Rental Assistance Stability Through Engagement Program (STEP) Stability Through Engagement Program Coupons will be administered by MaineHousing’s Homeless Initiatives Department according to federal regulations and MaineHousing policies detailed in the Administrative Plan for Stability Through Engagement Program. When a household is eligible for STEP refer to the following process; Application: Complete the Step Application Packet which includes; the STEP Application, STEP Authorization for Release of Information; and the DHHS Release forms (see Attached: STEP Application Packet); Enter client information in HMIS & upload in Service Point or upload in ShareFile for participating agencies. Inform the Program Officer via email of the clients Service Point ID. The Program Officer will review the application and run the necessary background checks. For non-HMIS participating agencies this information will be submitted to the program officer via ShareFile. The Program Officer will inform the Navigator if the client meets eligibility and if so the Navigator can proceed to a Coupon Issuance Briefing (see Attachment:: STEP Coupon Issuance Guidance Document). If the client is ineligible the Program Officer will issue a denial letter that will be sent by the Navigator and kept in the clients file. The client will have the opportunity to appeal this decision. Update the client file and file according to the Client File Checklist. Enter all required data and STEP assessment into HMIS or comparable database. (See HMIS Data Entry Manual) Coupon Issuance and Client Briefing When a client has been found eligible for the STEP, Navigators will conduct a Coupon Issuance Briefing (Briefing). A Briefing involves reviewing program rules, requirements and expectations. The Navigator will review all the documents in the Briefing Packet with the Participant and will obtain signatures and other pertinent information on several documents with the Participant. Each document will be explained in detail, when completed the Participant will retain the Briefing Packet with copies of documents that have been completed. The Coupon Issuance Briefing Packet consists of: Obligations While in the STEP program* STEP Coupon * Payment Standards
Rental Assistance Stability Through Engagement Program (STEP) Stability Through Engagement Program Coupons will be administered by MaineHousing’s Homeless Initiatives Department according to federal regulations and MaineHousing policies detailed in the Administrative Plan for Stability Through Engagement Program. When a household is eligible for STEP refer to the following process; Application: Complete the Step Application Packet which includes; the STEP Application, STEP Authorization for Release of Information; and the DHHS Release forms (see Attached: STEP Application Packet); Enter client information in HMIS & upload in Service Point or upload in ShareFile for participating agencies. Inform the Program Officer via email of the clients Service Point ID. The Program Officer will review the application and run the necessary background checks. For non-HMIS participating agencies this information will be submitted to the program officer via ShareFile. The Program Officer will inform the Navigator if the client meets eligibility and if so the Navigator can proceed to a Coupon Issuance Briefing (see Attachment:: STEP Coupon Issuance Guidance Document). If the client is ineligible the Program Officer will issue a denial letter that will be sent by the Navigator and kept in the clients file. The client will have the opportunity to appeal this decision. Update the client file and file according to the Client File Checklist. Enter all required data and STEP assessment into HMIS or comparable database. (See HMIS Data Entry Manual) Coupon Issuance and Client Briefing When a client has been found eligible for the STEP, Navigators will conduct a Coupon Issuance Briefing (Briefing). A Briefing involves reviewing program rules, requirements and expectations. The Navigator will review all the documents in the Briefing Packet with the Participant and will obtain signatures and other pertinent information on several documents with the Participant. Each document will be explained in detail, when completed the Participant will retain the Briefing Packet with copies of documents that have been completed. The Coupon Issuance Briefing Packet consists of: Obligations While in the STEP program* STEP Coupon * Payment Standards
housing-assistance-navigator-program-manual-feb-2015-c.docx