i https://nam.edu/social-determinants-of-health-101-for-health-care-five-plus-five/
ii https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/national-and-state-housing-fact-sheets-data
iii https://newsroom.uhc.com/community/housing-healthcare.html
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.
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Thanks again for your interest in CLPHA!
Press Releases
1.11.22
 (Washington, D.C.) January 11, 2022 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to announce that Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) CEO Jeffery K. Patterson has been named president of CLPHA’s board of directors.
Mr. Patterson was elected at CLPHA’s December 2021 board meeting, and previously served as the board’s vice president. He follows CLPHA’s previous board president, King County Housing Authority (KCHA) Executive Director Stephen Norman, who retired on December 31, 2021. CLPHA is also pleased to announce that La Shelle Dozier, executive director of the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, was elected CLPHA vice president and Maria Razo, executive director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, was elected CLPHA secretary at the board’s December 2021 meeting. Ed Lowndes, executive director of the Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO, was re-elected board treasurer.
"I am honored to be elected president of CLPHA’s board and would like to thank Stephen Norman for his service and leadership upon his well-deserved retirement,” said Patterson. “Decades of chronic disinvestment, an aging housing portfolio and racial inequities have long predated the pandemic. Entering the third year of pandemic, these issues have only been magnified.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Patterson added. “Historic housing investments proposed by the White House and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in the Build Back Better Act have stalled in the Senate. CLPHA will continue robust advocacy to ensure these significant housing investments are available to housing authorities across the country who are serving low-income families every day in their local communities.”
“Congratulations to CMHA CEO Jeffery Patterson on being named president of the Board of Directors of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. I was pleased to join him, residents, and city leaders at the recent groundbreaking of the Buckeye-Woodhill Choice Neighborhoods transformation plan, which will provide high quality affordable housing that is connected to economic, educational, and health opportunities in a vibrant neighborhood. I look forward to continuing to work with CEO Patterson in his new role to bring greater affordable housing opportunities to more people and communities in Ohio and across the country,” said Senator Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
“Jeffery has been an invaluable asset to CLPHA in his seven years on the board,” said CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman. “He leads in many ways -- as board vice president and chair of the Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee and Communications Committee, but also more locally through the many boards he serves on in the greater Cleveland area. Jeffery has a deep understanding of national housing issues as well as local challenges and solutions, and his commitment to CLPHA will ensure continuity through this leadership transition. I look forward to working with CLPHA’s new board leadership to advance our goals and policy priorities in these unprecedented times.”
Mr. Patterson has served as CMHA’s CEO for ten years and has over thirty years of dedicated service to the residents of Cuyahoga County. As CEO of one of the largest housing authorities in the country, he is responsible for a $230 million dollar budget, approximately 750 employees, 10,500 units of housing, 15,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, and nearly 55,000 residents and participants of CMHA's low-income Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. He also serves on the board of directors for the Housing Authority Insurance Group, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (Chairman), Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (Vice-Chairman), St. Luke’s Foundation, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Unify Labs Inc., University Circle Inc., the Cleveland Public Library Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation.
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5.19.21
Data-driven ”Community Catalyst” initiative in 23 communities convenes partners across sectors to identify and address community and population health needs; 10 of the initiatives are focused on public housing authority partnerships
MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealthcare today announced a community-based initiative, Community Catalyst, that convenes a broad range of community stakeholders to identify and address specific health care needs of members of the community and residents of publicly assisted housing who are often difficult to reach and serve.
UnitedHealthcare is expanding on its long-term collaboration with the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) by engaging public housing agencies (PHAs), federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and community-based organizations (CBOs) in their mutual commitment to serve as a catalyst to close gaps in care, address health equity challenges, and encourage a greater positive health impact in local communities. By blending clinical data with firsthand information from community members to identify health challenges, the initiative formally brings together local partners to develop a collaborative community plan to address needs and track progress and outcomes.
UnitedHealthcare and its partners will analyze claims, health care utilization and local data to identify communities with large racial and health disparities and challenges. Working together, Community Catalyst initiative partners will develop common goals and collaborative interventions that enable each organization to leverage its capabilities to address the local health challenge. These interventions will be customized to the community and may encompass food insecurity and diabetes management programs that can include trauma-informed care trainings, telehealth and virtual care services, multilingual educational materials, and social services wraparound support.
To date, the priority challenges identified include food insecurity, health disparities such as health literacy and maternal and women’s health, behavioral and mental health, homelessness, access to health care, and chronic disease and diabetes management.
“The needs of communities are as diverse as the communities themselves, and in order to best impact health outcomes in communities, we are creating approaches that are rooted in data and also reflect the perspectives of the people that live and work in the community,” said Catherine Anderson, senior vice president of policy and strategy, UnitedHealthcare Community & State. “By working closely with CLPHA, FQHCs, and CBOs, UnitedHealthcare is well-positioned to bring the right partners together to align primary and behavioral health with social needs, creating initiatives that not only improve health outcomes but also provide for equitable care for all.”
UnitedHealthcare and CLPHA announced the first cohort of PHAs with planned programs addressing challenges as identified in: Akron and Columbus, Ohio; Austin and Houston, Texas; and Seattle/King County, Wash. A second cohort of public housing authorities now joining the initiative include: Atlanta Housing Authority, Detroit Housing Commission, Indianapolis Housing Authority, Memphis Housing Authority, and New Orleans Housing Authority.
“UnitedHealthcare's expansion of the Community Catalyst initiative to a second cohort of five additional housing authorities demonstrates the value of public housing authorities to reach low-income families and to provide support services to improve community and population health needs,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. “CLPHA and our member public housing authorities are excited to work with UnitedHealthcare in this innovative and large-scale effort to bring together housing and health systems in an integrated approach.”
Additionally, UnitedHealthcare plans to launch similar initiatives partnering with FQHCs and CBOs to address community health needs in: Phoenix, Ariz.; Maui, Hawaii; Baton Rouge, La.; Montgomery County, Md.; Detroit, Mich.; Jackson and Clay counties, Mo.; Hinds, Copiah, and Warren, Miss.; Chester, Pa.; Richmond, Va.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Providence and Newport, R.I.
Research shows that 80% of an individual’s health is determined by what happens outside of a doctor’s officei. There are specific local underlying causes that trend in a community and create complex health challenges and barriers for individuals and communities, such as: lack of safe and affordable housing, healthy food and financial stability. In the United States, there are more than 2 million people in public housingii. Nationwide, children in subsidized housing have the lowest rate of enrollment into kindergarteniii.
FQHCs are rooted in local communities and critical to closing access gaps. In fact, 29 million Americans receive care at a FQHC each year, including 1 in 12 people and 1 in 5 people on Medicaid. FQHCs serve approximately 23% of UnitedHealthcare Community & State members at more than 1,300 clinics across the country. They are leading the way when it comes to serving our most vulnerable populations, including serving school-based health centers, military veterans, and homeless and public housing patients.
“UnitedHealthcare has provided ongoing support to our health center so we can better serve members of our community,” said María S. Gomez, president and CEO, Mary's Center. “This initiative is an exciting next step in the journey of collaboration, bringing together the key players in the community to help bridge the gap for people with an array of social and health needs that must be met before we can see a marked improvement in the overall health of our communities.”
This Community Catalyst initiative is one part of UnitedHealthcare’s ongoing efforts to address health equity, promote positive health outcomes and expand access to all. The company is also investing in programs and partnerships focused on food, transportation and social isolation, including $80 million to fight the pandemic and support vulnerable minority populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.3 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,500 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter.
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
CLPHA is a non-profit organization that works to preserve and improve public and affordable housing through advocacy, research, policy analysis, and public education. Its membership includes 70 of the largest and most innovative public housing authorities across the country, which collectively owns and manages nearly 40 percent of the nation’s public housing stock, administers more than a quarter of the Housing Choice Voucher program, and provides a wide array of other rental assistance. CLPHA members also make vital services available to the more than one million low-income households they serve in federally-assisted housing. CLPHA believes housing authorities are foundational to improving outcomes around housing, families, individuals, and communities. Through their Housing Is Initiative, CLPHA helps build a future where sectors work together to improve life outcomes. Housing stability is a critical first step to improve life outcomes for low-income children, families, and seniors; CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative is based on the premise that sectors can better meet needs when they work together. Housing Is establishes, broadens, and deepens efforts to align affordable housing, education, and health systems to produce positive, long-term results. Learn more at housingis.org and on Twitter @housing_is.
Contacts
Christina Witz
UnitedHealthcare
952-931-4645
Christina.witz@UHC.com
4.8.21
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(202) 550-1381
For Immediate Release
April 9, 2021 |
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(Washington, D.C.) April 9, 2021 – The Biden Administration’s recently announced infrastructure proposal, The American Jobs Plan, includes a $40 billion commitment to recapitalize public housing infrastructure. Applying data from a report by Econsult Solutions (ESI), a private data analytics firm, CLPHA estimates that 440,000 jobs will be created and $76 billion in economic impact generated during the time when the $40 billion in funds are spent.
“Investing in public housing infrastructure offers many economic benefits beyond lifting families out of poverty and preventing homelessness,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA). “The American Jobs Plan is the first to provide the size and scale of resources necessary to repair the crumbling infrastructure of public housing. In return local employers, governments, and industries will benefit from an economic activity that outpaces investment and creation of good-paying construction jobs.”
CLPHA commissioned ESI to evaluate the economic impacts of six public housing authorities (PHAs) in diverse markets across the country. Released in late 2018, “The Economic Impact of Public Housing: Ongoing Investment with Wide-Reaching Returns” found that PHAs generate and induce multiple streams of economic activity benefiting public housing residents and their local communities. For every $1 million PHAs spend on capital investments, $1.89 million in economic activity is generated and 11 full-time jobs are supported. CLPHA applied the American Jobs Plan’s $40 billion for recapitalizing public housing infrastructure with ESI’s economic impact numbers and found the American Jobs Plan will generate $76 billion in economic activity and 440,00 jobs — a nearly 2 to 1 ratio for economic impact generated to dollars spent.
“After decades of chronic underfunding and disinvestment in public housing infrastructure, the American Jobs Plan can be game changing. Local communities have an opportunity to experience the benefits of a robust public and affordable housing system,” said Zaterman. “Whether it is improving life outcomes for low-income families, creating positive impacts in surrounding neighborhoods of well-maintained public housing, expanding local and state tax bases, or spurring regional job creation and economic growth, public housing is a benefit. It is clear from the American Jobs Plan that the Biden Administration is committed to advancing public housing.”
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Statements
11.30.22
(Washington, DC) November 30, 2022 -- Statement from Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, on the importance of finalizing the FY23 appropriations legislation:
“For the millions of families served by public housing authorities, it is critical for Congress to complete the FY23 appropriations legislation before the start of the 118th Congress in January. The leading public housing advocacy organizations, in one voice, call on Congress to get this legislation passed so that our most vulnerable families are not put at risk.
“The consequences of a government shutdown or a series of continuing resolutions, which lock the previous year’s funding levels in place, create uncertainty for PHAs by not accounting for inflation or current shortfalls that could be severe and would amount to a budget cut. It will tie the hands of housing authorities and impact their abilities to provide their residents with safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“These consequences are preventable if Congress passes the FY23 appropriations legislation at the funding levels requested by the public housing organizations in the letter sent to Congress. We look forward to working with Congress as they finalize the legislation.”
Media Contact:
David Greer, CLPHA
(202) 550-1381
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
9.12.22
(Washington, D.C.) September 9, 2022 – Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the Biden administration's finalization of the rule rolling back the public charge rule:
“Today, hard-working immigrants are more welcome in America. The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Biden administration’s finalization of the rule unwinding the Trump administration’s pernicious and patently unlawful Public Charge Rule that included housing assistance against immigrants and their families when applying for an adjustment of residency status.
Federal housing assistance exists to keep families together and to lift them up, not to be weaponized to tear them apart. The cruelty of the rule was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as it caused families to opt out of many critical safety net programs, including federal housing assistance.
"CLPHA looks forward to continuing working with the Biden administration to ensure the equitable and compassionate treatment of immigrants and their families when seeking federal housing assistance.”
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 more than a quarter of the Housing Choice Voucher program; and operate a wide array of other housing programs. Learn more at clpha.org and on Twitter @CLPHA .
8.5.22
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(Washington, D.C.) August 5, 2022 -- Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s adoption of the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program and the Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program:
"The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) applauds the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) adoption of the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program and the one-year Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program at its Open Commission Meeting today. CLPHA has worked closely with the FCC to help shape these programs through direct dialogue with members of Congress, the FCC, and submitted comments throughout the regulatory process. CLPHA has also been a long-time proponent for digital equity through working with partners, disseminating information via webinars, spotlighting promising practices at conferences, and conducting outreach on opportunities. Today is a strong step forward for serving low-income families living in assisted housing with improved access to high-quality, affordable broadband and devices.
"These initiatives will improve the Biden administration’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14 billion long-term initiative that offers up to $30 a month for the costs of internet service for eligible households and builds on the Emergency Broadband Benefit in order to provide more permanent assistance. Public housing authorities have long understood that digital access is critical to improve life outcomes for low-income families living in assisted housing and we are excited for additional support to get more assisted households connected.
"Public housing authorities offer the most effective avenue to connect the highest number of low-income families to broadband access and accomplish the goals of the Affordable Connectivity Program. At CLPHA’s 8th Annual Housing Is Summit in May, Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Geoffrey Starks noted this point in his keynote speech, 'When I look at the data where we can reach more vulnerable households…, I consistently come back to housing. I see a clear synergy between housing and connectivity; if we are helping a family secure housing, we should be able to help them secure an internet connection as well.'
"In May 2022 Commissioner Starks also visited Nickerson Gardens, a property of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), a CLPHA member. With 1,000 units, Nickerson Gardens is the largest public housing community west of the Mississippi River. He reported that the ACP Pilot Program had connected 78 percent of the Nickerson Garden units to the internet.
"During today’s open meeting, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel also named CLPHA member the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA) and its executive director Vivian Brady-Phillips as an exemplary PHA working on digital inclusion. CLPHA highlighted both HACLA and JCHA during this year’s Housing Is Summit.
"The Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program will provide eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with funding to conduct outreach to eligible low-income households in order to increase awareness of and encourage participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program. The one-year Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program aims to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program among recipients of federal housing assistance and facilitate enrollment in the ACP by providing targeted assistance with the ACP application.
"CLPHA will work with its members to ensure they are taking advantage of these programs to help residents access not only to affordable, high-quality broadband and devices, but also digital literacy to utilize these resources."
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CLPHA in the News
4.8.21
Watch CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman LIVE on C-SPAN's Washington Journal on Friday, April 9
On Friday, April 9 from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. ET, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman will appear on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to discuss President Biden's proposed American Jobs Plan, public and affordable housing, and related issues. Read Ms. Zaterman’s statement applauding President Biden’s announcement of the American Jobs Plan here.
You can watch Ms. Zaterman’s interview on the C-SPAN channel or live on C-SPAN's website and ask questions of Ms. Zaterman during the program via phone:
Outside U.S. and Text: (202) 748-8003
Republicans: (202) 748-8001
Democrats: (202) 748-8000
Independents: (202) 748-8002
Viewers can also share their thoughts and questions via email (journal@c-span.org), Twitter, Facebook and text messages (202-748-8003).
3.20.20
Pew Charitable Trust's state policy news outlet Stateline quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman and CLPHA member executive directors in an article about the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on public housing authorities.
Zaterman told Stateline that PHAs need $5 billion in emergency supplemental funding due to several challenges PHAs are facing during this crisis, including a "significant reduction" in rental income, a dramatically reduced workforce, massive cleaning-related expenses, and communications challenges with residents while PHAs' physical offices are closed. PHAs also need a further $3.5 billion in emergency supplemental funds for the for the Housing Choice Voucher program.
“I’m worried,” Emilio Salas, acting executive director of the Los Angeles County Development Authority, told Stateline. “Tremendously.”
Douglas Guthrie, president and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, told Stateline that his PHA is working hard to address his city's homelesssness crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We can't wait for waivers from HUD to do what needs to be done today,” Guthrie said. “Shelter is the most important thing right now.”
Andrew Lofton, executive director of the Seattle Housing Authority, told Stateline that PHAs are also preparing for the inevitable surge of residents who test positive for COVID-19: "It’s just a matter of time."
Read Stateline's article "Public Housing Authorities Hit Hard by the Pandemic."
1.8.20
As of January 1, 2020, California has a state-wide law prohibiting landlords from rejecting potential tenants solely on their use of a housing voucher. The law, known as Source of Income (SOI) protection, replaces SOI ordinances that were previously in place in several California cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Clara County to cover voucher holders across the state.
A recent HUD-commissioned study on landlord acceptance of voucher holders in five cities found that those cities with an existing SOI law protecting voucher holders had higher rates of landlord acceptance compared to those cities without SOI protection. While cities with SOI laws devote varying amounts of resources to enforcement, HUD’s study suggests awareness of local SOI protections meaningfully deter discrimination by landlords. The Poverty & Race Research Action Council maintains an updated list of all SOI laws in place across the country.
12.18.19
In an effort to call attention to the affordable housing crisis during the 2020 election cycle and to spur presidential debate moderators to ask candidates about their affordable housing plans, the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020 campaign placed a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times on December 16 & 17. The ad featured OHOV: 2020’s letter urging PBS NewsHour, Politico, and debate moderators to ask presidential candidates how they would address the nation’s affordable housing crisis during the next debate, which will be held on December 19 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. CLPHA joined more than 1,000 organizations as co-signers to OHOV: 2020’s letter.
12.18.19
Following the devastating November fire at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s (MPHA) Cedar High apartments, Minneapolis’s Star Tribune reported on the chronic federal underfunding of public housing that contributes to the massive, nationwide capital needs backlog at public housing communities and requires PHAs to make tough choices about building maintenance and repairs.
“Our priority is to make sure that life and safety are always taken care of,” said MPHA Interim Executive Director/CEO Tracey Scott in an October interview with the paper. “Quite simply that’s the hard choice you have to make because you would like to replace a kitchen cabinet but that has to come second to life and safety. We have to make choices.” MPHA estimates that its properties need an estimated $152 million in maintenance and renovations.
New York City Housing Authority Chair & CEO and CLPHA Board Member Greg Russ, MPHA’s former Executive Director/CEO, underscored the difficult choices housing authorities have to make when it comes to prioritizing maintenance and renovation projects: “We don’t have enough funding to keep basic systems in place nationally and have to pick and choose when we do get the capital money.” Russ added that inadequate federal funding is why MPHA and other agencies employ the RAD program to diversify and their funding sources so that they can afford the important and expensive rehabilitation of their properties.
CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman said that more “organized political will and bipartisan support” is needed in Congress in order to increase funding and fully address PHAs’ capital needs. “We are at the turning point in part because the affordable housing crisis is so heightened in our communities,” Zaterman said. “This is such an essential resource, the understanding that we have to invest is more pervasive and people are beginning to understand that ... but we haven’t had the reflection in our funding yet.”
Scott further stressed the effects that insufficient federal funding has on her agency’s ability to house and serve their low-income residents. “We’re a public agency and the mission is that we provide quality, well maintained homes for families to thrive and these are members of our community that need support and that helping hand,” she said, “We are providing a roof today, but if we don’t maintain it there would not be a roof tomorrow.”
Members Making News
1.8.25
From the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority's press release:
Last week, the Minneapolis City Council approved the city’s 2025 budget, setting a new funding highwater mark for MPHA programs and activities at nearly $11 million. Included in this funding is the continuation of the $5 million annual housing tax levy, a $1.3 million investment to support MPHA piloting a new U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding program, $2.2 million in continued ongoing funding to support the nationally recognized Stable Homes Stable Schools (SHSS) program, a one-time investment of $830,500 to pilot a SHSS expansion into early childhood and middle school homelessness prevention, and $1.8 million (with $1.4 million ongoing in subsequent years) for the creation of a new city-funded Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program to mirror the successful but sunsetting federal program.
“We are honored by the trust Mayor Frey and the City Council have placed in MPHA as a partner in the work to address our city’s homelessness and affordable housing challenges,” said Abdi Warsame, Executive Director/CEO of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. “This agency administers numerous successful housing assistance programs. Chief among these is Stable Homes Stable Schools and the Emergency Housing Voucher program. I am heartened that our elected leaders understand the importance of these successful programs and are increasing the city’s support. This agency plays a critical role in addressing our region’s affordable housing challenges, and I hope other local and state leaders take note of what is possible when investing in MPHA’s award-winning work.”
Earlier this summer, MPHA leaders presented an update on the agency’s 2024 levy budget and a look at the agency’s five-year levy capital plan. Highlights from the agency’s 2024 levy budget included dedicating a portion of funding towards the agency’s next major high-rise renovation (Spring Manor), two scattered site infill projects (one duplex and one triplex), and modernizing elevator systems in two high-rises. The 2025 levy budget includes dedicating additional funds to the Spring Manor redevelopment project and replacing high-rise windows from the 1980s with energy efficient, code compliant windows that include fall protection safety features across the portfolio.
The City of Minneapolis’ 2025 budget includes an amendment led by Councilmembers Jason Chavez and Aurin Chowdhury, along with Council President Elliot Payne, to fund two SHSS pilot expansion projects in two core areas of need and opportunity: early childhood homelessness prevention and expanding the program into Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) middle schools.
The early childhood prevention expansion will help reach families with infant to pre-school-aged children who are unstably housed to prevent any initial homelessness episodes. By preventing homelessness of 0 – 5-year-olds, SHSS can prevent the deficits that children impacted by homelessness bring into their primary school journeys. Services include financial assistance and case management.
And the middle school expansion is the natural next step for SHSS expansion. It will expand the reach of SHSS housing stability services to additional MPS schools, extending the stabilizing benefits SHSS delivers to additional children, families, and schools. Services include financial assistance and case management.
Full details for both pilot expansion programs can be found in this fact sheet, but MPHA estimates that an additional 180-225 families (representing 440-565 children) could be served by Stable Homes Stable Schools with these two expansions.
The other budget amendment, led by Councilmembers Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman, creates a new city-funded EHV program that mirrors MPHA’s successful EHV program.
Created and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the EHV program connects federal rental assistance with local Continuums of Care (CoCs) and other partners to target resources to individuals and families who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, were recently homeless, or have a high risk of housing instability.
In developing its EHV program, MPHA partnered with the Hennepin County CoC to identify chronically homeless individuals, and to establish a process of engagement with those individuals referred for the vouchers. The agency works with Hennepin County’s Coordinated Entry System to administer the EHV program, equipping individuals and families coming out of homelessness with wrap-around case management services provided by the county and county-contracted providers.
But while MPHA has developed a successful EHV program that has delivered millions in emergency rental assistance and helped 246 individuals escape homelessness, the EHV program’s funding is set to expire in September 2030. Unlike other HUD voucher programs that receive annual congressional appropriations, EHVs only received one-time funding through ARPA.
Councilmember Wonsley and Osman’s amendment will help the agency permanently fund 100 EHVs, modeled off the agency’s successful federally funded program. Full details on the federal EHV program and the agency’s proposal for a city-funded EHV program can be found in this fact sheet.
For both the SHSS expansions and the city-funded EHV program, MPHA will spend the coming months staffing up and creating the necessary administrative and compliance software systems. In the case of the city-funded EHV program, MPHA cannot simply continue to use federal documents, administration, and compliance systems. Therefore, the agency needs to build the unique systems and processes that mirror the federal program – a process the agency anticipates will run through summer of 2025 before the first city-funded EHVs are deployed. The agency will provide periodic updates on these two programs and the rest of the activities and programs funded in the City of Minneapolis’ budget throughout 2025.
1.8.25
From the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) announced today it has invested a combined total of $78.9 million to purchase The Residences at Eden Park in northeast Columbus and The Orchards in Lockbourne.
These acquisitions add 426 units to CMHA’s portfolio, with rents tailored to address the region’s critical need for workforce housing. To further enhance affordability, each property can also house families using the CMHA Housing Choice Voucher program.
Workforce housing is defined as housing affordable to households with income between 60% and 120% of the area median income (AMI), targeting middle-income essential workers such as police, firefighters, educators and health care, retail and restaurant/lodging workers. AMI data is calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
All 264 apartments at Eden Park, located at 2335 N. Cassady Ave. near Easton, and the 162 units at The Orchards, situated at 310 Rathmell Road near Rickenbacker International Airport and adjacent to the new Google facility under construction, will be affordable to renters at 80% of the Columbus AMI. This translates to affordability for a one-person household earning $55,600 annually or a two-person household earning $63,520. Monthly rents for the one-, two- and three-bedroom units will range from $1,100 to $1,900.
“We can all agree that if you work in Central Ohio, you should be able to live in Central Ohio,” said CMHA President and CEO Charles Hillman.
“The tremendous economic boom in our region is producing both exciting opportunities and challenges, including a critical shortage of workers and affordable housing,” Hillman added. “By acquiring these two properties, we aim to alleviate the housing burden faced by working families while building a brighter, more prosperous future for residents across Franklin County.”
CMHA purchased Eden Park for $47.4 million and The Orchards for $31.5 million from Metro Development, one of Central Ohio’s leading multifamily developers. Both locations were constructed by Metro Development in 2023.
The acquisitions were financed through $79 million in bonds, contributing to CMHA’s total bond issuance of over $260 million for the development, preservation and acquisition of housing for all. This effort aligns with CMHA’s strategic goal to expand the region’s housing stock and combat Central Ohio’s ongoing housing shortage, bolstered by its A+ credit rating from S&P Global.
“Our prestigious A+ rating positions CMHA to leverage bond markets with reduced financing costs, enabling a sustainable growth model aligned with our strategic vision of delivering at least 500 new housing units annually for the foreseeable future,” said CMHA Chief Operating Officer Scott Scharlach.
Amenities at both properties include a 4,500-square-foot clubhouse, resident lounge, 24-hour access to emergency services, a professional cardio center, gaming area, tranquil pool, business center, coffee bar and outdoor activity areas, including a dog park. Apartments feature contemporary designs, oversize walk-in closets, 9-foot ceilings and private patios or balconies.
The acquisitions come amid a well-documented shortage of affordable housing in central Ohio.
According to the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, only 29 affordable units exist for every 100 extremely low-income households. Approximately 54,000 Franklin County families spend over half their income on housing. Nationally, rents have risen 14% since 2021, with Columbus following similar trends. Currently, 40% of renters in the region are considered rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
Today’s announcement marks a record-setting year for CMHA, with more than $275 million in annual real estate investments to promote affordable housing opportunities. CMHA’s housing portfolio, now valued at nearly $1 billion, consists of over 2,257 subsidized units, 1,700 workforce housing units and 1,700 market-rate units.
1.8.25
From the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority's press release:
Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), a mission-driven acquirer and developer of affordable housing, broke ground yesterday on the Residences at Government Center II during a ceremony with LAC leaders, local lawmakers and partners, including Virginia Housing, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA).
The Residences at Government Center II will provide 279 high-quality, affordable homes for families in the Braddock District. Upon completion, this community will also feature a daycare center, providing a safe and convenient childcare option for residents.
U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, who represents Virginia’s 11th District in Congress, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. Other speakers included Nick Bracco, Vice President, Lincoln Avenue Communities; Lenore Stanton, Chair, Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority; Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; James Walkinshaw, Braddock District Supervisor, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; and Kerrie Wilson, CEO, Cornerstones.
“Throughout my career, creating and preserving affordable housing has been a key priority. As a Congressman and the former Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I am thrilled to be a part of this innovative use of land to further the creation of affordable housing in our community,” said Rep. Connolly.
“Lincoln Avenue Communities is proud to begin construction on the Residences at Government Center II,” said Nick Bracco, Vice President, Lincoln Avenue Communities. “Once completed, this property will offer nearly 300 safe, affordable homes with top-tier amenities to families and individuals in Fairfax County, where new affordable housing is strongly needed.”
“We are proud to welcome new affordable housing right here in our front yard at the Fairfax County Government Center. These new homes will ensure that more people have an equitable shot at building their own future, right here in Fairfax County,” said Jeff McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
“For years, I’ve felt that we could make better use of the sea of parking in front of the Fairfax County Government Center to help meet our affordable housing goals. I made the motion to convey the property to the FCRHA for that purpose, and today, we are seeing this concept come to fruition,” said James Walkinshaw, Supervisor, Braddock District, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “I look forward to welcoming 279 families to their new homes at this innovative complex in the Braddock District.”
“During the 2024 calendar year, we have come together to celebrate affordable housing groundbreakings or grand openings several times. Residences at Government Center II is another testament to our commitment to developing affordable housing in all corners of Fairfax County,” said Lenore Stanton, Chair, Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
"We are pleased to help bring affordable housing to Fairfax, just a short distance away from Capital One's headquarters. This development builds on our relationship with Lincoln Avenue Communities and the work we have done to expand affordable housing in Fairfax, Miami, New Orleans and Richmond," said Ed Delany, Senior Director for Community Finance at Capital One. "Capital One provided construction debt, LIHTC equity investments and permanent Freddie Mac loans, including structuring and closing Freddie Mac’s first Forward Bond Credit Enhancement in just 90 days to meet the closing timeline."
“Residences at Government Center II is a perfect example of taking underutilized land and creating something beautiful to support the community,” said Director, Production Patricia Mao Booker at KTGY. “Our architects carefully designed around the surrounding environment to enhance the pedestrian experience for this mixed-use affordable housing complex. We’re proud to support low-income families in Fairfax with this new, beautifully designed community.”
1.8.25
From the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority's press release:
Today, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), together with SCG Development Partners and various elected officials, marked the grand opening of One University, 240 affordable homes for families and older adults adjacent to George Mason University.
“I am extremely proud to see that Fairfax County has successfully implemented HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) authority with One University,” said HUD Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Matt Heckles. “As the first RAD property in the nation to obtain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval for demolition and redevelopment, One University was the beginning of a national phenomenon. HUD has converted through RAD more than 170,000 units and generated over $17.7 billion for rehabilitation or reconstruction of these deeply rent-assisted homes, most of which housing extremely low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.”
“One University is a shining example of what is possible when we inject affordable housing solutions with creativity, innovation, and partnership,” said Lenore Stanton, Chair, FCRHA. “This development marks our first time partnering with a major university to deliver a solution that benefits the entire community across generations.”
“The One University development typifies the power of public-private partnerships. The grand opening of this multi-generational affordable housing development, which also includes student housing to serve George Mason University, is a meaningful step toward fostering stronger, more inclusive communities. By bringing together families, seniors, and students into one vibrant community, we're creating opportunities for connection, support, and shared growth. It's a model for affordable housing that works for everyone, no matter their age or stage in life."
“George Mason University is key to Fairfax County’s greater economic development strategy, both as a major employer, and in its cultivation of tomorrow’s leaders. The partnership to create One University delivers a multifaceted affordable housing solution across generations, and provides much-needed student housing for the university,” said Jeff McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
“The FCRHA’s partnership with HUD, along with its Moving to Work designation, provided the flexibility to design affordable housing customized to Fairfax County’s unique needs and opportunities. This ongoing partnership with our federal government will be critical as we continue to work toward our goal of 10,000 net new affordable homes by 2034,” said James Walkinshaw, Braddock District Supervisor, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
1.8.25
From WKRG 5 News Mobile:
Cheers and applause filled the new Maryvale Place Apartments Tuesday afternoon after the city opened its newest affordable housing complex.
“It’s a huge first step,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson emphasized.
The Maryvale Place apartments sit on Hurtel Street, which is where the Mae Eanes Middle School used to sit before it was torn down. Mobile Housing Authority CEO Michael Pierce explained how rent will be divided between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the tenants.
“HUD’s going to pay about 70% of the rent via what’s called a hap payment,” Pierce explained. “That’s the payment directly to the landlord. And then the tenant pays about up to 30% of their adjusted income to the landlord to complete that 100%.”
Mobile City Council President CJ Small said the new housing will bring more residents to his district.
“They are used to living in the Maysville community, so this is one step that moving them back into the community and especially moving them back in a more up-to-date modern living facility versus what they was living in,” Small said.
Read WKRG 5 News' article "New affordable housing apartment complex opens in Mobile."