Welcome to CLPHA's Press Room
CLPHA experts welcome interview requests from print, radio, television, and online reporters and are happy to provide their insights on issues of public housing and related legislation and policy.
For media inquiries, please contact:
David Greer
Director of Communications
(202) 550-1381 or dgreer@clpha.org.
*Please let us know if you are working on deadline.
To view all of CLPHA's press releases, click here.
To view all of CLPHA's press statements, click here.
You can subscribe here to our biweekly newsletter, events invite list, and topic specific newsletters. You can also follow us on Twitter at @CLPHA. Or, send us an email with your interests and we would be happy to add you to our press lists.
Thanks again for your interest in CLPHA!
Statement From Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, which represents 70 of the nation’s largest public housing authorities (PHAs) in cities across the United States, congratulates Dr. Ben Carson on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Housing stability is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty for families, and our nation’s PHAs have been on the front lines of this fight, helping to develop creative solutions to our housing crisis, and implementing these ideas in their communities.
CLPHA looks to Dr. Carson to advocate for adequate funding for housing programs, to support implementation of innovative programs on the local level, including the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Moving to Work (MTW), and to provide PHAs with the tools to promote the cross-sector partnerships that connect housing to health, education and other sectors to lift families out of poverty.
As someone who spent part of his upbringing in public housing, Dr. Carson represents the promise to create opportunity and lift people out of poverty. We look forward to working with him and HUD to provide safe, decent, and affordable rental housing to low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
From the San Diego Housing Commission's press release:
With funding from a new grant announced this week, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) will launch a program to create a pathway for careers in healthcare for youth ages 18 through 26 in the City of San Diego who receive federal rental assistance.
The $604,000 grant from Prebys Foundation will provide funds over a period of two years for “Healthcare Career Catalyst for Young Adults,” an SDHC Achievement Academy program to provide Certified Medical Assistant training and life skills at no cost to eligible youth.
“The opportunity for a career in healthcare as a Certified Medical Assistant can be life-changing for young adults in families with low income. This program is a significant, positive step to support these youth and reflects our strategic priority to help families increase opportunities for self-sufficiency and quality of life,” SDHC Interim President & CEO Jeff Davis said. “I thank Prebys Foundation for partnering with us on this effort by providing this essential funding."
The grant is among $30.6 million Prebys Foundation awarded to organizations throughout the San Diego region in the program areas of Visual and Performing Arts, Youth Success, Healthcare, and Medical Research"
"Our communities are better thanks to the work of the San Diego Housing Commission,” said Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation. “This is why we are proud to invest $604,000 to their work advancing our shared vision for a vibrant and thriving region. We encourage others to support, learn more and celebrate their work."
The "Healthcare Career Catalyst for Young Adults” program builds upon a similar partnership between the SDHC Achievement Academy and Western Medical Training Center that graduated nearly 200 people as Certified Nursing Assistants.
For the new program, the SDHC Achievement Academy will partner with Western Medical Training Center for a comprehensive Certified Medical Assistant course consisting of online and on-campus learning, labs skills, and a clinical externship. Through a partnership with the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO), program participants will also receive help to establish and build their credit.
More than 4,800 potential program participants have been identified among individuals ages 18 through 26 in households with low income that receive federal rental assistance from SDHC. These young adults include “disconnected” and “overburdened” youth who experience barriers to work and school and/or pressure beyond what is considered normal or healthy for their age. They also may live in underserved communities and have traditionally faced barriers to financial self-reliance.
Approximately 45% of these potential program participants identify as Hispanic or Latino, and more than half identify their race as Black, Indigenous, and/or Persons of Color (BIPOC).
The program will enroll up to 80 people—20 in each of four six-month program sessions offered over two years.
Program participants may also receive the following resources, funded through the grant:
- Credit building loans through IRC’s CEO;
- Assistance with opening checking and savings accounts, as needed, with a $50 savings deposit incentive upon initial enrollment, followed by $100 halfway through and another $100 upon completion;
- A $250 monthly stipend to augment participants’ income;
- A $150 one-time assistance payment toward a computer or similar digital device;
- A $30 monthly stipend to support internet or hot spot access;
- A public transit pass or gas card; and
- Supplies such as scrubs/uniforms and shoes.
From Opportunity Home San Antonio's press release:
Opportunity Home San Antonio was awarded a grant from the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation in support of the ConnectHomeSA program, helping to narrow the digital divide in the community.
Through the grant, 480 devices will be awarded to Opportunity Home residents upon their successful completion of the ConnectHomeSA digital literacy program, with another 60 devices budgeted for residents to access in public housing community rooms.
“As a trusted funder in Bexar County, the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation is delighted to support San Antonio Homeownership Corporation and their goal to narrow the digital divide in Bexar County by providing a grant that will help provide internet access, digital literacy and access to devices for housing assistance recipients in the community,” said a spokesperson from the Foundation.
In 2015, Opportunity Home became a ConnectHome community, a program created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that focuses on providing residents with the three core components of digital inclusion — access to affordable internet, access to devices, and digital skills training. Upon completion of the CHSA program, participants earn a free refurbished digital device.
“Digital literacy and basics are fundamental to our everyday activities, so when our residents are able to become exposed to these skills, it is integral to their growth,” said Jessica Strom, Opportunity Home digital inclusion manager. “Once they gain the knowledge and obtain a device, they are positioned for success in employment, education, and have improved health outcomes.”
This grant allocation from the foundation aids in narrowing the digital divide in San Antonio. Currently, one in six households in the city do not own a computer and one in four households do not have access to internet or reliable broadband.
From the Global Business Coalition for Education's press release:
The Global Business Coalition for Education announced the Southern California College Attainment Network (SoCal CAN) has been awarded $100,000 in the Big Ideas, Bright Cities Challenge, a nationwide competition to help boost youth skills across the U.S.
SoCal CAN is a nonprofit that works in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) to provide comprehensive college and career advice to public housing residents, focused on breaking the cycle of poverty. SoCal CAN was selected from hundreds of applicants across the country.
The Big Ideas, Bright Cities Challenge honors teams of nonprofits, education organizations, and cities working with the business community to create innovative programs that help prepare young people for meaningful careers. The group also awarded grants to 14 finalists. For the next year, all 15 organizations will be part of an incubator program to share leading practices and connect with business and city leaders invested in youth skills development. The Skills Friendly Cites Network will help their ideas to grow and inspire others.
This is the second cohort of winners in the Challenge, run by the Global Business Coalition for Education, a movement of businesses committed to ending the global education crisis. The initiative is made possible by support from Dell Technologies and Deloitte.
“We’re thrilled to receive this extraordinary recognition. Our cities thrive when our young people thrive,” said Alison De Luca, executive director of Southern California College Attainment Network. “Project SOAR is nurturing the skills and talents of youth in public housing. One-on-one support ensures that their college and career dreams become a reality and breaks the poverty cycle for themselves and their families. Partnerships with colleges, businesses, and social service providers ensure no one falls through the cracks. We’re excited to continue expanding this work since nearly 2.2 million Americans live in public housing.:
“With this Challenge, we’re spotlighting groundbreaking work across the country to nurture skills in young people and help set them up for success,” said Justin van Fleet, executive director of the Global Business Coalition for Education. “This is our way of encouraging youth-serving nonprofits, companies and cities to work together, building skills for the next generation."
The Big Ideas Bright Cities Challenge provides local nonprofit leaders the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading companies and organizations, including businesses focused on digital transformation. This year, the challenge drew hundreds of applicants from 24 states. They had to show collaboration among nonprofits, city leaders, young people, and businesses. Winners were selected based on 10 Standards for Creating Skills-Friendly Cities.
“A ‘skills-friendly’ city does more than just train its workforce,” said Maia Wagner, director of US giving and impact at Dell Technologies. “It cultivates an ecosystem of technology, education, and community support that sets its people up for future success. We are proud to support this holistic initiative that drives innovation at the community level."
“As the workforce evolves, so should the way we think about supporting youth and providing access to resources and education that can match the skillset required for them to fulfill their career aspirations,” said Kwasi Mitchell, chief purpose & DEI officer at Deloitte. “We’re proud to support the Global Business Coalition for Education in its commitment to helping address the systemic barriers that can stand in the way for today’s youth and providing resources that can help create a better, more equitable future for all."
The previous winner, Action Greensboro, in North Carolina, helps find paid internships for young people, including low-income and first-generation college students, and provides stipends for youth to work with minority- and women-owned businesses.
From the Houston Housing Authority's press release:
The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) and Cardiac Solutions have partnered to achieve a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first housing agency in North America to install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) with LUCAS compression devices and AED Sentinel camera remote monitoring for all AEDs in all of its public housing complexes. This strategic initiative aims to enhance emergency response capabilities, specifically targeting Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) incidents, the leading cause of death in the United States.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the chances of survival significantly increase when bystanders perform CPR and defibrillation before first responders arrive on the scene. SCA occurs approximately once every 34 seconds in the United States, making it imperative to have life-saving equipment readily available in public spaces.
"Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a silent and swift killer, and our commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents led us to take this proactive step," said David A. Northern, Sr., President and CEO of the Houston Housing Authority. "By installing AEDs in all our public housing complexes, we are empowering our communities and enhancing our emergency response capabilities to save lives."
LaRence Snowden, HHA Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, adds, "This groundbreaking initiative aligns with our commitment to providing a secure living environment. This positions HHA as a leader in proactive community welfare initiatives, setting a precedent for housing agencies across North America."
Jon Seale, CEO of Cardiac Solutions, expressed his support for the HHA's initiative: "The Houston Housing Authority's commitment to safety and readiness is commendable. Equipping public spaces with AEDs, LUCAS devices, and AED Sentinel remote monitoring is a crucial step in improving survival rates during cardiac emergencies. We are proud to collaborate with HHA on this life-saving endeavor."
The partnership also addresses the HHA's experience with two significant incidents since March 2023, where the lack of immediate medical assistance devices and training hindered the response to medical emergencies. The HHA recognizes the critical importance of swift and effective intervention in such situations, and this initiative is a direct response to bridge this gap.
In addition to installing AEDs, the HHA emphasizes the importance of ongoing training for staff and residents. This training ensures that individuals are well-equipped to provide immediate assistance during a cardiac emergency, aligning with industry standards and recommendations.
From the New York City Housing Authority's press release:
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt today announced that Bronx River Addition will become the second development to hold an official vote to give residents a say in the future of their homes. The voting process — first launched at Nostrand Houses in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn — will provide residents with an opportunity to decide on whether the development should enter the Public Housing Preservation Trust or join the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, both of which leverage alternative funding streams available through the federal government. Residents can also choose for their development to maintain the traditional public housing financing model and remain Section 9 housing.
Following 100 days of public engagement, a 30-day voting period is expected to run from March 13 to April 11, 2024 — during which time residents may vote online or by mail, or in person during the last 10 days of the voting period. A qualified, independent, third-party administrator will conduct and oversee the election.
“As someone who grew up on the edge of homelessness, I know how important it is to have access to affordable and reliable housing,” said Mayor Adams. “From the start of this administration, we have worked to help NYCHA residents have a seat at the table and a say in the future of their homes. We are thrilled that Bronx River Addition will follow in Nostrand Houses’ footsteps to cast ballots in this historic voting process, and I urge all residents to make their voices heard.”
“Our administration is thrilled to offer Bronx River Addition residents the opportunity to vote on a comprehensive plan to renovate and modernize their homes,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “This is an important decision that will impact families living in NYCHA for generations, and their voices must always be heard. Over the next 100 days, we look forward to hearing directly from residents about which path is right for them.”
“Following the vote at Nostrand, residents of Bronx River Addition will now have their own opportunity to weigh in on the future of their campus through this important and groundbreaking process,” said NYCHA CEO Bova-Hiatt. “Every day, we see the impacts that decades of federal disinvestment have had on public housing developments across the portfolio. We are pleased that, through this voting process, residents will be able to decide how to address the vast and growing needs of their buildings.”
Home to 146 residents from 133 households, Bronx River Addition has an estimated 20-year capital need of $66 million and has dealt with several severe infrastructure issues in recent years that have caused tenants to be relocated in one of its two buildings. NYCHA estimates needing nearly $80 billion for repairs across its portfolio.
The New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust is a public entity established by Mayor Adams and NYCHA in May 2023 and authorized by a law signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul last year following extensive advocacy from the Adams administration and NYCHA. A fully public entity, the Trust is expected to unlock billions of dollars in federal funding for comprehensive renovations at NYCHA developments to improve living conditions for residents. Under the Trust, a development is kept 100 percent public and converted to the more stable, federally funded Project-Based Section 8 program, while ensuring residents always maintain their rights, including permanently affordable rent.
The PACT program similarly transitions developments from traditional Section 9 assistance to Project-Based Section 8 and unlocks funding for designated third-party PACT partners to complete comprehensive repairs.