In February, 1942, the Mayor and Council of the City of Vallejo declared the need for a housing authority with the power to program, build and maintain war housing.

On June 8, 1942 the Housing Authority of the City of Vallejo, California was established under Resolution No. 27822 N.S.

The governing board of the Housing Authority consisted of five commissioners appointed by the Mayor. The first commissioners were Wade Madren, Luther Gibson, John Altucker and James Richardson.

The current governing board of the Housing Authority consists of the Mayor as chairman, six council members and two tenants.

The Housing and Redevelopment Commission consists of nine members and serves as an advisory body to the governing board of the Housing Authority. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and City Council.

Originally established to provide wartime housing, the Housing Authority of the City of Vallejo now provides rental assistance to approximately 1,600 very low income families and senior citizens residing throughout Vallejo and the unincorporated areas of Solano County. The Authority also administers the Family Self Sufficiency Program. This program is designed to help families achieve economic independence.

Housing Authority of the City of Vallejo

and

County of Solano

Program Overview for 2000-2001

The Housing Division administers the City's Housing Authority which provides rental assistance to more than 1,800 qualified very low income families who are residents of the City of Vallejo and/or the unincorporated areas of Solano County. The total budget of the division is more than 10 million. The purpose of this program is to secure affordable housing through the Housing Choice Voucher Programs, and to assist families achieve self sufficiency.

Housing Division Staff consists of a Housing Program Manager, Housing Operations Supervisor, three Leased Property Negotiators, five Housing Specialists II, one Housing Specialist I, three Administrative Clerks, one Secretary and one Community Development Analyst.

SECTION 8 CERTIFICATE AND HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAMS

1. Receive applications during open periods for the purpose of establishing a waiting list and federal preference.

2. Determine eligibility for admission and continued occupancy.

LEASE AND HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS CONTRACT

1. Disseminate information about prevailing Fair Market Rents within Vallejo-Napa- Fairfield Metropolitan Statistical Area.

2. Negotiate and approve Lease and Housing Assistance Payments Contracts with property owners.

3. Perform initial inspections of units to ensure they conform with HUD Housing Quality Standards.

4. Perform rectification inspections of units under Section 8 Certificate and Housing Voucher Programs to ensure they conform with HUD Housing Quality Standards.

5. Perform interim/complaint inspections

6. Perform vacate inspection after tenant moves out. This inspection will be the basis for the determination of claims against the tenant for leases effective prior to 10/02/95

7. Process claims unpaid rents and damages for leases with an effective date prior to 10/02/95. Conduct informal hearings for disputed claims.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS

1. Process payments to landlords on behalf of families under the Section 8 Certificate and Housing Voucher Program. FY 1999-2000 payment amounted to $9,725,920.25.

2. Process payment of claims to landlords.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

1. Disseminate information about the Section 8 Certificate and Housing Voucher Programs.

2. Respond to applicant inquiries about placement on the waiting list.

FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY (FSS) PROGRAM

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a Section 8 Housing Program designed to assist Vallejo Housing Authority clients in becoming independent of public assistance. With the support of local agencies FSS combines case management, education, and training with rental assistance to aid families in becoming self-sufficiency.

FSS is a 5 year program in which very low income families receive rental assistance, along with vital supportive services, designed to assist the family in overcoming barriers to employment, while receiving the training and skills necessary to become gainfully employed.

FAIR HOUSING

Provide essential services in the area of Fair Housing, discrimination, counseling, and mediation to assure compliance with HUD programs.

1. Promote equal opportunity and good will among all citizens of the community.

2. Refer incidents of reported or alleged discrimination to appropriate agencies.

3. Respond to landlord-tenants complaints regarding eviction, refund of security deposit, tenants rights and landlord obligations - Section 8 participants only.

4. Conduct informal hearings of decisions made by the Housing Authority concerning ineligibility to participate in the Certificate and Housing Voucher Programs, termination of assistance, and payment of claims.

5. Assures that the City of Vallejo complies with 504 Regulations concerning non- discrimination based on handicap in federal assisted housing programs and activities.

In addition to administration of these programs, the Housing Division also has the following objectives for FY 2000-2001.

FY 2000-2001 OBJECTIVES

1. Develop enhanced promotional material for tenants and landlords describing opportunities within the Section 8 Program.

2. Diligently enforce Family Obligations to improve the quality of housing and enhance public perception of program.

3. Enforce One Strike Policy.

Revised: 2000

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO

AND COUNTY OF SOLANO

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS FOR 2000-2001

Early this spring of 2000, the Housing Authority launched a search for the 2000-2001 HA scholarship grants. One of the criteria was, the applicant must have a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA). Many good applications were received but the hardest job the committee ever had was to pick 5 applicants who best met the established criteria.

In August, 2000, the Selection Committee met, reviewed the applications received, and unanimously agreed to award $1,000.00 each to Alvin C. Bell II, Teneshia McClain, Monica Medina, Marie Ann Myles, Jeanette Williams

The Mayor will present the HA scholars to the City Council at their regular meeting on October 24, 2000.

Congratulations to the awardees and stay tuned for next year's search for HA scholars.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO

Current Address:
P.O. BOX 1432, 251 GEORGIA STREET
VALLEJO, CA 94590
PHONE (707) 648-4507
FAX (707) 648-5249

Note: We will be moving in early November, 2000. Effective November 6, 2000 our address will be:

200 Georgia St.
Vallejo, CA 94590

our PO Box and phone numbers will remain the same.

SECTION 8 EXISTING HOUSING - HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

ASSISTED LEASE AGREEMENT/ TENANCY ADDENDUM/ HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO CONTRACT

The landlord and the Housing Authority entering a contract. The landlord also signs a lease with the tenant. These documents are referred to as Part I. Part II, referred to as EXHIBIT A, identifies specific information about the landlord(s), the tenants, the unit address, household members, rents, utilities, appliances, and other related matters.

PART I GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please to download/view the following file(s)...
Tenancy Addendum Section 8 Tenant-Based Assistance Housing Choice Voucher Program	Housing Assistance Payments Contract (HAP) Contract Section 8 Tenant-Based Assistance Housing Choice Voucher Program

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
SECTION 8 EXISTING HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM

VOUCHER LEASE AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT B

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This LEASE AGREEMENT is made and entered into between the Landlord(s) as identified in EXHIBIT A and the Tenant(s) as identified in EXHIBIT A. The address for the dwelling unit, which is the subject of this lease, is also identified in EXHIBIT A.

THE HOUSEHOLD shall consist of only those household members identified in EXHIBIT A.

1. 1. Contract Unit, Tenant, and Lease
      
      The Landlord will enter into a Housing Voucher Contract ("Contract") with a Public Housing Agency (PHA) under the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Under the Housing Voucher Program the PHA will assist the Tenant, of which the Tenant is the legal representative to lease the dwelling unit from the Landlord.
   
   
   
   2. Conflict With Other Provisions of Lease
      
      In case of any conflict between the provisions of this section of the Lease and any other provisions of the Lease, the provisions of this section shall prevail.
   
   
   
   3. Term Of Lease
      
      The term of the Lease shall begin on the lease date specified in EXHIBIT A and shall continue until (1) a termination of the Lease by the Landlord in accordance with paragraph (I) of this Section, (2) a termination of the Lease by the Tenant in accordance with the Lease or by mutual agreement during the term of the Lease, or (3) a termination of the Contract by the PHA.
   
   
   
   4. Rent
      1. Each month the PHA will make a housing assistance payment to the Landlord on behalf of the Tenant in accordance with the Housing Voucher Contract. The monthly housing assistance payment by the PHA will be credited by the Landlord toward the monthly rent payable by the Tenant to the Landlord under this Lease. The balance of the monthly rent shall be paid by the Tenant.
      2. The Tenant portion of the monthly will be the amount specified in EXHIBIT A. During the first year of the lease, the amount of the Tenant portion of the rent may change only because of increases or decreases in the Tenant's income as verified by the PHA. Such changes will be stated in a written notice by the PHA to the tenant stating the new amount and the effective date of the change.
      3. The amount of the monthly rent under the Lease may not be increased during the first year of the term of such Lease. The Landlord may increase the monthly rent after the first year by providing at least a 60 day written notice to the Tenant and the PHA prior to the commencement of the increased rent. Such notice shall state the rental amount and the effective date of the increase.
      4. The initial rent payment shall be prorated if the Lease does not begin on the first day of the month. Thereafter, Tenant rent is due on the first day of each and every month.
   
   
   5. Security Deposit
      1. The Tenant has deposited with the Landlord the amount specified in EXHIBIT A as a security deposit. The Landlord will comply with HUD regulations regarding security deposits from a Tenant, and shall not collect a security deposit which is more than the maximum amount permitted under the regulations.
      2. The Landlord will hold the security deposit during the period the Tenant Family occupies the dwelling unit under the Lease. The Landlord will comply with State and local laws regarding interest payments on security deposits.
      3. After the Tenant Family has moved from the dwelling unit, the Landlord may (subject to State and local law) use the security deposit, including any interest on the deposit, as reimbursement for any unpaid tenant rent or to repair damages caused by Tenants, members of Tenant's household or Tenant's guests, and the clean the premises, if necessary, upon termination of tenancy (Civil Code 1950.5(b)). Landlord will give the Tenant a written list of all items charged against the security deposit and the amount of each item. After deducting the amount used as reimbursement to the Tenant. The deposit shall be returned to the Tenant within two (2) weeks after the tenant vacates said premises, less all charges for cleaning and repairing said premises, replacing any missing items, and less any other amounts, including delinquent rent, due under this lease.
      4. Tenant may not deduct the amount of the deposit from rent or other payment that may become due under this lease, and the Landlord's right to regain possession of said premises for nonpayment of rent shall not be affected by the fact the Landlord Holds such deposit (Civil Code 1905.5).
   
   
   6. Utilities and Appliances
      1. The Tenant shall be responsible for paying the utilities as specified in EXHIBIT A. The Landlord shall be responsible for paying the utilities as specified on EXHIBIT A without any additional charge to the Tenant. The cost of these utilities is included in the monthly rent.
      2. Provisions for appliances are specified in EXHIBIT A
      3. The Landlord shall provide other appliances for the dwelling unit as specified in EXHIBIT A
      4. The Tenant shall pay all charges incurred for the furnishing of public utilities not included in rent as noted above, including deposits required for the furnishing of said utilities.
   
   
   7. Maintenance and Services
      
      The Landlord shall maintain the dwelling unit, equipment and appliances, and common areas and facilities, to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing in accordance with the Housing Quality Standards (24CFR Section 882.109) for the Housing Voucher Program, including the provision of all the services, maintenance and utilities set forth in the Lease.
      1. Where applicable (as in the case of multifamily buildings), such maintenance with respect to common areas, facilities and equipment shall include cleaning, maintenance of lighting and equipment, and maintenance of grounds, lawns, and shrubs.
      2. Extermination services shall be provided by Landlord as conditions may require.
      3. Repainting shall be provided by Landlord as conditions may require.
      4. The PHA shall be free to inspect the premises covered by the lease periodically, but not less often than annually, to assure that the physical condition thereof continue to meet PHA standards of decent, safe and sanitary housing and to determine whether the services required to be provided thereunder are being provided to the premises. In the event the PHA reasonably determines that either (i) the physical condition of the premises does not meet PHA standards for decent, safe and sanitary housing, other than as a result of actions by the Tenant, or (ii) one or more of the services specified herein are not being provided to the premises or (iii) that the Landlord is in breach of any of the conditions of this lease, the PHA may give written notice to the Landlord to correct the deficiencies within thirty (30) days. If the Landlord has failed to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing in accordance with the Housing Quality Standards (HQS), even if that action is caused by the failure of the Tenant, the PHA may abate all or a portion of the PHA's rental payment until such time as the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) are all complied with or the contract is terminated. Abatement is the process of not paying the Housing Authority's portion of the rent. Abated rent will not be refunded even if repairs are made.
   
   
   8. Uninhabitability
      
      In case the premises, or the building in which same are situated, are destroyed to the point of being uninhabitable by any cause whatsoever prior to the commencement of or during the term of this lease, then this lease shall thereupon immediately terminate and neither party hereto shall have any further rights or be under any further obligation on account of this lease, except Tenant for the rent accrued; and if Tenant is not in default in the performance of any of his obligations under this Lease, Landlord shall refund to Tenant any unearned rent paid by the Tenant in advance.
   
   
   
   9. Termination of Tenancy by Landlord
      1. The Landlord shall not terminate the tenancy except for:
         1. Serious or repeated violation of the terms and conditions of the Lease;
         2. Violation of Federal, State, or local law which imposes obligations on a tenant in connection with the occupancy or use of the dwelling unit and surrounding premises; or
         3. Other good cause. However during the first year of the term of the lease, the owner may not terminate the tenancy for 'other good cause' unless the termination is based on malfeasance or nonfeasance of the Tenant Family.
      2. The following are some examples of 'other good cause' for termination of tenancy by the Landlord:
         1. Failure by the Tenant Family to accept the offer of a new Lease in accordance with paragraph (L) of this section;
         2. A Tenant Family history of disturbance of neighbors or destruction of property, or of living or housekeeping habits resulting in damage to the unit or property;
         3. Criminal activity by Tenant Family members involving crimes of physical violence to persons or property which threatens the health and safety of others. The use, sale, offering for sale of illegal drugs as well as the furnishing, storing or manufacturing of such controlled substances is prohibited and is applicable to the Leasehold household members, and any guests who are in the unit with the consent of a household member;
         4. The Landlord's desire to utilize the unit for personal or family use or for a purpose other than use as a residential rental unit; or
         5. A business or economic reason for termination of the tenancy (such as sale of the property, renovation of the unit, desire to rent the unit at a higher rental.)
         This list of examples is intended as a non-exclusive statement of some situations included in 'other good cause' but shall in no way be construe as a limitation on the application of 'other good cause' to situations not included in the list. The Owner may not terminate the tenancy during the first year of the Lease, pursuant to paragraph (I)(1)(iii), for the grounds stated in paragraph (I)(2)(i), (I)(2)(iv) or (I)(2)(v) of this section.
      3. The Landlord may evict the Tenant from the unit only by instituting a court action. The Landlord must notify the PHA in writing of the commencement of procedures for termination of tenancy, at the same time that the Landlord gives notice to the Tenant under State or local law. The notice to the PHA may be given by furnishing the PHA a copy of the notice to the Tenant.
   
   
   10. Discrimination
       
       The Landlord shall not discriminate against the Tenant Family in the provision of services, or in any other manner, on the grounds of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, handicap or national origin.
   
   
   
   11. Combining Notices
       
       Any notices under paragraph (I), (L), or (M) of this section may be combined with and run concurrently with any notice required under State or local law.
   
   
   
   12. Offer of New Lease
       
       After approval of a proposed new Lease by the PHA in accordance with HUD regulations, the Landlord may offer the Tenant Family the proposed new Lease for execution on behalf of the Tenant Family, for a term beginning at any time after the first year of the term of this Lease. The Landlord shall give the Tenant written notice of the offer, with copy to the PHA, at least sixty days before the proposed commencement date of the new Lease term. The offer may specify a reasonable time limit for acceptance by the Tenant Family.
   
   
   
   13. Termination of Lease By Tenant
       
       The Tenant may terminate the Lease without cause at any time after the first year of the term of the Lease, on not more than sixty days written notice by the Tenant to the Landlord (with copy to the PHA). (The provisions of this subsection (M) are not intended to limit any right of the Tenant to terminate the Lease where so provided elsewhere in the Lease.)
   
   
   
   14. Assistance Contract
       
       This Lease has been signed by the parties on the condition that the PHA will promptly execute a Housing Voucher Contract with the Landlord. This Lease shall not become effective unless the PHA has executed a Housing Assistance Payments Contract with the Landlord effective the first day of the term of the Lease.
   
   
   
   15. Prohibited Lease Provisions
       
       Not withstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Lease, any provision of the Lease which falls within the classifications below shall be inapplicable.
       1. Confession of Judgment. Prior consent by the Tenant to be sued, to admit guilt, or to judgment in favor of the Landlord in a lawsuit brought in connection with the Lease.
       2. Seize or Hold Property for Rent or Other Charges. Authorization to the Landlord to take property of the Tenant, or hold property of the Tenant, as a pledge or security until the Tenant meets any obligation which the Landlord has determined the Tenant has failed to perform.
       3. Exculpatory Clause. Agreement by the Tenant not to hold the Landlord or Landlord's agents legally responsible for any action or failure to act, whether intentional or negligent.
       4. Waiver of Legal Notice. Agreement by the Tenant that the Landlord may institute a lawsuit without notice to the Tenant.
       5. Waiver of Legal Proceedings. Agreement by the Tenant that the Landlord may evict the Tenant or hold or sell possessions of the Tenant Family if the Landlord determines that the Tenant has violated the Lease, without notice to the Tenant or any court decision on the rights of the parties.
       6. Waiver of Jury Trial. Authorization to the Landlord to waive the Tenant's right to trial by jury.
       7. Waiver of Right to Appeal Court Decision. Authorization to the Landlord to waive the Tenant's right to appeal a decision on the ground of judicial error or to waive the Tenant's right to sue to prevent a judgment from being put into effect.
       8. Tenant Chargeable with Cost of Legal Actions Regardless of Outcome of Lawsuit. Agreement by the Tenant to pay lawyer's fees or other legal costs whenever the Landlord decides to sue, whether or not the Tenant wins.



2. Tenant's Obligation
   
   The Tenant shall keep the dwelling in a clean and sanitary condition and shall otherwise comply with all state and local laws requiring Tenant to maintain rented premises. Tenant acknowledges that a move-in inspection of the property has been conducted prior to occupancy of unit. The results of the inspection will establish the condition of the unit upon Tenant's initial occupancy and will serve as the basis for any repair charges and/or refund of Tenant's security deposit upon move out. Tenant shall keep the property and appliances, if any, and fixtures which are rented for the exclusive use of the Tenant in good order and condition. If damage to the dwelling unit (other than normal wear and tear) is caused by acts of or neglect by tenant or others occupying the premises with his/her permission, Tenant, upon prior agreement with Landlord, may repair such damage at his own expense. If (a) Tenant fails to make agreed upon repairs, or (b) Landlord agrees to make repairs, Landlord may cause such repairs to be made and Tenant shall be liable to Landlord for any reasonable expense thereby incurred by the Landlord. Responsibility for yard maintenance should be acknowledged between Landlord and Tenant.



3. Inspection of Unit
   
   The Landlord or the Landlord's agent may enter the dwelling unit only for the following purposes: (a) to determine if Tenant is complying with this agreement, (b) to make repairs, and (c) to exhibit the unit to prospective purchasers, mortgages, tenants and workers. Tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the Landlord to enter for such purposes. However, Landlord shall, expect in an emergency such as fire, give the Tenant at least twenty-four hours notice of his/her intent to enter and may then enter only at a reasonable time. If an emergency occurs, the Landlord shall, within two days thereafter, notify Tenant in writing of the date, time, purpose and results of such entry.



4. Occupancy of the Dwelling Unit
   
   Tenant agrees not to assign this lease, nor to sublet or transfer possession of the premises, not to give accommodation to boarders or lodgers without the written consent of the Landlord and the PHA. Tenant further agrees not to use or permit the use of the dwelling unit for any purposes other than as a private dwelling solely for Tenant and his/her family and/or dependents. This provision does not apply to reasonable accommodation of Tenant's guests or visitors whose stay in less than thirty (30) days. Tenant shall have prior consent of Landlord for guests staying in excess of one week. Except for home occupations that are clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the property for residential purposes (such as arts and crafts created for profit), Tenant shall use the property solely for residential purposes by Tenant's household. A use permit for application for a home occupation may be filled by Tenant with consent of Landlord.



5. Drug Free Housing
   
   In consideration of the execution or renewal of a lease of the dwelling unit identified in the lease, Owner and Tenant agree as follows:
   1. Tenant, any members of the tenant's household, or a guest or other person under the tenant's control shall not engage in criminal activity, including drug-related criminal activity, on or near premises. "Drug-related criminal activity" means the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, use or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or use, of a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 802)).
   2. Tenant, any members of the tenant's household, or a guest or other person under the tenant's control shall not engage in any act intended to facilitate criminal activity, including drug-related criminal activity, on or near premises.
   3. Tenant or members of the household will not permit the dwelling unit to be used for, or to facilitate, criminal activity, including drug-related criminal activity, regardless of whether the individual engaging in such activity is a member of the household or a guest.
   4. Tenant or members of the Household will not engage in the manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs at any location, whether on or near premises or otherwise.
   5. Tenant, any member of the tenant's household, or a guest or other person under the tenant's control shall not engage in acts of violence or threats of violence, including, but not limited to, the unlawful discharge of firearms, on or near project premises
   6. VIOLATION OF THE ABOVE PROVISIONS SHALL BE A MATERIAL VIOLATION OF THE LEASE AND GOOD CAUSE FOR TERMINATION OF TENANCY. A single violation of Paragraph 5(A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) shall be deemed a serious violation and a material noncompliance with the lease. It is understood and agreed that a single violation shall be good cause for termination of the lease. Unless otherwise provided by law, proof of violation shall not require criminal conviction, but shall be by a preponderance of the evidence


6. Pets
   
   As set forth in EXHIBIT A



7. Tenant/Guest Conduct
   
   Tenant, members of his/her household, or guests shall not engage in any activity that adversely affects the health, safety, or quiet enjoyment of the premises of other tenants, shall not use the premises for any unlawful purposes or violate any law or ordinance and shall comply with all reasonable rules or regulations delivered to Tenant by Landlord or any amendment to such rules or regulations. Any such amendment shall be effective 30 days after delivery to Tenant. Landlord agrees to prevent other tenants and other persons in the building or common areas from similarly disturbing Tenant's peace and quiet.



8. Alterations
   
   No alterations, additions or improvements shall be made by Tenant in or about the dwelling without the prior written consent of the Landlord.



9. Needed Repairs
   
   Tenant shall notify Landlord promptly of the need for repairs. Any fire damage shall be reported promptly to Landlord.



10. Destruction of Premises
    
    Should any part of the dwelling unit or the Building in which it is located be destroyed by fire, casualty, or other cause no the fault of Tenant, Landlord shall promptly repair and restore the dwelling unit or Building to its former condition at Landlord's sole cost and expense. During the making of the repairs and restoration work, the rent payable under this Lease shall be abated for the time and the extent Tenant is prevent from fully occupying said premises under this Lease in Tenant's usual and normal manner; provided, however, that in lieu of many such repairs and performing such restoration work, Landlord may terminate this lease where either (a) the necessary repair or restoration work cannot reasonably be completed under then applicable governmental laws and regulations within thirty (30) working days after it is commenced, or (b) the loss is not covered by Landlord's then existing fire and extended coverage insurance policies.



11. Abandonment of Unit
    
    In the event that the Tenant shall be absent from the premises for a period of 14 consecutive days while in default of rent, Tenant shall, at the option of the Landlord, be deemed to have abandoned the premises and property left on the premises shall be considered abandoned and may be disposed of by the Landlord according to law (Civil Code 1951.3)



12. Asbestos
    
    The Housing Authority makes no representation of the presence of asbestos in the unit



13. Insurance
    
    Landlord shall carry and pay for fire and hazard insurance on the entire real property covered by this lease. Tenant shall not do anything to interfere with this obligation.



14. Changes
    
    This lease, together with any future adjustments of rent or dwelling unit, evidences that the entire agreement between the Landlord and the Tenant. No change herein shall be made except in writing, signed and dated by both parties and approved by the PHA



15. Signatures
    
    Set forth in EXHIBIT A

Housing Authority of the City of Vallejo

and

County of Solano

Obligations of the Family