The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) has adopted a Language Access Plan (LAP) to provide meaningful access to its programs and activities for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
In accordance with Federal guidelines, SDHC will make reasonable efforts to provide or arrange free language assistance for clients with LEP, including rental assistance applicants, recipients and/or individuals who are eligible for any and all activities and programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The following resources or services are available to assist clients with LEP:
- More than 79 bilingual staff who speak a variety of languages, including: Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, and Dinka. When they are available, these staff can provide verbal translations and/or written translations of letters provided by clients. Bilingual staff are required to pass an evaluation administered by a third party to ensure language proficiency.
- Access to oral interpreters in 240 languages for over-the-phone interpretation services through a third-party contract.
- Program briefings are offered for new program participants in the two most common foreign languages spoken by SDHC program applicants; (Spanish and Vietnamese). To ensure program equity and access, SDHC provides or offers language services to applicants and participants that speak other foreign languages.
- Important information and vital documents are translated into the most common foreign languages spoken by applicants and participants.
- Automated phone system offers language option(s).
- “I speak” cards available at SDHC reception desks to help staff identify the LEP client’s language preference.
