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Agency Paper

Shyterria Sims

School of Social Work, Texas State University

SOWK 2375: Social Services in the Community

Stacie McGee

November 28, 2022

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Agency Paper

Agency Worker

Gene Martin, II (he/him/his) is the Resident Services Director for the San Marcos

Housing Authority (SMPHA) in San Marcos, Texas. He attended Texas State University where

he obtained a Bachelor of Social Degree. Upon graduating, Martin II became a certified mediator

and licensed in the field of social work. He began his time at the SMPHA during his

undergraduate degree through SOWK 2375: Social Services in the Community, a course in the

Texas State School of Social Work catalog. At this time, he was only volunteering. He then

worked briefly with the housing authority for six months after he graduated. Fresh out of college

and unsure what to do, Martin II joined the Peace Corps, returned to the SMPHA for twelve

years, left again to start his technology company, and finally came back to the SMPHA in 2012

and has been there since.

As the Resident Services Director for the San Marcos Public Housing Authority, Gene

Martin, II is in charge of all programs in the agency. He writes all the grants that pay for some

positions as well as funds programs within the agency. He also ensures that all goals and

objectives are completed to receive and apply for grants. With the experience he has in

technology from his prior business ventures, Gene also fixes the computers in the agency if they

were to crash.

Agency Description and Services

As stated directly from smpha.org, The San Marcos Housing Authority (SMHA) provides

decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income households, including the elderly and

disabled, in the San Marcos area. They work to improve quality of life, reduce dependence on
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the welfare system, and empower their residents to take charge of their lives and their

environment.

To reach these goals, the SMHA has a Residents Service Department that has three

programs: a youth development program, a self-sufficiency program, and a program for the

elderly/disabled.

The SMHA serves low-income individuals and families in the San Marcos area based on

the Austin-Round Rock income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing of Urban

Development (HUD). The HUD Act passed in 1968 and provided new low-income housing

opportunities for eligible families (Kirst-Ashman, 2017, pg. 200). As forms of income for their

families, the majority of these individuals and families also qualify for other welfare and public

assistance programs such as 46.49% for Social Security, 0.33% for Temporary Assistance for

Needy Families (TANF), and 30.18% for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (San Marcos

Housing Authority 2022). public assistance provides resources for people in need and social

insurance is based on people’s right to receive benefits.

To qualify for benefits and services offered within the agency and abroad, the residents

first have to pass a means-test. A means-test is an eligibility guideline that established the

maximum amount of income a family could earn without losing benefits such as the public

assistance programs listed prior (Kirst-Ashman, 2017, pg. 263). Qualifications for other services

and programs are based on age or family size.

How Do They Pay For It?

The San Marcos Housing Authority is a public, quasi-governmental agency meaning they

receive funds from private, corporate, and federal programs and organizations, but is operated by

the government or state. Being that funds are not distributed to profit to anything other than
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furthering the advancement of the organization, the SMHA is a non-profit agency. A non-profit

agency is one whose mission and purpose are to further a social cause and provide a public

benefit (Heaslip, 2020). As of September 2022, the SMHA has received $93,779 in allocated

federal funds from Housing Authority Programs $256,553 in grants from HUD and other

sources, and $54,2252 in non-federal funds from the city of San Marcos, United Way, etc. 90%

of these funds pay for direct personnel costs (people who provide direct services and coordinate

services, 7% is devoted to direct tenant services (center operations, printing (flyers, signs, and

the monthly newsletter) and resident training, and the remaining 3% is allocated to equipment &

furniture purchases, telecommunications, office supplies, administrative contracts, professional

development, and accounting expenses (San Marcos Housing Authority Residents Services

Program.).

Organizational Structure

As an agency within an agency, the organizational structure mentioned in this section

will consist of the roles of the Residents Services Department at the PODER Learning Center

that oversees the Allen Woods Homes public housing units. The hierarchal system begins with

The Board of Commissioners, an Executive Director, a Residents Services Director, a Residents

Services Assistant Director, Service Coordinators, and Interns/Volunteers. The Board and the

Executive Director provide guidance and direction and encourage initiative and development to

ensure that positions remain funded, and the agency operates with little to no problems. The roles

and responsibilities of the Residents Service Director are listed under the Agency Worker section

at the beginning of this paper. The Service Coordinators work one-on-one at the sites in the

communities and lead the programs there. They have direct contact with residents as they are the
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first form of contact that residents can meet with. Interns and volunteers assist the service

coordinators at the sites with the programs, residents, and activities.

I am assigned under the service coordinator, Michelle Richards, of Allen Woods Homes

as a volunteer. I volunteer at the PODER Learning Center which is one of the sites that leads a

youth development program within the SMHA. This is an after-school program for K-12

residents in the Allen Woods Community. I primarily assist my supervisor with elementary

school students to help them with their communication skills, conflict resolution, and homework.

Social Welfare System

On the fourth Tuesday of every month, the Board of Commissioners meets to discuss

changes in welfare policies, welfare programs available for residents, funding for the agency, etc.

The meetings are conducted to help the residents in the communities and plans that the agency

may have in the future. Social welfare policies are the laws and regulations that govern which

social welfare programs exist, what categories of clients are served, and who qualifies for a given

program (Kirst-Ashman, 2017, pg. 26). Social welfare programs are the implementation of social

welfare policy (Kirst-Ashman, 2017, pg. 222).

I spoke with Jessica Cruz, the Programs Director from the Hays County Food Bank. She

says that they do not work directly with the San Marcos Housing Authority, but they do provide

nutrition education services at three of the sites within the SMHA. Food assistance is offered

once a week and eligibility is means-tested. To be eligible, recipients must fall under one of the

following: receives federal benefits (SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid, etc., have children enrolled in

the free or reduced meal program, be at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines, or

currently experiencing a food emergency - unexpected, temporary & beyond the household's
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control (necessary medical expenses, loss of a family member, uncontrolled loss of employment,

repair/replacement of home/vehicle, etc.).

During the interview with the Residents Service Director, Gene Martin, II, he said that

transportation is the primary gap in services. With the Hays County Food Bank, they work with

Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Redwood Baptist Church, which provide a limited number

of food deliveries to homebound clients, some of whom live in the various housing authority

locations in San Marcos. How the food is delivered to clients was not mentioned. However, Gene

Martin, II said that the housing authority used to have a program that used a fifteen-passenger

van to transport residents to and from where they had to go. Once funding ran out, they no longer

had anyone to drive the van.

Policy

The SMHA operates from the residual perspective which is short or long-term assistance

that becomes necessary when people cannot provide for themselves (Kirst-Ashman, 2017, pg. 8).

At the SMHA, families typically stay no longer than two years because they rent from private

property owners. Older individuals tend to stay longer due to age and health. Upon signing the

lease, residents are required to complete a mandatory 8 hours of volunteer work or a self-

sufficiency program.

The Community Service and Self-Sufficiency policy explains the process of what an

adult over eighteen living in public housing must complete to continue living in public housing

and the consequences if they are not compliant. The policy is divided into four main categories

to explain what the policy is, who is/is not exempt from it, the program requirements, and the

obligations that the authority will abide by.

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This policy program is annual meaning that someone who meets the requirements has to

complete it each year they are living in public housing. The Authority requires eligible residents

to serve for 8 hours per month which is 36 hours per year. It does not seem like a lot, but to

some, it may be taking away from work. They also give residents an extra year to make up hours

if they do not complete them within the period.

The Authority also does not provide transportation for the residents if they are unable to

reach their volunteer sites. The residents must come out of their pockets to get to the sites if it is

not in the neighborhood.

The Authority abides by its commitment to clients with informed consent. The National

Association of Social Work’s Code of Ethics (NASW) establishes informed consent in Section

1.03, subsection d which states that social workers should provide information about the nature

and extent of services and about the extent of clients’ right to refuse service. Sections C-D notify

clients of what actions will occur if they fail to complete the program, the length of the program,

and its requirements. The Authority also has a form for individuals to sign on record that they

agreed to the program or if they are exempt.

The policy does not state whether or not clients can apply for public housing after having

their lease terminated. Social workers’ ethical responsibilities to clients are disrupted in this

situation because they are not referred to any services that could help them. Section 1.17,

Termination of Services, subsection e says that social workers are supposed to seek programs or

services that would benefit the clients after current services end.

I like the fact that residents have the choice to volunteer or participate in a self-

sufficiency program. To make the policy efficient for the residents, they should only offer self-
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improvement programs as one of their main goals is to reduce the residents’ dependency on the

welfare system.

Since volunteer hours are required by the authority, I would suggest that transportation be

provided. I feel that this would help the residents incorporate this task into their daily activities

without concern. I would also suggest that an 18-year-old be considered an adult to start after

they have graduated high school. In the policy, it excludes whether or not the 18-year-olds can

finish high school first being that parents typically still have control over certain aspects of their

lives. Allowing the residents to complete the annual total in a timelier manner would also make it

better because it would reduce the number of check-ins and make it easier for residents to fit into

their lives. Being that the SMHA has 55% of Hispanic residents, I would say they could have the

policy available in Spanish as English may be a second language for some.

Major Learning

After volunteering for over ten weeks at the PODER Learning Center, I have learned that

I still may need to consider what population I would like to work with in the future. Going into

this site, I had no experience working with the youth population, so I was extremely nervous. I

did not know what to expect, what to do, or what the children would think of me. Each week, the

children have taught me patience, effective communication and understanding, and being concise

when working with this age group.

Applying what I learned in class each week changed my perspective on how I looked at

certain things in my agency and my site. Learning about public and social welfare programs and

policies, social work values, and diversity became easier to connect to the population and

become more empathetic.

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Prior to my service, the only service I knew that public housing offered was reduced

housing costs for low-income families and individuals. At my site, I learned that they offered

programs that enhanced the lives of the residents in the communities. Other than the youth

program, learning about the self-sufficiency program stuck with me the most. This program is a

five-year agreement between the SMHA and residents to eventually become homeowners.

Residents go through trainings that will prepare them such as money management, credit repair,

and connections to jobs and educational resources. At the end of the five years, the residents will

receive the money set aside for them from their rent payments, to purchase a new home if

trainings and programs are complete.

I realized that children in this setting are often misunderstood. No one takes the time to

listen to them, assess their feelings, or effectively help them, which affects their behaviors.

Discovering this altered my beliefs about collaborating with them because it made me reflect on

my childhood and how I could relate to them.

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References

Heaslip, E. (2020, March 30). Nonprofit, Not-For Profit & For-Profit Organizations Explained.

https://www.uschamber.com/co. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from

https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/nonprofit-vs-not-for-profit-vs-for-profit.

Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2017). Introduction to social work & social welfare: Critical thinking

perspectives (5th ed.). Brooks/Cole. Retrieved October 22, 2022, from

file:///C:/Users/shyte/OneDrive/Documents/Fall%202022/SOWK%202375/BOOK-

Introduction%20to%20Social%20Work%20Social%20Welfare%20Critical%20Thinking

%20Perspectives.pdf.

San Marcos Housing Authority. (2022, November 7). San Marcos Housing Authority

Demographic Data Report. San Marcos; San Marcos Housing Authority.

San Marcos Housing Authority. (2022, November 7). San Marcos Housing Authority

Demographic. San Marcos Housing Authority. (n.d.). Section 8 Income Limits. Housing

of Urban Development.

San Marcos Housing Authority. (n.d.). San Marcos Housing Authority Residents Services

Program. San Marcos; San Marcos Housing Authority.

San Marcos Public Housing Authority. (1998). Community Service and Self Sufficiency Policy.

Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act.

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Appendix A: Agency Policy

Community Service and Self Sufficiency Policy

A. Background

The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 requires that all non-exempt (see

definitions) public housing adult residents (18 or older) contribute eight (8) hours per month of

community service (volunteer work) or participate in eight (8) hours of training, counseling,

classes, or other activities that help an individual move toward self-sufficiency and economic

independence. This is a requirement of the Public Housing Lease.

B. Definitions

Community Service - volunteer work that includes, but is not limited to:

• Work at a local institution including but not limited to: school, child care center, hospital,

hospice, recreation center, senior center, adult day care center, homeless shelter, indigent

feeding program, cooperative food bank, etc.

• Work with a non-profit organization that serves PHA residents or their children such as:

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys or Girls clubs, 4-H program, PAL, Garden Center,

Community clean-up programs, beautification programs, other youth or senior

organizations

• Work at the Authority to help improve physical conditions

• Work at the Authority to help with children's programs

• Work at the Authority to help with senior programs

• Helping neighborhood groups with special projects

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• Working through resident organization to help other residents with problems, serving as

an officer in a Resident organization, serving on the Resident Advisory Board

• Caring for the children of other residents so they may volunteer

NOTE: Political activity is excluded.

Self Sufficiency Activities - activities that include, but are not limited to:

• Job readiness programs

• Job training programs

• GED classes

• Substance abuse or mental health counseling

• English proficiency or literacy (reading) classes

• Apprenticeships

• Budgeting and credit counseling

• Any kind of class that helps a person toward economic independence

• Full time student status at any school, college or vocational school

Exempt Adult - an adult member of the family who

• Is 62 years of age or older

• Has a disability that prevents him/her from being gainfully employed and who certifies

that because of this disability they are unable to comply with the service provisions

• Is the caretaker of a disabled person

• Is working at least 20 hours per week

• Is participating in a welfare to work program

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• Is receiving assistance from TANF and is in compliance with job training and work

activities requirements of the program.

• Is a full-time student

C. Requirements of the Program

1. The eight (8) hours per month may be either volunteer work or self-sufficiency program

activity, or a combination of the two.

2. At least eight (8) hours of activity must be performed each month. An individual may not skip

a month and then double up the following month unless special circumstances warrant special

consideration. The Authority will make the determination of whether to allow or disallow a

deviation from the schedule.

3. Activities must be performed within the community and not outside the jurisdictional area of

the Authority. The San Marcos Housing Authority must approve all community service and self-

sufficiency activities not included in this policy before being allowed to count towards the

required (8) hours per month.

4. Family obligations

• At lease execution or re-examination after November 1, 2003, all adult members (18 or

older) of a public housing resident family must

1. provide documentation that they are exempt from Community Service requirement if

they qualify for an exemption, and

2. sign a certification that they have received and read this policy and understand that If

they are not exempt, failure to comply with the Community Service requirement will

result in nonrenewal of their lease.

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• At each annual re-examination, non-exempt family members must present a completed

documentation form (to be provided by the Authority) of activities performed over the

previous twelve (12) months. This form will include places for signatures of supervisors,

instructors, or counselors certifying to the number of hours contributed.

• If a family member is found to be noncompliant at re-examination, he/she and the Head

of Household will sign an agreement with the Authority to make up the deficient hours

over the next twelve (12) month period.

5. Change in exempt status:

• If, during the twelve (12) month period, a non-exempt person becomes exempt, it is

his/her responsibility to report this to the Authority and provide documentation of such.

• If, during the twelve (12) month period, an exempt person becomes non-exempt, it is

his/her responsibility to report this to the Authority. The Authority will provide the

person with the Recording/Certification documentation form and a list of agencies in the

community that provide volunteer and/or training opportunities.

• If, during the twelve (12) month period, a non-exempt person becomes exempt, that

person will still be responsible for completing the required (8) hours for every month that

they were non-exempt.

D. Authority obligations

1. To the greatest extent possible and practicable, the Authority will

• provide names and contacts at agencies that can provide opportunities for residents,

including disabled, to fulfill their Community Service obligations. (According to the

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Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, a disabled person who is otherwise able to

be gainfully employed is not necessarily exempt from the Community Service

requirement)

• provide in-house opportunities for volunteer work or self-sufficiency programs.

2. The Authority will provide the family with exemption verification forms and

Recording/Certification documentation forms and a copy of this policy at lease execution

3. The Authority will make the final determination as to whether or not a family member is

exempt from the Community Service requirement. Residents may use the Authority's

Grievance Procedure if they disagree with the Authority's determination by requesting a

grievance hearing within 10 days of determination.

4. Noncompliance of family member

• At least thirty (30) days prior to annual re-examination and/or lease expiration, the

Authority will begin reviewing the exempt or non-exempt status and compliance of

family members.

• If the Authority finds a family member to be noncompliant, the Authority will enter

into an agreement with the noncompliant member and the Head of Household to

make up the deficient hours over the next twelve (12) month period.

• If, at the next annual re-examination, the family member still is not compliant, the

lease will not be renewed and the entire family will have to vacate, unless the

noncompliant member agrees to move out of the unit.

• The family may use the Authority's Grievance Procedure to protest the lease

termination.
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Appendix B: Agency Organizational Chart