RTFH Changes its Name to Better Reflect the Reality of People Experiencing Homelessness

What may seem like a minor change is intended to send a very big message from the non-profit organization that leads, coordinates, promotes and advocates for innovative solutions to prevent and end homelessness in the San Diego region.

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Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness is pleased to announce that on May 5, 2021, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a PIH Notice 2021-15 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)-Operating Requirements. 70,000 Vouchers were awarded to approximately 700 Public Housing Authorities (PHA) nationwide. In San Diego County, four PHAs were awarded vouchers totaling a minimum of 819 vouchers (updated by HUD 6/22/2021). All four PHA’s have responded to HUD and have accepted the vouchers.

Public Housing Authority	Minimum Number of Emergency Housing Vouchers
San Diego Housing Commission	480
County of San Diego	264
City of Oceanside	43
City of National City	32

HUD has established specific eligibility and operating requirements for the EHVs. Eligibility for these EHVs is limited to individuals and families who are:

Homeless;
At risk of homelessness;
Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking; or
Recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or having high risk of housing instability.

HUD requires that PHAs partner with the Continuum of Care (CoC) or other homeless or victim services providers to assist qualifying households through a direct referral process. CoCs are responsible for determining whether a household qualifies under one of the four eligibility categories for EHVs and PHAs must only accept referrals for EHVs directly from the CoCs Coordinated Entry System (CES) or from Victim Service Provider (VSP).

The RTFH as the Lead Agency for San Diego region’s CoC has partnered with all four PHAs to plan for and implement a successful and sustainable EHV program in the San Diego region. RTFH and the four PHAs are committed to a successful EHV program and recognize the importance of a joint communication strategy to keep San Diegan’s informed of EHV program requirements and how to access EHVs.

RTFH and the PHAs hosted a webinar to further explain the program and if you should refer participants you are working with, as provided in the links below.

Resources:

HUD EHV Notice
HUD EHV FAQ’s
RTFH FAQ responses – coming soon
Emergency Housing Vouchers Referral Training webinar slides
Emergency Housing Vouchers Referral Training webinar recordin g
Coordinated Entry Access Sites

Statement on Racial Inequality and Action

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness stands in solidarity with our member organizations and community members in condemning the violence and injustice perpetrated against Black Americans.

Homelessness disproportionately affects people of color in the San Diego region and reflects the economic and racial divides that persist in this country. The RTFH is committed to addressing racial inequality and amplifying the perspectives of people of color with lived experience in our work, communication, and organizational decision-making.

About RTFH

The board, members and staff of RTFH are the driving force behind the work that we do.

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About CoC

We provide essential data and insights on the issue of homelessness for the San Diego Region.

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Funding

RTFH offers several diverse funding opportunities and information for grant recipients.

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Impact by Numbers

Working with our partner agencies in the Continuum of Care (CoC) and local and state agencies, we’re making a measureable difference in our mission to end homelessness.