Chapter XXIII: Mainstream Program

Effective: September 1, 2009

Introduction

The Mainstream Voucher Program assists non-elderly persons with disabilities in locating suitable and accessible housing and then provides rental assistance. MSHDA administers this program in accordance with HUD regulations for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The Mainstream program has 140 vouchers which are only available in Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Oakland Counties.

Section A: Eligibility Criteria

To receive a Mainstream voucher, an applicant must be:

• A disabled family where either the head of household or spouse is disabled and under the age of 62. Head of household can be a single person.
• Two or more persons with disabilities living together.
• A non-elderly family but may include a person with a disability who is elderly.
• One or more persons with disabilities living with one or more live-in aides.

Disabled is defined as receiving SSI/SSDI or having a Verification of Disability and/or Special Medical Needs (MSHDA 16) signed by an appropriate health care provider on file in the MSHDA permanent record.

Section B: Waiting List

The Mainstream Program uses the current Mainstream Waiting List in Allegan, Kalamazoo, and Oakland counties for selecting families. Waiting lists for this program will remain open and are updated as referrals are received. Applicants for the Mainstream program must be a disabled family meeting appropriate eligibility criteria to be able to be placed on the Mainstream Waiting List. Procedures for waiting lists management are identified in Chapter II, Wait List Management. When opening or while maintaining this Mainstream Program waiting list, contacts must be made with local agencies for outreach such as Independent Living Centers, advocacy organizations, community mental health organizations, and the local Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) offices. Waiting Lists for this program may be closed when the number of applicants provides a sufficient pool and the wait for assistance exceeds twenty-four months.

Chapter XXIII: Mainstream Program

Section C: Program Requirements

The Mainstream Voucher Program participants must meet and follow all federal regulations and MSHDA policies for the HCV Program including income eligibility, criminal screening, and occupancy guidelines.

Section D: Reassignment of Vouchers

When a Mainstream voucher participant transfers to another county, the following must occur:

1. Tenant must be in good standing on the program;
2. If the county where the participant wishes to move participates in the Mainstream Program, the participant transfers to the new county and a vacant voucher is not available in the new county, the Mainstream voucher will be transferred to the participating county.
3. If the participant wishes to move to a county that does not participate in the Mainstream Program, and there is an available HCV voucher in the new county, the participant will be transferred to the new county and a regular HCV voucher will be issues to the participant. The Mainstream voucher will remain in the original county.
4. If the participant wishes to move to a county that does not participate in the Mainstream Program and there is not an available HCV voucher, the move cannot take place. Once a HCV becomes available, the move may occur. The Mainstream voucher will remain in the original county.

Refer Chapter XV: Transfers

Chapter XXIII: Mainstream Program

Section E: Elite Instructions

When placing the applicant on the HCV Mainstream Program, HA must select the “Mainstream 1-year” choice under Special Programs in the Master Entry Tab of Resident Processing. HA should refer to supplemental Elite instructions for more information.

Section F: Applicable Forms List