2018-128A - Laserfiche WebLink

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The application process will have a noticed cutoff date for the receipt of applications. Applications received after that date shall only be considered on a `first come, first qualified, first served' basis as alternates after the primary list of Applicants has been considered and exhausted and where sufficient funds still remain to address more units. Primary consideration of `first come, first qualified, first served' status shall be when the Applicant complies with all program criteria and has furnished all required documentation and can therefore be qualified by the HRS, rather than time of receipt of the initial application. This is contingent upon funds remaining available at the time of approval and the unit in question also qualifying. Income qualification and unit qualification both apply (e.g. an Applicant completes their file and is qualified, but the unit is in the flood plain or historic and insufficient funds remain to address those issues. However, the next Applicant in the first come, first qualified, first served line qualifies and only needs roof and window repairs within the remaining budget. The HRS or the County's PA may remove an Applicant from any CDBG program for a change in household income, approved in the Applicant Selection Criteria, not complying with the minimum qualification procedures, refusing to comply with the program requirements or HRS directions (such as temporary relocation from an unsafe dwelling or work area), not accepting the program standards or HRS recommendations for eligible repairs or other just cause that would expose the County to unacceptable risk. If it is determined that it is necessary to remove an Applicant from the program, a certified letter will be drafted and recommended by the HRS and sent by the County to the Applicant stating the reasons for the removal. The Applicant will have the right to appeal the decision as identified in the Citizen Participation Plan. The HRS's best judgment shall be the guide in determining whether it is in the best interest of the program or the County to reject a unit or application. The practical housing rehabilitation experience of the HRS is critical in dealing with potential risk to the County or program, or the safety of the occupant in cases where Applicants refuse to cooperate with program guidelines or HRS directions. mr%fa It is important to ensure that the housing program does not discriminate against any class of potential Applicants. All persons must be treated equally when serving housing needs. The Fair Housing Act is the term commonly used to describe the provisions of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended in 1988. The Act states that it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, sex/gender, familial status, national origin, or disability. In addition to what is covered under the federal act, Florida law also prohibits discrimination on the basis of marital status. This language should be included in all program information announcements and advertisements relating to the housing program. It is important for housing administrators to be familiar with fair housing laws, as well as the more subtle forms of discrimination. 24