Adrianne Todman, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hud.gov/leadership#sec
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a new initiative aimed at expediting housing assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness through the Housing Choice Voucher program. This will be achieved by allowing housing agencies to accept self-certification of income for determining program eligibility, thereby reducing the time it takes for individuals to secure stable homes.
"Broadening the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to keep Americans housed, HUD is doing all we can to support communities’ actions to end homelessness and transition into affordable homes," said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. "Today’s announcement of flexibilities helps to make federal rental assistance more accessible and more quickly available to the individuals and families that need it the most."
The process of establishing eligibility for voucher assistance often presents a hurdle for those experiencing homelessness, as they may not have immediate access to necessary documents such as social security cards or pay stubs. The delay caused by missing documents can hinder timely access to housing assistance. To address this issue, HUD's Housing Choice Voucher waivers will permit housing agencies to accept self-certification of income, disability status, and other specific information, thereby speeding up the provision of assistance. Agencies are then required to verify tenants' eligibility within 90 days after they begin receiving aid.
Housing Choice Vouchers provide low-income families, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities with access to decent and safe rental housing in the private market. They form an integral part of federal, state, and local strategies aimed at reducing homelessness. The waivers approved by HUD are available for use in communities experiencing significant or rising rates of homelessness.
