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March 2001 | |||
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CB Erik Amundson, left, talks about his efforts to expand Section 8 |
South Dakota CB Helps to Expand Section 8 Coverage Although HUD offers rental assistance to low and moderate income families through tenant-based Section 8 vouchers, many South Dakotans are unable to participate in the program in part because Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) may only administer the Section 8 voucher program within their local jurisdictions. This means that potential clients who do not live in a community with a PHA cannot apply to use a voucher without moving. South Dakota only has 25 PHAs which administer vouchers. Thus, much of the state is not eligible for the program. Community Builder Erik Amundson decided to tackle this problem and is working with county commissioners and PHAs toward a viable solution. PHAs may expand their coverage areas by signing a Joint Agreement with another jurisdiction to legally administer the program in their area. County commissioners must establish a county-wide housing authority and agree to have an existing PHA administer their program. The process requires a series of public hearings, resolutions, and board appointments. Erik worked with the Denver Office of General Counsel to prepare a package for commissioners to follow in setting up their county-wide PHA. He meets with county commissions and PHAs regularly to explain the program and help them put the requirements in place. Thus far, eight joint agreements have been approved and ten more counties are in the process of setting up PHAs and signing joint agreements. According to City of Madison PHA director Rhonda Rolling, "This expansion will really help those in the remote, rural areas where the PHAs do not have extensive waiting lists." Although this proved to be a more difficult selling point in many of the larger communities where waiting lists were substantially longer, the Lake County Commissioner Chairman said, "This shows the integrity of the people in these positions. These Housing Authority Boards were more than willing to take on additional territory to make sure all South Dakotans can apply for HUD vouchers." The project has been successful because it has been a collaborative effort between city, county, and federal officials. This is the kind of government partnership that citizens all across South Dakota can benefit from well into the future. | ||
