HOME Program's Affirmative Marketing Policies and Procedures

Overview

The City of Altoona has established these policies to ensure fair housing practices for units rehabilitated under the HOME Investment Partnership Program. The goal is to provide equal housing opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, or national origin.

Key Procedures for Property Owners

Owners participating in the program must adhere to specific affirmative marketing steps. These requirements are part of a five-year agreement; failure to comply can result in disqualification from future programs or recapture of federal funds.

1. Informing the Public

The City’s Department of Community Development will inform the public about fair housing laws and program policies through:

• News Media: Special news releases and advertisements in the Altoona Mirror.
• Tenants: Providing information pamphlets on federal fair housing laws in buildings scheduled for rehabilitation.
• Owners: Mailing letters to participating property owners.

2. Advertising Vacancies

Owners must make information about available units known to the general public, specifically:

• Advertisements: Placing ads in the Altoona Mirror if they normally advertise rentals there.
• Housing Authorities: Notifying the Altoona Housing Authority and Improved Dwellings for Altoana so they can inform their waiting lists.

3. Special Outreach

To reach populations less likely to apply without extra effort (such as minority groups and those with special needs), owners must:

• Provide vacancy information to the Department of Community Development.
• Request a 30-day notification from tenants intending to move so outreach can begin before the unit is advertised to the general public.

4. Recordkeeping

Owners are required to maintain records of:

• The racial, ethnic, and gender characteristics of tenants and applicants.
• Copies of advertisements placed in the Altoona Mirror.
• Dates they contacted the Altoona Housing Authority and Improved Dwellings for Altoona.

Assessment and Corrective Action

The City will assess owners' efforts by reviewing their records to ensure good faith compliance. If the representation of racial/ethnic groups is not broad, the City will review and adjust marketing procedures.

Consequences for Non-Compliance:

• Initial Step: Owners must notify the Department of Community Development immediately upon learning a unit will become vacant (ideally 30 days in advance).
• Verification: Staff will perform "spot checks" to verify procedures are followed.
• Penalties: If an owner continues to fail requirements after fair warning and an opportunity to correct deficiencies, they may be disqualified from future rehabilitation programs administered by the City.