Section 8(o)(6)(A) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (1937 Act) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42) (“2024 Act”) authorize the administration and issuance of Special Purpose Vouchers which are specifically funded by Congress in separate appropriations from regular HCV program funding in order to target specific populations. THDA administers the following types of special purpose vouchers: Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH); Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV); Mainstream Voucher Program; and Non-Elderly Disabled (NED). THDA has discretion to administer other special purpose vouchers.

1. (1) Veteran’s Administrative Support Housing (VASH). Section 8(o)(9) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as modified by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328, approved December 29, 2022) (the Act), authorized HUD to allocate approximately $94.4 million in HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH). Under this Act, THDA is allocated HUD-VASH vouchers to serve homeless veterans in partnership with the Veterans Administration. THDA will administer the HUD-VASH vouchers, in compliance with Federal Regulations and this Administrative Plan. THDA reserves the right to continue administration of VASH vouchers, dependent on available and adequate HUD funding, including the right to project-base VASH vouchers.

   1. (a) Eligibility and Selection. HUD-VASH eligible families are homeless veterans. The Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) screens all families in accordance with its screening criteria. Public Housing Authorities (PHA) that agree to administer the HUD- VASH Program relinquish their authority to determine the eligibility of families in accordance with regular HCV Program rules and PHA policies. Specifically, under the HUD-VASH Program, PHAs do not have the authority to screen potentially eligible families or deny assistance for any grounds permitted under 24 C.F.R. 982.552 (broad denial for violations of HCV program requirements) and 982.553 (specific denial for criminals and alcohol abusers), with one exception. PHAs will still be required to prohibit admission if any member of the household is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program.

      1. 1. Income Eligibility. THDA must determine income eligibility for HUD-VASH families in accordance with 24 C.F.R. 982.201.
      2. 2. Initial Term of Housing Choice Voucher. Recognizing the challenges that HUD- VASH participants may face with their housing search, HUD-VASH vouchers must have an initial search term of at least 120 days. Therefore, 24 C.F.R. 982.303(a), which states that the initial search term must be at least 60 days, shall not apply, since the initial term must be at least 120 days.
      3. 3. Ineligible Housing. HUD-VASH families will be permitted to live on the grounds of a VAMC in units owned by the VA. Therefore, 24 C.F.R. 982.352(a)(5), which prohibits units on the grounds of a medical, mental, or similar public or private institution, is waived for that purpose only. All other units found suitable under regular voucher program rules apply for VASH families.
      4. 4. Portability of HUD-VASH Vouchers. An eligible family issued a HUD-VASH voucher must receive case management services provided by the VAMC. Therefore, special mobility and portability procedures must be established. HUD- VASH participant families may reside only in those jurisdictional areas that are accessible to case management services as determined by the partnering VAMC.
   2. (i) Portability within the Initial VAMC’s area. The family must be able to continue with case management services provided by the VAMC to port the voucher. The receiving PHA must process the move in accordance with portability procedures. If the receiving PHA administers a HUD-VASH program, it can either bill the initial PHA or absorb the family. If the receiving PHA does not administer a VASH program, it must bill the initial PHA.
   3. (ii) Portability outside of the Initial VAMC’s area. If a family wants to move to another jurisdiction where it will not be possible for the initial PHA’s partnering VAMC to provide case management services, the initial VAMC must determine that the family could be served by another VAMC that is partnering in the HUD-VASH Program and that the receiving PHA has an available HUD-VASH voucher. The family must be absorbed by the receiving PHA either as a new admission or as a portability move-in. Upon absorption, the initial PHA’s HUD-VASH voucher will be available to lease to a new HUD-VASH eligible family and the absorbed family will count toward the number of HUD-VASH vouchers awarded to the receiving PHA. The receiving PHA must process the move in accordance with portability procedures.
   4. (iii) Completing Form HUD-50058. When the form HUD-50058 is completed, the action type that must be recorded on line 2a is “4” for a portability move-in (a family that was previously leased up in the jurisdiction of the initial PHA). In section 12 of the HUD-50058, line 12d is marked “Y,” 12e must have an amount recorded, and 12f must include the initial PHA’s code. The VASH special program code must be maintained on line 2n of the form HUD-50058 by the initial and receiving PHA for all HUD-VASH families when the family is admitted to the voucher program and throughout the family’s participation in the program. If, under portability, THDA does not enter the VASH code, the initial PHA will not get credit for the family’s leasing.

   5. (b) Case Management Requirements. The VAMC responsibilities include:

      1. 1. Screening of homeless veterans to determine whether they meet the HUD-VASH program participation criteria established by the VA national office;
      2. 2. Providing appropriate treatment and supportive services to potential HUD-VASH program participants, if needed, prior to PHA issuance of rental vouchers;
      3. 3. Providing housing search assistance to HUD-VASH participants with rental vouchers;
      4. 4. Identifying the social service and medical needs of HUD-VASH participants and providing, or ensuring the provision of, regular ongoing case management, outpatient health services, hospitalization, and other supportive services as needed throughout this initiative; and
      5. 5. Maintaining records and providing information for evaluation purposes, as required by HUD and the VA.

   6. (c) Denials of Admission and Termination of Assistance.

      1. 1. Denials. The only reasons for denial of assistance by THDA are failure to meet the income eligibility requirements and a family member that is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program.
      2. 2. Termination of Assistance. The VASH Operating Requirements do not specify that THDA must treat VASH clients any differently than regular HCV participants in terms of the requirements of the family obligations. Therefore, the termination policies outlined within this Administrative Plan apply.
      3. 3. If a VASH client is terminated from a THDA program for a program violation, but the same family is sent to THDA by an initial PHA with a VASH allocation before the end of the three-year penalty for re-admission, THDA will not accept the portability move-in.
   7. (i) HUD regulations and THDA policy determine whether and when the family may move to another unit.
   8. (ii) If the family moves to another unit, the same lease-up steps are followed.

2. (2) Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Option (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, H.R. 1319, 117th Cong. (2021). The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“the ARP”) provides relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Section 3202 of the ARP appropriates funds for the cost of administering the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) to address homelessness. HUD allocated approximately 70,000 EHVs to public housing agencies (PHAs). THDA will administer the EHV program, in compliance with PIH Notice 2021-15, Federal Regulations, and this Administrative Plan. Funding expires September 30,

   1. 2023. After September 30, 2023, a PHA may not reissue any previously leased EHV, regardless of when the assistance for the formerly assisted family ends or ended. THDA reserves the right to continue administration of the EHV, dependent on available and adequate HUD funding.

   2. (a) Eligibility Requirements. An EHV family wishing to utilize the voucher, must meet the following initial eligibility requirements:

      1. 1. Referral from an area Tennessee Continuum of Care (CoC) partner, serving a county within THDA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program jurisdiction. An applicant shall be referred to the EHV Program by an area Tennessee CoC, which is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals, primarily using funding received through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The referring agent or partner must be a member of the identified Tennessee CoC.
   3. (i) Partner Agencies. To ensure that the EHVs assist families who are most in need, the THDA has partnered with area Tennessee CoCs to determine the best use and targeting for the vouchers along with other resources available in the community. The CoC is organized to carry out the responsibilities required under HUD’s CoC program and is composed of representatives of organizations, including nonprofit homeless providers, victim service providers, faith-based organizations, governments, businesses, advocates, public housing agencies, school districts, social service providers, mental health agencies, hospitals, universities, affordable housing developers, law enforcement, organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless veterans, and homeless and formerly homeless persons to the extent these groups are represented within the geographic area and are available to participate. In particular, the THDA has partnered with Chattanooga-Southeast TN CoC, Central Tennessee CoC, Upper Cumberland CoC, Jackson/West Tennessee CoC, and Tennessee Valley CoC, who services the counties in its jurisdiction.

   4. (ii) Waiting List. The THDA will maintain a separate waiting list, for EHV referrals and applicants, from the HCV waiting list. HUD has waived 24 C.F.R. 982.206, which requires the PHA to give public notice when opening and closing the waiting list. The THDA will work directly with its CoCs and other referral agency partners to manage the number of referrals and the size of the EHV waiting list. Priority preference will be given to rapid re-housing participants, currently working with partnering CoCs.

      1. 2. An applicant must meet one of the four eligibility categories, which shall be verified by the referring CoC or other partnering agency and supported by documentation provided to THDA:
   5. (i) Homeless, which is defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)) and is codified in HUD’s Continuum of Care Program regulations at 24 C.F.R. 578.3;
   6. (ii) At risk of homelessness, which is defined in section 401(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360(1)) and is codified in HUD’s Continuum of Care Program regulations at 24 C.F.R. 578.3;
   7. (iii) Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, including cases where a HUD- assisted tenant reasonably believes that there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence if they remain within the same dwelling unit, or in the case of sexual assault, the HUD-assisted tenant reasonably believes there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence if they remain within the same dwelling unit that they are currently occupying, or the sexual assault occurred on the premise during the 90-day period preceding the date of the request for transfer; see 0770-01-05-.30(6)(a).

   8. (iv) Recently homeless, and who providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or having high risk of housing instability, which is defined as individuals and families who have previously been classified by a member agency of the CoC as homeless but are not currently homeless as a result of homeless assistance (financial assistance or services), temporary rental assistance or some type of other assistance, and where the CoC or its designee determines that the loss of such assistance would result in a return to homelessness or the family having a high risk of housing instability. Examples of households that may be defined as recently homeless by the CoC include, but are not limited to, participants in rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.

      1. 3. All applicants must meet HUD’s, as well as the THDA’s, criteria for eligibility determinations. 24 C.F.R. 982.201 outlines that only eligible families may be admitted to the HCV Program. The THDA applies the requisite eligibility factors of Family Composition (see 0770-01-05-.11), Income Limits (see 0770-01-05- .12), Citizenship (see 0770-01-05-.13), Social Security Number Provision (see 0770-01-05-.14), Student Status (see 0770-01-05-.15), and Other Eligibility Criteria (see 0770-01-05-.16) in determining an applicant or participant’s eligibility for the HCV Program.
   9. (i) Income Verification at Admissions. Income Verifications will be the same as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.18(2)(c).
   10. (ii) EIV Data. The THDA must review the EIV Income and Income Validation Tool (IVT) Reports to confirm/validate family-reported income within 90 days of the PIC-NG submission date; print and maintain copies of the EIV Income and IVT Reports in the tenant file; and resolve any income discrepancy with the family within 60 days of the EIV Income or IVT Report dates.
   11. (iii) Social Security Number (SSN) and Citizenship Verification. HUD is waiving the requirement to obtain and verify SSN documentation and documentation evidencing eligible noncitizen status before admitting the family to the EHV program. Individuals must provide the required documentation within 180 days of admission to be eligible for continued assistance, pending verification, unless the THDA provides an extension based on evidence from the family or confirmation from the CoC or other partnering agency that the family has made a good-faith effort to obtain the documentation. If a family member appeals secondary verification of immigration documents, assistance may not be delayed, denied, reduced or terminated on the basis of immigration status pending the completion of the appeal.
   12. (iv) Date of Birth and Disability Verification. The THDA may accept self- certification of date of birth and disability status if a higher level of verification is not immediately available. If self-certification is used, the THDA must obtain a higher level of verification within 90 days of admission or verify the information in EIV.
   13. (v) Income Targeting. The regular HCV Program process in determining income eligibility will be utilized for the EHV. See 0770-01-05-.12. However, the income targeting requirements are waived and do not apply to EHV families. The THDA may not deny admission to a family with zero income and must consider hardship circumstances before charging a minimum rent.

   14. (vi) Other Eligibility Requirements and Denial of Assistance (24 C.F.R. 982.552 and 24 C.F.R 982.553). Unless otherwise noted, the grounds under which THDA may deny an applicant admission to the program will follow the same grounds as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.16.

       1. (I) Specifically, under the EHV Program, the THDA may not deny admission based on the following:

          1. I. Eviction from Public Housing. Any member of the family has been evicted from federally assisted housing in the last five years. II. Violation of Family Obligations. A PHA has ever terminated assistance under the program for any member of the family. III. Outstanding Debt to a PHA. The family currently owes rent or other amounts to the PHA or to another PHA in connection with Section 8 or public housing assistance under the 1937 Act. The family has not reimbursed any PHA for amounts paid to an owner under a HAP contract for rent, damages to the unit, or other amounts owed by the family under the lease. IV. Breach of Repayment Agreement to a PHA. The family breached an agreement with the PHA to pay amounts owed to a PHA, or amounts paid to an owner by a PHA.

             1. V. Abuse of Alcohol. The family would otherwise be prohibited admission under alcohol abuse standards established by the PHA in accordance with 24 C.F.R. 982.553(a)(2)(ii)(C)(3). VI. Prior Criminal History. The THDA determines that any household member is currently engaged in or has engaged in during a reasonable time before the admission, drug-related criminal activity. VII. If the application for assistance is denied, the THDA will send a notice of denial and a notice of opportunity for informal review. See 0770-01-05-.28(3).

                1. (b) Lease-Up Process. Unless otherwise noted, the lease-up process will follow the same process as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.22.

                   1. 1. Housing Choice Voucher Term. The THDA follows the procedures outlined below when issuing vouchers, setting terms of vouchers, and assisting families in selecting units.
                2. (i) In accordance with HUD’s waiver of 24 C.F.R. 982.303(a), a voucher is issued for an initial term of one hundred twenty (120) days to allow the household time to search for a unit. The HCV software system will be utilized to print vouchers, and the voucher term will begin on the date the voucher is issued.

                3. (ii) Extension and Suspension of Voucher Search Term.

                   1. (I) If the household does not find a unit within the 120-day voucher search term, then the household may request extension of the voucher in 30-day increments, but only if they can clearly illustrate that they have actively searched but have been unable to find a unit eligible for the HCV Program.
                   2. (II) Approval of any extension must be by the Director of the HCV Program or the assigned designee.

                   3. (III) The total voucher search term may not exceed 150 days.

                      1. (IV) Once a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) is received by the THDA, the voucher term is suspended until that RTA is either approved or denied.
                4. (c) Utility Allowance (24 C.F.R. 982.517). The regular HCV Program utility allowance will be utilized for the EHV. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)2.
                5. (d) Subsidy Standards. Subsidy standards will be the same as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)6.
                6. (e) Rent Reasonableness (24 C.F.R. 982.507). The THDA follows the procedures outlined above when determining rent reasonableness. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)7.

                7. (f) Services Fee. THDA is allocated a one-time services fee, per allocated EHV, to support its efforts in implementing and operating an effective EHV services program. The services fee is not tied to each voucher but instead is the combined total of services fees available to the THDA to design a menu of services that will best address the leasing challenges faced by EHV eligible families. Eligible families will receive an estimated service fee based on need. The CoC or Partner Agent will be reimbursed for service fees paid on behalf of the eligible family. The THDA will provide the following menu of services:

                   1. 1. Housing Search Assistance.
                8. (i) Assist families identify and visit potentially available units during their housing search.
                9. (ii) Transportation. Provide transportation costs to assist families with their housing search.
                10. (iii) Housing Locator. Provide access to housing locator, TNHousingSearch.org, to locate potential available units.

                11. (iv) Assist with the completion of rental applications and THDA forms.

                    1. 2. Security Deposit/Utility Deposit/Rental Application.
                12. (i) Security Deposit Assistance. The amount of the security deposit assistance may not exceed the lesser of two months’ rent to owner, the maximum security deposit allowed under applicable state and/or local law, or the actual security deposit required by the owner. The EHV family must return the security deposit assistance to the THDA at the end of the family’s tenancy, less any amounts retained by the owner in accordance with the lease. Security deposit assistance returned to the THDA must be used for either services fee for eligible uses or other EHV administrative costs.

                13. (ii) Utility Assistance.

                    1. (I) The THDA will provide utility deposit assistance, including connection fees, required for the utilities to be supplied by the EHV family under the lease. The EHV family must return the utility deposit assistance to the THDA at such time the deposit is returned by the utility company, less any amounts retained by the utility company.
                    2. (II) The THDA will provide utility arrears assistance to pay utility arrears to establish services for tenant-supplied utilities. This shall include a one-time payment up to 2 (two) months, including any late fees on those arrears in gas, electric, water, sewer, or trash.

                14. (iii) Rental Application Fee. Assistance with completing rental application forms and rental application fees, not to exceed $150 (one hundred fifty dollars).

                    1. 3. Owner-Related Uses.
                15. (i) Landlord recruitment. THDA will work with its housing locator vendor to increase landlord participation to serve EHV families.
                16. (ii) Landlord incentive. To remove barriers of locating housing, THDA will provide a one-time flat rate single payment to landlords, regardless of number of assisted units, to assist families with acquiring housing.

                17. (iii) Damages to the unit. In cases where unpaid damages serve as a barrier to THDA families accessing affordable housing, THDA will provide a single payment at a maximum rate.

                    1. 4. Other Eligible Uses.
                18. (i) Reimbursement for tenant-readiness services. The THDA may use the services fee funding to help create customized plans to address or mitigate barriers that individual families may face in renting a unit with an EHV, such as negative rental or utility history or to connect the family to other community resources that can assist with rental arrears.
                19. (ii) Reimbursement for renters’ insurance. If required under the lease, the THDA will provide assistance for renters’ insurance, at a flat rate annual schedule.
                20. (g) Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection. The THDA will conduct all HQS inspections according to the HUD guidelines and as outlined by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05-.23.

                21. (h) Portability (24 C.F.R. 982.354). Unless otherwise noted, the portability process will follow the same process as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.25(2).

                    1. 1. In accordance with HUD’s waiver of 24 C.F.R. 982.353(c), if a non-resident applicant, the THDA may not restrict an EHV family from exercising portability. EHV families may immediately move under portability.
                    2. 2. A receiving PHA cannot refuse to assist an incoming EHV family, regardless of whether the PHA does or does not currently administer EHVs under its own ACC.
                    3. 3. A receiving PHA may only absorb the incoming EHV family with an EHV. If the PHA does not have an EHV available to absorb the family, it must bill the initial PHA. The receiving PHA must allow the family to lease the unit with EHV assistance and may not absorb the family with a regular HCV when the family leases the unit.
                    4. 4. Regardless of whether the receiving PHA absorbs or administers the initial PHA for the family’s EHV assistance, the EHV administration of the voucher is in accordance with the receiving PHA’s EHV policies.
                    5. 5. If the EHV family moves under portability to another PHA that does not administer EHV under its own ACC, the receiving PHA may absorb the family into its regular HCV program or may bill the initial PHA.
                    6. 6. If the portability move is in connection with the EHV family’s initial lease-up, the receiving PHA and the initial PHA must consult and coordinate on the EHV services and assistance that will be made available to the family, to ensure there is no duplication of EHV services and assistance provided to the family and that the receiving PHA is aware of the maximum amount of services fee funding that the initial PHA may provide to the receiving PHA on behalf of the family.
                22. (i) Termination of Assistance. The EHV Operating Requirements do not specify that PHAs must treat EHV participants any differently than regular HCV participants. Therefore, the termination policies outlined within this Administrative Plan apply. See 0770-01-05.27.
                23. (ii) Informal Hearing Process (24 C.F.R. 982.555). When the THDA makes certain adverse decisions towards an EHV applicant or participant, there are times when an informal review or an informal hearing is available. See 0770-01-05-.28.

                24. (3) Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers. THDA is allocated NED vouchers to assist families whose head of household, spouse, or co-head is non-elderly (under age 62) and disabled. THDA will administer the NED vouchers, in compliance with Federal Regulations and this Administrative Plan. Existing families receiving NED vouchers, where the eligible family member is now age 62 or older, will not “age out” of the program as long as the family was eligible on the day it was first assisted under a HAP contract. THDA reserves the right to continue administration of NED vouchers, dependent on available and adequate HUD funding, including the right to project-base NED vouchers.

                    1. (a) Eligibility and Selection.
                    2. (b) All applicants must meet HUD’s, as well as THDA’s, criteria for eligibility determinations. 24 C.F.R. 982.201 outlines that only eligible families may be admitted to the HCV Program. THDA applies the requisite eligibility factors of Family Composition (see 0770-01-05-.11), Income Limits (see 0770-01-05-.12), Citizenship (see 0770-01-05-.13), Social Security Number Provision (see 0770-01-05-.14), Student Status (see 0770-01-05-.15), and Other Eligibility Criteria (see 0770-01-05-.16) in determining an applicant or participant’s eligibility for the HCV Program.
                    3. (c) Waiting List. THDA will not maintain a separate waiting list. Waiting list policies outlined within this Administrative Plan apply.
                    4. (d) Income Eligibility. THDA must determine income eligibility for NED families in accordance with 24 C.F.R. 982.201.

                    5. (e) Other Eligibility Requirements and Denial of Assistance (24 C.F.R. 982.552 and 24 C.F.R 982.553). Unless otherwise noted, the grounds under which THDA may deny an applicant admission to the program will follow the same grounds as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.16.

                       1. 1. If the application for assistance is denied, THDA will send a notice of denial and a notice of opportunity for informal review. See 0770-01-05-.28(3).

                    6. (f) Initial Term of NED Voucher. NED vouchers will have an initial search term of at least 120 days.

                       1. 1. THDA must provide a current listing of available accessible units known to THDA.
                       2. 2. Extension of Term. Each extension will be for a minimum of ninety (90) days. THDA will approve the first extension request, regardless of how the request is made (written or verbal) or when it is made, if the request is made on or before the voucher expiration date. Subsequent requests should be processed in accordance with THDA’s Administrative Plan.
                       3. 3. THDA will on at least one occasion after voucher issuance, notify the family prior to the initial term expiration to remind them of the term expiration date, the process for requesting an extension, and to inquire if the family is in need of assistance with their housing search.
                    7. (g) Lease-Up Process. Unless otherwise noted, the lease-up process will follow the same process as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.22.
                    8. (h) Utility Allowance (24 C.F.R. 982.517). The regular HCV Program utility allowance will be utilized. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)2.
                    9. (i) Subsidy Standards. Subsidy standards will be the same as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)6.
                    10. (j) Rent Reasonableness (24 C.F.R. 982.507). THDA follows the procedures outlined above when determining rent reasonableness. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)7.
                    11. (k) Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection. THDA will conduct all HQS inspections according to the HUD guidelines and as outlined by the HCV Program. See 0770-01- 05-.23.
                    12. (l) Portability (24 C.F.R. 982.354). Unless otherwise noted, the portability process will follow the same process as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.25(2).
                    13. (m) Termination of Assistance. The NED Voucher Operating Requirements do not specify that PHAs must treat NED participants any differently than regular HCV participants. Therefore, the termination policies outlined within this Administrative Plan apply. See 0770-01-05.27.
                    14. (n) Informal Hearing Process (24 C.F.R. 982.555). When THDA makes certain adverse decisions towards a NED applicant or participant, there are times when an informal review or an informal hearing is available. See 0770-01-05-.28.

                25. (4) Mainstream Voucher Program. The Mainstream voucher program (previously referred to as the Mainstream 5-Year program or the Section 811 voucher program) was originally authorized under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. THDA is allocated Mainstream vouchers to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities and their families. THDA will administer the Mainstream vouchers, in compliance with Federal Regulations and this Administrative Plan. THDA reserves the right to continue administration of Mainstream vouchers, dependent on available and adequate HUD funding, including the right to project- base Mainstream vouchers.

                    1. (a) Eligibility and Selection. Mainstream eligible families are non-elderly persons with disabilities and their families, defined as any family that includes a person with disabilities who is at least 18 years old and not yet 62 years old as of the effective date of the initial HAP contract. The eligible disabled household member does not need to be the head of household. Existing families receiving Mainstream vouchers, where the eligible family member is now age 62 or older, will not “age out” of the program as long as the family was eligible on the day it was first assisted under a HAP contract.
                    2. (b) All applicants must meet HUD’s, as well as THDA’s, criteria for eligibility determinations. 24 C.F.R. 982.201 outlines that only eligible families may be admitted to the HCV Program. THDA applies the requisite eligibility factors of Family Composition (see 0770-01-05-.11), Income Limits (see 0770-01-05-.12), Citizenship (see 0770-01-05-.13), Social Security Number Provision (see 0770-01-05-.14), Student Status (see 0770-01-05-.15), and Other Eligibility Criteria (see 0770-01-05-.16) in determining an applicant or participant’s eligibility for the HCV Program.
                    3. (c) Waiting list. THDA will not maintain a separate waiting list. Waiting list policies outlined within this Administrative Plan apply.
                    4. (d) Residency Preference. THDA will not apply the residency preference to Mainstream Voucher applicants.
                    5. (e) Income Eligibility. THDA must determine income eligibility for Mainstream families in accordance with 24 C.F.R. 982.201.

                    6. (f) Other Eligibility Requirements and Denial of Assistance (24 C.F.R. 982.552 and 24 C.F.R 982.553). Unless otherwise noted, the grounds under which THDA may deny an applicant admission to the program will follow the same grounds as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.16.

                       1. 1. If the application for assistance is denied, THDA will send a notice of denial and a notice of opportunity for informal review. See 0770-01-05-.28(3).

                    7. (g) Initial Term of Mainstream Voucher. Mainstream vouchers must have an initial search term of at least 120 days. Therefore, 24 C.F.R. 982.303(a), which states that the initial search term must be at least 60 days, shall not apply, since the initial term must be at least 120 days.

                       1. 1. THDA must provide a current listing of available accessible units known to THDA and, if necessary, otherwise assist the family in identifying an accessible unit.
                       2. 2. Extension of Term. Each extension must be for a minimum of ninety (90) days. THDA will approve the first extension request, regardless of how the request is made (written or verbal) or when it is made, if the request is made on or before the voucher expiration date. Subsequent requests should be processed in accordance with THDA’s Administrative Plan.
                       3. 3. THDA will on at least one occasion after voucher issuance, notify the family prior to the initial term expiration to remind them of the term expiration date, the process for requesting an extension, and to inquire if the family is in need of assistance with their housing search.
                    8. (h) Lease-Up Process. Unless otherwise noted, the lease-up process will follow the same process as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.22.
                    9. (i) Utility Allowance (24 C.F.R. 982.517). The regular HCV Program utility allowance will be utilized. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)2.
                    10. (j) Subsidy Standards. Subsidy standards will be the same as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)6.
                    11. (k) Rent Reasonableness (24 C.F.R. 982.507). THDA follows the procedures outlined above when determining rent reasonableness. See 0770-01-05-.22(2)(b)7.
                    12. (l) Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection. THDA will conduct all HQS inspections according to the HUD guidelines and as outlined by the HCV Program. See 0770-01- 05-.23.
                    13. (m) Portability (24 C.F.R. 982.354). Unless otherwise noted, the portability process will follow the same process as those set by the HCV Program. See 0770-01-05.25(2).
                    14. (n) A receiving PHA cannot refuse to assist an incoming Mainstream family, regardless of whether the PHA does or does not currently administer Mainstream Vouchers under its own ACC.
                    15. (o) If the Mainstream family moves under portability to another PHA that does not administer Mainstream under its own ACC, the receiving PHA may absorb the family into its regular HCV program or may bill the initial PHA.
                    16. (p) Termination of Assistance. The Mainstream Voucher Operating Requirements do not specify that PHAs must treat Mainstream participants any differently than regular HCV participants. Therefore, the termination policies outlined within this Administrative Plan apply. See 0770-01-05.27.
                    17. (q) Informal Hearing Process (24 C.F.R. 982.555). When THDA makes certain adverse decisions towards a Mainstream applicant or participant, there are times when an informal review or an informal hearing is available. See 0770-01-05-.28.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 13-23-102, 13-23-104, and 13-23-115(18), 42 U.S.C. § 1437, and 24 C.F.R., Part 982. Administrative History: Emergency rules filed January 13, 2026; effective through July 12, 2026.