Vincent Village is a program for families who have completed a Transitional Housing program for Homeless families. The program provides affordable rents based on adjusted household income with allowances for utilities. The program provides ongoing assistance from a Family Development Specialist who helps the family continue to set goals and work toward self-sufficiency. Families entering Vincent Village are required to participate in the program.

To be eligible, a family must have:

1. Graduated from Vincent House or a similar Transitional Housing Program.
2. Obtained a letter of referral from their Case Manager on agency letterhead.
3. Obtained their High School Diploma or GED, or be currently enrolled in GED classes.
4. Completed a budget which reflects what their expenses will be when they live in Vincent Village and shows that their income is sufficient to meet those expenses.
5. Sufficient income so that 30% of the adjusted household income less utility allowances equals a minimum of $150 monthly rent payment with an exception for head of household receiving social security disability benefits.
6. Obtained Child Care that is sufficient to meet the needs of the family.
7. Obtained sufficient transportation resources such as a car or monthly bus pass.
8. Completed Housing Counseling with the Housing Authority.
9. Completed an application for the program and kept appointments with the Family Development Specialist to plan and prepare for entry into the program.

A family may be denied entrance to Vincent Village if they have previously participated in the program.

At Move In

1. Families moving into Vincent Village may be eligible for furniture and household items. Assistance is based on need and for families exiting the Vincent House Transitional Shelter Program, furniture will not be delivered to their new home until their Vincent House room clean and all their personal belongings have been transferred to the housing unit.
2. Deposits and first month’s rent are tentatively waived to allow that money to be used for moving expenses such as utility deposits and needs for the new home. A rental deposit may be attached to the monthly rent if Vincent House incurs expenses that are the result of destruction of property or more than normal wear and tear on the unit.
3. If the family owes past utilities bills and has made substantial efforts to pay those bills off, they may be eligible for assistance with part of their past bills or the deposit to obtain services in their name. Assistance with housing debt is based on need.
4. Program participants may also be eligible for household items and food to get set up. Assistance is based on need.

After Move-In

1. Once a family has moved in, they are required to:
2. Follow all the Vincent Village Program rules and the rules/policies of the lease agreement.
3. Participate in meetings with the Family Development Specialist a minimum of one time per week during the first 6 weeks of the program and when their rent falls below $150 per month.
4. Participate in housing inspections as outlined in the Color Code System and as required by HUD.
5. Submit to random testing for all illegal substances as outlined in the Alcohol/Drug policy and face eviction for violation of this rule.
6. Pay rent before the 5th of the month or be assessed a $10 late fee starting on the 6th with an additional $1 per day until the rent is paid in full.
7. Report maintenance issues immediately that could be damaging to the unit such as leaks, back-ups in drains, electrical problems (sparks or possible immediate fire hazards), etc. Submit a work order for all other non threatening maintenance issues.
8. Inform the family development staff prior to the rent being due or for other issues within two business days if they are unable to comply with the conditions of the lease so that a plan can be made for either a return to compliance or for alternative housing, depending on the breach.

Exception – If a family becomes unable to afford the rent during the lease, they may apply for a temporary adjusted lease at a lower rate under the following conditions:.

1. If the new rent rate is below $150 due to the lower income, the family will be required to make a plan with their Family Development Specialist to bring their income back up and they will be given a conditional 3 month lease.
2. During that time the family will be required to have contact with the Family Development Specialist until the adjusted household income returns to a level that enables the family to pay a minimum rent of $150 per month.
3. If at the end of the 3 month period, the family’s income has not increased to this level, they will be required to make other housing arrangements with an option to return to or enter the Vincent House Transitional Shelter Program.
4. Families are liable for all back rent based on the lease in place at the time if they have not requested an adjusted lease due to a drop in income.

Positive & Negative Outcomes

1. If a family does not comply with the rules or regulations of the program or lease, notices will be given. Three (3) notices within a 30 day period will result in a written warning. Three (3) written warnings will result in being placed on contract. Further issues of non-compliance or breach of contract will result in eviction. More severe offenses such as drug use, weapons, violence, non-payment of rent etc., may result in immediate eviction with or without written warnings.
    
2. Families who successfully take care of their properties and fully participate in the program and services will earn points that will make them eligible for gift certificates at the end of three months. Families can earn points by participating in the Vincent Village Tenant Council, meeting with their Family Development worker, passing house inspections, mentoring a new family, etc.

As long as the household income is below 80% of area median income a family may choose to continue to live in the Vincent Village unit after graduation. Program requirements no longer apply but all rules and policies of the lease agreement continue to apply.