The success of every type of relocation project requires that HOU provide hands-on delivery and the administration of the resources necessary to help residents through each step of the project.

For every resident relocation project, HOU follows a step-by-step disciplined and thorough methodology. This process has been developed and fine-tuned through experience working with clients and supporting residents through over 160 projects.

HOU supports multiple variations of Renovation Projects:

  1. Permanent Off-Site Relocation
  2. Temporary Off-Site/On-Site Relocation
  3. Tenant-In-Place Relocation

Permanent Off-Site Relocation

During off-site relocation projects, HOU will identify off-site units with adequate accommodations to meet each affected household’s requirements. Then HOU coordinates the relocation of those households to those units located away from the site of construction and redevelopment. Permanent off-site relocation is the relocation of households for a period longer than 12 months.

HOU’s Permanent Off-Site Relocation methodology includes:

  • Developing relocation plans and schedules
  • Conducting regular outreach to residents to inform them about the relocation program
  • Meeting one-on-one with the affected households to identify needs and relocation preferences
  • Identifying all relocation resources (including HCVP, public housing units at other developments, PBV units, homeownership opportunities, out-of-state options and porting vouchers)
  • Conducting relocation counseling (both individually and in group briefing sessions)
  • Providing each household with comparable relocation options
  • Calculating and administering relocation benefits (including Replacement Housing Payments)
  • Assisting in the lease-up process (including applications, security deposits, and background/credit checks)
  • Providing packing guidance and coordinating of moves

Temporary Off-Site/On-Site Relocation

Temporary relocation is the relocation of households for a time period less than 12 months. This relocation can be off-site or on-site depending on the project. These may also include on-site units which are temporary units that residents are provided that have features similar to a hotel room, such as bedding, but are not necessarily a hotel accommodation.

HOU’s Temporary Off-Site Relocation methodology includes:

  • Administering relocation surveys with impacted households
  • Identifying and undertake advance planning for households with special needs
  • Working closely with construction and management in the development and implementation of a relocation schedule
  • Coordinating/ scheduling the move of resident belongings and the delivery to furnished temporary relocation/hotel units
  • Developing and implementing tools for inventorying and tracking items in hotel units
  • Arranging for regular janitorial, linen, and pest control services as well as basic telephone, cable and Internet service for hotel units
  • Disbursing food vouchers and laundry stipends
  • Transferring utility services to and from relocation units and ensuring uninterrupted social service provision

Tenant-In-Place Relocation

During renovation-in-place, households are relocated only during the contractor’s work day and then the resident returns for the evening and night.

This type of relocation is usually for renovations such as refurbishment of bathrooms, kitchens, doors, floors, walls, and ceilings.

HOU’s Tenant-In-Place relocation methodology includes:

  • Conducting community meetings to prepare residents for their upcoming unit rehabilitation
  • Distributing written notices and correspondence to residents regarding their upcoming unit renovations
  • Setting up on-site day space/hospitality units for tenants to utilize while their units were undergoing renovations
  • Assisting residents with preparing for upcoming unit renovations, including providing packing supplies and assisting with packing and prepping for construction work
  • Identifying items to be moved to storage and facilitating moving company services for units undergoing flooring replacement
  • Establishing procedures for minimizing tenant property damage and serving as the initial point of contact regarding resident claims of damage/loss