Homeless Housing Programs

HOM, Inc. currently operates Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Programs on behalf of Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation (ABC) for homeless persons with serious mental illness. These TBRA programs are funded with two HUD grants, the Shelter Plus Care Program and the Supportive Housing Program.

These TBRA programs are operated very similarly to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Eligible applicants secure dwelling units in the community that meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and whose rents are determined to be reasonable in comparison to similar units that do not receive assistance. Participants contribute at least 30% of their adjusted income towards the cost of their rent and utilities. The programs utilize the HUD-published Fair Market Rents (FMR) as the payment standard for calculating subsidy for the household.

Each participant in the program also receives case management from the Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) for Maricopa County. These case managers provide the necessary "wrap-around" supportive services for program participants to assist them in successfully living independently in the community.

The programs are also supplemented with additional funding from the RBHA to provide services such as payment of security and utility deposits for participants, and the establishment of telephone service for the participant for the first 90 days of housing. The RBHA funding also provides for start-up funds consisting of a kit containing an assortment of household items necessary for starting up a home and a gift certificate to a local grocery store for food, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies.

HOM, Inc. is currently in its 15th operating year and has had tremendous success in serving our clients. Many of our clients are able to successfully become self-sufficient and obtain other permanent housing through Section 8 or Public Housing, renting without rental assistance, and even homeownership.

Section 8 Mainstream Program

In 2001, Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation (ABC) was designated by HUD as a Public Housing Authority for the purpose of administering the Mainstream Housing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Program, also referred to as the Mainstream Program. HOM, Inc. contracts with ABC to administer and operate the Mainstream Program.

The Mainstream Program provides Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to very-low income disabled families. Unlike the McKinney-Vento Programs, the Mainstream Program serves all disabled families, regardless of the type of disability. There is no preference provided to a family with a specific type of disability.

As in the Homeless Housing Programs, eligible applicants secure dwelling units in the community that meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and whose rents are determined to be reasonable in comparison to similar units that do not receive assistance. Participants contribute at least 30% of their adjusted income towards the cost of their rent and utilities. The programs utilize the HUD-published Fair Market Rents (FMR) as the payment standard for calculating subsidy for the household.

The Mainstream Program has funding for 125 vouchers, all of which are currently under lease in the community. HOM, Inc. maintains the waiting list for the Mainstream Program.

For additional information about the Mainstream Program, click here.