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!
WASHINGTON (September 20, 2019) – Sunia Zaterman, the Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Carson’s recent comments on the crisis of homelessness in America:
“It is astounding that this administration is calling for an end to homelessness while refusing to reinvest in public and affordable housing. People without a place to live need stable housing, not just campaign rally rhetoric or politically driven economic reporting based on cherry-picked research to manufacture a root cause of homelessness.
“The reasons for homelessness vary and no single solution will end the crisis, but there is no question that the lack of affordable housing opportunities exacerbates the problem for families, people with disabilities, and veterans.
“The Housing First model, recognized by HUD as recently as December as the most effective way to end homelessness, treats stable housing as a platform for supportive services that meet immediate and long-term needs for individuals and families.
“Meanwhile, this Administration has tried to gut funding for HUD and for public housing authorities, which are essential partners in local efforts to provide safe, stable housing to low and very-low income families, and those most vulnerable to homelessness.
“PHAs work with their Continuums of Care to provide transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and vouchers to households exiting homelessness. They also coordinate with a variety of local service providers to offer supportive services to ensure housing stability, and work with health and education partners to promote access to services that are essential for family well-being and self-sufficiency.
“The hundreds of thousands of unsheltered people living on the streets in our country need real solutions, not campaign speeches.”
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative to better intersect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
###
CLPHA Applauds Appointment of Greg Russ to Lead New York City Housing Authority
Greg Russ is the right leader at the right time to oversee NYCHA and tackle the unique challenges facing the nation's largest and oldest public housing authority.
WASHINGTON (June 19, 2019) - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of New York yesterday announced the appointment of Gregory Russ to serve as the next Chair of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) issued the following statement in support of the city's selection of Russ, who is the current CEO/Executive Director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and a member of CLPHA's Board of Directors:
"Greg Russ is the right leader at the right time to oversee NYCHA and tackle the challenges facing the nation's largest and oldest public housing authority. Greg is a distinguished public housing executive and proven change maker who has led with innovation to positively transform affordable housing for residents and communities. He is uniquely qualified for this position because of his experience as the Director of Troubled Agency Recovery and his work at the Chicago and Philadelphia housing authorities.
"Throughout his career, Greg has shown a commitment to preserving and improving the public housing stock while promoting self sufficiency and economic opportunities for HUD-assisted families in PHAs across the nation. In addition to his leadership in the field, Greg is considered a national expert on public housing policy.
"CLPHA applauds Mayor Bill de Blasio's selection of Greg Russ to serve as NYCHA's next chair and we look forward to supporting Greg in his new role."
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative to better insect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
###
FY20 Funding Bill from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Includes Robust Funding Increases and Legislative Language to Prevent HUD from Evicting Mixed-Status Immigrant Families
WASHINGTON (May 22, 2019) - In preparation for a subcommittee markup on the morning of May 23, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) today released their FY20 funding bill. According to the subcommittee proposal, the discretionary funding level for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) totals $50.1 billion, an increase of $5.9 billion above the FY19 enacted level, and $13.4 billion above President Trump’s request.
The Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, Sunia Zaterman, issued the following statement in support of the bill:
“In a familiar pattern and reprise of repudiating Trump Administration budget proposals, the House THUD budget reflects Congress’ continuing commitment to fund critically important housing and community development programs the Administration proposed rescinding, cutting, or eliminating in its budget request.
“CLPHA is pleased that under the leadership of THUD Subcommittee Chairman David Price (D-NC) and Ranking Member Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), the THUD proposal increases – in several instances substantially increases – or level funds programs critical to communities served by public housing authorities.
“In addition to robust funding increases, such as the doubling of Choice Neighborhoods to $300 million and fully funding the Section 8 account, the proposal includes legislative language to prevent HUD from evicting mixed-status immigrant families from public housing, and to prohibit HUD from unilaterally changing the public housing annual contributions contract without public input and following the administrative procedures act process. Importantly, mandatory rent increases and work requirements were not included in the subcommittee’s bill.
“We applaud the subcommittee for its ongoing commitment to public and affordable housing and look forward to working with the Chair and Ranking Member in support of this bill.”
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 and follow @housing_is for news on CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative to better intersect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
###
|
A recent longform article in The Columbus Dispatch highlights how housing stability and programming provided by the Columbus Scholar House helped a 45-year-old single mother earn her college degree and discusses other programs across Ohio that provide housing support and related services to low-income college students. “'One degree at a time': Columbus Scholar House helps get student parents through college” tells the story of Nikia Gales, who lived in the Columbus Scholar House with her two daughters for five years and recently received her bachelor's degree in social work from Ohio State University. The Columbus Scholar House is a development funded by housing tax credits for student parents operated through a collaboration between Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH), Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, and other partners. According to OCCH, Scholar House residents must be 18 years of age, low-income, the custodial parent of at least one child, and be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university. The Louisville Metro Housing Authority helped launch the nation’s first Scholar House site in Louisville, KY, and Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority also help run a Scholar House in Cleveland, OH. Gales told The Columbus Dispatch that moving into Columbus Scholar House greatly eased her financial burdens and helped her to focus on finishing her degree: “I thought, ‘I don't have to worry about housing. Housing is not on my plate no more.’ That alone was a huge relief.” Last month, Gales received her diploma at a graduation ceremony alongside her peers, with her daughters Skylar and Payton in the audience. Housing authorities across the country are collaborating with developers, college access partners, community colleges, and universities to increase postsecondary educational achievement for low-income residents and college students experiencing homelessness. Learn more about such partnerships in our May 2019 report "Eliminating Barriers to Postsecondary Success.” |
From Atlanta Housing's press release:
Atlanta Housing (AH), in partnership with Choice Neighborhoods and the City of Atlanta, is proud to announce the completion of a transformative $12 million renovation project for the iconic Roosevelt Hall. The historical building’s rich history and cultural significance have been thoughtfully re-imagined, serving the community’s needs and aspirations. The grand reopening marks a remarkable milestone in the ongoing efforts to revitalize Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods.
“The revitalized Roosevelt Hall will stand once again as a vibrant gathering place, positioned to benefit Choice Neighborhoods residents and foster connections with the neighboring Atlanta University Center,” said Eugene E. Jones, Jr. president and CEO of Atlanta Housing. “This visionary project embodies the spirit of progress, inclusivity, and preservation of heritage.”
In honor of its enduring legacy and to commemorate a new chapter in Atlanta’s history, the celebration, which took place onsite at 660 Atlanta Student Movement Blvd. in Atlanta, included recognition of former University Homes residents and featured keynotes from the AH president; Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to the Mayor of the City of Atlanta; and AH Commissioner Rosalind Elliott. The afternoon festivities concluded with a guided tour of the property that offer insights into this monumental project.
Built in 1937, Roosevelt Hall was the central hub of University Homes, the first federally funded public housing project built in the United States for African Americans. Attracting business and civic activity, Roosevelt served as the community center and featured amenities such as a laundromat, library, beauty salon and barbershop. Commissioner Elliott, who grew up in the adjacent John Hopes Homes–built for African Americans in 1941–recalled Roosevelt with fondness. “It was a special place for all of us who lived in University and John Hope Homes,” she expressed. “Yates and Milton Drugstore was downstairs in the corner. That’s where we got prescriptions filled and my momma bought ribbons for my hair. I also had my birthday parties upstairs in the community room.”
The renovation boasts an array of modern amenities and community-centric spaces. Residents and visitors will have access to a state-of-the-art library, cutting-edge technology center, two captivating history walls, an enchanting urban garden, versatile community spaces, special events venues, including a scenic rooftop, and a retail area. This comprehensive redesign ensures that Roosevelt becomes a versatile and dynamic centerpiece for the community, fostering educational opportunities, cultural enrichment and social engagement.
From the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), in partnership with CGI Federal, the wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Inc. (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A), announced the kickoff today of "The Collaborative," an immersive student internship program with Central State University (CSU), a historically black college and university (HBCU).
"Central State University is pleased to partner with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and CGI Federal to advance this important training and experiential learning opportunity for Ohio students," said CSU President Dr. Jack Thomas. "Housing quality wields a strong influence on the workforce and on students' ability to flourish and thrive. We are proud to support access to housing as a foundational social determinant of health that provides the basis for vibrant families and communities, and to bolster workforce development in this essential sector."
Starting June 5th, this comprehensive summer experience will give interns the opportunity to make a direct impact on a broad range of programs within the Columbus community. Over the course of the internship, CSU students who participate in the internship will receive hands-on experience working alongside industry leaders on a variety of projects related to affordable housing, including asset management, IT, human resources, planning and development, accounting, design and construction, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Moreover, as part of the experience, the program is designed to be an immersive experience for students so they can live and work in the community they are serving during the internship program.
"CMHA prides itself on developing collaborative partnerships," said CMHA's President & CEO, Charles D. Hillman. "This partnership between CMHA and CGI will allow CSU students to have a first-hand view of the affordable housing industry in Columbus, which will ultimately give the interns an opportunity to apply their classroom experience to industry challenges. This experience will prepare students with the transition from higher education into the workforce. This unique internship will provide an infusion of talent to CMHA, CGI, and the affordable housing industry."
Working alongside CGI and CMHA professionals, interns will participate in "Professional Development Wednesdays," where they will have an opportunity to engage with local government officials and affordable housing leaders. They will also work on a capstone project to propose solutions for affordable, sustainable housing, in line with supporting U.S. Department Of Housing & Urban Development's mission to preserve affordable housing across the nation. Students will present solutions to CMHA and CGI executives in student-led work that has potential for adaptability throughout communities nationwide.
"This partnership was an idea sparked by CGI's and CMHA's shared vision to create an immersive internship experience with an HBCU, recognizing the power of increasing representation in this field, but also having the opportunity to have transformational impact – within the community, affordable housing industry and for the students," Rashida Ricks, Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Inclusion at CGI Federal. "Through this partnership we are creating an ecosystem for the future of the workforce."
From Opportunity Home San Antonio's website:
As part of the local housing bond and federal grants, the City of San Antonio has selected four Opportunity Home San Antonio affordable housing projects to receive $8.3 million in funding.
On June 8, City Council voted on the city’s selection to fund 14 housing projects totaling $32.1 million. City Council approved four Opportunity Home projects, consisting of three rehabilitation projects (Victoria Plaza Apartments, Midcrown Senior Pavilion, and The Ravello) and one homeownership project (Westside Reinvestment Initiative).
Victoria Plaza Apartments, a 185-unit development serving senior and disabled residents, will receive $2,500,000 for overall renovation, including new energy-efficient roof and stormwater capture improvements; and new solar panel system to offset electricity usage.
$2,500,000 has also been awarded to Midcrown Senior Pavilion, a 196-unit development serving elderly and disabled residents, for rehabilitation focused on Universal Design and energy efficiency features such as HVAC replacement and new appliances as well as security improvements.
The Ravello, a 252-unit development serving senior adults 55 years and older, will receive $2,500,000 for rehabilitation focused on Universal Design and energy efficiency features such as HVAC replacement and new appliances, plus fire alarm and security improvements.
In addition, the Westside Reinvestment Initiative, including more than 20 units, will receive $801,144 for energy efficient roof material, electric heating and cooling equipment; high-efficiency HVAC; spray-foam insulation; solar heat reflectance roof, cool and reflective surfaces; Low Impact Development; water collection and reuse (drip-irrigation only); and xeriscaping/native plant materials; as well as “Dark Sky” compliant exterior lighting.
“The support of the City of San Antonio through the housing bond and federal funds is critical to providing access to affordable housing for the city’s most vulnerable populations,” said Opportunity Home President and CEO Ed Hinojosa, Jr. “It will also have a positive impact on the revitalization of the Westside, increasing opportunities for housing for its residents. The funding of these projects continue to advance the mission of Opportunity Home and help to transform the lives of those we serve.”
As part of the City of San Antonio’s 2021 housing plan and the voter-approved $150 million housing bond, the funding marks the third batch of housing bond and federal funds allocated for affordable housing. The plan identified more than 28,000 affordable housing units needing to be built or preserved. Projects for this third batch of funding were selected through a bidding process with all city funded units requiring the acceptance of housing vouchers.
From ABC 10 News San Diego:
The San Diego Housing Commission Thursday began a pilot program to assist middle-income Black, Indigenous and people of color first- time homebuyers.
Homeownership rates for many households of color are significantly lower than other racial groups. An SDHC-commissioned Urban Institute study of city of San Diego households found homeownership rates of 29.1% among Black households and 35.2% among Latino households, compared with 54.8% among white households.
"Middle-income residents are often overlooked, but this program invests in creating more access for first-time homebuyers of color," said San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe, co-chair of the City-County Reinvestment Task Force. "I'm excited that this significant opportunity will help eliminate the racial wealth gap and work toward an equitable future of homeownership."
Read ABC 10 News San Diego's article "Housing commission launches pilot program for BIPOC 1st-time homebuyers."