Providers, council ask DHS to clarify rapid rehousing exits, ERAP plan and appeals process

Multiple providers and council members raised concerns about FRSP administration and ERAP availability during the Oct. 9 roundtable. Providers said families received exit notices from rapid rehousing programs and that appeals and program rules had created confusion; the committee asked DHS to clarify the agency's interpretation of a recent Budget Support Act (BSA) provision governing continuation of services while appeals are pending.

Acting Director Rachel Pierre told the committee that FRSP was designed as a time-limited subsidy (12 months) and that suspension of exits during the COVID years and subsequent appeals created a fiscal strain. She said prior practices requiring DHS to continue services pending appeals contributed to overspending. Pierre said the BSA language was intended to provide budgetary relief by limiting continuation in specific circumstances, but that there are disagreements about legal interpretation and that her general counsel was following up with council staff.

On ERAP, Pierre said the District has $8.6 million for the current fiscal year; she said $1.2 million is set aside for administrative costs and another $1.1 million is earmarked to cover applications from the prior year, leaving roughly $6.1 million for assistance. Unlike last year's open portal, Pierre said DHS plans an appointment-based, prevention-focused ERAP rollout beginning in November to prioritize targeted packages of prevention assistance through providers and to avoid the short-term portal surge that overwhelmed staff in past cycles.

Witnesses urged DHS to provide clear timelines and procedural protections for families who receive exit notices and to publish ERAP appointment scheduling details and eligibility criteria well in advance of the planned November soft launch.