Item HA 03 - Update to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 16-51 Notification to Program Applicants and Participants [24 CFR 5.2005(a)(1)] PHAs are required to inform program applicants and participants of their rights under VAWA, including their right to confidentiality and the limits thereof, when they are denied assistance, when they are admitted to the program, and when they are notified of an eviction or termination of housing benefits. SAHA Policy SAHA will provide all applicants with information about VAWA at the time they request an application for housing assistance, as part of the written briefing packet, and at the time the family is admitted to the program. SAHA will also include information about VAWA in all notices of denial of assistance (see section 3-III.H). SAHA will provide all participants with information about VAWA at the time of admission (see section 5-I.B) and at annual reexamination. SAHA will also include information about VAWA in notices of termination of assistance, as provided in section 12-II.F. The VAWA information provided to applicants and participants will consist of the notices in Exhibits 16-1 and 16-2. The PHA is not limited to providing VAWA information at the times specified in the above policy. If the PHA decides to provide VAWA information to a participant following an incident of domestic violence, Notice PIH 2017-08 cautions against sending the information by mail, since the abuser may be monitoring the mail. The notice recommends that in such cases the PHA make alternative delivery arrangements that will not put the victim at risk. SAHA Policy Whenever SAHA has reason to suspect that providing information about VAWA to a participant might place a victim of domestic violence at risk, it will attempt to deliver the information by hand directly to the victim or by having the victim come to an office or other space that may be safer for the individual, making reasonable accommodations as necessary. For example, SAHA may decide not to send mail regarding VAWA protections to the victim’s unit if SAHA believes the perpetrator may have access to the victim’s mail, unless requested by the victim. When discussing VAWA with the victim, SAHA will take reasonable precautions to ensure that no one can overhear the conversation, such as having conversations in a private room. The victim may, but is not required to, designate an attorney, advocate, or other secure contact for communications regarding VAWA protections. EXHIBIT 1