.
• Client must agree to program requirements, including working collaboratively with case manager to establish a housing stabilization plan and attend credit counseling, if deemed necessary.
• Case manager submits the complete packet to CSSC.  If all required documentation is present and HUD mandates are met.  CSSC will submit the check within 10 days.

Stark County Homelessness Prevention Providers

Community Services of Stark County, Inc. provides oversight to the following Homelessness Prevention Providers

Alliance for Children and Families, Inc.

Contact: Karen Roudabush
Alternate Contact:  Marti Pireu
Phone:  330-821-6332