Update on Impact of Partial Government Shutdown on HACA’s Rental Assistance programs

On Saturday December 22, 2018, funding for 9 of the 15 federal agencies expired and a partial shutdown was triggered.  Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is among the nine federal agencies impacted by the shutdown. HUD provides 100% of the funding to agencies nationally that administer federal rental assistance programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.  The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is one of those Agencies impacted.  At this time, HUD’s current funding levels will allow for timely housing assistance payment disbursements through the month of February 2019.  If the shutdown lasts into February, March 2019 housing assistance payments for the Housing Choice Voucher program may be delayed. HACA understands the impact that a delay in housing assistance payments may cause.  In the past, when there have been government shutdowns housing assistance payments were made retroactively, although it is not possible to know if that will be the case with this shutdown. We respectfully encourage property owners and managers to work with residents to minimize the risks of displacement to families served through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.  Should you have any questions please contact us at 512-477-1314, extension 1352. We will keep you informed as we learn more.