Recently, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) proposed a change to the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) that would require supportive housing tax credit properties to refuse house individuals with criminal backgrounds (temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the crime).
This change to the QAP would severely and adversely impact the ability of homeless response systems across the state to secure supportive housing for their clients, which in turn would lead to increased recidivism and increased homelessness. This would be concerning at any time but is especially concerning during a global pandemic.
You can check out a markup of the QAP here:
https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/multifamily/docs/21-QAP-StaffDraft.pdf Scroll to page 14 and look at the definition of Supportive Housing at the bottom of the page. The changes we would like to support to oppose are on page 15 of the document.
Written comments may be submitted, in hard copy/fax or electronic formats to:
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Attn: Patrick Russell
P.O. Box 13941
Austin, Texas 78711-3941
Fax: (512) 475-1895
Email: htc.public-comment@tdhca.state.tx.us
The deadline is October 11, 2020, 5pm.
Those making public comment are encouraged to reference the specific draft rule, policy, or plan related to their comment. Rule citations are greatly appreciated.
You can check out a markup of the QAP here: https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/multifamily/docs/21-QAP-StaffDraft.pdf (Scroll to page 14 and look at the definition of Supportive Housing at the bottom of the page.)
