Selection Process For the 5 (h) Plan Through the Campus of Learners Concept
STAFF AND RESIDENT TEAM
The Homeownership Committee of the Hartford Housing Authority, comprised of staff and residents, developed the selection process together from the beginning (see attached notebook).
From start to finish, the 5 (h) Plan that works in cooperation with the Campus of Learners concept was a collaborative effort combining theory and real life practice into a product which sets the stage for reengineering public housing in Hartford and provides a model for other housing authorities in the country.
MARKETING
Information about the 5 (h) Plan and the Campus of Learners was sent to all public housing residents in the Fall of 1997 and was advertised in the newspapers for City of Hartford families who were public housing eligible. Over 500 families expressed an interest in "outright purchase" and over 200 expressed an interest in the 5 year Rent with the Option alternative of the Campus of Learners.
MANDATORY ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
Mandatory orientation and training sessions were arranged for each group. The sessions were done in cooperation with three Hartford based counseling agencies, The Urban League, The Christian Activities Council (CAC) and Hartford Areas Rally Together (HART). A more complete description of the mandatory class sessions can be found in the accompanying notebook entitled "Resident Involvement".
APPLICATION REVIEW
After a process which included Housing Authority records review, credit, police, and lease violation checks, rent history review, and personal and home interviews, families were invited to partake in "outright homeownership" (immediate purchase of the single family homes) if mortgage qualified) or the five year Campus of Learners (duplexes). What appears below are some of the criteria used by the Committee to guide their decisions.
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RENT STATUS
In order to be considered families must be current on their rent, i.e. have a "$0" balance or stipulation. If a tenant has been late 3 times or more within the most recent 12 month period, the family would be counseled to choose the Rent with the Option program and to participate in credit and home budgeting counseling.
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LEASE VIOLATIONS
The attached prior lease violation factors are considered in determining whether families are eligible for the Campus of Learners.
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POLICE CHECKS
The attached prior criminal factors are considered in determining whether families are eligible for the Campus of Learners.
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IN HOME INTERVIEW WITH ALL FAMILY MEMBERS
Each family is interviewed by a staff / resident team (in their home) with a set series of questions. The family is evaluated relative to their prior activities and their commitment to and understanding of homeownership and / or the Campus of Learners
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LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE DOCUMENTS
The family must sign all the documents below; and lack of compliance with the documents results in eviction or transfer to another public housing unit. These documents (see Tabs in this notebook) include but are not limited to:
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Campus of Learners Contract of Participation(and Youth Agreement of Participation where appropriate)
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Campus of Learners Lease Addendum
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Campus of Learners Rent to Own Public Housing Lease
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Option to Purchase Addendum
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Campus of Learners Rules and Regulations
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Application
6. BEFORE MOVE IN – RESIDENTS MUST PARTICIPATE IN HOME MAINTENANCE TRAINING
Prior to move – in the family must receive a certificate of completion of the Campus of Learners Home Maintenance Course which will include credit counseling and home budgeting. A "Welcome Kit" for each family will include samples of supplies and equipment necessary to maintain the home.
LEASE VIOLATION FACTORS
Here are the Lease Violations which were considered by the Committee during file review and personal interviews.
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Committing fraud in connection with the Federal Housing Program
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Engaging in criminal activity on and off the premises including Part I crimes and drugs
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Destroying, defacing or damaging Housing Authority property
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Owning or harboring pit bulls, rottweiler, any cross breed of either, or other dangerous animals in the apartment
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Storing of hazardous materials such as propane gas or gasoline.
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Refusing extermination services when required by the Authority
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Providing accommodation for borders and lodgers without permission from the Authority
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Failure to keep unit clean and sanitary, poor housekeeping. Disturbing other residents and not allowing the peaceful enjoyment of their accommodations.
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Dumping rubbish and bulk waste on grounds
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Creating a situation in a unit that may become a safety hazard such as removing smoke detector
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Hanging clothes out the window
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Disturbing other residents with sound making devices.
CRIMINAL VIOLATION FACTORS
Here are the types of criminal violations which were considered by the Committee as they conducted reviews of the files and personal interviews with the families.
FELONIES
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Murder and / or manslaughter
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Rape
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Kidnapping
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Possession of Drugs: With or without the intent to sell
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Having a drug factory
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Child Molestation
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Sex Offenses
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Criminal weapons use
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Arson
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Any type of burglary
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Stolen fire arms
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Possession of fire arms without a permit
MISDEMEANORS
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Any type of larceny
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Assault
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Threatening
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Interfering