Moving to Work (MTW) Delaware State Housing Authority

General Information

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) was created in 1968. Over the past 30 years, DSHA has served an integral role in Delaware's economic and social plan, demonstrated by the inclusion of the DSHA director as part of the Governor's Cabinet.

Today, DSHA functions as a government agency as well as an entrepreneurial developer and lending institution. In addition to its role as the State’s housing finance agency, DSHA owns and operates 487 units at nine public housing sites, administers Section 8 vouchers, and acts as a community development organization.

Goals

• Reduce costs and achieve greater cost effectiveness by administrative reforms to the public housing and Section 8 programs.
• Give incentives to families who are employed or seeking employment and self-sufficiency.
• Improve housing options by offering or coordinating a variety of resources.

Agreement

Rent Policies

• Initial rent is set at 35 percent of adjusted income
• To increase residents' affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, each tenant's rent will not increase as income increases, up to $120.
• Instead, when the resident's total tenant payment exceeds either $120 or their utility allowance, the difference will be placed into an escrow savings account that will be turned over to the tenant upon completion of the program. TTP is capped at $350.
• Clients then have the opportunity to use these funds for a security deposit and first month’s rent or as a downpayment on a home. In an emergency (such as car repairs to maintain transportation for employment or emergency medical and dental care) the savings account may be accessed early with approval of DSHA.
• In addition, DSHA will provide homeownership assistance to eligible tenants.
• DSHA placed a five-year time limit on housing assistance for those families in MTW, unless an extension is granted or if the family qualifies for the Safety Net. Families whose housing assistance is terminated based on this time limit may reapply for housing assistance.

Occupancy Policies

• Families will apply for assistance from DSHA and the first available public housing unit or Section 8 voucher will be offered.
• Currently, DSHA serves more than 1,300 families, elderly, and persons with disabilities through the public housing and Section 8 voucher program. MTW will include 550 of these families.

Self-Sufficiency Policies

• Families will sign an MTW contract outlining their responsibilities and complete a Resident Action Plan detailing the families' goals to obtain and retain employment, including the services they will need to attain these goals within 5 years.
• DSHA's Resident Services Section and case managers will work closely with residents to coordinate necessary services and monitor their progress.

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