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David Greer
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For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program is a Proven Means of Securing the Future of the Nation’s Public Housing Stock
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Federal Housing Commissioner Brian Montgomery joined the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, its development partners Atlantic | Pacific Communities and Madhouse Development Services, and the Austin community to celebrate the groundbreaking of HACA’s most recent redevelopment of one of its public housing properties, Goodrich Place, which also represents the 100,000th public housing unit being converted through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program.
In recognition of this important milestone, Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities and Patrick Costigan, Strategic Advisor to the RAD Collaborative, issued the following statement:
Today we are celebrating an important milestone addressing the critical need for affordable housing by enabling housing authorities to convert public housing to more stable long-term Section 8 based contracts that will serve PHAs and residents for years to come.
Through the Rental Assistance Demonstration program, agencies across the country can leverage private financing to complete capital improvements needed to preserve and improve the public housing stock, without giving up control of the asset. RAD engenders creative local partnerships, stimulates ongoing economic activity, and leads to improved housing quality for low-income seniors and families.
As we celebrate the 100,000th RAD unit, it’s clear that we have proof of concept. To give PHAs greater certainty, HUD’s program should be permanent with unlimited opportunity for conversions to agencies meeting the requirements.
Congratulations to HUD at this significant juncture, and to HACA and the residents of Goodrich Place who will soon have access to improved units in one of Austin’s highest opportunity neighborhoods.
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities is a national non-profit organization that works to preserve and improve public and affordable housing through advocacy, research, policy analysis and public education. CLPHA’s 70 members represent virtually every major metropolitan area in the country. Together they manage 40 percent of the nation’s public housing program; administer 26 percent of the Housing Choice Voucher program; and operate a wide array of other housing programs. Learn more at clpha.org and on Twitter @CLPHA.
About the RAD Collaborative
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA)—with the support of the National Equity Fund (NEF), HAI Group, Reno & Cavanaugh, and CF Housing Group—organized the RAD Collaborative for interested Public Housing Authorities, their partners and residents using the Rental Assistance Demonstration to preserve and revitalize public housing properties. Our focus also includes extending RAD to multifamily housing at risk of being lost from the affordable inventory--including Rent Supp, RAP, Mod Rehab and Section 202 PRAC properties. Learn more at radcollaborative.org and on Twitter @SucceedwithRAD.
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Statement From Council of Large Public Housing
Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
Washington, DC – “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), representing more than 70 of the country’s largest and most innovative housing authorities, is calling on Congress to reject the Trump Administration’s FY18 budget, which proposes to slash $6.2 billion in funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including $2 billion in cuts to public housing. If realized, the draconian cuts included in this budget would not only have severe and cumulative effects on public and affordable housing programs across the country, but it would also shred the safety net of other public assistance programs on which many low-income Americans rely.
“The Trump Administration’s full FY18 budget proposal, released today, Tuesday, May 23, would devastate HUD programs that are currently helping over 1.2 million households that reside in public housing, including families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and close to 800,000 children. The budget targets America’s most vulnerable citizens with drastic cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), while also slashing disability benefits and student loan and education programs, thereby crippling essential support systems affecting many of the residents we serve in low-income housing.
“The Administration’s dramatic HUD reductions come at a time when the federal government should actually be investing in public housing as part of the nation’s infrastructure, as such investment generates economic growth, creates jobs, bolsters productivity, and generates tax revenue for localities.
“The budget proposes $628 million for the Public Housing Capital Fund compared to $1.942 billion in FY17; $3.9 billion for the Public Housing Operating Fund compared to $4.4 billion in FY17; $17.584 billion for Section 8 voucher renewals compared to $18.355 billion in FY17; and $1.55 billion for administrative fees compared to $1.65 billion in FY17.
“Everyone should be alarmed by the magnitude of these proposed cuts -- the Public Housing Capital Fund alone sustains a cut of over 67 percent. The irony of this particular cut is that it not only undermines basic health and safety improvements, it also makes it virtually impossible to leverage private investment, which HUD claims is a major policy priority.
“Another example is the proposed $771 million reduction to the Housing Choice Voucher program, which provides housing vouchers to needy families. These budget reductions, coupled with rising rents and inflation, will result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of vouchers and threaten currently-housed families with homelessness.
“CLPHA and the nation’s largest public housing authorities are asking members of Congress to reject the cuts proposed by the Trump Administration, as they will significantly harm our most vulnerable citizens and undermine our already significant public investment in this affordable housing stock.”
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), representing more than 70 of the country’s largest and most innovative housing authorities, calls on the Administration and Congress to reject the draconian proposal to slash more than $6 billion in funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including $2 billion in cuts to public housing.
There are over 1.2 million households currently residing in public housing. Seniors and persons with disabilities constitute over half of all residents, and there are over 600,000 children residing in public housing. Public housing cuts will fall directly on the shoulders of residents currently residing in public housing and reduce opportunities for millions of families languishing on waiting lists across the country.
The public housing capital fund provides modernization and rehabilitation funding for the 1.2 million unit public housing portfolio. The reported cut to the capital fund of $1.3 billion represents close to a 70% reduction from last year’s funding level. These proposed cuts will dramatically accelerate the current estimated loss of 10,000 to 12,000 public housing units already lost annually due to chronic underfunding.
The public housing operating fund covers day-to-day operational and maintenance expenses not covered by resident rents. The reported cut to the operating fund of $600 million is a 13% percent reduction from last year, and approximately 72% of what is needed. This funding level will have a devastating impact on the ability to operate and maintain this housing and severely endanger the health, wellbeing, and safety of our most vulnerable children, families, and seniors reliant on housing assistance.
These cuts directly contradict the findings of the congressionally-mandated 2010 HUD study on the backlog of public housing capital repair needs estimated at $26 billion and annual accruing capital needs estimated at $3.4 billion. HUD’s budget does not come close to meeting the annual need and contributes to the growing backlog need.
The tenant based rental assistance program which provides housing vouchers to needy families will also experience a $300 million reduction according to the reports on the budget. This cut coupled with rising rents and inflation will result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of vouchers and threaten currently housed families with homelessness.
We call on the Administration and Congress to reject these draconian cuts that will harm our most vulnerable citizens and undermine our already significant public investment in this affordable housing stock.
From The Mercury News:
Construction is underway on a supportive housing project in San Jose to provide stable homes for more than three dozen young adults who are homeless or leaving the foster care system across the South Bay.
The former Pavilion Inn, at 1280 N. Fourth St., will be converted to 43 studio and one-bedroom apartments. It’s set to open by next summer. The site will offer residents wraparound services, including mental health care and job counseling.
“Providing these young people a lifeline to housing and services now is an investment not only in their future, but in the future health of our own community,” Laura Archuleta, executive director of project developer Jamboree Housing, said in a statement.
An estimated 764 children and young adults are homeless in Santa Clara County, according to the most recent count early this year.
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The city and Santa Clara County are putting about $17 million toward redevelopment, with the other $15 coming from the state’s Homekey homeless housing program. The county Housing Authority will also supply federal housing vouchers to cover most rent for at least 21 residents.
Read The Mercury News' article "43-unit housing project for homeless youth coming to San Jose." featuring the Santa Clara County Housing Authority.
From the Fort Worth Report:
Eula Halliburton has been waiting three years for Cowan Place to open, allowing her to return home to her Stop Six neighborhood.
Every day, she would come by the lot that would one day be the location of affordable senior housing. She wondered when she would be able to move in. On Friday, Nov. 10, she was finally able to do just that.
A grand opening for Cowan Place was held Nov. 13 although the complex welcomed its first residents two weeks ago, over two years after groundbreaking back in September 2021. Cowan Place, a 174-unit housing development for seniors aged 62 and older, is the first phase of the Stop Six Choice Neighborhood Initiative.
For Fort Worth Housing Solutions, this is the culmination of six years of work to develop the property they purchased years before receiving the $35 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement the initiative.
“When we received our grant, it was actually about a month after COVID was announced and so it was exciting, but it was just kind of anti-climactic, and we didn’t exactly know what we were doing,” said Mary-Margaret Lemons, president of Fort Worth Housing Solutions. “It was new ground, but to see it today, this huge, beautiful building that’s serving seniors… to see the impact it makes on their lives is really amazing.”
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The project was community-driven, Lemons said, noting that many of the details were selected by the residents through quarterly meetings. That community approach will translate into the other phases of the Stop Six Choice Neighborhood Initiative too.
“There’s an African proverb that says ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you go far, go together.’ And I think that has been true,” Lemons said. “When we get together, we are making a lasting and impactful change in this community, for the community, by the community.”
What has been accomplished with Cowan Place has given many hope of what’s to come to Stop Six as the development plan of the neighborhood continues to move forward with two housing projects already underway.
“I hope it really renews a sense of trust with the community that we promised this was going to be world class and it really is and that it’s just the beginning,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “The MLK community center, opening Hughes House — all of these projects together really do help revitalize an area that deserves it.”
Read the Fort Worth Report's article "Cowan Place welcomes home Stop Six seniors, brings hope for future of neighborhood."
From the Housing Authority of Cook County's press release:
Today, the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) announced the appointment of a new Executive Director, Danita Childers, who will lead the organization in its continued commitment to providing affordable and quality housing in suburban Cook County. As the new Executive Director, Childers will spearhead strategic initiatives to enhance the living conditions and strengthen the housing programs offered by the Housing Authority of Cook County. With an impressive background in housing management and extensive experience in community development, Childers brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role.
“As the newly appointed Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Cook County, I am honored and motivated to take on this crucial responsibility. With a deep commitment to providing safe, affordable, and inclusive housing opportunities, our team will work tirelessly to uplift and empower the residents of Cook County. We will build a stronger community, foster positive change, and create a brighter future for all,” said Danita Childers, Housing Authority of Cook County’s newly appointed executive director.
Danita Childers boasts a diverse and extensive professional background, spanning across various organizations. Childers recently served as the Deputy Chief of Development Operations at the Chicago Housing Authority where she managed the financial aspects of the Development Division, overseeing a $65 million budget. Prior to her work at the CHA, Childers held the position of Deputy Commissioner within the Department of Planning & Development for the City of Chicago, where she effectively managed the north planning region. Earlier in her career, at Jones Lang LaSalle, Danita excelled as an Associate Director in the Global Consulting Group, contributing to the development and implementation of strategic real estate solutions for diverse clients. Danita Childers holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with a concentration in Accounting and Finance. Prior to obtaining her MBA, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Michigan.
“Danita Childers’ appointment as the new Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Cook County marks a moment of celebration for our community,” said President Preckwinkle. “Her extensive experience in housing management and community development, combined with her visionary leadership, will undoubtedly have a positive impact in the lives of our residents. We look forward to her innovative approach to enhancing our housing programs and strengthening the quality of the places and spaces our residents call home. I’m hopeful that Danita will continue her legacy as a dedicated and qualified leader, and play a vital role in fostering sustainable, inclusive communities throughout Cook County.
“We are thrilled to welcome Danita Childers as our new Executive Director,” said Wendy Walker Williams, Chair of the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners. “Executive Director Childers has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to improving housing conditions and advocating for social equity throughout her career. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach will empower the Housing Authority of Cook County to address the complex challenges our community faces while ensuring that residents have access to safe and affordable homes. The Housing Authority of Cook County looks forward to the positive impact that Danita’s leadership will make on the lives of countless residents and families. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive communities.”
HUD has awarded nearly $25 million in Housing Mobility-Related Services awards to seven public housing authorities (PHAs) to administer housing mobility programs. The awards were made through the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Services Program, which is based on HUD's Community Choice Demonstration program.
CLPHA congratulates our four members that received awards:
- Boston Housing Authority: $5,000,000
- Housing Authority of the Birmingham District: $2,119,900
- Houston Housing Authority: $5,000,000
- Seattle Housing Authority: $1,075,200
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HUD has awarded nearly $25 million in Housing Mobility-Related Services awards to seven public housing authorities (PHAs) to administer housing mobility programs. The awards were made through the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Services Program, which is based on HUD's Community Choice Demonstration program.
CLPHA congratulates our four members that received awards:
- Boston Housing Authority: $5,000,000
- Housing Authority of the Birmingham District: $2,119,900
- Houston Housing Authority: $5,000,000
- Seattle Housing Authority: $1,075,200
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