KDHAP Program
From FEMA Answers
HUD announced that the KDHAP program closed as of January 31, 2006 (See Disaster Supplement Voucher Program, below). The program was first outlined in a Sept 23 white paper and slide show [1]. HUD held a Sept 26 web cast to explain the program, summarized by NLIHC here. On October 4, HUD issued interim operating instructions to PHAs and program users. NLIHC also created side by side comparision between FEMA assistance and the KDHAP program. On December 1, HUD issued a formal notice on the KDHAP program, PIH Notice 2005-36. This notice confirms that KDHAP assistance for those formerly homeless or assisted through special needs programs (supportive housing, Shelter Plus Care, HOPWA), will be assisted through Continuum of Care providers.
On a Sept 30 conference call hosted by NLIHC, HUD reports -
- The KDHAP program will be available Oct. 1, watch HUD's web site for updates.
- PHAs are not obligated to implement KDHAP.
- As of October 14, the Jefferson Parish PHA has already begun taking KDHAP applications on a web site.
- Once a family receives a KDHAP voucher, it cannot be "ported" to another jurisdiction.
The HUD speakers on the Sept 30 call emphasized that KDHAP was not a Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher Program, but a temporary alternative designed to provide housing to eligible Katrina households. HUD’s portion of the housing program is limited to displaced households who were receiving HUD housing assistance or were homeless as documented through the Homeless Management Information System and other mechanisms. [2]
The architects of HUD’s Katrina Disaster Housing Assistance Program (KDHAP) – Milan Ozdinec, HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Housing and Voucher Programs, and David Vargas, Director for Housing Voucher Program – spoke at the Quadel Consulting Corporation’s Annual Housing Choice Voucher Conference on October 20, offering insights into the design and development of the emergency program. NLIHC provides a summary of remarks.
