Category 2- Imminent Risk of Homelessness- Documentation
Third party documentation can be a written statement from the third party OR an oral statement that is recorded by the intake worker. All third party documentation must include:
Self-Certifications Must:
- The date that the letter was written or that the oral statement was recorded
- Written letters from a third party should include the third party’s name, title, signature (if applicable)
- Recorded oral statements should include the name, title and agency (if applicable) of the third party whose statement is being recorded. The intake worker needs to sign and date the recorded statement, and should also print their name.
- Letters from housing or service providers should be on agency letterhead.
Self-Certifications Must:
- Specifically state the exact information required by the regulations, as described in previous slides. You may want to develop a self-certification form to ensure all information is being captured.
- Be signed and dated by the applicant
- Be signed and dated by the intake worker. The intake worker should also print his/her name and title.
- The intake worker must also document in writing his/her efforts to first obtain third party verification
For households that are being evicted:
- A court order resulting from an eviction action that requires the individual or family to leave their residence within 14 days after the date of their application for homeless assistance; or the equivalent notice under applicable state law, a Notice to Quit, or a Notice to Terminate issued under state law
For households that are currently paying for a hotel/motel:
- Evidence that the individual or family lack the financial resources to reside at a hotel/motel for more than 14 days after the date of application for homeless assistance
For Households that are staying with family or friends:
First, the household should state in writing that:
Second, the intake worker must certify that the applicant’s statement is credible.
- The owner or renter of the housing in which they currently reside will not allow them to stay for more than 14 days after the date of application for homeless assistance
- No subsequent residence has been identified
- The applicant lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain other permanent housing
- His/her statement is true and complete
- The applicant must sign and date this statement
Second, the intake worker must certify that the applicant’s statement is credible.
- The intake worker must first try to have the owner/renter of the housing in which the applicant resides to verify the statement. The owner/renter can provide a letter or the intake worker can record the owner/renter’s oral statement.
- If the intake worker is unable to contact the owner or renter the worker should document his due diligence in attempting to obtain the owner/renter’s verification. The intake worker should also certify in writing that he/she believes the applicant’s statement is credible.