Programs & Activities

During the course of a year, the RAB participates in many important functions related to HOC operations including the following: 

• Review properties under consideration for purchase.
• Review and makes recommendations on the HOC operating budget with particular focus on the Public Housing Operating budget.
• Reviews and makes recommendations related to HOC practices and procedures such as rent collection procedures, resident grievances, eviction procedures, etc.
• Monitors grant progress and activities such as the Drug Elimination Grant Program, Comprehensive Grant Program, the Service Coordinators Grant Program for elderly and disabled residents, the Resident Opportunities and Supportive Services (ROSS) grant programs, the Welfare to Work Program (WTW), the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program and the Community Service Requirement Program implementation. 
• Reviews HUD policies and assists HOC in implementing policies or changing existing practices in order to meet HUD regulations.
• Meet annually with staff of Property management to offer suggestions on improvements to maintenance efforts.

 

Resident Advisory Board
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May 17, 2010

The RAB has been actively working to bring your concerns, ideas and recommendations for change and improvement to HOC for action. We are your voice. The RAB membership includes representatives from every segment of HOC housing including Housing Choice Voucher holders, Public Housing and Tax Credit participants, residents representing specific programs such as the elderly, Supportive Housing and Shelter Plus Care Program participants, to name a few.

Among our recent accomplishments:

• Expanded the annual Resident Satisfaction Survey to include Public Housing properties.
• Provided input on HUD required documents including the Five-year and Annual Plan.
• Based on RAB recommendations for improvements to HOC’s Rent Collection procedures, the following was undertaken:

  The first on-site rent collection effort was initiated at Holly Hall.

  (It is expected other sites will be added).

  Hours were expanded for rent collection at the two Customer Service Centers to avoid charges for late payments.

• Advocated on behalf of Sandy Spring residents in their battle against exorbitantly high utility bills.
• RAB members serve on the HOC Hearing Board to provide objectivity and sensitivity to resident cases.
• Conducted a joint work session with the Commissioners to discuss a variety of pressing issues of importance to residents.

With your input and opinions we can do even more to ensure that resident concerns are heard and that issues are resolved. Call 240-627-9479 for further information or check the HOC website for direct link to the RAB. We look forward to hearing from you.