RAD Resident Presentation – Driftwood Apartments

Resident Meeting
Driftwood Apartments
Hollywood Housing Authority 
September 25, 2024

Agenda

Hollywood Housing Authority
Tony Gutierrez, Executive Director
Taymir Sempe, Chief Financial Officer
HHA Team

Property Management Team

Dinorah Torres

CVR Relocation Team

Jocelyn Perez

Why RAD?

The Problem: HUD has largely ended the development of new public housing units and federal funding for ongoing maintenance has not kept pace with the physical needs of public housing properties like Driftwood.
What is RAD?
- Rental Assistance Demonstration, it's another source of funding to preserve affordable housing by "converting" properties to a long-term Project-Based Section 8 contract

Project Update

HHA and their partners are working to submit a Rental Assistance Demonstration, RAD application for Driftwood Apartments in 2024, to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Upon application approval, all residents will be eligible for relocation benefits under RAD and the Uniform Relocation Act (URA).
All residents will be required to relocate (either temporarily within the property or off-site) to allow for the rehabilitation of the property to be completed.
The HHA and their partners are intending to rehabilitate all 90-units at the property and there will be no change in the number of units or bedroom sizes during the rehabilitation
The relocation of residents will require that one floor of the property be vacated to allow for the rehabilitation to be completed.
Residents will be relocated temporarily off-site or to vacant units within the property for up to 11 months.
All residents have already been surveyed and indicated their preference for temporary relocation.
The rehabilitation is anticipated to include new kitchens and baths, energy efficient appliances, updated community facilities and improved curb appeal.
It is projected that the length of the rehab will be approximately 11 months long.
After the conversion of the property, the property will no longer be a Public Housing property. Instead, it will be a Project Based Voucher property.
The link below is to a video created by HUD to explain more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bedPX6i5Rg

Difference between Public Housing and Project Based Vouchers

There are some slight differences between Public Housing and Project Based Vouchers (PBV).
Both Public Housing and PBV are income-based programs, meaning that residents pay 30% of their income towards their rent, unless a resident is a Flat Renter on the Public Housing Program.
Additional information regarding RAD can be found at the website below and at the property management office.
https://www.hud.gov/RAD/residents/ResidentFactSheets

Resident Protections

All relocations must meet the requirements of the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
All eligible residents must be offered comparable relocation housing options, ongoing housing assistance, and relocation assistance (such as counseling and compensation for moving expenses).
Residents will have the right to return to the property after the new construction is complete if they are eligible.

Resident Benefits

Resident Rights

No Re-screening.
Rent still 30% of income.
Residents' rents post-conversion still based on 30% of adjusted income. If a tenant's monthly rent increases by more than the greater of 10 percent or $25 as a result of conversion, the rent increase will be phased in over 3 years.
If it is temporary relocation, then resident has the RIGHT TO RETURN.
Residents will be informed by meetings, newsletters, comment forms, hotline, phone or email.

Relocation

CVR will provide a Relocation Coordinator who will:

Communicate what is going on to the residents
Provide counseling and coordination
Assist residents in making informed decisions
Meet with and assist each family with locating new housing, coordinating the actual moves, helping residents search for units, coordinating or reimbursing moving expenses
Advocate on behalf of residents.
HHA Affordable Housing staff will work alongside the Relocation Coordinator to ensure resident needs and preferences are met to the extent possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to move?
- Yes. All residents will be required to move from their current unit to allow for the rehabilitation of the property to be completed.
How much will this process cost me?
- Nothing, within reason. HHA will cover reasonable moving costs, as well as utility connection fees and application fees. Residents will also receive relocation counseling support via CVR.
When will we know when it is our time to move?
- The HHA and CVR will communicate to all residents every step of the way.
What is the timeline to move?
- First, HHA and their partners need to submit an application to HUD. (this has not happened yet)
- Second, HUD has to approve the application (60 - 90 days)
- Third, Relocation activities will begin sometime after the application has been submitted and approved.
What should I be doing now?
Continue upholding the term of your lease;
- Pay your rent on time
- Report changes in income and composition
- Call in work orders as necessary

Timelines frequently change, so be patient and flexible

Goals of the Process

Contact Info 

Relocation Team Hotline: 754.778.9188 to leave a message.
To speak to team member, Liz Vega 512.745.0261
Email: Hollywoodrelocation@cvrassociates.com
For RAD-specific questions contact: Rad@hud.gov

Questions?
Thank You!