2018 CAPER (Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report

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CR-30 - Public Housing 91.220(h); 91.320(j) Actions taken to address the needs of public housing The Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB) continued in 2018 to provide the residents of South Bend high quality services. HASB successes included continuing administration of its Housing Choice Voucher ' Program (HCV) consistent with HUD performance measures of a High Performer Program. Additionally, the administration of its Low Rent Program has been notable given the HASB has maintained occupancy ' at or above 96% in all programs that it operates. A new four-year term member was appointed to the Board of Directors. A resident member of the Board is to be named shortly. The Board approved an annual budget for 2019 and the HASB is current with all HUD mandated submissions. ' The HASB played a significant role in the reduction of homelessness in South Bend by assisting 107 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) families in the HCV Program.The HASB partnered with 1 several local entities in the development of additional housing options. This was accomplished by making HCV project-based vouchers available to projects seeking to increase affordable housing availability. This assistance was in addition to the 3,000+families that are assisted annually with either Public Housing or rental assistance. The HCV Program completed implementation of a state-of-the-art digital financial interface that allows landlords,via the HASB website, to: 1) access their account transaction history; and, 2) receive direct deposit of subsidy payments. This system allows for quicker compensation to landlords. It will also ' improve the Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspection process that all properties must pass before being eligible for subsidized rent payments through the HCV Program. ' In early 2019,the HASB and the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) will complete the transfer of operation of the gas line that feeds over 400 units in the immediate administrative campus area.This is a milestone for the HASB and its partner, NIPSCO, as it represents the first time in 50 years that the HASB will not be responsible for the administration of these lines. Individual metering of units that before were grouped and billed to the HASB will become the responsibility of residents. This will result in significant savings to the HASB and to residents that can now efficiently manage their usage. Actions taken to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership The HASB participates in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). The FSS is a voluntary program for Section 8 participants and Public Housing Residents. In 2017, the HASB FSS program expanded beyond its mandatory number. For the past 15 years, residents of public housing participated in a similar program that combines the Public Housing Authority Section 32 Program with an Indiana State program of Individual Development Accounts(IDAs). In addition, the HASB, in partnership with the Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization (NNRO), is assisting three public housing and HCV Participants CAPER 21 OMB Control No:2506-0117(exp.06/30/2018)