Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program

Program Description:

The Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program is a Housing First program providing rental assistance to individuals/families experiencing homelessness or those at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Priority is given to the disabled, those who have a disabled family member, low-income who are disabled or have a disabled family member, and those who are chronically homeless or at risk of becoming chronically homeless.  Preference is then given to applicants who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Eligible households must agree to actively participate in case management and be working toward housing stability based on the goals and objectives set on their Housing Stabilization Plan.  All eligible households will be assisted with such services as case management, transportation assistance with referrals to mental health services, AODA, and life skills training.  This program will focus on self-sufficiency and require all program beneficiaries to participate as a condition of rental assistance.  Program participants will not be terminated for failure to participate but will be reevaluated at six months to ensure that they are working toward self-sufficiency in order to continue with assistance.

If the applicant is approved, attendance at an interview/briefing session is required. If eligible, during the briefing, the tenant is issued a coupon and also given a detailed explanation of the program and their responsibilities. When a tenant has located a unit and the owner accepts the coupon, an inspection is performed to ensure the unit is decent, safe, and sanitary under the Housing Quality Standard regulations. If the unit passes, the owner and Newcap enter into a Housing Assistance Contract. The tenant and landlord enter into a lease agreement. The lease must be for at least 6 months.

Case Managers will conduct monthly visits or more if needed. Monthly appointments will focus on individual goals, landlord/tenant issues, employment concerns, financial management, or other goals identified through various assessments. Room-by-room inspections may be done as needed. Attendance at workshops focused on self-sufficiency may be mandated. Follow-up services will be provided to families exiting the program for up to 6 months.

Eligibility Guidelines:

Family income must be at or below 50% of the County Median Income. Use our eligibility calculator to find out if you may be eligible for this program. 

Application Process:

Please first fill out our intake form here. Once you fill out the intake form, someone will be in contact with you for next steps.

Applicants should contact the Program Contact for an assessment to determine preliminary eligibility. Once initial eligibility is determined, the applicant is placed on the Prioritization List and offered assistance when a housing program becomes available in their community. Applicants are placed on the Prioritization List by the length of time homeless and the severity of their need.