Qualifying Residents need to have a desire to be a cooperative member of the Village Nac community, although no specific doctrine or belief system is required. The Village Nac is a Christ based community where people who have chronic mental health issues or chronic homelessness can find help, hope and healing.
Chronic Mental Health Issue is defined as a diagnosable mental health impairment which may be a lifelong condition causing a substantially diminished level of functionality in routine activities, sometimes leading to the inability to manage ordinary demands of everyday life. Chronic mental illness often compromises the ability to maintain emotional stability and independence without long term treatment and support. While not every condition can be completely cured, levels of functionality can be dramatically improved with the proper care and environment.
Chronic Homelessness is defined as a condition where an individual has been living in a place not meant for human habitation, or in an emergency shelter, and has been living in that condition for at least one year or has been living in that condition of homelessness on at least four long term episodes (greater than 90 days per occurrence) on separate occasions in the past 3 years. The root cause of homelessness may be due to a mental health condition or the lack of a safe and functional home environment.
The Village Nac Community Strives to Provide:
- An uplifting, non-judgmental environment that fosters mental, spiritual and
emotional stability - Affordable single-dwelling housing that is safe, secure and designed to
encourage healthy relationships - Opportunities for residents to discover God-given talents and/or develop
work-related skills through a variety of on-site micro-enterprises and activities. - Live-in Missionary / Mentors who are committed to being “intentional
neighbors”. Their goal is to engage residents through compassion, friendship and trust, while encouraging them to take necessary steps to find peace, purpose, and spiritual well-being. - Partnering with a variety of local community services, resources and
volunteers to augment The Village Nac mission
Qualifying Criteria
The following criteria and documentation will be used in the evaluation of the rental application for residency. At the time of completing the application all individuals must:
- If declaring “Mental Health Impairment” as a qualifying precondition for residency, provide the following documentation:
a. Certification letter/mental health record from a licensed mental health provider confirming current diagnosis of primary mental disorder as well as any co-occurring disorders.
b. Verification letter /mental health records of treatment/services received including outpatient (counseling, case management services), inpatient (emergency clinic crisis stabilization, psychiatric hospitalization, residential substance abuse facility, state correctional program, etc.)
c. Completed Bio/Psycho/Social Assessment Form providing background information related to physical and mental health issues, symptoms, medications, substance use (past and current), family/childhood history, trauma, social support/relationships, previous/current occupations, job skills, hobbies/talents, spiritual or religious beliefs and practices, current coping strategies. - If declaring “Homelessness” as a qualifying precondition for residency,
provide documentation of homelessness in the East Texas area for 1 year:
a. Certification letter from any health or human service provider
b. Certification letter from an emergency shelter
c. Certification letter from a homeless service provider or outreach worker. - Qualify for ability to pay rent (see income requirements below)
- Provide gross income documentation or rental subsidy documentation and/or commitment to earn income through on-site Micro-Enterprise opportunities sufficient to pay rent.
- Agree to comply with rules and regulations as outlined in lease agreement.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Provide a valid government issued ID or fingerprint documentation.
- Provide a valid social security card or proof thereof.
- Provide resident alien ID card (if applicable).
- Complete a resident release and consent form.
- Submit to a criminal background check.
Resident Applications are Declined for the Following Reasons:
- Any deliberate falsification in the application or an invalid social security number will result in the automatic rejection of the applicant.
- Submitting an incomplete application.
- Non-Qualifying income (see income requirements below).
- Registered Sex Offender in any state.
- Violent crimes against persons committed by the applicant such as murder, kidnapping, or arson, etc.
- Applicants with misdemeanor assault records within the past five years. (May in some limited circumstances be admitted.)
Income Requirements
An applicant must provide proof of monthly gross income, government assistance,
pledged charitable support or other subsidy programs sufficient to pay full rent. If
subsidies end for any reason, the resident must provide proof of income sufficient
to pay the rent, or must vacate the premises.
- Monthly income from all sources must be sufficient to pay the rental amount for the unit, meaning an income 1.5 times the rental amount. Subsidy, if available, will be subtracted from the rent, so that the income calculation is 1.5 times the portion of the rent.
- If receiving entitlements/pensions/rental subsidy, applicant must provide current, updated documentation.
- Summary of Household Income Data form required.
- Residents must agree and consent to the release of personal information regarding income.
Income Recertification
Your gross income is subject to annual recertification. Failure to meet this requirement may lead to termination of your housing contract.
Important: Gross income from all sources is subject to annual recertification.
General Occupancy Standard
There is one (1) person maximum occupancy per unit.
Fees and Restrictions
- There is a $50 non-refundable application fee due with the application. There is a refundable deposit of one month’s rent due prior to move-in.
- One pet is allowed with prior management approval and with a refundable deposit based on the weight of the animal due in advance of move-in date.
- Security deposit is due prior to move in. The deposit is refundable within 30 days of move out if there are no damages to the unit and rent is paid in full.
Exception Statement
The Village Nac reserves the right to use discretion on a case by case basis in determining which applicants will be well-suited as community residents.
The Village Nac reserves the right to give priority to applicants who will be participating in on-site Micro-Enterprises.
The Village Nac reserves the right to prioritize applicants based on severity of housing need which may include a history of high utilization of crisis services.
Resident Qualifying Criteria may be amended in certain circumstances if participants are enrolled in structured supportive housing programs approved by The Village Nac.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Village Nac does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, handicap, national origin, or sexual orientation in the providing of access to housing or supportive services.
