Approved TC Resolution 11.5.2022

I. Program Overview

Administration of the Homeless and Sheltering Rental Assistance Policy (HASRAP) shall be provided for eligible Tribal households residing within the State of Oregon. Assistance is limited to funding made available through Oregon Housing and Community Services. The program will end June 30, 2023 unless additional funds have been secured.

A. Programs

1. Transitional Housing: Provide up to 12 months of rent subsidy for Siletz households leaving rehabilitation facilities or incarceration in the State of Oregon. Tribal members that need transitional housing often lack financial resources, sufficient credit and references to obtain housing in the present rental market. These funds will provide landlords with guaranteed payment and deposits.

2. Homeless Prevention: Homeless prevention services will include providing rent subsidies for households experiencing chronic homelessness anywhere within the State; and rent subsidy for up to 20 Siletz households residing at Mamook Tokatee in Portland.

Voucher assistance may not be used by residents residing in Tribal housing to pay rent or homebuyer payment to the STHD.

Outreach and Engagement: The Housing Navigator will convene a focus group of Tribal members experiencing chronic homelessness and Tribal members that have successfully secured stabile housing. The Navigator will convene a minimum of five meetings with 10 participants.

B. STHD’s Responsibilities in the Program

  1. Explain the program to families, family representatives, owners and landlords;
  2. Ensure timely payment of STHD’s share of rent to the landlord;
  3. Accept applications and select families for assistance.

II. Eligibility

Each of the following criteria, in addition to specific program requirements, must be met by a Household to be eligible for services:

  1. Enrollment. HASRAP participants must meet one of the following enrollment criteria:
    1. The Head of Household and/or Spouse is an enrolled member of the CTSI.
    2. The Head of Household and/or Spouse is not an enrolled CTSI tribal member but the family includes full-time household members who are the minor or dependent children of the Head of Household and/or Spouse who are enrolled CTSI tribal members.
  2. Income Limits
    There is no minimum or maximum income requirement.
  3. Ineligible Participants
    The STHD will notify ineligible applicants in writing explaining the reason they have been found to be ineligible and their appeal rights.

III. Occupancy Standards

Applicants will be selected from the HASRAP by date and time of application and eligibility as set forth in this policy. The STHD will determine bedroom size according to family size and relationships as appropriate. The guidelines for minimum and maximum unit sizes are:

  Minimum Maximum
1-Bedroom 1 2
2-Bedroom 2 4
3-Bedroom 3 6
4-Bedroom 4 8
5-Bedroom 5 10

The family may select a different bedroom size unit than selected by the STHD. The STHD will base the assistance on the actual approved size of the unit.

IV. Selection to Participate in the HASRAP

Selected families will be notified in writing of selection for the HASRAP. The offer must be accepted within fifteen days from the date of the offer. If the family fails to respond within fifteen days, the application will be deemed inactive.

V. Payment Standard

The payment standard may not exceed 125% of the published FMR for the unit size and area.

VI. Family Obligations

The members of a household participating in HASRAP must meet the following obligations in addition to those specific to the particular program as listed above:

  1. Supply information necessary in the administration of the HASRAP. This includes but is not limited to any information requested by the STHD, disclosures and verifications of household income, and household composition;
  2. Be responsible for damage to the unit or premises beyond ordinary wear and tear such as holes in walls or door, damage caused by family members or guests etc.;
  3. Notify the STHD and the owner in writing before moving from an assisted unit;
  4. Do not sublease or transfer the unit nor assign the Rental Agreement;
  5. Use the assisted unit as the principal residence;
  6. Refrain from any criminal activity, including drug-related criminal activity.
  7. The household may not receive other housing assistance from the Siletz Tribal Housing Department while participating in the HASRAP.

VII. Rental Agreement

The Rental Agreement must include rules, deposit amounts, utilities provided, etc.

XI. Move-In Deposit

  1. When the STHD has approved the unit the STHD may assist the Family with the initial move-in deposit and the first and last month’s full rent amount. The program will not issue any “non-refundable” deposit under any circumstances.
  2. If the Family vacates and it is determined the deposit is refundable, the refundable amount must be payable to the STHD. If the landlord refuses to refund any portion of the deposit due to the fault of the household, the STHD may deny the household future deposit assistance.
  3. Deposit assistance is for initial move-in only. The STHD will not pay move-in deposit for family in subsequent unit.

VIII. Terminations

Assistance will terminate if the STHD, the owner, or the tenant terminates. The Tenant and Owner are responsible to notify the STHD immediately.

  1. The STHD shall initiate termination:
    1. The STHD may deny or terminate assistance if a household member has been arrested or convicted of criminal activity, including drug-related criminal activity;
    2. If the Tenant commits bribery, fraud, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any tribal program;
    3. If the Tenant has violated any of the family obligations as set out in this policy;
    4. The Tenant moves out of the assisted unit without notice to the STHD;
    5. If the Tenant engages in abusive, threatening, or violent behavior toward CTSI personnel;
    6. If Tribal member leaves the household on any non-temporary basis.
  2. Tenant termination:
    1. If the Tenant decides to relocate, the Tenant must submit a copy of a thirty-day notice to the Owner and the STHD thirty days before relocating;
    2. If the Tenant and Owner have dispute beyond reconciliation, the Tenant may request a Mutual Termination.

IX. Housing Department Grievance/Complaint Process:

  1. Right to A Hearing:
    Upon filing of a written request as provided herein, a complainant shall be entitled to an opportunity for hearing.
  2. Definitions
    1. “Complainant” means any tenant or participant in a HUD assisted or NAHASDA assisted Housing Project operated by the Siletz Tribal Housing Department whose rights, duties, welfare, or status are adversely affected by STHD action or failure to act and, who files a Grievance or Complaint with respect to such action. (“Complainant” may hereinafter be referred to as “you”.)
    2. “Grievance” or “Complaint” means any dispute with respect to STHD action or failure to act pursuant to a lease or H.A.P. or STHD policies or procedures which affects the rights, duties, welfare or status of the complainant.
  3. Exclusions
    1. Grievances or complaints based upon the following are excluded from the grievance procedure:
      1. Any termination based upon activity that threatens the health or safety of, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the housing development by, other residents or employees of the owner or manager of the housing; or
      2. Any termination based upon criminal activity (including drug-related activity) on or off the premises of the Housing development.
    2. For grievance or complaints based on above excluded matters, there is a 15-day appeal time to the Siletz Tribal Court if a party wishes to challenge the action by the Housing Department.

Informal Dispute Resolution:

If the STHD makes a decision that would be subject to appeal, the staff member who made the decision will attempt to informally resolve.

While informal resolution is encouraged, it does not affect the time limits to formally complain, grieve and appeal. Appeals must be filed within 10 days from the date of the initial decision. Administrative remedies must be exhausted, and you cannot skip a step in the formal process.

Formal Dispute Resolution:

1st Step: Review by Housing Director

If STHD staff cannot informally resolve the issue, the Housing Director will review your case and respond in writing within 20 days. No particular form is required to do this as long as the complaint or grievance: (1) is in writing and is signed by the party or his or her spokesperson or attorney; and (2) is actually delivered to the Housing Department within the 20 day time period.

2nd Step: Review by Housing Committee

If the Housing Director denies your complaint, or if initial decision was signed by the Housing Director, you have the right to appeal to the Siletz Tribal Housing Committee in writing within 10 days from the date of the Housing Director’s decision. The decision of the Housing Committee shall be the final administrative decision of the Tribe.

No particular form is required to do this as long as the complaint or grievance: (1) is in writing and is signed by the party or his or her spokesperson or attorney; and (2) is actually delivered to the Housing Department within the 10 day time period. Additional information or documentation may be included if submitted at least three working days prior to the hearing. If an appeal is filed with the Housing Committee, STHD staff will notify complainant of the date and time of the meeting.

Complainant may choose to have Housing Committee review without disclosure of Complainant’s name.

3rd Step: Tribal Court

If the Housing Committee denies your appeal, you have the right to appeal to the Siletz Tribal Court within 20 days from the date of the response from the Siletz Tribal Housing Committee.