Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES November 8, 2023 5:00 Location: Zoom video and in-person at Shepherd Conference Room Those in attendance are Phil Cacciola, veteran and chair; Vinnie Loffredo, vice chair; Larry Riley, veteran; Atty. Ralph Wilson, Atty. Seb Giuliano, Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House, Takisha Bryant, Shepherd Property Manager (DeMarco); Alisha Porto, Property Manager, Liberty Commons, (DeMarco); Sherrie Garner, Vice-President of Operations, (DeMarco) Phil opened the meeting at 17:00. Minutes Vinnie asked the proposed October minutes reflect that Ralph and Seb are working on the sub- contracts. Vinnie moved and Larry seconded for the minutes to be approved with the requested correction. Minutes were approved by all. Occupancy and Applications Alisha reported on the four currently vacant units: 207 (vacant since 11/30) tenant moving in on 11/10 304 (vacant since 4/13) tenant moving in on 11/10 206 (vacant since 7/21) in MHA papers being signed, MHA RAP paperwork needs to be completed to trigger a unit inspection 403 (no vacancy period provided) paperwork being signed, occupancy is imminent. Carl asked we can have information on each prospective tenant as to where they are in the pipeline. Criminal records. The length of time DeMarco requires to complete the criminal records check is instantaneous and does not delay the application process. DeMarco must request the background material independent of the MHA for their audits. Income verification. Sherrie reported that all verification of income, must receive a copy of the social security award letter 120 days (LIHTC requirement), six months of bank statements are required by applicant. This information has to be secured by the applicant and compliance by DeMarco can take 3-10 days. MHA: Sherrie suggested that we focus on the DeMarco application. Once that gets approved we can help provide the MHA application, help populate the application and get it over to the housing authority. Sherrie say there is no work around the ability to merge the two documents. Seb asked that staff emphasize that there is a two-step application process. Tenants are informed by DeMarco staff when they are approved for their DeMarco application. Sherrie mentioned that DeMarco could lead a workshop for tenants to help fill out the MHAS application. Tenants should not have to go to the MHA at all – DeMarco staff can relay all information and applications to the housing authority SVDM: Sherrie suggested that we aim to coordinate with St Vincent DePaul Place to have the SVDM case worker involved in the selection process. Also suggested that SVDM attend monthly Coordinated Access Network meetings. HVAC system: Sherrie mentioned that a water treatment program for the HVAC has been established which hopefully will improve the performance of the cooling system next summer. CVH: Joe Conrad and members of his team plan to join us at our December 13 meeting to continue the discussions on tenant use of CVH services. Agreements with DeMarco and SVDM: The effort with DeMarco and SVDM subcontracts continues as a work in process with LLC lawyers. Next meetings Next meeting scheduled for December 13, 2023. Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer