Eric R. Steinhilber

The Annual Plan for Sandwich Housing Authority provides insight into its operations and outlines strategic plans for the coming fiscal year and beyond, specifically covering fiscal years up to 2031 for capital improvements. The plan integrates several key components: a Capital Improvement Plan, a Maintenance and Repair Plan, and the current Operating Budget. It also includes narrative responses to Performance Management Review findings, a compilation of housing authority policies, and a list of waivers. The overall objective is to foster transparency, address organizational needs, and ensure efficient and safe state-aided public housing.

The Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) has published its Fair Market Rent (FMR) schedule for FY 2026. The applicable payment standard (APS) is a figure used in determining tenant rent and is derived from the FMR. The housing authority can adopt payment standards (APS) for each bedroom size between 90% and 110% for the existing FMR. The 2026 FMRs have increased across all bedroom sizes from the 2025 FMRs. It is recommended to adopt APS that are 100% of the FY2026 FMRs: this will make payment standards consistent with the other housing authorities on Cape Cod that administer a Section 8 program.

The Sandwich Housing Authority's 5-Year PHA Plan is dedicated to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for the citizens of Sandwich and the Commonwealth. The plan outlines key goals including expanding the supply of assisted housing, maintaining housing quality, increasing housing choices, and offering tenancy support for persons with disabilities. It also emphasizes ensuring equal opportunity, affirmatively furthering fair housing, and addressing the needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The overarching vision is to foster resident self-sufficiency and economic independence, ensure fiscal integrity, and achieve these objectives through efficient program management and collaborative partnerships.

The Sandwich Housing Authority board meeting addressed the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) publishing its Fair Market Rent (FMR) schedule for FY 2025. The discussion included adopting applicable payment standards (APS) at 100% of the FY2025 FMRs, aligning with other housing authorities on Cape Cod administering a Section 8 program. The 2025 FMRs have increased across all bedroom sizes from the 2024 FMRs.