Ch 9. EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE

    Ch 9 Outline

  1. 1. APPLICABILITY
  2. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM
  3. 3. CRITERIA FOR ASSISTANCE
    1. A. Participant Requirements
      1. 1) Homeless Verification
      2. 2) Emergency Housing Application
      3. 3) Drug Testing
      4. 4) Background Checks
      5. 5) Eviction History
      6. 6) Outstanding Debts
      7. 7) Unit Occupation
    2. B. Certification by LNHA Maintenance
  4. 4. SELECTION PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS
  5. 5. ASSISTANCE OFFERED
    1. A. First and Last Month's Rent Assistance
    2. B. Natural or Human Caused Disaster
    3. C. Assistance for Hotels

1. APPLICABILITY

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply only to the Emergency Housing Program.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM

The Emergency Housing Program is designed to assist low-income Lummi Tribal Members with emergency short-term housing assistance.

3. CRITERIA FOR ASSISTANCE

Except where otherwise specified herein, the general eligibility criteria detailed in this section shall apply to applicants for the Emergency Housing Program. Applicants are eligible for Emergency Housing Assistance only once every two years.

A. Participant Requirements

1) Homeless Verification

All applicants must verifiably be “homeless” or residing in a domestic violence shelter. “Homeless” means the applicant has no permanent structure in which they may reside.

2) Emergency Housing Application

All applicants must complete an emergency housing application prior to occupancy.

3) Drug Testing

LNHA initial occupancy drug testing requirements apply to applicants for the Emergency Housing Program.

4) Background Checks

Background check requirements do not apply to applicants for Emergency Housing Assistance.

5) Eviction History

Applicants are ineligible for Emergency Housing Assistance if they have been evicted from a housing unit supported, in any part, by LNHA funds.

6) Outstanding Debts

Applicants must have no outstanding debts to LNHA or must have been in compliance with a Payback Agreement for at least six months.

7) Unit Occupation

The unit for which the applicant is receiving assistance must not be occupied by another participant in an LNHA program.

B. Certification by LNHA Maintenance

Prior to an applicant receiving Emergency Housing Assistance, LNHA Maintenance shall certify in writing that the unit to which the assistance will be provided is safe and habitable.

4. SELECTION PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS

The program operates on a “first come, first served” basis for all low-income Lummi Tribal Members. Applicants with custody of enrolled or enrollable Lummi children will receive priority if multiple applicants have the same application submission date.

5. ASSISTANCE OFFERED

A. First and Last Month's Rent Assistance

LNHA will pay initial occupancy costs of first and/or last month’s rent up to $1,000. LNHA shall not pay for application fees, security deposits, or pet deposits. These monies shall be payable directly to the owner/landlord upon confirmation that the unit is habitable and that there is a valid rental agreement.

B. Natural or Human Caused Disaster

In instances where a Lummi Tribal Member’s home is destroyed by a natural or human-caused disaster, LNHA may place Emergency Housing applicants in an LNHA-owned unit if one is available and suitable for occupation. Individuals placed in such units will not be responsible for rent or other associated costs; however, all other conditions and rules of occupancy will apply, including the execution of a lease. Placement in emergency housing units will be made outside of the normal waiting list criteria and will be for a maximum of six months.

C. Assistance for Hotels

LNHA will contribute $250 towards an applicant’s stay at a hotel approved by LNHA.

Scroll to Top