Independent Living Initiative (ILI)

The Independent Living Initiative Program (ILI) is a short-term and one-time assistance program for adult consumers and children receiving enhanced benefits services through Alliance Health. It is intended for individuals who are behind on their rent and/or utility payments who are facing possible eviction or utility disconnection or those who need start-up funds to move into permanent housing following short-term life circumstances.

All applications for the Independent Living Initiative must be submitted using the web-based tool. Paper applications will no longer be processed. Information about the application submission process is at the bottom of this page.

To maximize the resources of the ILI program, applicants may only receive assistance once per fiscal year and will not be granted an extension on their original approval for assistance unless there are compelling circumstances. These funds are only for applicants who if not for these funds will become homeless. If applicants have assets or other financial supports, such as help from friends or family, they may be ineligible for Independent Living Initiative funds. To qualify for the program, applicants must be homeless, imminently homeless, or precariously housed. This program is also designed to house applicants who need initial move-in costs (security deposit, utility deposit, etc.) required by potential landlords. Alliance strongly encourages applicants to seek assistance through their Department of Social Services or other charitable agencies before seeking assistance through the ILI program.

Rent Payments

Rent payments must be issued directly to the landlord. The lease agreement must be in the name of the applicant seeking assistance or in the name of the parents/legal guardians (especially if the applicant is a child). Payments will not be issued to the landlord for damage, work orders, or miscellaneous fees. Alliance is not responsible for any lost or stolen checks due to incorrect mailing addresses.

All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and awarded assistance appropriate to the applicants’ needs and risk factors. Alliance requests that service providers only request the appropriate amount of needed assistance for applicants.

Security Deposits

Security deposits shall not exceed an amount equal to two weeks’ rent if a tenancy is week to week. If tenancy is a monthly or annual lease agreement, the security deposit may not exceed two months’ rent.

Utility Payments and/or Deposits

Utility payments must be issued directly to the identified vendor. Payments will not be issued to the landlord for excessive utility costs when the utilities are included in the monthly rental rate.

All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and awarded assistance appropriate to the applicants’ needs. Alliance requests that service providers only request the appropriate amount of needed assistance for applicants after all other charitable donations have been exhausted.

Disabling Condition

Applicants must be current consumers of Alliance Health with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), severe mental illness (SMI), a developmental disability and/or a substance use diagnosis. In the case of a child, the applicants must be receiving enhanced benefit services authorized by Alliance. All applicants must be homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness to be eligible for assistance.

Residency

The applicants must be a resident of Cumberland, Durham, Harnett, Johnston, Mecklenburg, Orange, or Wake County. Applicants may only receive ILI funding from their county of residency. Residency is defined as a county address documented by photo ID or official mail. Homeless applicants may provide verification from a homeless service provider as proof of county residency.

Trigger Crisis

A crisis is defined as a recent event that has occurred which is expected to result in housing and/or utility loss within 30 days or less.

No Resources or Viable Plan to Resolve Crisis

In assessing the crisis there must be no other options available for resolving the crisis. Without the financial assistance of the ILI, the applicant would become or remain literally homeless, i.e. staying in a shelter, car, or place not meant for human habitation.

Income

Applicants with incomes at or below 60% of area median income are eligible to receive financial assistance.

Reasonable Expectation for Sustainable Solution

At the initial assessment for assistance, there is a reasonable expectation that the crisis can be resolved and existing housing or relocation to housing can be sustained. After an applicant receives ILI funds, the expectation is for the household to continue paying their rent and utility services per lease and/or utility agreements.

• Contract providers of Alliance Health must complete the ILI User Training to gain access to the online ILI application. Upon completion of the ILI User Training and the submission of a valid company email address, Alliance ILI administrators will register internal care management staff and contract providers. Once registered in the ILI system, the Alliance IT Department will contact the registrants to provide access to the Provider Portal.
• Before starting the ILI application, care management staff and/or contract providers should verify they have access to the following applicable documentation for submission: household income verification, copy of identification documents, intent to rent letter, eviction notice, lease agreement, utility disconnection notice and/or W-9.
  • Alliance requires all vendors to complete a W-9 tax form prior to receiving initial assistance.
  • Alliance cannot issue any payments to vendors who refuse to complete the vendor setup packet which includes the W-9, email address, and contact information.
• Registered users will log in and submit applications via the web-based application tool.
• Upon successful submission, a system-generated email will be sent to the care management staff or provider to notify them the application has been submitted.
• ILI applications will be reviewed daily, except weekends and holidays.
• Upon review, a system-generated email will be sent regarding approval or denial of the application.
• Once approved, allow 10-15 business days for financial assistance to be issued directly to the vendor by check or electronic funds transfer (EFT).

Before submitting an application, the contract provider should verify that the applicant meets ILI eligibility criteria. Alliance has an obligation to meet specific state and county requirements for the ILI program. We also have an obligation to program participants, landlords, and property managers to make every effort to ensure a successful and sustainable housing experience. As a result, contract service providers must adhere to the following requirements:

• Attend an ILI User Training prior to submitting an application. Contact your local ILI coordinator  for upcoming training dates and times
• Provide accurate and truthful information for all payment requests
• Assist applicants in acquiring and completing all required supporting documentation to ensure program eligibility, i.e. eviction and utility disconnection notices, lease agreements, pay stubs, benefit award letters, housing subsidy letter, etc.
• Agree to not engage in any fraudulent or criminal activity including, but not limited to, forging signatures, narratives or statements, telephone payments to vendors, etc.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the ILI program will result in a notification to Alliance Health’s Compliance Department to follow up with a plan of correction or investigation. 

Applicants must adhere to the following requirements:

• To engage in and comply with treatment recommendations and services
• To allow contract service providers to make home visits as they deem necessary
• To comply with the terms of the lease and occupancy agreement
• To report any changes in income or family composition within 10 days if receiving assistance for more than two months
• To allow the contract service provider, Alliance Health, and the ILI coordinator to contact the landlord and/or utility companies on their behalf