Covid 19 Response Plan

FWBHA has been closely monitoring the latest developments regarding COVID-19 and in response to the shelter-in-place order and recommendations by the CDC, we have suspended all in person meetings. Communication with our clients and partners will be conducted via telephone, email, mail, and fax. Our office remains closed to the public until further notice. By statutory waiver, and approval by FWBHA's Board of Commissioners, the following policies have been put in place:

* Section 8 and Public Housing Annual Examinations -

The FWBHA will continue to conduct annual examinations via mail, telephone, email, and other electronic sources. The FWBHA will consider self-certification as the highest form of income verification when processes annual reexaminations and document appropriately. The FWBHA will also address any material discrepancies that may arise at a later date.

* Section 8 and Public Housing INTERIM Examinations -

The FWBHA will continue to conduct interim examinations via mail, telephone, email, and other electronic sources. The FWBHA will consider self-certification as the highest form of income verification when processes annual reexaminations and document appropriately. The FWBHA will also address any material discrepancies that may arise at a later date.

* Section 8 Initial HQS Inspection -

The FWBHA will rely on owner's and tenant's certifications that the owner and tenant have no reasonable basis to have knowledge that life-threatening conditions exist in the units or units in question instead of conducting an initial inspection. The FWBHA will inspect those units that were placed under HAP contract based on the owner's and tenant's self-certifications no later than October 31,2020.

* HQS Space and Security Requirements -

The FWBHA will allow current participants to add a member or members to their assisted households as a result of the COVID-19 even if it does not comply with the space and security standards. Additional members must still meet program requirements.

* Section 8 Intake/Issuance of Voucher for Program Participation -

The FWBHA will conduct the briefings by issuing an expanded information packet.

* Section 8 Voucher Expiration -

The FWBHA will allow extensions of the term of vouchers of up to an additional 60 days.

* Section and Public Housing Absence from Unit -

The FWBHA will allow a family to be absent from the unit for more than 180 consecutive calendar days if the absence is due to extenuating circumstances.

* Public Housing Community Service and Self Sufficiency Requirements -

The FWBHA will suspend all CSSR requirements until the family's next annual reexamination.

* Public Housing Late Fees -

Public Housing Residents are encouraged to pay their rent on time, however, the FWBHA will suspend late fees until further notice.

For additional information and assistance visit our resources page.