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. . . moving to work

Moving To Work Program Demonstration Summary

Keene was selected during the initial competitive process for the demonstration by responding to HUD’s request for proposals in 1996. The MTW agreement was executed in 1999 and included all of the agency’s 228 units of Public Housing and 359 Section 8 vouchers with the exception of Keene’s 50 Mainstream Vouchers. Keene began implementing the program on October 1, 1999 for all Public Housing residents. The Section 8 program was implemented in 2000.

The three statutory objectives of the Moving to Work demonstration program are to:

  1. Reduce cost and achieve greater cost effectiveness in Federal expenditures;
  2. Give incentives to families with children where the  head of household is working, seeking work, or is preparing for work by participating in on the job training, educational programs, or programs that assist people to obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient; and
  3. Increase housing choices for low-income families.
     

In accordance with those objectives, the primary goals of Keene’s Spectrum MTW Demonstration Program include:

  • Increase share of residents making progress toward self-sufficiency
  • Improve the quality and quantity of assisted housing stock
  • Provide  a full SPECTRUM of housing options for applicants
  • Increase homeownership among residents
  • Enhance Keene Housing Authority’s capacity to plan and deliver effective programs
  • Increase resident satisfaction with their housing and with Keene Housing Authority programs

Summary of Keene’s Moving To Work Activities and Initiatives

Keene’s current plans and activities are to continue with its successful MTW initiatives while embarking on a major goal, the Keene Affordable Housing Project, to ensure the preservation and financial viability of its former public housing inventory. New and ongoing strategies include the following:

  • Utilize MTW flexibility to increase housing options and services through collaborative projects, partnerships and development with local, regional and national institutions.
  • Initiate the Keene Affordable Housing Project to rehabilitate and preserve the former public housing portfolio.
  • Provide subsidy reform initiatives, through the Section 8 Housing Assistance Coupon program, to provide incentives for working families to achieve and maintain employment and housing.
  • Operate the Safety Net Program to provide temporary relief for households experiencing a qualified rent hardship.
  • Provide supportive services such as the Resident Self-Reliance Program, Congregate Housing Program and Youth Services to increase success rates of tenants and participants.
  • Diversify funding sources to ensure the long term financial viability of all housing and service programs, including MTW initiatives, operated by the Keene Housing Authority.
  • Maximize efficiency of operations and streamline service delivery through MTW initiatives such as self-certifications and standard deductions.
  • Engage in regular organizational and staff development initiatives to accommodate the shifting paradigm of how we serve participants.


    Julie Davenson
    Manager of Policy and Program Development
    Keene Housing Authority
    831 Court Street
    Keene, NH 03431
    (603) 352-6161 ext 302
    jdavenson@kha.org