All Forum Posts by: Patrick Chiles

Section 8 will pay the delta between 30% of a person's income and the rental price (within pricing guidelines).  But I do not think that they provide any kind of coaching or mentoring.  

This program will pay up to 100% of the rent for a year and provide coaching to help a person learn the life skills that they need in order to become self-sufficient.  Like anything, the person has to want to change in order for the program to work.

I am an investor, landlord and flipper, but I cannot personally participate on the landlord side because it would be considered a conflict of interest as I am working for a non-profit that offers the program.

If I were able, I would certainly give the program a try.  My role with the program ends in June and at that time I will put a couple of my properties into the program.  I do, however, rent to Section 8 tenants.  

I totally understand all of the concerns that have been voiced.  This is certainly not a program for everyone.  But as you have read, some of the respondents like the Section 8 program and some hate it.  Some people will look for ways to help and others will not .... I get it.  I am sure that every landlord on this post has experienced damage to their homes by people of every economic, racial and cultural background.  Damage is not a homeless problem .... it is a character problem.

In this program, the landlord always has the final say in terms of who gets to live in the house.  And if I were participating, I would interview the case manager as well as the prospective tenant.  And, the management company that I use does regular inspections.  

I did not take on this role because I needed a job or the money, I need neither!  I took it because I saw it as a way to help.  I believe that God has blessed me so that I can bless others.  And this is one way that I can help.  Our program is designed to help people who want to get out of their situation and improve their lives.   While most of us have never been homeless, most of us have been helped by someone, somewhere along the way.  So, I am just trying to help .... trying to make a difference.

Fair Question …. The funds are already distributed and in the hands of the states and the local programs.  In fact, if they do not distribute the funds soon, they could lose them.  Landlord gets his money when he signs.  Landlord does not give up the right to evict, but he/she may have to refund a portion of the money.  

And yes, the details are important and each local program will have their own set of policies.  

There is a program under HUD (Emergency Solutions Grant Program) that provides money and incentives to property owners to rent their properties to people who are currently experiencing homelessness. And within this program is the Rapid Re-Housing program that can pay a lease up to 12 months in advance, pay double the security deposit, and pay the landlord a signing bonus of up to 3 times the monthly rent. The program is managed differently in every state and I would encourage owners and property managers to check it out. Seek out departments and non-profits that work with the homeless in your community and ask about the Rapid Re-Housing program. The recently approved CARES Act allocated a lot of money to this program and organizations are having a hard time spending it all.