Housing Authority extends contract and votes to fund EHV administration as program scales

The San Francisco Housing Authority on July 21 authorized Amendment #3 to the authority’s contract with Paul Edwards Management & Consulting LLC, increasing the contract by $200,000 and extending the term through Sept. 30, 2024, to continue administering the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program.

General counsel Linda Mason summarized the program’s federal origin and award: EHVs were funded under the American Rescue Plan and the authority was awarded 906 EHV vouchers. Mason asked Paul Edwards representatives to present performance metrics. Paul Edwards and housing staff reported that EHVs were issued beginning in 2021 (160 issued in 2021, 590 in 2022, and 199 in 2023 to date) and that, to date, approximately 609 households are housed in‑jurisdiction on EHV HAP payments. Staff reported an overall voucher success rate of about 42 percent and noted a notable number of port‑outs: 175 families took vouchers out of San Francisco and staff confirmed 79 of those as housed elsewhere.

Staff described the major barriers to leasing for targeted voucher holders as limited rental history, credit issues, criminal background checks, and intense market competition. They said weekly partner meetings and targeted interventions (credit education, set‑aside units) are in place; staff urged that coordinated services and stronger partner communication improve outcomes.

Public commenters raised concerns about emergency transfers for victims of violent crime; staff (Kendra Crawford) clarified the RAD‑site emergency referral process and housing mobility options and said they would follow up directly with the commenter.

The contract extension motion was moved and seconded and approved by roll call. The vote authorizes the CEO to execute the amendment, increasing the not‑to‑exceed amount to $3,500,300 and extending administration through 09/30/2024 so the authority can continue EHV operations while staff ramps up direct capacity.

What’s next: staff will continue weekly partner coordination, provide more detailed performance data to the commission on utilization and RTA (request for tenancy approval) outcomes, and follow up with individual tenants who requested emergency transfer information.