Press Alt + R to read the document text or Alt + P to download or print.
This document contains no pages.
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2024.10.24 - 41533
AGENDA ITEM: Extend the Contract for the "Unlocking Doors Oakland" Program with the Alliance
for Housing of Oakland County
DEPARTMENT: Health & Human Services - Neighborhood and Housing Development
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, October 24, 2024 7:22 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2024-4582
Motion to extend the contract for the "Unlocking Doors Oakland" Program with the Alliance for
Housing of Oakland County in compliance with the requirements of Department of Treasury
guidelines for the eligible expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act - Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Resolution Penny Luebs
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
POLICY ANALYSIS
On August 5, 2021, the Board approved the creation of the "Unlocking Doors Oakland" Program, via
Miscellaneous Resolution #21176. The Program is a tool to encourage landlords to rent to homeless
persons who lack sufficient credit and rental payment references, or who are otherwise perceived as
high-risk tenants. On August 24, 2024, the Board amended the Program policy and reduced the
Program funding by $100,000, via resolution #2024-4460. The original contract with the Alliance for
Housing of Oakland County will expire in March 2025 and this is a request to extend the contract to
comply with the requirements of Department of Treasury guidelines for the eligible expenditure of
American Rescue Plan Act - Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No
Committee members can contact Barbara Winter, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.821.3065 or winterb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Khadija Walker-Fobbs, Neighborhood & Housing Development Officer
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 10/24/2024
AGENDA DEADLINE: 11/03/2024 7:22 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. Miscellaneous Resolution #21176, The Creation of "Unlocking Doors Oakland" Program
2. Unlocking Doors Program Policy (Amended 2024)
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2024-10-15 Public Health and Safety - Recommend to Board
2024-10-24 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Michael Gingell
Seconded by: Commissioner Penny Luebs
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Spisz, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Kristen
Nelson, Christine Long, Robert Hoffman, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, William
Miller III, Yolanda Smith Charles, Brendan Johnson, Ajay Raman, Ann Erickson Gault, Linnie
Taylor (17)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Marcia Gershenson, Charles Cavell (2)
Passed
REPORT #21176 August 5, 2021
BY: Commissioner Penny Luebs, Chairperson, Public Health and Safety Committee
IN RE: MR #21176 -BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS -CREATION OF "UNLOCKING DOORS
OAKLAND" PROGRAM IN PARTNERHIP WITH THE ALLIANCE FOR HOUSING
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Public Health and Safety Committee, having reviewed the above-referenced resolution on July 27,
2021, reports to recommend adoption of the resolution with the following amendments:
1. Amend the title as follows:
APPROVAL CRlaATlml OF "UNLOCKING DOORS OAKLAND" PROGRAM IN PARHllaR:S,HIP
WITH TH!a ALLIMIC!a FOR HOU:S,l~IG TO PROVIDE RENTAL HOUSING ACCESS
ASSISTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN LOCAL
CORONA VIRUS RECOVERY FUNDS
2. Add the following four WHEREAS clauses prior to the 1st WHEREAS clause:
WHEREAS the County Executive, in consultation with the COVID-19 Economic Recovery
Task Force, has issued recommendations for the use of Recovery Funds to address
immediate community needs related to the pandemic and its negative economic impacts;
and
WHEREAS pursuant to MR #21212, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
approved the acceptance of $244,270,949 in Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the
American Rescue Plan Act and has received the first of two expected disbursements in the
amount of $122,135,474.50; and
WHEREAS the American Rescue Plan Act established the following high-level categories
for authorized use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds:
• Support public health expenditures
• Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency
• Replace lost public sector revenue
• Provide premium pay for essential workers
• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure; and
WHEREAS people experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection
from living in congregate shelters and are more likely to experience negative health
consequences from infection due to unstable housing; and
3. Amend the 1st WHEREAS clause, as follows:
WHEREAS people experiencing homelessnes~ homeless individ~als often face a series of
obstacles that threaten their success of securing affordable housing. Barriers to accessible,
affordable rental housing may include lack or source of income, a poor credit history, a poor
rental history, criminal history, disabilities and/or other challenges; and
4. Amend the 2°d WHEREAS clause, as follows:
WHEREAS in Oakland County the number of homeless people experiencing homelessness, on
any given night, could exceed as many as 427 individuals; this amounts to 3.4 homeless per
10,000 people of Oakland County's general population, according to statistics compiled by the
National Alliance to End Homelessness; and
5. Amend the 8th WHEREAS clause, as follows:
WHEREAS through the LanElloFEI Risk Mitigation FunEI "Unlocking Doors Oakland" programs,
property owners receive assurance that they can be repaid for a limited amount of damages
beyond the amount of a renter's security deposit; and
6. Amend the last WHEREAS clause, as follows:
WHEREAS the launch of a LanElloFEI Risk Mitigation FunEI, also l<nown as the "Unlocking Doors
Oakland" program, on a limited one-time funded pilot program basis through a partnership with
the Alliance for Housing, can establish an initial assessment to the effectiveness of this type of
program with the goal to reduce COVID-19 infections, remove barriers to access housing and
foster positive relationships between landlords and housing-insecure tenants.
7. Amend the NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED clause, as follows:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby
creates the "Unlocking Doors Oakland" program to operate a LanElloFEI Risi< Mitigation FunEI on a
limited, one-time funded, pilot program basis.
8. Amend the 1st BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED clause, as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the policies and procedures of the LanElloFEI Risk Mitigation
l"t!f\€1 "Unlocking Doors Oakland" program are outlined in "Attachment A" to this resolution and
are hereby adopted. ·
9. Amend the 2°' BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED clause, as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners authorizes the
Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to enter into a contract for
services with the Alliance for Housing for the purposes of the Alliance for Housing independently
administering the "Unlocking Doors Oakland" program to assist persons negatively impacted
by COVID-19 and at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, subject to review and approval by
Corporation Counsel and Purchasing.
10. Amend the 3'' BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED clause, as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Oakland County Board of Commissioners authorizes the ooe-
time apprnpFiation of $1 Q§,QQQ frnm the General FunEI Assignee FunEI Balance titleEI LanEllmEI
Mitigation PrngFam to the ContFactual SeF11ices line item (Account #73Q37:J) with the Genmal
FunEI DHHS euElget, to estaalish expenditure of up to $315,000 of American Rescue Plan Act
-Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to provide rental housing accessibility assistance for
individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the establishment of the
"Unlocking Doors Oakland" program.
11. Amend the 4th BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED clause, as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health and Human Services Neighborhood
& and Housing Development Division will oveFsee serve as contract administrator for the
program and is authorized to enter into a contract for services with the Alliance for
Housing to act as program administrator, subject to review by the Purchasing Division and
Corporation Counsel. The duration of the contract shall be one year with the option to
extend for a maximum of three years at the discretion of the contract administrator and
concurrence of the Public Health and Safety Committee, based upon program success
metrics.
12. Add the following as the 5th and 6th BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED clauses:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program shall be administered in conformance with
federal, state, and local legal requirements, Oakland County policies and procedures, and
Department of Treasury guidelines for the eligible expenditure of American Rescue Plan
Act -Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that approval of appropriations of American Rescue Plan Act
-Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for programs and services by Oakland County shall not
obligate a commitment of the General Fund, unless authorized by action of the Board of
Commissioners.
13. Amend the the last BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED clause, as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the FY 2021 budget is amended as follows:
GENERAL l"UND (#10100)
Revenue
9010101 196030 665882
Total Revenue
E"~enditures
10€l0702 132233 730373
Total E"~enditures
Planned Use of Balanse
$105 000
Contrasted Servises
$105 000
l"Y 2021
$105,000
$105 000
ARP LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND (#21285/ FY 2021
PCBU: GRANT Project: 100000003512 ARP-UNLOCKING DOORS OAKLAND
Bud Ref: 2021 Activity: GLB Analysis: GLB
Revenue
9010101-133095-610313 Federal Operating Grants
Total Revenue
Expenditures
1060701-133095-731885 Supportive Services
Total Expenditures
14. Amend the policy "Attachment A", as follows:
"ATTACHMENT A"
$315,000
$315 000
$315,000
$315 000
bMJDbORD RISK MITIG/1.TIO~l l"Ur>JD UNLOCKING DOORS OAKLAND PROGRAM POLICY
SECTION I. PURPOSE
Oakland County's Landlord Risl1 Miti§ation l"und Unlocking Doors Oakland Program (the "RMI"" or the
"Program") is a tool to encourage landlords to rent to homeless persons who lacks sufficient ffiWB credit
and rental payments references, or who are otherwise perceived as a high-risk tenant.
The RMFC Program will be subsidized and operated by the Alliance for Housing Oakland County (Alliance
for Housing), which is Continuum of Care (CoC) for Oakland County. Specific policies governing the fund
were drafted with input from members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, the Alliance for
Housing registry/Community lnteragency Service Team members, and local service providers to Oakland
County's homeless population. The RMFC Program parameters include:
• All homeless persons who receive a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) with a Homeless Preference
or Permanent Supportive Housing through the Alliance for Housing's special programs will be
eligible under the-RMJ".-Program;
• Landlords must first try and resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager prior to making a claim
or processing an eviction;
• The RMI" Program will, subject to this policy, reimburse the expenses to landlords for damages
that exceed the amount covered by a tenant's security deposit;
• The ~Program will, upon Oakland County's receipt of a request for reimbursement from the
Alliance for Housing based on a landlord claim approved by the Alliance for Housing, pay to the
Alliance for Housing an amount for the Alliance for Housing to reimburse the landlord for tenant
caused damages identified in a Housing Quality Standard (HOS) inspection, if the tenant cannot
pay for them;
• Landlords can only submit one claim per tenant;
• Claims can only be made during a tenant's first eighteen months in housing; and
• Claim amounts are capped at a maximum of $2,000 $3,000 per tenant.
SECTION II. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
We all need a safe place to call home. Yet that basic need is increasingly out of reach for many people.
Non-congregate housing is a significant protective factor against the spread of COVID-19. The
Alliance for Housing recognizes the investment of landlords willing to help homeless individuals and to
help limit the spread of COVID-19. While over 90% of the homeless individuals housed through Alliance
for Housing programs are successful, some landlords may be wary of renting to someone who does not
have sufficient credit history or rental reference. The RMI" Program addresses this issue by offering
eligible landlords a reimbursement for minor unit repairs when they rent their home or apartment to a
homeless individual with a qualifying HCV. The RMI" Program helps preserve the investment of an
eligible landlord while ensuring safe, affordable housing for someone in need.
SECTION Ill. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the RMI" Program, the landlord must:
• Agree there will be an attempt to resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager prior to making a
claim or initiating the eviction process (the RMI" Program should only be used as a last resort
when no alternative method can be identified to address the issue with the tenant); and
• Enter into a Housing Assistance Payment Contract with the Alliance for Housing and be in good
standing with that contract.
SECTION IV. QUALIFIED DAMAGES
Only damages to property leased by an eligible landlord may be reimbursed from if the following
conditions are met as evidenced by such landlord's claim:
• The tenant caused damages exceed the security deposit or the tenant caused damages are
identified on an HOS inspection and will lead to eviction;
• The damage was caused as a result of a tenant's occupancy, while under a rental agreement at
the time the damage was incurred;
• The damage is beyond normal wear and tear; and
• The tenant's occupancy in the unit has not exceeded eighteen months.
SECTION V. REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS
When an eligible landlord identifies that there are qualified damages to their property, they may submit to
the Alliance for Housing a claim for reimbursement along with the documentation requested to support
the claim. A landlord may only submit one claim per tenant and the reimbursement amount is capped at a
maximum of $2,000 $3,000. All claims will be verified prior to approval and are based on actual expenses
incurred and paid. Approved claims will be paid within 30 days of submission.
To submit a claim, a landlord must undertake the following steps:
1. Contact the ~ Program Manager designated by the Alliance for Housing to confirm eligibility
to participate in the Program and obtain a Reimbursement Claim Form (the "Claim Form ")
2. The following documents must be attached with the Claim Form:
• Documentation of efforts to resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager or ~ P rogram
Manager;
• Documentation of the damages su ch as a copy of the failed HQS inspection notice;
• Tenant ledger showing amounts charged for damages and the security deposit he ld for the
unit;
• Invoices/receipts reflected as paid confirming the amounts requested; and
• Any other documentation or information requeste d by the ~ Program Manager to
substantiate the claim described in the Claim Form.
3. Claim Forms must be submitted to the~ P rogram Manager:
• Within the first W 60 days after the landlord takes possession of the unit; or
• Within W 60 days of repairing tenant caused damages on a failed HQS inspection that would
otherwise lead to eviction.
SECTION VI. PROGRAM FUNDING
Program funding may be reduced or eliminated based upon the ability of Oakland County to meet its
primary constitutional and statutory duties. Oakland County expressly reserves the right to adjust the
funds available through the ~ Program at any time based upon the Oakland County budget needs
and this caveat shall apply regardless of whether th is statement is explicitly in c orpo rated in any
publications or documents relating to the Program.
Chairperson , on behalf of the Public Health and Safety Committee, I move the acceptance of t he
foregoing report.
PU BLI C HEAL T H AND SAFETY COMMITT EE VOTE :
Commissioner Penny Luebs, District #16
Chairperson , ublic Health and Safety
Committee
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Kuhn absent and Gingell voting no.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #21176
BY: Commissioner Janet Jackson, District #21; David Woodward, District #19
IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS -CREATION OF "UNLOCKING DOORS OAKLAND"
PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ALLIANCE FOR HOUSING
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS homeless individuals often face a series of obstacles that threaten their success of securing
affordable housing. Barriers to accessible, affordable rental housing may include lack of income, a poor
credit history, a poor rental history, criminal history, disabilities and/or other challenges; and
WHEREAS in Oakland County the number of homeless people, on any given night, could exceed as many
as 427 individuals; this amounts to 3.4 homeless per 10,000 people of Oakland County's general
population, according to statistics compiled by the National Alliance to End Homelessness; and
WHEREAS improving access to affordable housing and partnering with organizations that operate a
Continuum of Care (CoC) plan is a smart investment for taxpayers. According to the National Alliance to
End Homelessness, providing access to housing can save communities money because housed people
are less likely to use emergency services such as hospitals, jails, and emergency shelters than those who
are homeless; and
WHEREAS a CoC is "a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific
needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-sufficiency,"
according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
WHEREAS the Alliance for Housing of Oakland County (Alliance for Housing), formerly the Oakland County
Taskforce on Homelessness and Affordable Housing, is the Continuum of Care (CoC) provider for Oakland
County. Alliance for Housing is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that is a diverse, collaborative group of
partners and individuals all working toward a common goal to end homelessness and increase affordable
housing opportunities in Oakland County; and
WHEREAS as the CoC and coordinating body of non-profits working to end homelessness in Oakland
County, the Alliance for Housing is uniquely qualified to implement an "Unlocking Doors Oakland" program
on behalf of Oakland County by administering the Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund; and
WHEREAS landlord risk mitigation funds are an effective tool many communities are utilizing to improve
access to housing and incentivizing landlords and property managers to rent to individuals who they
otherwise might not; and
WHEREAS through Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund programs, property owners receive assurance that they
can be repaid for a limited amount of damages beyond the amount of a renter's security deposit; and
WHEREAS the launch of a Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund, also known as "Unlocking Doors Oakland," on a
limited one-time funded pilot program basis through a partnership with the Alliance for Housing, can
establish an initial assessment to the effectiveness of this type of program with the goal to reduce barriers
to access housing and foster positive relationships between landlords and housing-insecure tenants.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby creates
the "Unlocking Doors Oakland" program to operate a Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund on a limited, one-time
funded, pilot program basis.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the policies and procedures of the Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund are
outlined in "Attachment A" to this resolution and are hereby adopted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Oakland
County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to enter into a contract for services with the
Alliance for Housing for the purposes of the Alliance for Housing independently administering the "Unlocking
Doors Oakland" program, subject to review and approval by Corporation Counsel and Purchasing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Oakland County Board of Commissioners authorizes the one-time
appropriation of $105,000 from the General Fund Assigned Fund Balance titled Landlord Mitigation
Program to the Contractual Services line item (Account #730373) with the General Fund DHHS budget, to
establish the "Unlocking Doors Oakland" program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health and Human Services Neighborhood & Housing
Development Division will oversee the program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the FY 2021 budget is amended as follows:
GENERAL FUND (#10100)
Revenue
9010101-196030-665882 Planned Use of Balance
Total Revenue
FY 2021
$105,000
$105 000
Expenditures
1060702-132233-730373 Contracted Services
Total Expenditures
$105 000
$105 000
Chairperson, we move the adoption of the foregoing Resolution. ~~~
Commissioner Janet Jackson
District #21
"ATTACHMENT A"
LANDLORD RISK MITIGATION FUND POLICY
SECTION I. PURPOSE
Oakland County's Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund Program (the "RMF" or the "Program") is a tool to
encourage landlords to rent to homeless persons who lacks sufficient have credit and rental payments
references, or who are otherwise perceived as high-risk.
The RMF will be subsidized and operated by the Alliance for Housing Oakland County (Alliance for
Housing), which is Continuum of Care (Co) for Oakland County. Specific policies governing the fund were
drafted with input from members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, the Alliance for Housing
registry/Community lnteragency Service Team members, and local service providers to Oakland County's
homeless population. The RMF parameters include:
• All homeless persons who receive a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) with a Homeless Preference
or Permanent Supportive Housing through the Alliance for Housing's special programs will be
eligible under the RMF;
• Landlords must first try and resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager prior to making a claim
or processing an eviction;
• The RMF will, subject to this policy, reimburse the expenses to landlords for damages that exceed
the amount covered by a tenant's security deposit;
• The RMF will, upon Oakland County's receipt of a request for reimbursement from the Alliance
for Housing based on a landlord claim approved by the Alliance for Housing, pay to the Alliance
for Housing an amount for the Alliance for Housing to reimburse the landlord for tenant caused
damages identified in a Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspection, if the tenant cannot pay for
them;
• Landlords can only submit one claim per tenant;
• Claims can only be made during a tenant's first eighteen months in housing; and
• Claim amounts are capped at a maximum of $2,000 per tenant.
SECTION II. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
We all need a safe place to call home. Yet that basic need is increasingly out of reach for many people.
The Alliance for Housing recognizes the investment of landlords willing to help homeless individuals.
While over 90% of the homeless individuals housed through Alliance for Housing programs are successful,
some landlords may be wary of renting to someone who does not have sufficient credit history or rental
reference. The RMF addresses this issue by offering eligible landlords a reimbursement for minor unit
repairs when they rent their home or apartment to a homeless individual with a qualifying HCV. The RMF
helps preserve the investment of an eligible landlord while ensuring safe, affordable housing for someone
in need.
SECTION Ill. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the RMF, the landlord must:
• Agree there will be an attempt to resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager prior to making a
claim or initiating the eviction process (the RMF should only be used as a last resort when no
alternative method can be identified to address the issue with the tenant); and
• Enter a Housing Assistance Payment Contract with the Alliance for Housing and be in good
standing with that contract.
SECTION IV. QUALIFIED DAMAGES
Only damages to property leased by an eligible landlord may be reimbursed from if the following
conditions are met as evidenced by such landlord's claim:
• The tenant caused damages exceed the security deposit or the tenant caused damages are
identified on an HQS inspection and will lead to eviction;
• The damage was caused as a result of a tenant's occupancy, while under a rental agreement at
the time the damage was incurred;
• The damage is beyond normal wear and tear; and
• The tenant's occupancy in the unit has not exceeded eighteen months.
SECTION V. REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS
When an eligible landlord identifies that there are qualified damages to their property, they may submit
to the Alliance for Housing a claim for reimbursement along with the documentation requested to support
the claim. A landlord may only submit one claim per tenant and the reimbursement amount is capped at
a maximum of $2,000. All claims will be verified prior to approval and are based on actual expenses
incurred and paid. Approved claims will be paid within 30 days of submission.
To submit a claim, a landlord must undertake the following steps:
1. Contact the RMF Manager designated by the Alliance for Housing to confirm eligibility to
participate in the Program and obtain a Reimbursement Claim Form (the "Claim Form")
2. The following documents must be attached with the Claim Form:
• Documentation of efforts to resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager or RMF Manager;
• Documentation of the damages such as copy of the failed HQS inspection notice;
• Tenant ledger showing amounts charged for damages and the security deposit held for the
unit;
• Invoices/receipts reflected as paid confirming the amounts requested; and
• Any other documentation or information requested by the RMF Manager to substantiate the
claim described in the Claim Form.
3. Claim Forms must be submitted to the RMF Manager:
• Within the first 30 days after the landlord takes possession of the unit; or
• Within 30 days of repairing tenant caused damages on a failed HQS inspection that would
otherwise lead to eviction.
SECTION VI. PROGRAM FUNDING
Program funding may be reduced or eliminated based upon the ability of Oakland County to meet its
primary constitutional and statutory duties. Oakland County expressly reserves the right to adjust the
funds available through the RMF at any time based upon the Oakland County budget needs and this caveat
shall apply regardless of whether this statement is explicitly incorporated in any publications or
documents relating to the Program.
Resolution #21176 April 29, 2021
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the Public Health and Safety Committee. There were no
objections.
Resolution #21176 August 5, 2021
Moved by Luebs seconded by Jackson the resolution be adopted.
Moved by Luebs seconded by Jackson the Public Health and Safety Committee Report be accepted.
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the report was accepted.
Moved by Jackson seconded by Cavell lhe resolution be amended as follows:
Amend the policy "Attachment A" as follows:
SECTION I. PURPOSE
Oakland County's Unlocking Doors Oakland Program (the "Program") is a tool to encourage
landlords to rent to homeless persons who lacks sufficient have credit and rental payments
references, or who are otherwise perceived as a high-risk tenant.
The Program will be subsidized and operated by the Alliance for Housing Oakland County (Alliance
for Housing), which is Continuum of Care (CoC) for Oakland County. Specific policies governing
the fund were drafted with input from members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners,
the Alliance for Housing registry/Community lnteragency Service Team members, and local service
providers to Oakland County's homeless population. The Program parameters include:
• All homeless peFsons who Fecei,;e a Housing Choice 1/oucheF (HGV) with a Homeless Pmfemnce
OF Permanent Supportive Housing through the Alliance for Housing's special programs will be
eligible under the Program Rental units where tenants receive a Housing Choice Voucher with
Homeless Preference (HCV-HP), a veterans housing voucher (HUD VASH) or Permanent
Supportive Housing (PSH) through the Alliance far Housing will be eligible under the
Program;
• Landlords must first try and resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager prior to making a claim
or processing an eviction;
• The Program will, subject to this policy: reimburse the expenses to landlords for damages that
exceed the amount covered by a tenant's security deposit;
• The Program will, upon Oakland County's receipt of a request for reimbursement from the Alliance
for Housing based on a landlord claim approved by the Alliance for Housing, pay to the Alliance for
Housing an amount for the Alliance for Housing to reimburse the landlord for tenant caused
damages identified in a Housing Quality Standard (HOS) inspection, if the tenant cannot pay for
them;
• Landlords can only submit one claim per tenant;
• Claim can only be made during a tenant's first eighteen months per tenant; and
• Claim amounts are capped at a maximum of $3,000 per tenant.
Discussion followed
A sufficient majority having voled in favor, the amendment carried.
Moved by Jackson seconded by Charles the resolution be amended as follows:
Amend the policy "Attachment A" as follows:
SECTION I. PURPOSE
Oakland County's Unlocking Doors Oakland Program (the "Program") is a tool to encourage
landlords to rent to homeless persons who lacks sufficient have credit and rental payments
references, or who are otherwise perceived as a high-risk tenant.
The Program will be subsidized and operated by the Alliance for Housing Oakland County (Alliance
for Housing), which is Continuum of Care (CoC) for Oakland County. Specific policies governing
the fund were drafted with input from members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners,
the Alliance for Housing registry/Community lnteragency Service Team members, and local service
providers to Oakland County's homeless population. The Program parameters include:
• All homeless persons who receive a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) with a Homeless Preference
or Permanent Supportive Housing through the Alliance for Housing's special programs will be
eligible under the Program.
• Landlords must first try and resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager prior to making a claim
or processing an eviction;
• The Program will, subject to this policy:
o reimburse the expenses to landlords for damages that exceed the amount covered by a tenant's
security deposit;
o reimburse 50% of rent for up to three (3) months in case the tenant leaves a rental unit prior
to the lease expiration;
o landlords are responsible for all unpaid utility costs;
• The Program will, upon Oakland County's receipt of a request for reimbursement from the Alliance
for Housing based on a landlord claim approved by the Alliance for Housing, pay to the Alliance for
Housing an amount for the Alliance for Housing to reimburse the landlord for tenant caused
damages identified in a Housing Quality Standard (HOS) inspection, if the tenant cannot pay for
them;
• Landlords can only submit one claim per tenant;
• Damage claims can only be made during a tenant's first eighteen months in a rental unit; and
• Claims' amounts are capped at a maximum of $3,000 per tenant.
SECTION V REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS
When an eligible landlord identifies that there are qualified damages to their property, they may
submit to the Alliance for Housing a claim for reimbursement along with the documentation
requested to support the claim. A landlord may only submit one claim per tenant and the
reimbursement amount is capped at a maximum of $3,000. All claims will be verified prior to
approval and are based on actual expenses incurred and paid. Approved claims will be paid within
30 days of submission.
To submit a claim, a landlord must undertake the following steps:
1. Contact the Program Manager designated by the Alliance for Housing to confirm eligibility to
participate in the Program and obtain a Reimbursement Claim Form (the "Claim Form")
2. The following documents must be attached with the Claim Form:
• Alliance for Housing will determine necessary supporting documentation on case-by-case
basis for reimbursement requests for 50% of rent for up to three (3) months when the tenant
leaves a rental unit prior to the lease expiration;
• Documentation of efforts to resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager or Program Manager;
• Documentation of the damages such as copy of the failed HOS inspection notice;
• Tenant ledger showing amounts charged for damages and the security deposit held for the unit;
• Invoices/receipts reflected as paid confirming the amounts requested; and
• Any other documentation or information requested by the Program Manager to substantiate the
claim described in the Claim Form.
3. Claim Form must be submitted to the Program Manager:
• Within the first 60 days after the landlord takes possession of the unit; or
• Within 60 days of repairing tenant caused damages on a failed HOS inspection that would
otherwise lead to eviction .
•
Discussion followed.
Vote on amendment:
AYES: Long, Luebs, Markham, McGillivray, Miller, Nelson, Powell, Weipert, Woodward, Cavel!,
Charles, Gershenson, Gingell, Jackson, Kochenderfer, Kowall. (16)
NAYS: Kuhn, Moss, Spisz. (3)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the amendment carried.
Discussion followed.
Vote on resolution , as amended:
AYES: Long , Luebs, Markham, McGillivray, Miller, Moss, Nelson, Powe ll , Spisz , Weipert,
Woodward , Cavel!, Charles, Gershenson , Gingell, Jackson , Kochenderfer, Kowall , Kuhn . (19)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolution, as amended, was adopted.
I HEREBY APPROVE THE FOREGOING' RESOWTION
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Lisa Brown , Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resol ution is a true and
accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Augus t 5, 202 1,
with the original record thereof now remaining in my office .
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circ uit Court at Pontiac,
Michigan this 5th day of August, 2021.
~~
Lisa Brown , Oakla nd County
UNLOCKING DOORS OAKLAND PROGRAM POLICY
SECTION I. PURPOSE
Oakland County’s Unlocking Doors Oakland Program (the “Program”) is a tool to encourage landlords to
rent to homeless persons who lack sufficient credit and rental payments references, or who are otherwise
perceived as a high-risk tenant.
The Program will be subsidized and operated by the Alliance for Housing Oakland County (Alliance for
Housing), which is the Continuum of Care (CoC) for Oakland County. The Program will also include the
CoC creation and administration of a web-based “Platform” where Program beneficiaries can find available
rental units. Specific policies governing the fund were drafted with input from members of the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners, the Alliance for Housing registry/Community Interagency Service Team
members, and local service providers to Oakland
County’s homeless population. The Program parameters include:
▪All homeless persons who are working with a community-based housing program
or Alliance for Housing program and/or; receive a Housing Choice Voucher
(HCV) with a Homeless Preference or Permanent Supportive Housing through
the Alliance for Housing’s special programs will be eligible under the Program;
▪Landlords must first try and resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager prior to
making a claim or processing an eviction;
▪The Program will, subject to this policy, reimburse the expenses to landlords for
damages that exceed the amount covered by a tenant’s security deposit;
▪The Program will, upon Oakland County’s receipt of a request for reimbursement
from the Alliance for Housing based on a landlord claim approved by the Alliance
for Housing, pay to the Alliance for Housing an amount for the Alliance for
Housing to reimburse the landlord for tenant caused damages identified in a
Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspection, if the tenant cannot pay for them;
▪Landlords can only submit one claim per tenant;
▪Claims can only be made during a tenant’s first eighteen months in housing; and
▪Claim amounts are capped at a maximum of $3,000 per tenant.
▪Payments to Landlords renting units are capped at a maximum of $1,000 for a
signed lease through the approved web-based Platform with an eligible
beneficiary.
SECTION II. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
We all need a safe place to call home. Yet that basic need is increasingly out of reach for many people.
Non-Congregate housing is a significant protective factor against the spread of COVID-19. The Alliance for
Housing recognizes the investment of landlords willing to help homeless individuals and to help limit the
spread of COVID-19. While over 90% of the homeless individuals housed through Alliance for Housing
programs are successful, some landlords may be wary of renting to someone who does not have sufficient
credit history or rental reference. The Program addresses this issue by offering eligible landlords a
reimbursement for minor unit repairs when they rent their home or apartment to a homeless individual with
a qualifying HCV. The Program helps preserve the investment of an eligible landlord while ensuring safe,
affordable housing for someone in need. Additionally, the Program will offer landlords payment for leasing
available units to eligible beneficiaries through a web-based Platform administered by the Alliance for
Housing.
SECTION III. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Program, the landlord must:
•Agree there will be an attempt to resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager prior to making a
claim or initiating the eviction process (the Program should only be used as a last resort when no
alternative method can be identified to address the issue with the tenant); and
•Enter into a Housing Assistance Payment Contract with the Alliance for Housing and be in good
standing with that contract.
•Utilize the Platform to lease a housing unit to an eligible individual for payment.
SECTION IV. QUALIFIED DAMAGES
Only damages to property leased by an eligible landlord may be reimbursed from if the following conditions
are met as evidenced by such landlord’s claim:
-The tenant caused damages exceed the security deposit or the tenant caused damages are
identified on an HQS inspection and will lead to eviction;
-The damage was caused as a result of a tenant’s occupancy, while under a rental agreement at
the time the damage was incurred;
-The damage is beyond normal wear and tear; and
-The tenant’s occupancy in the unit has not exceeded eighteen months.
SECTION V. REIMBURSEMENT & PAYMENT PROCESS
When an eligible landlord identifies that there are qualified damages to their property, they may submit to
the Alliance for Housing a claim for reimbursement along with the documentation requested to support the
claim. A landlord may only submit one claim per tenant and the reimbursement amount is capped at a
maximum of $3,000. All claims will be verified prior to approval and are based on actual expenses incurred
and paid. Approved claims will be paid within 30 days of submission.
To submit a claim or request for lease payment, a landlord must undertake the following steps:
1. Contact the Program Manager designated by the Alliance for Housing to confirm eligibility to
participate in the Program and obtain a Reimbursement Claim Form (the “Claim Form”)
2. The following documents must be attached with the Claim Form:
-Documentation of efforts to resolve tenant issues with the Case Manager or Program Manager;
-Documentation of the damages such as copy of the failed HQS inspection notice;
-Tenant ledger showing amounts charged for damages and the security deposit held for the unit;
-Invoices/receipts reflected as paid confirming the amounts requested; and
-Any other documentation or information requested by the Program Manager to substantiate the
claim described in the Claim Form.
3. Claim Forms must be submitted to the Program Manager:
-Within the first sixty (60) days after the landlord takes possession of the unit; or
-Within sixty (60) days of repairing tenant caused damages on a failed HQS inspection that would
otherwise lead to eviction.
4. Request of payment for leasing a housing unit through the Platform to an eligible individual requires:
-Submission of the signed lease to the Program Manager
-Program Manager verification of unit listing on the Platform.
SECTION VI. PROGRAM FUNDING
Program funding may be reduced or eliminated based upon the ability of Oakland County to meet its primary
constitutional and statutory duties. Oakland County expressly reserves the right to adjust the funds available
through the Program at any time based upon the Oakland County budget needs and this caveat shall apply
regardless of whether this statement is explicitly incorporated in any publications or documents relating to
the Program.