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Tag Archives | CSI
CSI Recertification Paperwork
Answer from Sheila regarding the SC role with Recertification paperwork:
As it stands today the SC can assist with the packet only to fill out the forms. The SC should not be getting involved with the bank or any calculation of the rent payment. I am not sure if it is necessary for the SC to contact the Certification Specialist for the co-op.
As far as I am aware the SCs have a good understanding of the certification packet since each of the SCs have the information in their CSI manual. CSI does not want to get into a fair housing issue for incorrect information stated to the member by an SC.
Therefore, the SC can only assist with the filling out of the paperwork for recertification purposes. Just an FYI many of these members have been filling these yearly forms out without any assistance for many years, if they need help due to low vision or memory issues that is understandable. In several co-ops if the SC did help all the members with this process it would be a daunting task. We have trained staff to assist the members with this procedure. Thank you for understanding this sensitive issue.
CSI Grant Process
I have answers for some recently asked questions.
1. How did CSI initially propose the grants to the co-ops? Did the liaisons present the opportunity at the Council/General Meetings. How early on was Hannan involved?
CSI initially presented the concept of Service Coordination to the Co-ops because they had been hearing that members were aging in place, moving in already in need of services or with services in place, and FCRC members and Presidents were providing services beyond I&R. An Aging in Place survey conducted at the co-ops confirmed this. Hence, CSI presented the concept at General Meetings at each co-op and explained how it could be funded either through Grant Funds (for older co-ops) or through the Budget Process (for newer PRACS). Each co-op then took a General Membership vote about whether they wanted Service Coordination.
CSI did have one meeting with Hannan after this time to ask us more about Service Coordination since they knew we had a program with PVM and they new Tim Wintermute from consulting. We offered our knowledge and also offered to assist if they needed it. Then the HUD grant cycle opened and CSI determined that it needed an agency to assist with the application process, so they contracted with NCR (National Church Residences) to write all of the grant proposals on CSI’s behalf. This is a service that NCR offers. After receiving the verbal confirmation in the late summer of 2011, CSI reconnected with Hannan to discuss contracting with us to provide the Service Coordination program in Michigan (they are contracting with NCR in the three other states). We continued discussions and I met with many of the co-ops to further answer questions by their leadership and, in many cases, the general membership. The grants were then officially awarded in February 2012 and you all were in the co-ops by May!
2. Did CSI or Hannan apply for the SC grants?
NCR applied for the first round of grants on CSI’s behalf. I believe CSI has applied for the second round, plus the budget based co-ops, using the template provided by NCR. Hannan has not been involved until after the grants are awarded and then CSI contracts with us for the service. Hence, CSI is the grant recipient and, for the purposes of HUD, the “go to” agency in terms of current and future communications (other than the logic models and semi annual reports).
3. Do you know if HUD audits all SC sites at some point in time (e.g. within the first 3 years of the grant), or is it randomized?
It is random. Some SCs may be audited that early, but it is not a given. HUD audits are random and infrequent.
CSI Guest Policy
It came up that there is confusion around who is an approved guest in a Co-op that SCs are able to provide services to as a Community Client. Here is the information from Sheila:
The House Rules state the guest rule policy for each of the co-ops, there may be a difference in the amount of time. The SC needs to read the policy to be accurate on the time allowed. The member needs to talk with the floor rep so they can keep a record of the overnight guest(s). HUD does not want guests to be there for an undetermined amount of time because the rent is based on who is on the lease. If they are using lights, laundry room, etc. the co-op is not getting the money to cover these extra charges from the rent.
Sheila Crayne Friedrich
Note from Rachel – The “norm” is up to 30 days, but please read your House Rules to confirm for your own Co-op.
MMAM: HUD Property Contract Administrators
I have a helpful resource to share regarding HUD policy. Michigan Multi-family Asset Mangers (MMAM) has Resident Coordinators. They are a mediator agency; a contract administrator for some HUD properties. (MSHDA also does this for other properties.) They are investigators and mediators to make sure HUD rules are being followed by management. They can open an investigation, for example, when there are discrepancies between members, who did not recertify on time, and management. They cannot investigate while a member has an attorney. They can investigate after a member has signed a repayment plan. They are a great a great source of information about HUD policy. For instance, they may find rules were not followed with management’s delivery of letters to members…some letters have to be mailed by certified mail and given to the person, sometimes putting them under the door is fine. If CSI makes an exception for a member, with no history of doing the same for all members in the past, this is not allowed. (“What we do for one we do for all.”) Here is the contact information:
Michigan Multi-family Asset Mangers (MMAM)
2395 Jolly Road, Suite 180
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: (517) 267-9277
Fax: (517) 267-9894
Tenant Inquiries Phone: (517) 267-9905
(517) 267-9905
Tenant Inquiries Fax: (517) 267-9894
Tenant Inquiries Email: residentcomplaints@mamhousing.com
Scudder and CSI Rent
CSI SCs are invited to use the Scudder fund, with the exception of using it for member’s rent. CSI has requested that we not use this fund for member rent, because (1) we cannot do it for all members and (2) it may be perceived by members of Hannan and CSI being related.
However, if a member is at risk of eviction due to a precipitating event that caused them to fall behind on rent, you may be able to consider other items in their budget that Scudder can assist with.
Tips of the Trade Compiled by Karen
Here is a random collection of things that Karen has nicely compiled from emails over the past year. Thanks Karen! It’s super helpful.
CSI Procedure Change for IT Support
Sheila has asked that we change our process for gaining IT support for your computers and other electronic equipment (internet, fax, phone, intercom). If you have a technical hardware or software maintenance issue (that is NOT zimbra, shared drive, or AASC Online related), please direct your inquiries through your Liaison and cc Sheila. Please do not contact Gary Teal directly.
Please continue to contact npserv for issues related to using your email, calendar, and remote connection/shared drive. npserv is at itsupport@new.org or 734-998-0160 x513.
And please continue to contact Pangea for issues related to AASC Online.
CSI Policy on Electronic Cigarettes
Answer:
Since the electronic cigarettes still give off nicotine the smoking policy also covers these type of cigarettes.
-Sheila
Question:
Where do electronic cigarettes fall under the co-ops’ smoking policies? Are they permitted in areas where standard cigarettes aren’t (ie if a co-op has a no-smoking policy, can members “smoke” electronic cigarettes?)
CSI and Workshop Fees
Based on the policies set by their National Board of Directors, Anne Sackrison has SCs not to host any workshops that involve a fee, even if the workshops are optional and hosted by a non-profit. Examples could include the AARP drivers’ class or a smoking cessation class. Thanks for your understanding.