the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

VAWA protections (VAWA)VAWA requires PHAs to include <strong>the</strong> following information in <strong>the</strong>ir five-year and annual PHA Plans: Any activities, services, or programs provided or offered by an agency, ei<strong>the</strong>r directly or inpartnership with o<strong>the</strong>r service providers, to child or adult victims of domestic violence, datingviolence, sexual assault, or stalking. Any activities, services, or programs provided or offered that helps child or adult victims ofdomestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to obtain or maintain housing. Any activities, services, or programs provided or offered to prevent domestic violence, datingviolence, sexual assault, and stalking, or to enhance victim safety in assisted families. PHAs are also encouraged to describe in its VAWA statement <strong>the</strong> PHA procedures in place thatassure that tenants are notified of <strong>the</strong>ir rights under VAWA. Click here to access a list of Public Housing Authorities Click here to review <strong>the</strong> income limits for HUD programs. The Public Housing Occupancy Guidebook includes information and recommendations for PHAstaff on several topics, including a chapter on domestic violence (Chapter 19). Advocates mayaccess <strong>the</strong> <strong>guide</strong>book by clicking here.Private ProgramsIn many communities, you will find affordable housing options that are privately owned and operated,but subsidized by government funds. The government funder sometimes sets <strong>the</strong> eligibility criteria. Toapply, contact <strong>the</strong> program directly. Waiting lists are common.Project-Based Section 8Project-Based Section 8 programs are HUD-funded and run in a similar manner to Public Housing. Youapply directly to <strong>the</strong> apartment complex, and <strong>the</strong> apartment office administers <strong>the</strong> waiting list and <strong>the</strong>admissions process. In some locations, <strong>the</strong>re may be no waiting list, and in o<strong>the</strong>rs it could be upwards oftwo years. The quality of Project-Based Section 8 housing varies widely. Rent is calculated based onfamily income and according to HUD <strong>guide</strong>lines (usually 30% of adjusted gross income). Project-BasedSection 8 housing assistance is only accessed through <strong>the</strong> property where you apply and are approved; itcannot be transferred to ano<strong>the</strong>r property.Tax Credit ApartmentsTax credit apartments offer affordable housing units at below market rent, but <strong>the</strong> rents are not slidingscale (not calculated based on income). The <strong>Texas</strong> Department of Housing and Community Affairs(TDHCA) allocates resources through <strong>the</strong> Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.Private developers access <strong>the</strong>se funds to build or develop rental properties that will offer housing unitsfor a range of income levels. Some units are leased at fair market rents and o<strong>the</strong>rs are leased at reducedrents to individuals and families with lower incomes. To qualify, applicants must prove <strong>the</strong>y earn enoughto cover rent and o<strong>the</strong>r living expenses (generally 2-3 times <strong>the</strong> monthly rent), but applicants cannot earnmore than <strong>the</strong> income cap for a specific unit. Income levels and caps are based on <strong>the</strong> Area MedianFamily Income <strong>guide</strong>lines.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE46 | P a g e