Selection Method

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​​DETCOG has established local preferences giving priority to families who meet one the preference categories listed below.  Preferences are not verified at the time of application. Any preference noted on the application will be verified at the time an applicant reaches the top of the waiting list; you will not be given a preference if you do not meet the preference at the time you reach the top of the waiting list. 

Note:

As per DETCOG’s Administrative Plan, Chapter 4.III.C, “Applications are accepted onto the waiting list by preference/lottery method; if it is determined at verification that applicant provided false information on their original application, the application will be denied.”

Detailed information about preferences is available for review in Chapter 4.III.C of our Administrative Plan.

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HCV preferences include:

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Involuntary Displacement
The PHA may open a waiting list for Involuntary Displacement in the event of a federal, state or  local declaration for natural disaster, national emergency other federal or state or local declared disaster. When the PHA opens such waiting list, the PHA will at its discretion, offer assistance to families who have been displaced as a priority above other waiting list applicants. The PHA will follow criteria established
in 4-II.C. To the eligible for assistance, the applicant must have proof at the time of application that they qualify for the preference. This preference is available only when an Involuntary Displacement Waiting List is open.

Foster Youth To Independence Initiative
The PHA will issue up to 25 youth(s) Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Vouchers. The PHA will enter into an agreement with a Public Child Welfare Agency (PCWA) to assist the youth in achieving self-sufficiency. The agreement will establish timeframes (no more than 36 months) for Youths transitioning out the foster care

system. The PHA will offer a voucher to applicants who meets all the following criteria:
1. Has attained at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age;
2. Left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act;
3. Is homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless at age 16; and
4. Are referred to DETCOG by a Public Child Welfare Agency (PCWA) with whom DETCOG has executed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the provider’s responsibility to provide supportive services for the referred youth. The waiting list for FYI vouchers is continually open for referrals from a Public Child Welfare Agency (PCWA) with whom DETCOG has executed a Memorandum of Understanding as long as there are FYI vouchers available.

Applications meeting the requirements of FYI will be accepted on a referral basis provided there is funding available.
 

If HUD awards DETCOG Regional Housing Authority FYI vouchers, DETCOG will use the assistance for FYI-eligible youth only. DETCOG will maintain records showing that the youth was admitted with HUD-targeted assistance. Youth not identified and referred as eligible by the PCWA are not eligible to receive assistance under FYI.

Youth Leaving Foster Youth To Independence Initiative (FYI)
Preference will be given above other preferences to assist youth leaving FYI that are at-risk of homelessness.

Residency Preference
Families whose head, co-head or spouse live, work, or have been hired to work in The PHA jurisdiction will be given a preference. The PHA will require formal proof of employment or residence in the jurisdiction at the time of eligibility interview including, a driver’s license, utility bill, lease, hire letter or pay stub with the HOH’s
name and address on it. 
Weight: 100 points

Veterans and Veterans’ Families
Veteran families will be given a preference. The PHA defines “veteran” as a head of household that was honorably discharged or who is currently on active duty with the following branches of service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and the National Guard (if deployed during war). This definition also includes the spouse of a veteran who is currently on active duty, or the widow of a veteran who was killed in action. Documentation from the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs will be required to confirm veteran status.
Weight: 5 points

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Victims of Domestic Violence
The PHA will offer a preference to families that include victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who have either been referred by a partnering service agency or consortia, or a religious organization, and are seeking an emergency transfer under VAWA from other covered housing programs operated by the PHA. The applicant must certify that the abuser will not reside with the applicant unless the PHA gives prior written approval.

The PHA will first assist families that have been terminated from the HCV program due to insufficient funding and then assist families that qualify for the VAWA preference.
Weight: 5 points

Disabled Preference
The PHA will give preference to disabled families.
Weight: 5 points

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