Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2007-2008

No Place Like Hud a Report on the Community Development Commission of Mendocino County May 22, 2008

Published: May 22, 2008 5 pages
Ver PDF original

Findings and Recommendations 27 findings

F1
The Community Development Commission consists of seven members, one appointed member from each Supervisory District and two tenant members. The monthly Commission meetings are held alternately in Ukiah and Fort Bragg during business hours. An annual meeting is held in Willits.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
the CDC use the new Mendocino County microwave system to teleconference meetings simultaneously in Fort Bragg, Ukiah and Willits; (Findings 1 and 2)
R2
the Commission hold occasional evening meetings. (Findings 1 and 2) Comments CDC must follow copious Federal mandates.2 There are various rules for different programs. For example, in the “Shelter Plus Care” program clients must show that they are in a verifiable treatment program including medication, counseling and caseworker visitations. The CDC struggles with the limitations of Federal funding available for its programs. Maintenance and renovation of the various CDC-owned properties can only be done within the limits of program income. The CDC provides a valuable service to the residents of Mendocino County. Required Response CDC Executive Director (All Findings; All Recommendations) 2 See www.hudclips.org The Grand Jury Report Process The role of the Mendocino County Civil Grand Jury is to oversee and shed light on local and County government. Jurors conduct oversight inquiries and investigate matters of public interest. Any individual can file a complaint with the Grand Jury using forms available online at www.co.mendocino.ca.us/grandjury. A Grand Jury inquiry begins when a topic is approved by a minimum of 12 of the 19 seated Jurors. A committee then undertakes extensive research and drafts the report.
F2
The tenant Commissioners have difficulty attending the meetings. They face travel and time constraints.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
CDC receives Federal funds for HUD supported operations. Rents and administrative fees help pay for maintenance and upkeep of CDC properties.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
CDC administers three types of housing: property owned by CDC; property owned in affiliation with HUD for Direct Placement families; and privately owned properties for applicants housed under the Voucher/Section 8 program. Direct Placement is in property owned by CDC or owned with HUD and the Voucher system is subsidized by HUD and administered by CDC.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The “Shelter Plus Care” program serves people who are homeless, disabled by drug, alcohol abuse or mental illness and following a verifiable maintenance/treatment program.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
A client’s rent is computed on a sliding scale, relative to income and family size.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Eligibility for individuals or families is based on income; some assets are permitted.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Eligibility for the Senior Program is based on income. Assets, such as stocks and retirement funds, are permitted.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
In 2007, CDC served (by program): • 797 Voucher Program households • 105 Shelter Plus Care households • 175 Direct Placement households
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Maintenance and renovation of CDC properties are prioritized and done as the budget allows.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
CDC inspects all Voucher funded rental properties annually.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
The CDC has a special program for college students in Ukiah. Eligibility criteria are different from other programs offered by CDC.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
CDC/HUD owned Public Housing includes: • Baechtel Creek in Willits serves low income seniors. • Glass Beach Apartments, SeaCliff Apartments and Sanderson Village, all located in Fort Bragg, provide family housing. • Brookside Commons and 28 other units throughout the Ukiah area.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
CDC owned Affordable Housing includes: • College Court Apartments consists of seven units; Preference given to students. • Holly Ranch Village in Fort Bragg provides family housing.1
No recommendations for this finding
F15
There are separate waiting lists for the Direct Placement and the Voucher programs. All client applications are placed on a “first on, first served” list. Not all applications are accepted. Approved client applicants for Direct Placement are accepted upon unit availability. Approved client applicants for the Voucher program are accepted both on unit availability and the availability of funding by HUD.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
Applications from the homeless are accepted immediately in the Shelter Plus Care program.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
If a person living in CDC housing has any change in income, medical expenses or number of people in the household, they must report it to CDC within 30 days.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
If a tenant in the Voucher program becomes disqualified, or if the amount of the voucher is reduced, the landlord is promptly notified.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
Client’s income must be reported annually.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
If a client is currently receiving any government funding, that income can be verified immediately. Non-government income must also be verified.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
The Rules and Regulations of Occupancy include Federal, State and local rental ordinances. When the rules differ, the most stringent rule is applied. Two areas where there are differing rules: • use of controlled substances • pet policies
No recommendations for this finding
F22
Violation of rules may result in a warning before other action is taken by CDC.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
The two most frequent violations that occur are: failure to report income; moving additional people or family members into the home.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
Evictions may occur from CDC funded housing for any of the following reasons: • failure to report circumstances that change eligibility • non-payment of rent • illegal activity on the premises • destruction of the property • nuisance, noise, garbage accumulation, arguments.
No recommendations for this finding
F25
Eviction procedures, including notice requirements, are regulated by the State. In CDC or CDC/HUD rentals, Federal regulations must also be followed. Holly Ranch Village is closed and under reconstruction.
No recommendations for this finding
F26
In the Voucher system the property owner is responsible for any eviction action.
No recommendations for this finding
F27
Most CDC tenants vacate before the eviction process ends in court. There are about three CDC evictions a year that go through the entire process and end in court action.
No recommendations for this finding

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