Health and Housing Strategy for Virginians with Serious Mental Illness — DHCD Report (January 2021)
Summary
Health and Housing Strategy for Virginians with Serious Mental Illness: A Report to the General Assembly, submitted by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in January 2021. The Executive Summary calls it the fourth report to the General Assembly and states that the General Assembly requested in 2017 that DHCD work with state agencies and other stakeholders to expand Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). It states that as of December 2020 the state has developed 1,264, or 25 percent, of the approximately 5,000 PSH units needed. The report also lists strategies for continued progress, with appendices that include an Action Plan and the PSH Steering Committee.
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“Health and Housing Strategy for Virginians with Serious Mental Illness — DHCD Report (January 2021).”
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Health and Housing Strategy for Virginians
with Serious Mental Illness:
A Report to the General Assembly
Submitted by Department of Housing and
Community Development – January 2021
Table of Contents
Executive Summary......................................................................................................................... 3
Annual Report on Housing Strategies for the Seriously Mentally Ill .............................................. 6
Background ..................................................................................................................................... 7
General Assembly Request ......................................................................................................... 7
Permanent Supportive Housing ...................................................................................................... 8
What is PSH? ............................................................................................................................... 8
An Evidence-Based Practice ........................................................................................................ 9
Why is a PSH Housing and Services Strategy Important for Virginia? ...................................... 10
Assessing Cost Avoidance ......................................................................................................... 13
Estimates of PSH Need for Virginians with SMI ........................................................................ 14
PSH as of December 2020 ......................................................................................................... 15
Progress and Accomplishments .................................................................................................... 16
PSH Services and Supports - Accomplishments ........................................................................ 16
Capital Investment in PSH - Accomplishments ......................................................................... 23
Rental Assistance for PSH - Accomplishments .......................................................................... 24
Enhancing System Capacity - Accomplishments ....................................................................... 29
Strategies for Continued Progress ................................................................................................ 34
Strategies to Continue to Expand PSH Housing Supports ......................................................... 34
Strategies to Expand Capital and Rental Assistance for PSH .................................................... 37
Strategies to Increase Capital Investment in PSH ..................................................................... 37
Strategies to Increase Rental Assistance for PSH...................................................................... 39
Strategies to Increase PSH through Existing Affordable Housing Programs............................. 41
Strategies to Increase PSH through Enhancing System Capacity.............................................. 42
Leadership Key to PSH Strategy .................................................................................................... 44
Appendix A Action Plan ............................................................................................................ 46
Appendix B PSH Steering Committee ....................................................................................... 68
Appendix C Strategy Group Membership ................................................................................ 69
Appendix D Committee Relationship Graphic .......................................................................... 72
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Executive Summary
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is an evidence-based practice that meets the housing
preferences of many individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and demonstrates positive
outcomes such as reduced hospitalizations and homelessness, increased housing stability, and
improved behavioral and physical health. In 2017, the General Assembly requested the
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) work with state agencies and other
stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to expand PSH for individuals with SMI. This
fourth report to the General Assembly provides the state’s 2020 accomplishments as well as
recommendations to continue to expand PSH to meet the long-term 5,000-unit need for PSH.
The PSH Steering Committee has five goals to continue to expand PSH:
Goal #1 - Increase Services and Supports to Assist Individuals with SMI to Gain Access to
and Maintain Supportive Housing
Goal #2 - Provide Capital Subsidies to Expand PSH
Goal #3 - Increase Rental Assistance to make Units Affordable
Goal #4 - Increase PSH through Preferential Access to Existing Affordable Housing Programs
Goal #5 - Strategies to Increase PSH through Enhancing System Capacity
The Committee developed a three-year Action Plan with 57 specific strategies and action items
to reach these goals. The Interagency Leadership Team (ILT) approved the Action Plan. The Lead
state agencies designated for the strategies provide regular updates that will be shared with
the Housing Virginians with SMI Strategy Group.
Working collaboratively, the state agencies that comprise the PSH Steering Committee made
significant progress towards meeting each of these goals. Highlights of the CY 20
accomplishments include:
Success Towards Overall Goal of 5,000 PSH Units: As of December 2020, the state has
developed 1,264 or 25 percent of the approximately 5,000 PSH units needed. This includes
1,105 PSH SMI units,
120 Auxiliary Grant in Supportive Housing (AGSH) units, and
69 leveraged Mainstream vouchers.
DBHDS PSH SMI Program Outcomes: Outcomes for the 1,129 individual participants in the PSH
SMI program, who were housed between February 6, 2016 and February 29, 2020 include:
One hundred seventy-four individuals were discharged from a state behavioral health
hospital into DBHDS PSH, and overall, 263 individuals in PSH had a state hospital
admission in the year before move-in.
3
PSH providers are effectively prioritizing individuals with extensive histories of
homelessness and repeated, long-term use of institutional care before move-in.
Eighty-seven percent of individuals served in PSH remained stably housed for at least
one year.
Only 7 percent of those served have been discharged to an institutional setting or higher
level of care.
State hospital utilization decreased 76 percent the year after PSH move-in, resulting in
avoided costs of $12.2 million.
VH Leasing Preference: In order to have a more significant impact, VH modified its CY19
Qualified Allocation Plan to require that every development awarded 9% LIHTC as well as 4%
tax credit funding provide a PSH leasing preference for 10 percent of its units. In 2020, this
resulted in tax credit awards for 196 preference units; 1,958 total units through the 9% and 236
preference units; 2,359 total units through the 4% program.
Virginia Housing Trust Fund (VHTF): DHCD received over $3.1 million in request for the $2.34
available in Homeless Reduction grants. There were 37 applicants or which 28 received awards.
These projects are currently being implemented. In FY19 and FY20, DHCD’s homeless reduction
grants served 417 households in the rapid rehousing program and 571 households in
permanent supportive housing programs.
During the Special Session of the 2020 General Assembly, Governor Northam and the
legislature approved $55 million for the VHTF for FY 21, a historic increase at a time when the
need for affordable housing and permanent supportive housing could not be greater. Of the
approved amount, $16,680,000 will be allocated for the production and preservation of
affordable housing with an emphasis on PSH; $10,620,000 will be allocated for Homeless
Reduction Grants that include funds for supportive services within PSH programs; and $500,000
will be allocated for predevelopment grants of PSH.
Mainstream Voucher Program: With the support of the state agencies, local Virginia Public
Housing Agencies leveraged 1,071 federally-funded vouchers to serve non-elderly people with
disabilities who are homeless, institutionalized, at risk of either condition, or who will move on
from a PSH/Rapid Rehousing program.
Building and Transforming Coverage, Services, and Supports for a Healthier Virginia Waiver:
CMS approved Virginia’s High Needs Support benefit, which DMAS now expects to implement
on July 1, 2022, will provide critical housing and employment support services to the
Commonwealth’s high need Medicaid members, to address the social and environmental needs
that impact health, wellbeing, and medical expenditures.
4
It is important to note that the state agencies that comprise the PSH Steering Committee were
able to not only safely operate but continued to expand PSH programs for people with SMI and
other vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a testament to the
agencies’ collaborative relationships as well as the deep commitment of the staff.
Meeting the long-term need for PSH will require the continued support of leadership and the
commitment of state and local public and private entities to make rental units available and
affordable, to target those units to individuals in the state’s priority populations, and to provide
readily accessible supportive services through the ongoing development of systems capacity
and sustainable funding strategies.
5
Annual Report on Housing Strategies for the Seriously Mentally Ill
The following report complies with 2017 Budget Bill language Item 108#1c - Commerce and
Trade – Department of Housing and Community Development
Page 96, after line 9, insert:
"H. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) shall develop and
implement strategies, that may include potential Medicaid financing, for housing individuals
with serious mental illness. DHCD shall include other agencies in the development of such
strategies including the Virginia Housing Development Authority, Department of Behavioral
Health and Developmental Services, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Medical Assistance Services, and Department of Social Services. The Department
shall also include stakeholders whose constituents have an interest in expanding supportive
housing for people with serious mental illness, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Virginia, the Virginia Housing Alliance and the Virginia Sheriff's Association. An annual report on
such strategies and the progress on implementation shall be provided to the Chairmen of the
House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by the first day of each General Assembly
Regular Session."
6
Background
General Assembly Request
Through budget language, the 2017 General Assembly charged the Department of Housing and
Community Development (DHCD) with developing and implementing strategies to increase
permanent supportive housing (PSH) for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). The
General Assembly indicated that strategies could potentially include Medicaid financing and
directed DHCD to include other agencies in the development of strategies, naming Virginia
Housing (VH), Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS),
Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Department of Medical Assistance
Services (DMAS), and Department of Social Services (DSS) (Item 105 H). Direction for this effort
has been provided on two levels – through the Interagency Leadership Team (ILT), comprised of
heads of the agencies described above and through the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
Steering Committee comprised of program directors and managers of the same agencies.
Further, the General Assembly required DHCD to include stakeholders whose constituents have
an interest in expanding supportive housing for individuals with SMI, naming the National
Alliance on Mental Illness Virginia, the Virginia Housing Alliance and the Virginia Sheriff's
Association. Finally, the General Assembly required DHCD to provide an annual report on such
strategies and the progress on implementation to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations
and Senate Finance Committees. This report is the third DHCD report to the General Assembly
in response to its charge to develop PSH strategies. The 2018-2020 reports can be found here:
https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2018/RD12
https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2019/RD100
https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2020/RD10
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Permanent Supportive Housing
What is PSH?
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes PSH
as “decent, safe, and affordable community-based housing that provides tenants with the rights
of tenancy under state and local landlord tenant laws and is linked to voluntary and flexible
supports and services designed to meet tenants’ needs and preferences.1” PSH is affordable
rental housing that may be scattered site or single site. Support services are available to tenants
but not required and PSH is not a treatment setting. PSH is a cross-system approach that
requires tactical use of resources.
Housing must be safe, decent and affordable. Housing affordability is a critical issue for states
working to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA)
requirements because most individuals with significant disabilities rely primarily on federal
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments that average only 20 percent of median income
nationally. Nowhere in the U.S. can a person with a disability on SSI afford housing at the Fair
Market Rate2. Affordability is created with capital to write down the cost of acquisition,
development or rehabilitation of housing and rental or operating assistance to ensure tenants
pay only what they can afford for rent. The tenant’s limited income also means it is difficult to
save for payment of a security deposit, utility hook-ups or furnishings and tenants often need
assistance with these one-time costs as well.
Services are essential to assist individuals with SMI in gaining access to and transitioning to
housing, and for successfully sustaining PSH. PSH programs generally provide tenancy supports
to help individuals maintain successful tenancies and connect tenants with community-based
organizations for health care, mental health, substance abuse (mental health and substance
abuse hereafter collectively referred to as behavioral health) and other services. States have
options for how to deliver and fund PSH services. It is critical to ensure services are readily
available when needed and available for a long as the individual wants and needs them.
System Supports are essential, to serve as the “glue” that makes PSH work. The delivery of
housing and services requires the collaboration of systems that use different language, rely on
different funding sources and have different measures of accountability. Collaboration and
strategic planning at multiple levels including the state, regional, and local are critical to the
development and management of system supports. Each system’s roles and responsibilities
1 SAMHSA (2010). Permanent Supportive Housing Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Kit. PowerPoint Presentation:
http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA10-4510
2 Priced Out , Technical Assistance Collaborative http://www.tacinc.org/knowledge-resources/priced-out-v2/
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need to be clear and accountable at the planning stage to ensure the needed collaboration and
communication is functional when programs are ready for implementation.
An Evidence-Based Practice
SAMHSA has identified PSH as an evidence-based practice (EBP) for individuals with SMI.
Research has shown the cost-effectiveness of the PSH model, particularly for people with
extensive or complex needs such as those with co-occurring mental health and substance use
disorder conditions who often experience homelessness, or who are frequent users of costly
institutional and emergency care3. Research has also demonstrated positive impacts of PSH on
housing stability, health, and behavioral health4. In one review of existing research studies, a
consistent finding emerged that the “provision of housing had a strong, positive effect in
promoting housing stability and reducing homelessness.”5
Other federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the
US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) recognize PSH as a best practice. HUD and
CMS for example, have programs or projects in place to promote PSH. HUD has provided funds
annually to Continuums of Care serving chronically homeless individuals – the vast majority of
whom have SMI - to expand PSH. As costs for institutional settings have grown, and alternative
service approaches emerged, CMS recognized and promoted options for states to shift, when
appropriate, the care of individuals in nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for
individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IIDs) to more inclusive and less costly community-
based alternatives. Initiatives such as Money Follows the Person and the Balancing Incentive
Program, as well as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers became popular
tools to assist states in reducing reliance on institutional settings. In January 2014, CMS put in
place the HCBS Waiver “Settings Rule” that provided strong incentives for state Medicaid
agencies and their Mental Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities counterparts to
develop and promote integrated community-based housing for individuals with disabilities. In
June 2015, CMS issued an Informational Bulletin clarifying that while Medicaid cannot pay for
3 Culhane, D. P. et al. (2002). Public service reductions associated with placement of homeless persons with severe mental
illness in supportive housing. Housing Policy Debate, 13(1):107–163
Larimer, M. E. (2009). Health care and public service use and costs before and after provision of housing for chronically
homeless persons with severe alcohol problems. The Journal of the American Medical Association 301(13):1349
Chalmers McLaughlin, T. (2010). Using common themes: Cost-effectiveness of permanent supported housing for people with
mental illness. Research on Social Work Practice, 21(4):404–411.
4 Rog, D. et al. (2014). Permanent supportive housing: Assessing the evidence. Psychiatric Services 65(3):287-294
Padgett, et al. (2011). Substance use outcomes among homeless clients with serious mental illness: Comparing Housing First
with Treatment First programs. Community Mental Health Journal 47(2):227–232.
Wolitski et al. (2009). Randomized trial of the effects of housing assistance on the health and risk behaviors of homeless and
unstably housed people living with HIV. AIDS and Behavior 14(3):493–503.
5 Rog, D. et al. (2013). Permanent supportive housing: Assessing the evidence. Psychiatric Services 65(3):290.
9
room and board, the program can assist states with coverage of certain housing-related
activities and services.6 The bulletin was intended to assist states in designing Medicaid
benefits, and to clarify the circumstances under which Medicaid reimburses for certain housing-
related activities, with the goal of promoting community integration for individuals with
disabilities, older adults needing long-term services and supports (LTSS), and those experiencing
chronic homelessness.
Prioritizing the housing needs of individuals with disabilities who are institutionalized or
homeless is not only the most cost-effective strategy for states and the federal government, it
is also a requirement of the ADA. States are increasingly moving toward expansion of PSH
within their housing and services continuums because of its alignment with the ADA’s
integration mandate, as well as with housing preferences and choices for many individuals with
SMI in particular. This is especially true where lack of availability or lack of access to such
options, due in part to a history of reliance on congregate or institutional settings, seriously
limits the housing choices of individuals with disabilities.
Why is a PSH Housing and Services Strategy Important for Virginia?
PSH can be a valuable tool to help the Commonwealth of Virginia address a number of public
policy challenges. First, Virginia has implemented Medicaid expansion, affording access to
health care for up to 400,000 low-income qualifying Virginia residents. Based on other states’
experiences, it is estimated that as many as 35 percent of these individuals will have significant
chronic physical and behavioral health conditions that have previously been un-treated or
under-treated due to their lack of coverage. Many of these individuals are likely to be unstably
housed, adding to the myriad of needs to be addressed to improve their health. In addition to
the array of support services now available to them through Medicaid, PSH can help by
improving housing stability, leading to more effective use of healthcare services for this newly
covered population.
Development of a housing and services strategy for individuals with SMI is also important to the
Commonwealth because it will facilitate the timely discharge of individuals from state
psychiatric beds and prevent returns to inpatient care. Virginia is experiencing a census crisis in
its state hospitals due to “bed of last resort” legislation, which has left those hospitals
shouldering a disproportionate share of temporary detention order admissions. Lack of
affordable housing with robust supportive services is a commonly cited barrier to discharge.
PSH is widely recognized as a critical resource to assist states with ensuring individuals are
supported in the least restrictive setting, as required by the Olmstead decision, and with
reducing the use of costly inpatient care.
6 https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib-06-26-2015.pdf
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PSH can help the subpopulation of people with SMI exit homelessness more quickly and
successfully. As illustrated in Figure 1 below, between CY2010 and CY2020, overall
homelessness in Virginia has decreased 34 percent. Homelessness among various
subpopulations including people with substance use disorders, families, veterans and people
experiencing chronic homelessness has decreased by as much as 68 percent during this time
period. In 2015, Virginia became the first state in the country to be certified by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development to have functionally ended veteran
homelessness. For people with SMI, however, homelessness decreased only 21 percent
between 2010 and 2020 (see Figure 2).
Figure 1 Total Persons Homeless
Virginia Point- in-Time Count
January, 2020 - Preliminary
34% decrease since 2010
9500
9000
8500
8000
7500
7000
6500
6000
5500
5000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Series1 9080 8816 8424 7625 7020 7001 6268 6067 5975 5780 5957
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Figure 2 Serious Mental Illness
Virginia Point-in-Time
January, 2020 - Preliminary
21% change since 2010
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Series1 1291 1356 1413 1197 1207 1074 1126 972 969 1008 1013
Virginia’s criminal justice system would also benefit considerably from additional PSH capacity.
For justice system-involved individuals with SMI, and co-occurring substance use disorders
(SUD), housing is critical for successful re-entry into the community and sustained recovery
over time. Without safe, affordable housing and appropriate community supports, individuals
with behavioral health disorders are less likely to remain in recovery and more likely to come
back into contact with the criminal justice system, become re-incarcerated, or even
hospitalized.
The 2019 Appropriations Act continued funding for the Jail Mental Health Pilot Program. The
Act required the pilot sites to report quarterly performance data, to include the provision of
appropriate services to jail mental health pilot participants after release, and the number of
inmates re-arrested or re-incarcerated within 90 days after release.
Standardized recidivism data was not collected across the six pilot sites during FY 2019;
however, jail staff members at some sites began collecting preliminary recidivism data. Some
projects shared examples of successful re-entry by program participants, attributing these
successes to individuals rebuilding support systems, obtaining housing and employment,
getting needed medication and restoring benefits. Overall, provision of aftercare services
improved; however, providing safe, affordable housing in the community for released inmates
was identified as on ongoing challenge. The number of inmates who were provided housing
post release reportedly decreased from the first quarter to the fourth quarter of FY2019. The
FY19 Report indicated that “Finding safe and affordable housing remains one of the biggest
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challenges facing many participating sites,” and recommended improving housing options for
program participants released into the community. The Report concluded that…” housing is a
crucial element in assuring successful re-entry and reducing recidivism.” All sites are now
collecting recidivism data, which will be analyzed and presented in the FY20 program evaluation
to be reported to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees
by June 30, 2020.
Assessing Cost Avoidance
A housing and services strategy is also important because national and state data suggest that
PSH results in some public cost avoidance.
Opportunities for Cost Avoidance for Virginia as a Result of Increased PSH Data
Reflecting the National Experience
Studies demonstrate that providing PSH can help achieve significant savings by reducing
avoidable emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, readmissions, and other health
care costs – particularly when the assistance is targeted to the most high-cost and highly
vulnerable Medicaid beneficiaries experiencing homelessness.7 Combining affordable housing
with intensive services, including help finding housing, working with a landlord, accessing
physical and behavioral health care, and finding employment, for a high-needs group saved an
average of $6,000 a year per person in health care: 23 percent fewer days in hospitals, 33
percent fewer ED visits, and 42 percent fewer days in nursing homes.8
Data Reflecting Virginia Experiences
Virginia has also conducted evaluations of its own PSH programs and generated findings
consistent with national research. DBHDS has been operating PSH for adults with serious
mental illness with targeted state general funds since 2016.
Before moving into DBHDS PSH, individuals have had long histories of homelessness as well as
crisis contacts and institutional care resulting in multi-system involvement, poor outcomes, and
failed interventions. After move-in into DBHDS PSH, individuals experienced dramatically
improved housing stability and reduced utilization of inpatient care.
Outcomes for the 1,129 individual participants in the PSH SMI program, who were housed
between February 6, 2016 and February 29, 2020 include:
7 See The Commonwealth Fund (2014) In Focus: Using Housing to Improve Health and Reduce the Cost of Caring for the
Homeless http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/newsletters/quality-matters/2014/october-november/in-focus and
http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/reports/2011/ChrHomlr.pdf
8 Building the Case: Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Health, Bipartisan Policy Center, Anand Parekh, M.D., and Caitlin
Krutsick, November 2017.
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One hundred seventy-four individuals were discharged from a state behavioral health
hospital into DBHDS PSH, and overall, 263 individuals in PSH had a state hospital
admission in the year before move-in.
PSH providers are effectively prioritizing individuals with extensive histories of
homelessness and repeated, long-term use of institutional care before move-in.
Eighty-seven percent of individuals served in PSH remained stably housed.
Only 7 percent of those served have been discharged to an institutional setting or higher
level of care.
State hospital utilization decreased 76 percent the year after PSH move-in, resulting in
avoided costs of $12.2 million.
The 2018 Mental Illness in Jails Report analyzed data on the 27,044 individuals incarcerated in
Virginia’s jails in June 2018. Nearly twenty percent were known or suspected to have a mental
illness. Further, 10.42 percent of inmates had an SMI. The reported percentage of inmates with
SMI has increased nearly 74 percent since 2011. Jails also identified 875 inmates who were
homeless, 377 of whom had a mental illness and 277 of whom had a mental illness and co-
occurring substance use disorder. Fiscal Year 2018 jail behavioral health costs were reported at
$23.2 million for the jails that responded to the Compensation Board’s survey.
Estimates of PSH Need for Virginians with SMI
Both the General Assembly and Governor Northam recognize the benefits of PSH. In 2017, the
General Assembly requested the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
work with state agencies and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to
expand PSH for individuals with SMI. By including the High Needs Support Benefit, which
includes supportive housing as well as supportive employment, as part of Virginia’s Medicaid
expansion, the General Assembly acknowledged the important role PSH does and can play for
Virginian’s with disabilities, including SMI.
In November 2018, Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 25, recognizing Virginia’s
unmet housing needs and highlighting the need for PSH as one of his three top priorities. At the
request of the Deeds Commission, DBHDS assessed the number of adults with serious mental
illness who need PSH to address extreme crises such as long-term homelessness,
institutionalization, and frequent use of emergency services and criminal justice interventions.
DBHDS’s assessment established a need for 5,000 PSH units. This is consistent with Executive
Order 25 and is supported by the Administration’s Housing and Supportive Services Interagency
Leadership Team (ILT).
Table 1 illustrates how DBHDS arrived at the need for estimated 5,000 additional PSH units for
Virginians with SMI. It is important to note that while many individuals with SMI would benefit
from PSH, DBHDS’ estimate of need below includes only those who need PSH to address
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extreme crises such as long-term homelessness, institutionalization, and frequent use of
emergency services and criminal justice interventions.
Table 1: DBHDS Estimates of Need for PSH for Persons with SMI
Current Status of Individual Number of Persons with SMI Data Source
Homeless 5169 The State of PSH in Virginia,
2015 (Virginia Housing
Alliance)
Jail 1,056 Mental Illness in Jails Report
(Virginia Compensation
Board, 2015)
Assisted Living Facility 824 Auxiliary Grant payments to
localities (2016 Estimate of
SMI based on AG recipients
in one month as provided by
DARS)
Unstably Housed - Top 20 2,684 Community Services Board
percent highest utilizers of (CSB) CCS_3 data
crisis and emergency (including 464 individuals submissions (DBHDS, 2016)
services with a state psychiatric
facility stay)
PSH as of December 2020
As of December 2020, the state has developed 1,264 or 25 percent of the approximately 5,000
PSH units needed. This includes
1,105 PSH SMI units
120 Auxiliary Grant in Supportive Housing (AGSH) units
69 leveraged Mainstream vouchers
Note that the 5,000-unit estimate of need is based on 2016 data that has not yet been updated
to reflect the impact of PSH investment or changes in the population of individuals with SMI in
need of PSH.
9 The 2017 PIT for the State of Virginia (combined data from all Virginia Continua of Care) is 611 persons in shelters and 251
unsheltered persons for a total of 862 homeless individuals with SMI.
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Progress and Accomplishments
As described above, since the submission of the 2020 report to the General Assembly, DHCD
has been working with its state partners and the Housing People with SMI Strategy Group
comprised of stakeholders to implement the report recommendations. PSH expansion requires
the identification of new or redirected resources for supports and housing as well as systemic
infrastructure such as staffing, policies and procedures. Together, these all must align for
successful expansion.
PSH Services and Supports - Accomplishments
Services are essential to assist individuals with SMI in gaining access to and transitioning to
housing, and for successfully sustaining PSH. PSH programs generally provide tenancy supports
to help individuals maintain successful tenancies and connect tenants with community-based
organizations for health care, mental health, substance abuse (mental health and substance
abuse hereafter collectively referred to as behavioral health) and other services. Like many
other states, Virginia has historically covered housing acquisition and tenancy supports for
individuals with behavioral health disorders using state funds, more specifically through
continued investment of state general funds in DBHDS’ PSH program.
While most of the DBHDS’ PSH program funds are directed to long-term rental assistance, more
than thirty percent of these funds have been used for housing stabilization services, one-time
client assistance, or staff time to administer the rental assistance. Following CMS Guidance to
explore the use of Medicaid Authority to cover certain housing related-services and supports,
Virginia determined it was in the state’s interest to seek Medicaid coverage for many of these
state-funded services, freeing up state dollars to fund additional rental assistance.
On June 7, 2018, Governor Northam signed the 2018 Virginia Acts of Assembly Chapter 2 (2018
Appropriations Act) directing DMAS to submit a Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver
seeking federal approval for new Medicaid program features “designed to empower individuals
to improve their health and well-being…,” including a housing supports benefit.
Housing Support Benefit in the Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Waiver
On July 9, 2019, CMS approved Virginia’s High Needs Support benefit. The High Needs Supports
(HNS) program, which DMAS now expects to implement on July 1, 2022, will provide critical
housing and employment support services to the Commonwealth’s high need Medicaid
members, to address the social and environmental needs that impact health, wellbeing, and
medical expenditures.
DMAS has continued to work with CMS to better define the standard terms and conditions as
well as to engage MCOs, sister agencies and other stakeholders to operationalize aspects of the
benefit. In October, DMAS hosted a virtual Town Hall to provide details on the HNS program
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and operational design. This served as the beginning of a HNS 30 day public comment period, as
stipulated in the recently approved HNS Special Terms and Conditions, affording the public the
opportunity to provide meaningful comment on the progress of the demonstration. DMAS
expects to utilize the feedback received to inform future implementation and operational
planning, stakeholder workgroups, and provider training.
In September, DMAS convened MCOs for an initial discussion of their role in implementing HNS
and provided data on their members with housing and employment needs. Ongoing discussions
with the MCOs have continued. DMAS also initiated a series of trainings for CCC+ Care
Coordinators. The trainings include the evidence-based practices of PSH and IPS-Supported
Employment, the provision 0f Trauma Informed Care and the importance of working with the
Homeless system and Coordinated Entry. DMAS has and continues to work with the MCOs to
establish partnerships with Continuums of Care within their designated regions.
Innovations Acceleration Program
DMAS and its state partners applied and were selected to participate in the third and final
phase of the IAP Partnerships Implementation Track. DMAS requested coaching and technical
assistance for the six-month extension period on engaging stakeholders in operationalizing the
HNS benefit and helping to prepare Virginia’s healthcare system to recognize the role of MCOs
in prioritizing individuals in need of HNS. Virginia benefited from Peer learning on
Medicaid/HMIS data matching with Michigan, Oregon, Delaware and Louisiana. DMAS also had
the opportunity to review Housing Support services, provider types and credentialing
requirements from other states including but not limited to Washington, New York, Louisiana,
North Carolina, and Minnesota.
Increasing Housing Supports for individuals with Substance Use Disorders
DMAS also applied for and in November was selected to participate in the CMS Housing and
Substance Use Disorder Learning Collaborative. The Learning Collaborative offers Virginia the
opportunity to join nine other states in learning about the opportunities to fund Housing
Related Activities that can support individuals with SUDs to access, transition to and
successfully sustain community based housing in support of their Recovery. DMAS identified
interest in technical assistance to:
Identify and coordinate non-Medicaid funding resources to support housing access and
stability among individuals with SUDs; and
Making a range of housing options available to individuals at various stages of recovery.
The Learning Collaborative began in December and will continue through August 2021.
Interim Strategies Using Existing Medicaid Services and Authorities
In 2020, DBHDS increased the number of individuals served by existing providers and
established additional PSH providers in the Chesapeake, Piedmont, Rappahannock Area,
17
Harrisonburg-Rockingham and Southside CSB catchments. In addition, DBHDS Office of
Community Housing partnered with Region Ten CSB to contract with national experts on PSH
fidelity to provide training and technical assistance (TA) to DBHDS PSH providers across the
state to ensure implementation of high fidelity PSH that demonstrates positive outcomes and
maximizes the use of resources. Focus areas for TA will include an examination of best practices
in transitions of care from hospitals, homelessness and jails to PSH.
Continued Work on Behavioral Health Redesign
Behavioral Health Enhancement (formerly referred to as the "Redesign") is an interagency
partnership effort between Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and
Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) that strives for systems
alignment in developing an evidence-based, trauma-informed and prevention-oriented array of
services for the Medicaid-funded behavioral health system. The Enhanced Services initiative
provides alternatives to state psychiatric admissions and offers step-down resources not
currently available in the continuum of care, which will assist with Virginia’s psychiatric bed
crisis. Similar initiatives have demonstrated cost-efficiency and value in other states. However,
due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, funds previously allocated by the General
Assembly for phased in enhancements in January and July, 2021 were un-allotted. Full
implementation of Behavioral Health Enhancements is contingent upon re-allotment of funds,
however, ongoing efforts to implement Behavioral Health Enhancement (BHE) have continued
during the public health emergency. BHE funding in the amount of $24,343,875 was re-allotted
in the special session, and includes all the funding for the second year of the budget and a ramp
up of all six services.
Non-Medicaid Supportive Housing Services
Medicaid Expansion has afforded many more individuals with behavioral health disorders
access to healthcare coverage, however there will continue to be some Virginians who may not
qualify for the Building and Transforming Coverage, Services, and Supports for a Healthier
Virginia (previously referred to as “COMPASS ”) Waiver Housing Support benefit. The PSH
Steering Committee continued to identify and focus on increasing other key resources that can
be used to support individuals with SMI in accessing and sustaining successful independent
living.
Expansion of PSH Supports through DBHDS’s PSH Program
Almost all of the growth in individuals with SMI served in PSH has been made possible through
continued investment of state general funds in DBHDS’ PSH program. The $17.2 million
invested in FY20 is expected to serve at least 1,200 individuals. DBHDS has already awarded
funding to twenty agencies (19 CSBs and one non-profit), including 5 new providers in FY20. To
date, individuals use state-funded rental assistance to secure rental housing available on the
private market.
18
While most DBHDS PSH funds are directed to long-term rental assistance, more than thirty
percent of these funds continue to be used for housing stabilization services, one-time client
assistance, or staff time to administer the rental assistance. Given that the 1115 demonstration
waiver has been approved, as the Medicaid High Needs Support benefits are phased in, many of
these currently state-funded supports should be reimbursable under the waiver. It is estimated
that once implemented the Medicaid HNS benefit will allow DBHDS to re-purpose funds no
longer needed to provide housing stabilization services to provide rental assistance for
approximately 200 individuals. In 2020, DBHDS increased the number of individuals served by
existing providers and established additional PSH providers in the Chesapeake, Piedmont,
Rappahannock Area, Harrisonburg-Rockingham, and Southside CSB catchments. In addition,
DBHDS Office of Community Housing partnered with Region Ten CSB to contract with national
experts on PSH fidelity to provide training and technical assistance (TA) to DBHDS PSH providers
across the state to ensure implementation of high fidelity PSH that demonstrates positive
outcomes and maximizes the use of resources. Focus areas for TA will include an examination
of best practices in transitions of care from hospitals, homelessness and jails to PSH.
Table 2: PSH SMI Units by Region
Auxiliary
Grant
Supportive Leveraged
DBHDS PSH Housing Voucher Total
PSH Provider Units (AGSH) Units Units Units
Region 1 198 0 45 250
Northwestern 30 0 0 37
Region Ten 75 0 0 75
Valley 30 0 0 30
Rappahannock Area 30 0 0 30
Rappahannock - Rapidan 28 0 20 48
Harrisonburg-Rockingham 5 25 30
Region 2 195 0 0 195
Arlington 57 0 0 57
Pathway Homes (Alexandria, 138 0 0 138
Fairfax, Prince William)
Region 3 188 90 4 282
Mt Rogers 45 35 4 84
Southside/Piedmont 6 15 0 21
Blue Ridge 95 40 0 135
Danville-Pittsylvania 42 0 0 42
Region 4 172 0 0 172
Henrico 30 0 0 30
District 19 30 0 0 30
19
Auxiliary
Grant
Supportive Leveraged
DBHDS PSH Housing Voucher Total
PSH Provider Units (AGSH) Units Units Units
Richmond Behavioral Health 112 0 0 112
Region 5 352 0 20 372
Chesapeake 15 0 10 25
Norfolk 131 0 10 141
Virginia Beach 72 0 0 72
Hampton-Newport News 134 0 0 134
Grand Total 1,105 90 69 1,264
DBHDS PSH Funds Ensure Safety of People with SMI Who Are Homeless or in State
Hospitals During COVID-19
DBHDS provided guidance to CSBs about the use of PSH funds to implement short-term housing
interventions for individuals with SMI who were homeless or in state hospitals during COVID-
19. Between March and May 2020, ten CSBs assisted 357 individuals with SMI with securing
non-congregate shelter while they worked on a permanent housing plan. By October 2020, 82
individuals had moved from shelter into homes of their own. These CSBs were required to
coordinate with their local CoC and state hospitals to ensure that COVID-19 housing activities
were coordinated and responsive to these vulnerable community members.
Expansion of PSH Supports through State Housing Trust Fund
The code of Virginia indicates that up to 20 percent of the Virginia Housing Trust Fund (VHTF)
may be used for competitive grants to help reduce homelessness through Homeless Reduction
Grants. For FY21 this percent was increased to up to 40 percent to allow for flexibility in
responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants may be used to provide temporary rental
assistance not to exceed one year, housing stabilization services in supportive housing for
chronically homeless households, and predevelopment assistance to support long-term housing
opportunities for chronically homeless households. Because these grants rely on annual state
appropriations, there is some concern that providers are reluctant to request funding for on-
going services.
With increased VHTF funding in the FY19 and FY20 budgets, DHCD was able to expand the
number of PSH projects awarded funds in 2019 and 2020. DHCD received over $3.1 million in
request for the $2.34 available in Homeless Reduction grants. There were 37 applicants of
which 28 received awards. These projects are currently being implemented. DHCD developed
and issued an FY21 Request for Proposals in August 2019, and selected grantees with the goal
for at least 50 persons to be served, anticipating that some of who will be persons with SMI. In
20
FY19 and FY20, DHCD’s homeless reduction grants served 417 households in the rapid
rehousing program and 571 households in permanent supportive housing programs.
Commonwealth Ensures Safety of People Experiencing Homelessness with SMI During
COVID-19
On April 3, 2020 Governor Ralph Northam announced $2.5 million in emergency funding to
shelter Virginia’s statewide homeless population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
emergency funding was distributed through the same process DHCD uses to distribute funds to
address homelessness across the state. This funding was used for hotel and motel vouchers,
case management, food, cleaning supplies, and medical transportation. Along with the funding
from the commonwealth, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agreed to
reimburse non-congregate sheltering support to individuals and families experiencing
homelessness who were 65 and older, or have pre-existing conditions, or have been exposed to
COVID-19 and need to be quarantined, or have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to the
initial funding provided, DHCD received $6.3 million in funding to continue to assist the
vulnerable populations described. The total $8.8 million is part of the CARES Act COVID Relief
Fund allocated to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
At the onset of the pandemic, DHCD's Homeless and Special Needs Housing (HSNH) team
contacted every funded agency, community partner, and the leaders of the Continuum of Care
and local planning groups to determine immediate needs to address the health and safety of
persons in their programs, staff, and volunteers. Short and long term plans were created to
ensure the emergency funding would focus on assisting three priority groups: 1. Persons who
were currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness; 2. Persons who were in shelters that
required them to be outside during the day; and 3. Persons who needed to be isolated because
social distancing at the shelter was difficult and they were at greater risk which included being
age 65+, having underlying health conditions, testing positive for COVID-19 or symptomatic, or
having contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Homeless Service Providers quickly pivoted to focus on the aforementioned priority groups.
Providers strengthened relationships with local hotel/motel providers, initiated new
partnerships and worked with restaurants to ensure that meals would be provided to persons
in the non-congregate shelters. The restaurant partnerships assisted locally owned businesses
during the economic downturn due to the pandemic and ensured persons received hot meals
while following stay at home orders.
As the pandemic continued to persist throughout the commonwealth, it was evident to state
leadership that additional steps needed to be taken to ensure that there was a permanent
resolution to address the needs of individuals who were experiencing housing instability and
homelessness. Interagency Leadership Team convened the Permanent Supportive Housing
Steering Committee, which is comprised of members from multiple state agencies who have a
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vested interest in increasing the housing stock dedicated to permanent supportive housing
across the commonwealth.
As a part of the process to increase the housing stock dedicated to permanent supportive
housing throughout the commonwealth, the committee focused on assessing the needs of
community partners as they were responding to the pandemic. The committee focused on the
impacts the pandemic had to landlord engagement and on the operations of public housing
authorities. Over the summer, focus groups were held among homeless service providers,
community service board providers, veteran service providers, managed care organizations and
public housing authorities to identify the challenges that the organizations have been facing
around these areas of focus. The results of these focus groups will provide the steering
committee with recommendations on how to determine the next steps to increase permanent
supportive housing throughout the commonwealth.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Virginia has long made it a priority to reduce the number of Veterans’ experiencing
homelessness, targeting resources to reduce chronic homelessness since 2013. These efforts
have proven successful, reducing Veterans’ homelessness by 58 percent from 2010 to 202010,
with an even greater reduction in chronic homelessness; there was a 13 percent reduction from
2019 to 2020.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) attributes its success to aligning services
and housing resources, both internal to the department as well as external partners:
DVS, through the Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) Program, employs
approximately 40 Resources Specialists statewide that serve as navigators to assist
Veterans in need of services including those with SMI in connecting to Continua of Care
(CoCs), PSH programs, and BH services in addition to being connected to Support
Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF) and HUD-VA Supportive Housing (SH)
programs. Some Resource Specialists coordinate regularly with Community Service
Boards, strengthening their ability to connect veterans with needed services and
supports.
DVS also administers the DVS Homeless Veterans Fund through donations provided by
the Veteran Service Foundation. These funds assist in covering “gap” expenses such as
security deposits for homeless veterans and prevention resources (rent arrears, utility
assistance, etc.) for previously chronically homeless veterans.
Fifteen PHAs and the VH have a total of 1,600 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing
(VASH) vouchers.
10
Unofficial HUD data as of November 2020.
22
Capital Investment in PSH - Accomplishments
Given low vacancy rates and strong demand for rental housing across much of the state, it will
be difficult to scale up PSH without new production of PSH units. At the state level, there are
two capital programs that are primarily responsible for new affordable rental production that
benefit people with SMI - the Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) and the Low
Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs.
Expansion of PSH through DHCD’s Affordable Housing and Special Needs Program
With the ASNH program, developers can apply to access any of four funding sources through a
single competitive application process: federal HOME and National Housing Trust (NHTF)
programs as well as VHTF and DHCD’s state funded PSH program. Combining the funds into one
proposal process makes requesting funds significantly easier for developers, especially smaller,
nonprofit developers who are more likely the to be seeking these sources.
The Biennium Budget for 2020-2022 allocated $55,000,000 in the first year and 30,000,000 in
the second year to fund activities through the Virginia Housing Trust Fund (VHTF). This is an
increase from the 2018-2020 Biennium Budget, which allocated $11,000,000 for the first year
and $14,000,000 for the second year to support the activities of the VHTF.
During FY 21, at least 60 percent of the VHTF is used for short, medium, and long-term loans to
reduce the cost of homeownership and rental housing; and up to 40 percent of the VHTF may
be used to provide grants for targeted efforts to reduce homelessness.
In addition to the 9 projects funded in the most recent round, the Homeless Reduction Grant
program funded pre-development for one PSH project. It is important to note that from 2013 to
2020, of all the affordable housing units (4,325) funded through VHTF, 34 percent (1,484units)
are PSH units.
Table 3: PSH Funded by Virginia Housing Trust Fund 2013-2020
Year Number PSH Projects Number PSH Units
2013-2014 6 203
2015-2016 8 373
2016-2017 6 346
2017-2018 4 75
2018-2019 10 347
2019-2020 9 140
Total 43 1484
23
Expansion of PSH through VH’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program
The LIHTC program is considered the driver of affordable rental housing production (as well as
rehabilitation) across the country. This is also the case in Virginia. Since VH’s inception in 1972,
the organization has financed nearly 160,000 rental units.
Since 2015, VH has committed to assisting DBHDS in meeting its housing goals for people with
intellectual and/or developmental disabilities under the state’s settlement agreement with the
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). This commitment has resulted in LIHTC allocations to projects
in which owners committed a marketing preference for the Settlement Agreement population.
As discussed in previous reports to the General Assembly, VH reviewed the need for PSH for
people with SMI and other populations. In order to have a more significant impact, VH modified
its CY19 Qualified Allocation Plan to require that every development awarded 9% LIHTC as well
as 4% tax credit funding provide a PSH leasing preference for 10 percent of its units. In 2020,
this resulted in tax credit awards for 196 preference units; 1,958 total units through the 9% and
236 preference units; 2,359 total units through the 4% program.
The 29 properties funded in the 2020 competitive tax credit round will produce approximately
196 units required to provide the leasing preference[[2] The 29 funded properties include
forward funded deals from innovation, new construction and ASNH.2]; this is close to the
estimated annual 200 units anticipated in the last report to the General Assembly. Another 18
properties receiving 4 percent credits (8 have been awarded credits and another 10 are
currently ‘in review’ but anticipate receiving a 2020 reservation) will be producing an additional
236 anticipated units.
In CY21, VH estimates 200 units with a leasing preference will be created through the 9% tax
credit program, and estimate another 200 will be created through the 4 percent tax credit
program.
Rental Assistance for PSH - Accomplishments
Rental assistance is critical to ensure PSH can serve people with disabilities who are extremely
low-income (ELI), including people with disabilities whose sole source of income might be SSI.
Beginning in January 2021, an individual whose sole income is SSI will receive $794 per month.
The FY21 HUD Fair Market Rents for an efficiency unit range from $528 per month in
Martinsville and other rural areas to $1,513 in the Arlington and Alexandria. Whether 66
percent of an individual’s income in rural Virginia or 191 percent in the metropolitan area,
these rents are unaffordable without state or federal rental assistance.
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Expansion of PSH through DBHDS’s PSH Program
As described above, almost all of the new PSH units for individuals with SMI have been created
through continued investment of state general funds in DBHDS’ PSH through its rental
assistance component. The $17.2 million invested in FY20 is expected to serve at least 1,200
individuals in PSH. An additional $3 million, expected to serve and estimated 200 households,
was provided by the recent Special Session. Even with this expansion, some CSBs will not have
access to this resource, and no communities have been funded at a level to fully meet their
assessed PSH need.
Expansion of PSH Supports through the Auxiliary Grant Program
Virginia’s Auxiliary Grant (AG) Program is an income supplement for recipients of Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) and certain other aged, blind, or disabled individuals residing in an
assisted living facility (ALF), in an adult foster care (AFC) home, or in a supportive housing (SH)
setting through a licensed service provider that is approved by DBHDS and certified by DARS.
Supportive housing was added as an approved setting to the AG Program in 2016 and
emergency regulations for the new setting were issued in 2017, followed by final regulations in
2019. In the AG Program, SH is defined as “a residential setting with access to supportive
services for an AG recipient in which tenancy … is provided or facilitated by a provider licensed
to provide mental health community support services, intensive community treatment,
programs of assertive community treatment, supportive in-home services, or supervised living
residential services...” In July 201911, the General Assembly made modifications to the AG
program intended to enhance use of the AG Program for PSH. As a result of the legislative
change, eligibility for AGSH no longer requires the individual to first be an ALF resident. The
legislation also increased the number of allowable PSH participants from 60 to 90, and, if there
are a minimum of 30 persons on the AGSH waiting list as of October 2020, the AGSH program
cap will increase to 120 persons. The program met this requirement and will be expanding.
DBHDS has entered into AGSH provider agreements with Mt. Roger's CSB, Blue Ridge
Behavioral Healthcare, Southside CSB, and Piedmont CSB. From June 2019 to June 2020, AGSH
recipients increased by 15%.
11
C.657 and C.658 of the 2019 Acts of the Assembly.
25
Table 4: AGSH Program and PSH SMI Program Providers
Provider AGSH PSH Date Est. Provider AGSH PSH Date Est.
Arlington FY 2016 Pathway Homes FY 2016
(Alexandria,
Fairfax, Prince
William)
Blue Ridge FY 2018 Piedmont FY 2020
Chesapeake FY 2020 Rappahannock - FY 2018
Rapidan
Danville- FY 2018 Rappahannock FY 2020
Pittsylvania Area
District 19 FY 2018 Region Ten FY 2018
Hampton- FY 2016 Richmond BHA FY 2017
Newport News
Henrico FY 2018 Southside FY 2020
Mt. Rogers FY 2018 Valley FY 2019
Norfolk FY 2016 Virginia Beach FY 2017
Northwestern FY 2019 Harrisonburg- FY 2020
Rockingham
Expansion of PSH through the Mainstream Program and Building Relationships
with PHAs
The Steering Committee has used the Mainstream Voucher program as an opportunity to both
bring new rental assistance resources into the Commonwealth and also build relationships with
Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to expand PSH and access to affordable housing resources in
other ways.
The Mainstream Voucher program is a subset of the federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
program in which eligible participants must be extremely low-income households that include
as least one person with a disability ages 18-62. On the last few Appropriations Bills, Congress
provided a total of $500 million for Mainstream Vouchers. When HUD issued the first NOFA,
not only were these vouchers specifically for nonelderly people with disabilities, but they were
26
targeted to some of the specific populations the state agencies were targeting for PSH, people
with disabilities living in institutional settings, at risk of institutionalization, homeless or at risk
of homelessness. The second HUD Mainstream NOFA added a fifth target population: people
with disabilities ready to “move-on” from rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing
(thus freeing up those units for people with more intensive support needs).
In order to encourage Virginia PHAs to responding to HUD NOFAs for these funds, the PSH
Steering Committee held a number of outreach and engagement events over the last two years,
including an in-person event pre-COVID. This event was attended by over 70 PHAs, cities,
nonprofit housing and CSBs. The ILT offered a support letter to those PHAs that would commit
to serving the state’s target populations; nine PHAs requested and were provided with such a
letter.
These outreach efforts were successful. As indicated in Table 5 below, 14 housing agencies
were awarded 1,071 Mainstream Vouchers in the first two NOFAs.
In September, HUD issued a Notice providing an opportunity for PHAs to apply
noncompetitively for additional funds. Awards were made on a rolling basis; as of this report,
four VA PHAs had been awarded an additional $1.8 million for this program including Virginia
Housing.
27
Table 5 Mainstream Awards
2017/2018 2019 Combined
PHA Name Awards Awards Total Awards 30 % Boost Total
Danville Redevelopment &
41 100 141 42 183
Housing Authority
Roanoke Redevelopment &
40 30 70 21 91
Housing Authority
Chesapeake Redevelopment
40 0 40 12 52
& Housing Authority
Lynchburg Redevelopment &
0 30 30 9 39
Housing Authority
Harrisonburg
Redevelopment & Housing 25 50 75 23 98
Authority
Hampton Redevelopment &
Housing Authority 0 50 50 15 65
Fairfax County
Redevelopment & Hsg 55 41 96 29 125
Authority
Arlington County Dept of
Human Services 40 0 40 12 52
County of Albemarle/Office
0 15 15 5 20
of Housing
Va. Beach Dept. of Hsg &
Neighborhood Pres. 0 60 60 18 78
James City County Office of
Hsg & Comm Dev 0 20 20 6 26
People Inc. of Southwest
Virginia 24 24 48 14 62
Prince William County Office
of HCD 0 60 60 18 78
Virginia Housing
Development Authority 79 0 79 24 103
Total
344 480 824 247 1071
28
In December 2019, the PSH Steering Committee held an in-person meeting to support PHAs as
they begin to implement their programs. The feedback on the program was positive, but this
activity was interrupted by the rise of COVID-19. In June, the PSH Steering Committee formed a
PHA Outreach Subcommittee to continue to build relationships with the local PHAs and to
encourage these vouchers to be targeted to the Commonwealth’s priority populations. The
Subcommittee invited all PHAs with Mainstream vouchers to a focus group meeting to identify
ways the state agencies could support the PHAs. Based on those results, the Subcommittee
have formed a collaboration with several PHAs. One of the items identified for this
collaboration post-COVID is landlord engagement.
Source of Income Law
As a result of legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law by
Governor Northam, the Virginia Fair Housing Law added discrimination on the basis of a
person's “source of funds” to the list of unlawful discriminatory housing practices. "Source of
funds" is defined as any source that lawfully provides funds to or on behalf of a renter or buyer
of housing, including any assistance, benefit, or subsidy program, whether such program is
administered by a governmental or nongovernmental entity. This new provision may assist
people with SMI as well as other low-income populations use rental assistance to secure
housing in the communities they choose.
Enhancing System Capacity - Accomplishments
While affordable housing, tenancy supports and community-based services are critical to
expanding PSH for individuals with SMI, even these resources are not sufficient to ensure an
expanded PSH system will be successful. State and local/regional structural systems supports
are key to ensuring an effective PSH system, one that provides a fidelity-based service, targets
the state’s priority populations, fills units in a timely manner and maintains owner confidence
by addressing tenant issues that arise.
PSH Tracking and Metrics
During 2019, the PSH Steering Committee put into place several frameworks to track activities
and outcomes related to the steering committee work.
Action Plan
In 2019, the PSH Steering Committee developed a detailed, 19-page Action Plan with goals,
strategies and action steps to achieve the goals, agency responsibilities and timeframes. The
five goals are:
Goal #1 - Increase Services and Supports to Assist Individuals with SMI to Gain Access to
and Maintain Supportive Housing
29
Goal #2 - Provide Capital Subsidies to Expand PSH
Goal #3 - Increase Rental Assistance to make Units Affordable
Goal #4 - Increase PSH through Preferential Access to Existing Affordable Housing
Programs
Goal #5 - Strategies to Increase PSH through Enhancing System Capacity
During this past calendar year, the PSH Steering Committee continued to use the Action Guide
to direct collective action and to measure movement towards the goals. The Guide is updated
by the covered agencies on a quarterly basis. The Action Plan is provided in Appendix A.
Executive Order 25 Metrics
As described above, in November 2018, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 25,
recognizing Virginia’s unmet housing needs and highlighting the need for PSH as one of three
top housing priorities. DBHDS’s conducted an assessment of need for PSH; the assessment
established a need for 5,000 PSH units. The PSH Steering Committee developed a
comprehensive plan to put as many PSH units in place as efficiently as possible. This thoughtful,
realistic plan relies on a combination of new federal and state funding for both capital and
rental assistance as well as strategies to redirect or prioritize existing resources for the target
population. The ILT voted its support for the plan, and state agency budget requests have
aligned with plan goals.
State Level Systems
DHCD continued to work with its partners made a number of enhancements to strengthen PSH
systems at the state level.
The state agencies and VH continued to revise an existing MOU to reflect new activities of the
PSH Steering Committee including the leasing preference in tax credit units. DBHDS and VH also
designed and began to implement a referral protocol for the units with leasing preferences that
became available in 2020.
DMAS, DBHDS, DHCD and DVS recognized the importance of delivering a shared vision and
messaging to their local system partners/stakeholders in order to prepare for implementation
of the HNS Housing benefit. The agencies collaborated to provide a technical assistance session
in December for MCOs, CSBs and CoCs to build and enhance partnerships that will be needed to
maximize the alignment of housing resources and services and supports. The session opened
with remarks from Governor Northam, recognizing the important work the local partners were
performing by continuing to support individuals in supportive housing during the pandemic.
Local/Regional Level Systems
DBHDS’s PSH program has demonstrated the importance of local/regional housing specialists in
developing and maintaining tenant-landlord relationships and ensuring their region has as an
30
effective system in place to identify interested, eligible applicants and to assist these individuals
to locate and apply for housing, including making requests as needed for reasonable
accommodations. Currently, all regions have some housing specialist capacity – however
limited. DBHDS has continued to expand local PSH Program Housing Specialists to ensure all
consumers in DBHDS PSH-funded programs have access to this service.
In order to better understand barriers to leasing affordable housing, the PSH Steering
Committee established a Landlord Engagement subcommittee. Working with the technical
assistance provider, the subcommittee developed a survey tool that was administered to five
focus groups:
Support Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF) providers
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) PSH providers
Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC) members (BoS CoC)
CoCs that were not part of the BoS CoC
In 2020, DHCD conducted five sessions around the state to secure community input into the
VHTF as well as HUD’s Consolidated Plan’s Annual Action Plan, which covers the Community
Development Block Grant, HOME and the National Housing Trust Fund.
As described above, the state also conducted outreach and training sessions to inform PHAs of
the need for PSH and the ways they could participate, including but not limited to applying for
Mainstream Vouchers.
Alignment with other State Activity
During CY19, the PSH Steering Committee continued working to align PSH funding, policies and
systems across partner agencies.
Evictions
While the issue of evictions is not included in the scope of this effort, some of those individuals
who get evicted are people with serious mental illness. The 2019 General Assembly included in
its budget funding for DHCD to conduct an analysis of the high rate of evictions in Virginia which
will include a review of best practices of eviction prevention and diversion programs, an
assessment of the communities with the highest eviction rates, an assessment of existing
resources to assist those who are struggling to pay rent and an assessment on legislation
passed during the 2019 General Assembly Session that made policy changes at the state level
which went into effect July 1, 2019 including an assessment of the mandatory eviction diversion
program to be implemented on July 1, 2020. At the time this annual report was being compiled,
DHCD was in the process of developing an update to the General Assembly. In addition,
Governor Northam and the General Assembly included $3.3 million for DHCD to design and
31
implement an Eviction Prevention and Diversion Pilot program which will be implemented
through a competitive request for proposal process. DHCD anticipates the pilot launching in
January or February 2021.
Governor’s Coordinating Council on Homelessness
The Governor’s Coordinating Council on Homelessness (GCCH), co-chaired by the Secretary of
Commerce and Trade and the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, is focused on ending
homelessness in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Several populations have been identified as
priorities including people who are chronically homeless many of who have serious mental
illness. The GCCH tracks trends in homelessness overall and within specific populations. Based
on preliminary numbers of the 2019 Point in Time Count, the Commonwealth has reduced
overall homelessness since 2010 by 34 percent and homelessness among people with serious
mental illness by 21 percent. Since 2018, the number of people with serious mental illness
increased slightly by 4 percent. The GCCH focus on reducing homelessness among those who
are chronically homeless aligns with the work of the PSH Steering Committee, and in order to
maximize this alignment, the GCCH meets periodically with the ILT. Due to COVID-19, there has
been a delay in convening a meeting of the GCCH and the ILT. Appendix D includes additional
information regarding these committees and their coordination.
Olmstead Strategic Plan
Olmstead Strategic Plan has been updated to support partner requests to HUD for preferences
in HCV or public housing (PH) for persons with SMI as part of voluntary affirmative Olmstead
planning and implementation efforts. In 2020, the Governor signed one Executive Order (E.O.)
and one Executive Directive (E.D.) -- E.O. 47 and E.D. 6 -- re-committing the Commonwealth to
community integration as envisioned by the Olmstead v. L.C. decision.
Discharge Planning for Successful Reentry
The General Assembly continues to fund a number of different initiatives whose goals are to
facilitate reentry of people with psychiatric disabilities from jail including the Department of
Criminal Justice Service’s Jail Mental Health pilot program and the DBHDS grant funded
Forensic Discharge Planning (FDP) programs. The FDP projects utilize models, which have been
shown to improve clinical and legal outcomes for individuals being released from jail who have
behavioral health disorders. In FY19 and FY20, FDP programs enrolled a total of 1,110
individuals for services. Outcomes resulting from these programs will be provided in detail in
the FY20 Annual Report to be issued in January 2021. DBHDS funded two additional FDP
programs in FY21 in Arlington, and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare
CARES Act Energy Assistance
In 2020, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) received CARES Act funds to
supplement the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to ensure households
impacted by COVID-19 could address their immediate energy costs include energy debt
accumulated during the pandemic. In June, VDSS issued a one-time supplemental payment of
32
$100 to households who received assistance during the most recent heating season
(FY20). The VDSS also established a new standalone program, Virginia COVID19 Energy
Assistance Program, to provide heating/cooling utility payment assistance to households who
did not qualify for Energy Assistance in 2020 and have a heating or cooling expense.
Alignment with SDOH activity
During CY20, the PSH Steering Committee began to increase its focus on alignment with
partners implementing social determinants of health (SDOH) projects. There are numerous
emerging efforts to secure the hospital/health care sector interest in housing including
Partnering for a Healthy VA Initiative with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Pew
Calling All Sectors and VDH’s Community Paramedicine/Mobile Integrated Healthcare. These
population health initiatives have the potential to impact individuals with SMI by building a
housing-informed safety net further upstream to prevent vulnerable individuals from losing
their housing.
33
Strategies for Continued Progress
Even with the significant accomplishments over the last year, people with SMI continue to live
on the streets and in shelters and languish in jails and other institutions for lack of PSH. In order
to scale up the housing component of PSH, the following three elements are key:
Effective, reliable housing supports: Many affordable housing providers are willing to
discuss the possibility of PSH preferences or projects when reliable services are made
available to help ensure lease compliance. While already discussed above, we cannot
over-emphasize the importance of support services as the state’s best selling point to
engage housing agencies.
Increased capital funding: Lack of rental housing stock and/or tight markets have
inhibited use of vouchers both in rural parts of VA as well as high cost areas such as
Northern Virginia. Significant capital investment in affordable housing stock generally
and PSH specifically is as critical, if not more so than rental assistance at this time.
Increased rental assistance: Project-based rental assistance is needed to ensure new
place-based PSH is affordable to people with SMI who are extremely low-income (ELI).
Tenant-based rental assistance is needed because time to acquire and construct or
rehabilitate affordable rental housing can be lengthy, and rental markets are more
accessible in some parts of the state – and are likely to become more accessible with
increased development.
Outlined below are the strategies the PSH Steering Committee members will utilize in the
coming year to continue to secure the necessary capital and rental assistance from a variety of
existing and new state and local resources.
Strategies to Continue to Expand PSH Housing Supports
Operationalize the High Needs Support Benefit
Continue Stakeholder Engagement in the Design and Development of the Housing
Supports Benefit
DMAS expects to continue seeking and utilizing feedback from stakeholders to inform future
implementation and operational planning of the HNS benefit. Not only will engaging
stakeholders provide a better product, it will also garner stakeholders’ support for
implementing the services.
Strengthen Provider Capacity to Deliver the Housing Supports Benefit
With implementation of the HNS benefit MCOs will be required to contract with a network of
housing and employment supports provider entities, and will need to leverage existing
providers in the community that are experienced and qualified to address the health-related
needs of the population. Many of these providers may be new to the Medicaid program. In
34
preparation for implementation, DMAS will focus on engagement with potential providers and
training efforts to strengthen their ability to not only provide high quality supportive housing
services but also to successfully enroll and bill as Medicaid providers. The HNS benefit also
includes employment supports, which can be leveraged along with the supportive housing
services to ensure individuals in need of housing also have employment opportunities.
DBHDS in partnership with the Region 10 CSB will also focus on strengthening community
housing support providers by offering regional trainings for staff administering the DBHDS PSH
program, clarifying their roles and responsibilities in providing housing transition and support
services with high fidelity.
Realizing the optimal impact of the HNS housing benefit
The agency members of the PSH Steering Committee have spent the past several years working
together to increase availability of affordable housing options with support services for
individuals with disabilities in Virginia. However, a number of challenges exist and will need to
be overcome to realize the optimal impact of the HNS supportive housing benefit.
Differences in Priority Populations
DBHDS, DMAS, DVS and DHCD share common goals across similar target populations, including
individuals with SMI and/or SUD who are homeless or unstably housed. Yet, there are
differences within each agency for who truly “rises to the top” of the priority list and matched
with housing-related and other supports. DMAS and the MCOs may be more likely to prioritize
individuals for the HNS benefit who are high utilizers of costly Medicaid services such as
emergency Department visits or community inpatient bed days, while DBHDS and the local
CSBs may prioritize individuals who are leaving state hospitals or are highly visible in their
communities but who do not use costly Medicaid services for rental assistance.
Multiple pathways to accessing housing
Each system has designated staff/points of responsibility to assist their target populations with
identifying the need for and accessing housing and support services. MCOs conduct Health Risk
Assessments, CSBs conduct discharge planning and housing assessments and CoCs apply a
vulnerability assessment and use Coordinated Entry for federal and state homeless resources.
Each of these processes may result in identification of individuals in need of the HNS benefit
and RA, yet they may be disconnected and can result in inefficient use of resources and
duplication of efforts across agencies. The agencies should review program administration
functions to determine opportunities to further align and share costs in order to serve more
individuals.
Roles of local housing and services agencies
While the state agencies have provided considerable leadership in creating a vision for
affordable housing for individuals with disabilities in Virginia, that vision must be shared in
every region to achieve intended outcomes. Individuals with disabilities may have difficulty
35
accessing rental housing through Public Housing Authorities, local developers and private
landlords, regardless of the HNS benefit. Continued outreach and partnership with these key
local and regional actors is critical to success.
Lack of sufficient affordable housing
In many areas of Virginia, especially in areas with the greatest concentration of Medicaid
members, there is an inadequate supply of affordable housing units or rental assistance. The
HNS benefit will only be helpful to individuals who are able to access affordable housing
resources in communities where they choose to live.
Limitations of Rental Assistance
Availability of the HNS benefit must align with affordable housing resources to be most
impactful. Currently, most long-term rental assistance is targeted to individuals with SMI and/or
SUD through the DBHDS PSH program’s network of local administrators. Individuals who do not
meet the eligibility criteria or prioritization for that program have little access to long-term
rental assistance other than the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Individuals in most
communities in Virginia experience lengthy wait times for access to Housing Choice vouchers,
which limits this funding source as a solution.
While it’s important to recognize these challenges, it is also important to acknowledge that
there are opportunities to address them.
Develop a strategy for “braiding” various housing support and housing resources
DMAS, DBHDS, DVS and DHCD as well as other agencies and system partners, will need to
establish agreed-upon strategies to intentionally align the HNS supportive housing benefit with
non-Medicaid housing resources and vice versa. As discussed previously, the agencies share
target populations, but may have different priorities for their program’s limited resources.
Braiding the HNS benefit with rental assistance and other needed services and supports will
help even the most vulnerable populations to be more stably housed and ensure a cost
effective approach that makes the best use of public funding.
Encourage and Incent MCOs to Invest in Housing
Virginia has a number of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) that are known nationally for
their interest and investment in supporting high risk/high need individuals in stable housing
including United Healthcare, Magellan and Anthem. The MCOs will likely want to prioritize the
HNS benefit to high risk/hi cost members and may be more willing to invest in affordable
housing that will meet the needs of this population. DMAS regularly engages with the MCOs
who are already contractually required to “develop programs and establish partnerships to
address social factors that affect health outcomes, also called social determinants of health
(SDOH), which contribute significantly to the cost of care and the Member’s health care
experience.” DMAS provides technical assistance to encourage the MCOs to build or enhance
partnerships with the regional homeless systems as well as the CSBs. DMAS will continue to
36
continue the HNS training series as well as identify pilot projects to house high-cost members
by partnering with the regional homeless systems across the state.
Tie Resources to Outcomes
Identifying agreed upon outcome measures across the agencies will help to assure that both
the HNS benefit and housing resources are being utilized most efficiently and effectively. While
the agencies may have different measures used to assess the desired outcomes for their
programs and populations served, the following measures could serve as a beginning point and
be expanded to include others as well:
Reduced Homelessness
Cost savings
Increased Efficiencies across state agencies
The agencies will need to continue efforts to resolve issues related to data sharing in order to
assess these outcomes. DMAS is working with DHCD on a data matching project to connect
Medicaid data with HMIS data, which will allow the state to better understand the individuals
that are prioritized and eligible for the HNS supportive housing benefit.
Behavioral Health Enhancements
If Behavioral Health Enhancement funding is approved, DMAS will reconvene stakeholder
workgroups to continue the planning efforts and progress made to date. Ongoing planning will
focus on Systems changes; a state plan amendment, revised regulations and Medicaid manual
updates; and providing education and training opportunities for stakeholders. Once a plan to
move forward is established, DMAS will engage with CMS to pave the way for an
1115 SMI demonstration Waiver application.
Strategies to Expand Capital and Rental Assistance for PSH
Outlined below are the strategies the PSH Steering Committee members will utilize in the
coming year to continue to secure the necessary capital and rental assistance from a variety of
existing and new state and local resources.
Strategies to Increase Capital Investment in PSH
VH Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program
As discussed earlier in this report, low vacancy rates and strong demand for rental housing
across much of the state make it challenging to scale up PSH and reach the 5,000 goal without
production of new PSH units. VH’s 9 percent and 4 percent tax credit programs are some of the
primary tools developers rely on for the production of new affordable rental housing.
37
As described above, beginning with the FY19 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), VH has committed
that all 9 percent and 4 percent tax credit projects will be required to provide a leasing
preference for PSH in 10 percent of units. No specific target population is named. Rather, VH
has linked the leasing preference to populations covered by the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) entered into by the state agencies represented on the PSH Steering
Committee. Such an arrangement will allow the state to modify its target populations as needs
may change over the project’s compliance period. This also means the state agencies and
departments serving each target population must collaborate to develop a protocol for referral
to these housing units; the development of a referral protocol is discussed further below.
In CY21, VH estimates 200 units with a leasing preference will be created through the 9% tax
credit program.
Virginia Housing Trust Fund
The VHTF impacts PSH growth in two ways. First, services and pre-development costs for PSH
targeted to persons experiencing chronic homelessness are funded through a competition for
no more than 20 percent of the VHTF allocation, with this year at 40 percent equaling
$10,620,000. Second, the majority of the remaining funds are combined with federal HOME
and National Housing Trust funds to make up the ASNH program competition. The limited
allocation of funds is shared between homebuyer and rental projects, with rental projects
making up approximately 90 percent of the allocated funds. The increase in VHTF funding
provided for FY21 will contribute to scaling up PSH, yielding between 70 to 1,400 PSH units.
Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS) Trust Fund
Virginia has a special non-reverting fund called the Behavioral Health and Developmental
Services Trust Fund. This Trust Fund consists of the net proceeds from the sale of vacant
buildings and land held by DBHDS and any General Assembly appropriations to the fund. The
DBHDS Commissioner administers this Trust Fund. Among other approved uses, current Virginia
code allows for these funds to be used for financing of "appropriate community housing, for
the purpose of transitioning individuals with intellectual disability from state training centers to
community-based care." Trust Fund moneys have been used for a range of community-based
services, primarily for individuals in the DOJ Settlement Agreement population. DBHDS will
continue to identify opportunities to increase funding allocations to the Trust Fund and include
individuals with serious mental illness as a population eligible to be served in community
housing financed by the Trust Fund.
Enhance Housing Development Capacity
Increased resources alone may not be sufficient, however, to scale up PSH. DHCD staff
indicated that competition for affordable housing resources is fierce and that some of the
mission-driven developers who might consider PSH development do not have the capacity to
produce projects that are always competitive.
38
Developed by VH, the “Fundamentals of Affordable Housing Development” class is a two-day
workshop designed to walk housing and community development professionals through the
development process and best practices. These best practices include but are not limited to
organizational and developer capacity, asset mapping, intervention strategies, plan
development, key partnerships, homeownership financing and qualifications, rental financing
and compliance, and evaluation. The class includes hands-on activities including community
design activities and development pro-forma work. This course is intended for beginner and
mid-level professionals in the field of housing planning and/or development. Due to the
pandemic, classes have not taken place in 2020.
Strategies to Secure Local Capital for PSH
Thirty localities in Virginia receive an allocation of CDBG and/or HOME funds directly from HUD;
some of these communities also provide local general funds for affordable housing
development. Many PSH projects require multiple sources of grants or deferred payment loans
to make a project affordable. Local HOME or CDBG funding is often one of these sources.
Piecing together funding for projects can be challenging. If DBHDS is able to make additional
capital, rental assistance and/or supports available12 for projects under consideration, the
developer and local funders are likely to be much more receptive to creating projects.
DBHDS is working with a statewide CSB PSH Capacity Development Team to increase CSB
activity on the Action Plan items involving local partners. Rappahannock Area CSB will procure a
consultant in FY21 who will assist CSBs with advancing local plan activities. DBHDS will also
continue to work with individual communities where there is the possibility of leveraging local
funding for PSH for individuals with SMI.
DBHDS will also continue to participate in DHCD’s statewide input sessions to provide education
to local governments on the need for PSH and the PSH resources available through the state for
communities interested in PSH development.
Strategies to Increase Rental Assistance for PSH
DBHDS PSH SMI Program
PSH SMI capacity is now at approximately 1,105 units. Continuing to grow this demonstrated
successful program will be an essential component to meeting the need for 5,000 PSH units and
receiving all the benefits that accrue to PSH programs including moving people from
institutionalization and homelessness into housing and avoiding associated costs. A continued
increase in the PSH SMI program will be especially important as the VH LIHTC units come on-
line every year; the majority of these units will not have project-based funding and will need
rental assistance to be affordable to clients.
12
Either directly or through CSBs or another local entity.
39
DBHDS will also continue to explore project-basing some portion of the PSH program. Project-
basing has a number of advantages including long term access to high cost area such as
Northern Virginia and better access to housing for persons with criminal backgrounds or poor
tenancy histories.
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program
In February 2020, VH responded to a HUD PRA NOFA providing project-based rental assistance
funding to state housing agencies. Funds are available to be used as project-based rental
assistance for housing units integrated within multifamily properties that are set-aside for
extremely low-income persons with disabilities who are eligible for community-based long-term
care services and supports provided under a State Medicaid Program or other comparable long-
term services program. VH worked closely with the PSH Steering Committee members in
developing the proposal. VH was notified that while its application was “approvable”, HUD did
not have sufficient funds for all approvable applications. However, VH received notice on
November 30, 2020 from HUD that unused funds from another program have been shifted and
the VH application has been funded. The $6,976,504 award will provide rental assistance for
approximately 170 persons. 811 program implementation will begin in 2021.
Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
As described above, in the first round, the state was successful in securing over 1,000
Mainstream vouchers for people with any disability including people with SMI. In September,
HUD issued PIH Notice 2020-22 providing PHAs with an opportunity to apply for the remaining
Mainstream Voucher funds through a non-competitive process provided by the CARES Act.
PHAs can apply for funds through the end of the calendar year. In November, a first round of
awards was announced and included $1.8 million for four PHAs in Virginia including VH. These
are likely results of the extensive outreach and engagement by the PSH Steering Committee. It
is hoped additional awards will be announced for VA PHAs.
Auxiliary Grant Supportive Housing (AGSH) Program
As described above, the state has expanded the number of AGSH providers. With the expanded
capacity and program eligibility, DBHDS expects to meet the goal of serving 90 persons in
SFY21. DBHDS developed a waiting list of at least 30 by October 1, 2020 and, in accordance with
legislation, efforts are underway to increase the AGSH cap to 120 persons.
The Governor's budget increased to the AG rate of $80 per month per recipient on July 1, 2020.
The increase will be offset by balances in the AG program. An increase to the AG rate benefits
individuals in the AGSH program by improving housing affordability and potentially increasing
the number of communities that can use the AGSH.
40
Continuums of Care Rental Assistance
There are 16 Continuums of Care (CoCs) across the state, including 15 independent CoCs and 12
local planning groups (LPGs) of the Balance of State CoC. CoCs and LPGs are tasked with
creating effective community-wide emergency crisis response systems that will ensure
homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. This requires the coordination of federal, state,
local, and private funding. CoCs will be encouraged to apply for specialized resources for PSH
when available from HUD. Many CoCs in Virginia have developed PSH programs available to
people who are experiencing homelessness – generally chronic homelessness – through their
CoC Coordinated Entry System.
While HUD Annual Appropriation have typically included funds for PSH expansion, the federal
FY21 Appropriation is not final. It is unclear whether the Appropriation will include funding for
PSH expansion or there will be limitations as a result of COVID. For example, if Congress allows
HAP funds to be allocated to CoCs without a competition, new PSH funding may not be made
available.
Strategies to Increase PSH through Existing Affordable Housing Programs
The production of new units and bringing new rental assistance resources into the state are the
preferred strategies for expanding PSH for Virginians with SMI. However, given limitations on
state and federal budgets, and the length of time for new production, increasing access to
existing affordable housing resources is also an important strategy to meet the state’s need for
5,000 PSH units for individuals with SMI.
Public Housing Agency Resources
There are 41 PHAs in Virginia. Of these, two administer only public housing units, 13 administer
only vouchers, and 26 administer both the HCV and public housing programs. The PHAs in
Virginia administer over 52,200 HCVs13 and own and operate a total of 17,897 units of federally
funded public housing14. PHA resources are generally made available to eligible applicants on a
first-come, first-served basis but are allowed to use preferences or priorities to serve local
needs or public policy priorities, as long as these are nondiscriminatory. For example, PHAs are
allowed to offer preferences for people who are homeless, people with disabilities (broadly
defined) and people who are institutionalized. According to the Center for Budget and Policy
Priorities, 17 percent of federal rental assistance (largely housing choice vouchers but also
public housing and HUD-Assisted developments) goes to single adults in Virginia who have
disabilities, compared to the national average of 19 percent.
Per federal regulation (24 CFR Part 982), PHAs may not direct their resources towards people
with specific disabilities, such as ID/DD and SMI, except in accordance with HUD guidance and
13 This estimate does not include the newly awarded Mainstream Vouchers.
14 Data from the state’s IAP Housing Assessment (March 2018).
41
as a HUD approved remedial preference.15 However, with sufficient marketing and outreach by
CSBs, people with SMI can be well represented in any applicant pool that targets people who
are homeless or who are coming from institutions, both general preferences acceptable to
HUD.
Project-basing HCV offers DBHDS a unique opportunity to target federal funding for PSH for
people with SMI. The regulations covering the project-based component of the HCV program
(24 CFR Part 983), allow PHAs to target resources to persons needing certain services including
disability-specific services. DBHDS should consider identifying PHAs already project-basing or
interested in project-basing this resource and reach out to these agencies to determine
whether there are opportunities to develop PSH for people with SMI. For PHAs with low leasing
rates, project-basing vouchers can offer a way to improve leasing rates.
HUD Assisted Housing Resources
There are over 22,000 units of HUD-assisted housing in Virginia that have a project-based
subsidy allowing the tenant to pay only 30 percent of their income for rent. In 2013, HUD
determined that it was permissible for these owners to provide a homeless or move-on
preference16. There has been some effort in Virginia to interest owners in implementing this
preference with limited success. A renewed effort led by DBHDS that includes a discussion of
the array of services made available to DBHDS clients might meet with more success. Helping
clients access even 1 percent of these resources will result in over 200 affordable housing
options.
Strategies to Increase PSH through Enhancing System Capacity
As described above, state and local/regional structural systems supports are key to ensuring an
effective PSH system, one that provides a fidelity-based service, targets the state’s priority
populations, fills units in a timely manner and maintains owner confidence by addressing
tenant issues that arise.
Outreach to Hospitals and Healthcare Systems
The PSH Steering Committee will continue to conduct outreach to educate and incentivize the
health sector partner interest in PSH. Outreach will continue to the Virginia Hospital and
Healthcare Association and some of VHHA’s members to identify common beneficial outcomes
of collaboration.
15 HUD currently limits disability-specific preferences to HUD-approved remedial actions. According to HUD, such remedial
actions must be provided in response to” Olmstead-related litigation or enforcement, including a settlement agreement, court
order or consent decree, or in response to a public entity’s documented, voluntary affirmative Olmstead planning and
implementation efforts.” https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/PIH2012-31.PDF
16
https://www.hudexchange.info/news/hud-releases-resources-on-homeless-preferences-for-multifamily-property-owners-
and-agents/
42
PSH Inventory
The PSH Steering Committee has identified a strategy for developing a comprehensive PSH
inventory. An inventory would list existing properties that operate as supportive housing, their
owners, number of units, special populations served, and other key features. Such an inventory
would better permit the state to assess provider capacity and to identify existing PSH resources
that might assist with meeting the state's priorities.
Finalize Shared Referral Protocol
Under the DOJ Settlement Agreement, referrals of persons with Intellectual/Developmental
Disabilities (I/DD) to PSH resources are made through the DBHDS Central Office, but referrals of
people with SMI are made at the local level through CSBs. The expanded target population for
units developed through DHCD or VH’s tax credit programs will require additional coordination
on referrals. In 2020, DBHDS worked internally as well as with VH on a streamlined protocol and
written policies for referring priority populations to set-asides and units with leasing
preferences.
Continue PSH Alignment with Related Activities
The state has a number of initiatives that have some overlapping goals and strategies. The PSH
Steering Committee will continue to align efforts to house people with SMI with efforts to
house people with I/DD and people who are experiencing chronic homelessness. Each of these
populations has an advisory or coordinating body overseeing or guiding the work. The PSH
Steering Committee will also seek to coordinate with eviction prevention efforts and general
affordable housing development activities.
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Leadership Key to PSH Strategy
As described above, there are many opportunities to leverage supports, capital, and rental
assistance resources to expand PSH for Virginians with SMI. No single state or federal resource
will help Virginia meet the need for 5,000 PSH units. Scaling up PSH will require coordinating
multiple housing and service funding mechanisms at both the state and local levels. Continued
leadership is necessary to ensure state agencies collaborate effectively. Leadership will be
necessary at key points such as calling for owners to step up to serve the state’s most
vulnerable populations while guaranteeing that the state will provide supports to tenants and
be available to owners when issues arise. Since the start of this process, the ILT as well as the
PSH Steering Committee have provided such leadership. However, such leadership must be
sustained over the multi-year period in which resources must be identified, programs and
projects developed and then occupied by the target populations.
On November 15, 2018, Governor Northam signed Executive Order 25, establishing housing
policy priorities to enhance the quality, availability and affordability of housing in the
Commonwealth of Virginia. Permanent supportive housing was one of the three policy
initiatives called out in the Executive Order. It is this leadership at the highest levels of the
Executive Branch combined with leadership from the General Assembly that will provide the
tools and continue the momentum to ensure the state can address the supportive housing
needs of people with serious mental illness, ending homelessness and institutionalization,
helping these citizens of Virginia to lead stable, independent lives in their community of choice.
44
Appendices
45
Appendix A Action Plan
46
Goal #1 - Increase Services and Supports to Assist Individuals with SMI to Gain Access to and Maintain Supportive Housing
Strategy 1.1: Obtain CMS approval of a supportive housing benefit as part of the renewal of Virginia’s 1115 Demonstration Waiver
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
1.1.1 Respond to CMS concerns as DMAS None Obtain CMS approval Begin phase-in of
necessary to obtain waiver of SH and SE benefits benefits within at
approval least one region
1.1.2 Engage stakeholders in the DMAS DBHDS Begin to identify key Convene stakeholder Continue stakeholder
design and development of the stakeholders meetings to gain sessions to gain input
Supportive Housing (SH) benefit input on benefit on benefits
implementation implementation
1.1.3 Issue service definitions, DMAS DMAS/MCOs None MCOs, providers Providers enroll to
Member eligibility criteria, receive necessary provide SH benefits
provider eligibility criteria, rates guidance for service
provision/payment
1.1.4 Align DBHDS, DMAS and DMAS DBHDS Begin identification Rates are Outcomes are
other outcome measures to of outcome determined for assessed 6-12
assess the impact of the measures possibly outcome measures, months after
Supportive Housing benefit including: if applicable, and placement in
State hospital Medicaid supportive housing
bed days expenditures 6-12
Local inpatient months prior to
bed days supportive housing
# days to establish baseline
incarcerated
Medicaid costs
CSB data:
community
services, PSH-
SMI service
costs
CoC data
47
1.1.5 DMAS works with partners DMAS DBHDS None If applicable, Phase-in of SH
to establish implementation VH region(s) identified continues until SH is
schedule. DHCD for initial phase-in implemented
MCOs where SH expansion statewide
is anticipated and/or
there are strong
service providers
1.1.6 Explore opportunity to DMAS DBHDS Continue exploration New Medicaid SH providers are
create new provider type(s) and of services and provider type enrolled/credentialed
credentialing process for housing provider established for to support individuals
transition and housing support opportunities to housing transition with SMI in
services include research and/or housing successful
from other states sustaining services Transition/SH
that reflects the tenancy
needed skills and
expertise and
providers are
credentialed
1.1.7 Assess provider capacity to DMAS DMAS/MCOs None Assess current Region(s) for phase-
deliver SH benefit services DBHDS provider pool for in have sufficient
new services providers to deliver
Develop training and SH benefit to high
provider enrollment need, high risk
process members
1.1.8 Engage MCOs in promoting DMAS DBHDS Educate MCOs MCOs begin to Assess results of
and supporting access to the SH as to state’s SH support high MCO targeting.
benefit. Encourage MCOs to plans risk/high need Evaluate MCO
support housing transition and Provide MCOs members with efforts in
housing sustaining services with data for SMI in need of addition to
need in their housing through support high
area and how SH benefit, if risk/high need
state would like available members with
to see need Develop quality SMI in need of
addressed measures. housing through
Assess measures PSH benefit.
48
Strategy 1.2: Maximize use of existing Medicaid services and authorities to fund housing transition and housing sustaining services until SH
benefit is available
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
1.2.1 Community mental health DMAS DBHDS DMAS issues report Providers begin Providers continue to
services are strengthened, to on BH Redesign and to receive receive training in
incorporate evidence-based planning process. training in evidence-based
practice per BH Redesign evidence-based practices
practices
1.2.2 Provide clarification to DBHDS DMAS Jointly issue Agencies provide Agencies provide DBHDS staff
identify the roles and information to CMHRS to CMHRS to support
responsibilities of existing providers on how support individuals w/ SMI in
Medicaid services related to existing Medicaid individuals w/ attaining and
housing transition and support services can be used SMI in attaining sustaining tenancy in
services to provide Housing PSH
and sustaining
Transition and
tenancy in PSH
Sustaining Services
to individuals with Determine how
SMI to measure
impact of agency
efforts
1.2.3 Provide staff training to DBHDS DMAS Pending Regional trainings Training is repeated DBHDS staff
support appropriate delivery of identification of offered for staff, at least annually
services funds, trainings clarifying their roles
developed and responsibilities
in providing housing
transition and
support services
1.2.4 Address emerging need for DMAS/ DBHDS None Identify and address CSBs/provider
additional service provider MCOs needed provider communities are
capacity capacity identified for
targeted service
expansion/developm
ent
1.2.5 Monitor to ensure the DMAS DMAS/ Care Coordinators CCs will routinely Individuals with SMI CSBs
provision of the full array of MCOs (CCs) will routinely monitor individuals in CCC+ will receive
49
housing supports across multiple monitor individuals with SMI in CCC+ for the full array of Private
staff/providers with SMI in CCC+ for access to housing services and providers
access to housing transition and supports to meet MCOs
transition and sustaining supports their individual
sustaining supports seamlessly to meet needs to access and
seamlessly to meet successfully sustain
their individual housing, if eligible
needs
1.2.6 Individuals are transitioned DMAS/MCO DBHDS Understand Develop a best Individuals with SMI
to a non-Medicaid funding source s current process practice process receive housing
if CMHRS are still wanted/needed of transitioning for transitioning support services as
but determined to no longer be individuals who individuals to a long as the services
“medically necessary.” are no longer non-Medicaid are needed to
sustain successful
eligible for source
tenancy in PSH
Medicaid funded Individuals with
supports SMI receive
Individuals with housing support
SMI receive services as long
housing as the services
supports as long are needed to
as the supports sustain
are needed to successful
sustain tenancy in PSH
successful
tenancy in PSH
1.2.7 Provide resources to care DMAS Begin to develop Incorporate Provide on-going
coordinators to identify members DBHDS policy, training or training
with housing need and make procedure and resource
initial referral to address. DMAS to training that information so
establish policy, process and then may require this is part of
train staff
MCOs to assess general CC
members’ training.
housing status at Monitor and
least annually assess
implementation
50
Implement of policy and
policy and procedures.
training Make
adjustments as
needed
1.2.8 Explore with MCOs the role DMAS MCOs Identify at least Explore the
of Health Homes/Behavioral DBHDS 1 MCO willing to opportunity to
Health Homes to promote access test BH Health implement a pilot
to supportive housing and to Home project testing/
sustain successful tenancy for hi implementing evaluating the
need/hi cost members. impact of a BH HH on
housing
housing stability and
supports
healthcare service
Assess potential utilization and costs
rates or
payments
Strategy 1.3: Explore non-Medicaid options for funding housing transition and housing sustaining services
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
1.3.1 Continue to include support DHCD Develop and Develop and Develop and $1.4 million for
services in PSH as an eligible issue a Request issue FY21 issue FY22 FY19 and $2.5
activity for the Homeless for Proposal Request for Request for million for FY20
Reduction Grants portion of the Select grantees. Proposal Proposal
Housing Trust Fund (HTF) (up to Select grantees Select grantees
At least 50
20%).
persons served, At least 83 Projects
some of whom persons served, implemented
will have SMI. some whom will
Explore SMI data have SMI.
collection as Projects
part of required implemented.
reporting
1.3.2 Establish public/private DHCD DMAS Pursue funding from Initiate at least one At least one new Foundatio
partnerships in investing in DBHDS health-related pilot project to pilot project is ns
housing and services in areas of VH stakeholders to expand housing initiated to expand
high need for PSH including VDH support a position and/or services housing and/or
51
support for capacity building, e.g. that would work with capacity to fill needs services capacity to Health
housing development institute the PSH Steering where other funding fill needs where Systems
Committee to (state and federal) is other funding (state MCOs
coordinate and not available and federal) isn’t Hospitals
monitor at least one available
pilot project that
would expand
housing and/or
services capacity,
ensuring an
evaluation of the
project that will
assist others in
learning from the
experience
52
Strategy 1.4: Build understanding and awareness of the positive outcomes associated with independent housing options for
individuals preparing for state hospital discharge and the availability of those housing options
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
1.4.1 Issue a data-driven DBHDS Issue a policy Contingent on Contingent on
statement supported funding availability, funding availability,
policy statement that
with data that double the number double the number
articulates the ability for reflects the ability for of individuals from of individuals in CY
individuals to successfully individuals to CY 19 discharged 20 discharged from
transition from state transition from a from each state each state hospital
state hospital to hospital directly to directly to supportive
hospitals to supportive supportive housing supportive housing housing
housing
1.4.2 Educate state hospital staff, DBHDS Develop educational Hold at least 1 Repeat training
case managers, consumers and materials reflecting educational session annually, updating
families about the opportunity for PSH-SMI program in each state data on the number
successful transition from a state experience with hospital, involving of successful
hospital bed to supportive housing successfully CSB partners placements into
transitioning supportive housing
individuals from
state hospitals to the
community and
available resources
53
Goal #2 - Provide Capital Subsidies to Expand PSH
Strategy 2.1: Expand PSH through the VH Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program
Estimated 200 units with leasing preferences annually beginning in FY20; leasing preference for SMI and other populations targeted under
state partner MOU
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources
Agency(s) Involved $$$
2.1.1 Continue coordination between DBHDS VH Monthly Monthly check in Monthly check in
DBHDS and VH coordination meetings with meetings with
between DBHDS implementation implementation
and VH staff. Bi-annual full staff. Bi-annual full
staff meetings staff meetings
2.1.2 Develop MOU on PSH collaboration VH DBHDS MOU executed Annual MOU Annual MOU
with appendix related to SMI population as DHCD review review
well as other populations DMAS
2.1.3 Finalize referral process for VH DBHDS Develop Release final Review and update
individuals referred to LIHTC units referral process existing process as
guidance;
needed
Pilot referral
process in
one
community
2.1.4 Determine roles and outreach needs DBHDS VH Roles and outreach
for CSBs, developers and other DHCD activities identified
stakeholders DMAS in MOU
54
Strategy 2.2: Expand PSH through the Affordable and Special Needs Housing Program
Estimated 56 total PSH projects produced in FY19 and FY20; number of units per project provided after projects are selected.
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources
Agency(s) Involved $$$
2.2.1 Host five input sessions to secure DHCD DBHDS Host five Annual five regional Annual five regional
local input into Consolidated Plan and VH regional meetings meetings
Annual Action Plan. Request input related meetings
to PSH development and possible new Stakeholder
state resources education and
input re: PSH
2.2.2 Secure additional PSH through DHCD Issue Request Projects To be determined Approx.
Affordable and Special Needs Housing for constructed/ once projects $33.9 million
(ASNH) Program Applications. rehabilitated selected in CY19 total funds
Estimated 56 for ASNH
Program for
affordable
FY19 and
housing
FY20
construction
projects
selected for
FY19 and FY20;
each project
contributes
from 5 to 100
affordable units
for supportive
housing with
various target
populations
2.2.3 Identify targeted capacity DHCD DBHDS Identify developers Development Development
development that may assist in increased and determine support support
PSH through ASNH program and/or interest in capacity
identify developers well positioned to development
create PSH
55
Strategy 2.3: Expand PSH through Investment of DBHDS funds in capital subsidies
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources
Agency(s) Involved $$$
2.3.1 Explore opportunities to increase DBHDS None Explore If approved,
funding allocations to the Trust Fund for opportunities implement
development appropriate community with DBHDS
housing including housing for people with leadership.
SMI as well as DD who are transitioning If approved,
from institutions, including possibility of
develop
proposing amendments to relevant code
legislative
sections to add individuals with serious
mental illness as a population eligible to be request for
served in community housing financed by language
the Trust Fund modification.
Make request
to increase
budget
2.3.2 Explore the investment of carryover DBHDS None Explore whether Continue to make Unknown
and reserve DBHDS housing funds in project carryover and investments, if
capital reserve can be possible.
invested, and if so,
develop policies and
procedures to
identify, secure and
make such
investments
Strategy 2.4: Strategies to Collaborate with Local Communities to expand PSH
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources
Agency(s) Involved $$$
2.4.1 Identify communities with high need, DBHDS DHCD Articulate Implement Continue to
high risk populations and services/ housing VH criteria to outreach as implement outreach
capacity to address these populations for DMAS identify part of DHCD’s as part of DHCD’s
possible outreach communities modified action
56
Identify planning modified action
potential outreach planning outreach
communities Identify
Finalize interested
community communities
choices
Plan outreach
to take place in
conjunction
with DHCD’s
annual action
planning
outreach
2.4.2 Follow-up with interested DBHDS DHCD None Work with Projects come
communities VH interested on-line
communities to Continue to
identify PSH work with
opportunities. communities to
Identify DBHDS, include PSH in
CSB and other projects.
agency
resources to
support
identified
pipeline
projects
Provide
assistance to
projects as
needed
2.4.3 Explore establishment of peer to peer DBHDS DHCD None Goal of holding Goal of holding
shared learning covering the identified DMAS three meetings; one three meetings; one
communities VH in –person and two in –person and two
conference calls conference calls
57
58
Goal #3 - Increase Rental Assistance to make Units Affordable
Strategy 3.1: Expand PSH through the DBHDS PSH SMI Program
17
FY19 – 200 household expansion (funds available)
FY20 – 150 household expansion (funds dependent on final budget)
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
3.1.1 Continue to secure funds to expand the DBHDS Allocate Request Allocate funds $5 million for
PSH-SMI program additional funds additional funds from General 375 units
provided by the through budget Assembly and requested in
Assembly development PSH-SMI that FY20 budget
become Medicaid
available when
expansion
Medicaid SH
may free up
benefit is
available funding for
statewide 350 units in
CY2021
3.1.2 Target new funding and/or turnover to DBHDS VH Assess Allocate funds to Educate SMI
LIHTC units as they come on-line opportunities areas with new programs as to
to align PSH or existing LIHTC this opportunity
funds with units that can
LIHTC provide
turnover preferential
Lease-up as leasing to
appropriate program
participants
17 Note: This rental assistance may be used in LIHTC or ASHN projects. If so, avoid double counting units.
59
Strategy 3.2: Explore partnership with local PHAs to support state goals
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
3.2.1 Meet with key groups include VAHCDO to DHCD DBHDS Meet with key Meet with key Meet with key
discuss state priorities and collaboratively VH groups groups groups
outreach to PHAs to support state goals. DMAS
3.2.2 Outreach to all VA PHAs to encourage DHCD DBHDS Develop Offer Offer support to DBHDS and CSB
responses to the next Mainstream NOFA(s). VH joint letter support to all PHAs identified
Outreach through regional Consolidated DMAS from all PHAs choosing to resources
Planning meetings as well as possible Secretaries choosing to apply
communication from leadership to PHAs to Design and apply
encourage applications. Identify what resources
execute Explore
DBHDS or its local partners bring to the table to
outreach to methods to
help PHAs successfully apply for these funds
including but not limited to identifying clients PHAs as track people
and helping them locate and move into housing, soon as with SMI
funds for move-in costs such as security deposits possible in served
or furnishings, landlord guarantee program. anticipation
Identify best prospects and target these of NOFA
3.2.3 Identify PHAs interested in project-basing DHCD Identify a pilot Identify two Identify two
Mainstream, other PBV or PSH SMI to serve the project projects projects
target population
3.2.4 Work with PHAs interested in project- DHCD Select low risk Work with PHA Work with PHA
based Mainstream or other HCV to develop a strategy. to provide to provide
low-risk approach to HUD secure approval for Work with PHA necessary necessary
targeting. Determine whether PHA could base to provide documentation documentation
an approach on services related to PBV that necessary and tenant and tenant
would not require HUD approval documentation selection policies selection policies
and tenant and procedures and procedures
selection policies
and procedures
60
Strategy 3.3: Maximize Discharge Assistance funding to support transitions to community housing
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
3.3.1 Examine current Discharge Assistance DBHDS Review DAP
Program (DAP) utilization and explore strategies utilization by
to align this funding with other housing CSB and service
initiatives for individuals with SMI such as PSH type
3.3.2 DBHDS updates DAP information to DBHDS Develop Disseminate
describe how to use DAP to bridge to PSH and information information
other integrated community housing
3.3.3 Ensure CSBs involved in discharge planning DBHDS None Provide remote
receive housing referral training and updated training for CSB
information about resources staff; record and
make available
as staff turnover
61
Goal #4 - Increase PSH through Preferential Access to Existing Affordable Housing Programs
Strategy 4.1: Expand PSH through access to public housing agency resources
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
4.1.1 Through outreach conducted under DBHDS Identify two PHAs Identify two Identify two
Strategy #2.2 above, identify PHAs that would PHAs PHAs
consider adding a preference – including a
capped preference - for people who are
chronically homeless, high utilizers of public
services, and/or people leaving institutions in
the PHA’s HCV or public housing programs.
PHAs might include those with chronic
underutilization of HCVs
4.1.2 Work with the identified PHAs to establish DBHDS Facilitate Facilitate Facilitate
local partnerships between CSBs, service partnering partnering partnering
providers and PHA to identify persons in target between PHA, between PHA, between PHA,
population, assist them to apply and move-in CSB and service CSB and service CSB and service
and to support sustained tenancies providers providers providers
4.1.3 Document and assess success so that DBHDS Document Assess tenant Assess tenant
strategies can be replicated with other PHAs outreach tenure tenure
strategies.
Assess
success
Strategy 4.2: Expand PSH through Access to HUD Assisted Housing Resources
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
4.2.1 Renew efforts to interest HUD Assisted DBHDS Engage Identify one Identify one Free technical
properties in providing a homeless or move-on DHCD/CoC Newport property property assistance
preference in their properties. Consider News willing to willing to available
targeted strategy such as senior properties or partners implement implement through HUD
veterans with disabilities as well as marketing about the TA the move-on the move-on
existing and new Medicaid funded supports
they have preference. preference.
62
received for As needed, As needed,
a moving on facilitate facilitate
initiative. partnership partnership
Identify one between the between the
property CSB, CoC, CSB, CoC,
willing to local service local service
implement providers providers
the move-on and property and property
preference
As needed,
facilitate
partnership
between the
CSB, CoC,
local service
providers
and property
4.2.2 Document and assess success of DBHDS DHCD/CoC Review data and Review data and Review data and
preference in order to market to other evaluate success evaluate success evaluate success
properties
63
Goal #5 - Strategies to Increase PSH through Enhancing System Capacity
Strategy 5.1: Track PSH outcomes and utilize data to inform implementation plans
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
5.1.1 Identify data needs (including but not DBHDS VH Data needs Finalize Collect data
limited to program evaluation and DMAS DHCD identified data plan. as projects
documentation of program success and cost DARS Develop prepare for
avoidance), how information will be collected, data occupancy.
shared, reported collection Conduct QA
system by review and
Jan. 2020 adjust as
needed
5.1.2 Research creation of a PSH inventory tool DHCD DBHDS Determine Implement tool Analyze using
DMAS appropriate tool tool
DHCD
Strategy 5.2: Develop DBHDS referral protocol for non-LIHTC units
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
5.2.1 DBHDS should continue to work internally DBHDS DHCD None Develop DBHDS
across Divisions as well as with DHCD on a written protocol
streamlined protocol and written policies for for referral
referring priority populations to set-asides and process
units with leasing preferences. Process to
complement DBHDS-VH referral process
5.2.2 DBHDS collaborate with CSBs and other DBHDS None Collaborate Market units
local entities to develop strategies to market with CSBs to
units to eligible people with SMI prior to the develop
availability of the units marketing
strategies
Market
units
64
Strategy 5.3: Launch DBHDS Cross-Disability Housing Office
Action Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Agency(s) Involved
5.3.1 Establish office including staffing, DBHDS New Office
organizational chart, roles and responsibilities established
for the office.
5.3.2 Ensure sufficient staffing; provide funds DBHDS DMAS Explore Request funds
for additional DBHDS staffing to conduct Medicaid admin to address
evaluation, monitoring, and provide funds for DBHDS staffing gaps
operational support to assure fidelity to PSH housing
positions
5.3.3 Establishment shared and/or coordinated DBHDS Coordination Coordination Coordination
responsibilities between Behavioral Health and between SMI between SMI between SMI
Developmental Services teams including but and DD and DD Divisions and DD Divisions
not limited to shared referral process for LIHTC Divisions.
units with a leasing preference, education and Identify source
training for housing agencies and service of funds for
providers training
activities.
Shared referral
process
developed
Strategy 5.4: Enhance PSH housing development capacity
Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Action Agency(s) Involved
5.4.1 Explore strategies to increase the capacity DBHDS VH Identify capacity Develop and Implement
of CSBs, nonprofit mission-driven developers DHCD building needs implement capacity building
and other organizations to develop PSH capacity- strategy
building
strategy.
5.4.2 Identify funds for identified strategy and DBHDS VH Identify funding
implement as soon as possible. See also DHCD
Strategy 1 for philanthropic support for this DMAS
capacity development
65
Strategy 5.5: PSH Steering Committee continues PSH alignment with related activities
Lead Others CY19 Goal CY20 Goal CY21 Goal Resources $$$
Action Agency(s) Involved
5.5.1 PSH Steering Committee continue to DHCD VH Monthly Monthly Monthly
meet regularly to ensure plan is implemented DBHDS meetings meetings meetings
on schedule DMAS
DARS
VDH
DVS
DSS
5.5.2 PSH Steering Committee ensures DHCD VH Coordination Coordination Coordination
coordination and alignment with related DBHDS between between between
activities including Governors Coordinating DMAS committees committees committees
Council, SMI Strategy Group, Integrated DARS
Housing Advisory Council (IHAC), Inter-agency VDH
Leadership Team (ILT) DVS
DSS
5.5.3 PSH Steering Committee to continue to DHCD VH Communication Communication Communication
secure stakeholder input through Strategy DBHDS with with with
Group and other DMAS stakeholders stakeholders stakeholders
DARS
VDH
DVS
DSS
5.5.4 PSH Steering Committee to continue to DHCD VH PSH Steering PSH Steering PSH Steering
include state actors as appropriate DBHDS Committee Committee Committee
DMAS expanded as expanded as expanded as
DARS appropriate appropriate appropriate
VDH
DVS
DSS
66
Acronyms
SH = DMAS Supportive Housing benefit
PSH = permanent supportive housing
LIHTC = Low Income Housing Tax Credit program
SE = DMAS Supported Employment benefit
MH = mental health
VBH = behavioral health
TCM = target case management
MHSS = mental health skill building
CC = care coordinators (DMAS)
HH = Health Home
67
Appendix B PSH Steering Committee
Name Organization Email
Virginia Department of Housing
Pamela Kestner and Community Development Pamela.Kestner@dhcd.virginia.gov
(DHCD)
Nichele Carver DHCD Nichele.Carver@dhcd.virginia.gov
Ara Mendoza DHCD Ara.mendoza@dhcd.virginia.gov
Art Bowen Virginia Housing (VH) Art.Bowen@virginia housing.com
Abby Boyd VH Abby.Boyd@virginiahousing.com.
Virginia Department of
Kristin Yavorsky Behavioral Health and Kristin.Yavorsky@dbhds.virginia.gov
Developmental Services (DBHDS)
Ashley Hall DBHDS A.Hall@dbhds.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Medical
Ann Bevan Ann.Bevan@dmas.virginia.gov
Assistance Services (DMAS)
Beth Seward DMAS Elizabeth.Seward@dmas.virginia.gov
Virginia Department for Aging
Charlotte Charlotte.Arbogast@dars.virginia.go
and Rehabilitative Services
Arbogast v
(DARS)
Virginia Department of Health
Carole Pratt Carole.Pratt@vdh.virginia.gov
(VDH)
Virginia Department of Social
Kiara Crawley Kiara.Crawley@dss.virginia.gov
Services (DSS)
Andrea Gregg DSS
Virginia Department of Veterans
Matthew Leslie Matthew.Leslie@dvs.virginia.gov
Services (DVS)
68
Appendix C Strategy Group Membership
2020 Housing Virginians with Serious Mental Illness Strategy Group
Name Organization Email
Virginia Department of
Erik Johnston Housing and Community Erik.Johnston@dhcd.virginia.gov
Development (DHCD)
Pam Kestner DHCD Pamela.Kestner@dhcd.virginia.gov
Nichele Carver DHCD Nichele.Carver@dhcd.virginia.gov
Ara Mendoza DHCD Ara.mendoza@dhcd.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of
Alison Land Behavioral Health and Alison.land@dbhds.virginia.gov
Developmental Services
(DBHDS)
Mira Signer DBHDS Mira.signer@dbhds.virginia.gov
Kristin Yavorsky DBHDS Kristin.Yavorsky@dbhds.virginia.gov
Ann Bevan DMAS Ann.Bevan@dmas.virginia.gov
Beth Seward DMAS Elizabeth.Seward@dmas.virginia.gov
Art Bowen Virginia Housing (VH) Art.Bowen@VirginiaHousing.com
VH
Abby Boyd Abby.Boyd@virginiahousing.com
Virginia Department for
Charlotte
Aging and Rehabilitative Charlotte.Arbogast@dars.virginia.gov
Arbogast
Services (DARS)
Virginia Department of
Carole Pratt Carole.Pratt@vdh.virginia.gov
Health (VDH)
Virginia Department of Social
Kiara Crawley Kiara.Crawley@dss.virginia.gov
Services (DSS)
Tara Ragland DSS Tara.Ragland@dss.virginia.gov
Annette Kelley DSS Annette.kelley@dss.virginia.gov
69
Missy Currier DSS Missy.currier@dss.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of
Matt Leslie Matthew.Leslie@dvd.virginia.gov
Veterans Services
Kendra Coleman Virginia Department of
Kendra.Coleman@vadoc.virginia.gov
Corrections (DOC)
Stephanie
DOC Stephanie.Beardslee@vadoc.virginia.gov
Beardslee
Sarah Wilson NAMI- Virginia swilson@namivirginia.org
Stephany Melton NAMI- Virginia smelton@namivirginia.org
Virginia Housing Alliance
Brian Koziol Brian@vahousingalliance.org
(VHA)
Sheriff Steve Virginia Sherriff's Association
smdraper@ci.martinsville.va.us
Draper (VSA)
Major Laura
VSA LHOPKINS@ci.martinsville.va.us
Hopkins
Virginia Association of
Mike Edwards medwards@kemperconsult.com
Regional Jails (VARJ)
William “Chris”
VARJ smithw@wtrj.org
Smith
Superintendent
VARJ tdoss@mprsc.org
Tim Doss
Virginia Association of
Sarah Paige Fuller Community Service Boards sarah.fuller@norfolk.gov
(VACSB)
Joy Cipriano VACSB JoyC@hnncsb.org
Jim Tobin VACSB jtobin@piedmontcsb.org
Virginia Hospital and
Jennifer Kelly Healthcare Association Jennifer.kelly@uhsinc.com
(VHHA)
Amy Clarke VHHA Amy.Clarke@HCAHealthcare.com
Allison Virginia Supportive Housing
ABogdanovic@virginiasupportivehousing.org
Bogdanovic (VSH)
Deidre Johnson VOCAL – Virginia deidre@vocalvirginia.org
Malaina Poore VOCAL – Virginia malaina@vocalvirginia.org
70
Richmond Memorial Health
Michael Smith Msmith@rmhfoundation.org
Foundation
Suzanne Gore State Health Partners Suzanne.Gore@statehealthpartners.com
Sylisa Lambert-
Pathway Homes lambwood@pathwayhomes.org
Woodard
71
Appendix D Committee Relationship Graphic
72
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