[PLUG] HUD/RD Software

[AthlonRob]

On Tue, 2004-08-17 at 17:07 -0700, Roderick A. Anderson wrote:
> On Tue, 17 Aug 2004, Aaron Burt wrote:
> 
> > > What does this software *do*, exactly?  It may be fairly easy to
> > > replicate the functionality of it ... depending on what it does.

I thought I said that.  :-P

> Here is her message to me.

Yeah... not exactly as 'descriptive' as I might have hoped.

> ===
> The software requirements are specific for the program that the apartment
> complex is goverened under. As you know dealing with the government
> nothing is the same and each housing program has just a little different
> requirement. It must be able to certify households for income standards,
> expense items (when allowed) and household members qualifications.

So, does the software go out and certify the houses in person?  Does it
just list requirements for certification?  Does it cryptographically
sign a picture of the house?

> Some of the government housing program names are HUD Section 8 and Section
> 202, Tax Credit, Home Program, Rural Development 515 - Family and Elderly.

Which means nothing to most everybody.

> I am aware of a software company called Yardi Systems in the Dallas area
> that produces and supports the software for these programs.  However, our
> initial research shows that they are very expensive and I prefer a package
> that will support multiple properties and multiple housing programs.

I would have to say the odds are pretty low you'll find anything out
there to do what you want if you never list exactly what it is you
want.  :-)

> My understanding is that Rural Development will be coming out with a new
> handbook after the election which will possible have an impact on the
> software requirements---When HUD had a handbook change in June of 2003,
> there was a impact on the software providers at that time.
> ===

Ah, so the whole point is pretty much moot right now, anyway?

> > And if nonprofits use it, there may be grant money to get it written.
> 
> Well this company is for profit.  They manage the properties.

I think the odds are pretty darned low of finding an OSS developer who
would write such specialized software for a for-profit company for free.

-- 
Rob                                |  If not safe,
   Jabber: athlonrob at axpr.net   |    one can never be free.