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.
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David Greer
Director of Communications
(202) 550-1381 or dgreer@clpha.org.
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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.
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WASHINGTON (May 9, 2019) – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will formally propose a new rule tomorrow that would disallow undocumented immigrants from living in federally subsidized housing. The proposed rule, which will be published in the Federal Register for a 60-day comment period, would impact tens of thousands of immigrant families that include U.S. citizen children and other family members who are eligible for assistance.
The Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, Sunia Zaterman, issued the following statement in response to the proposed rule:
“CLPHA is strongly opposed to HUD’s punitive proposal that would make it harder for public housing authorities (PHAs) to serve their communities.
“The consequences are significant. Well over 10,000 mixed-immigration status family members currently served by one PHA, plus tens of thousands more around the country, would be impacted by the rule, making them more vulnerable to housing instability. HUD’s proposal would create more challenges for an already underfunded homeless services and prevention system.
“This policy is antithetical to the mission of the federal public housing program – to provide housing that is safe, decent and affordable to low- and very low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities, and administer the housing choice voucher program.
“We are housers, not ICE agents, but that is exactly what HUD’s proposed rule is asking public housing authorities (PHAs) to become by requiring PHA staff to determine the immigration status of every household member and report it into a federal database.
“CLPHA will be submitting public comments in opposition to the proposed rule during the comment period.”
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 work to better insect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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Public Housing is as much a part of the national infrastructure as Route 66, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Hoover Dam.
WASHINGTON (April 30, 2019) - Today the House Committee on Financial Services held a hearing entitled “Housing in America: Assessing the Infrastructure Needs of America’s Housing Stock” to examine the need for investment in affordable housing infrastructure--including public housing—and investigate additional barriers to developing affordable housing.
Sunia Zaterman, the executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement after watching the hearing and reviewing draft legislation circulated by Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) that would authorize funding for several housing infrastructure projects, including $70 billion for the Public Housing Capital Fund:
“Public housing is as a much a part of the national infrastructure as Route 66, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Hoover Dam. Public housing helps communities and families thrive by providing more than one million low- and very-low income families, children, elderly and persons with disabilities with a stable place to live, connecting low-income workers to economic opportunities, and spurring regional job creation and economic growth.
“But, years of chronic underfunding have led to the deterioration of the public housing stock and since 1990, at least 300,000 units have been lost because of the lack of adequate resources to maintain them. The federal disinvestment in public housing has contributed to an untenable shortage of stable housing for low-income households.
“A reinvestment in public housing should include adequate funding to preserve and improve the public housing stock. Equally important is thoughtful consideration about additional tools that public housing authorities can use to modernize and develop affordable housing to meet the needs of residents and local communities. Expanding the Rental Assistance Demonstration program and increasing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocations, for example, would support public housing authorities’ recapitalization and redevelopment efforts.
“Housing is infrastructure and we thank the Chairwoman and the Committee for underscoring the importance of public housing during today’s hearing and in the Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2019.”
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 work to better insect the housing field and other areas of critical importance such as health and education.
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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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From the Cambridge Housing Authority's press release:
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is delighted to announce the fortification of its collaboration with The Home for Little Wanderers (The Home) through the acquisition of The Home’s Somerville Village property in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Somerville Village, an establishment under The Home, provides a nurturing environment for 15 young women transitioning out of the foster care system, aspiring to pursue higher education or vocational training. Offering support and guidance, Somerville Village empowers these women to pursue their aspirations and define their own paths.
Janice, one of the beneficiaries of Somerville Village, shared her transformative experience:
“I came to Somerville Village at age 18 with nothing—literally nothing. Growing up, I struggled through neglect and abuse. My parents told me I’m useless, that I wouldn’t amount to anything. My mom told me I could never go to college on my own. I cut ties with my family in my senior year because I had to pursue school. I took the risk. The staff at Somerville Village told me that I can achieve my own success. That I am the director of my own story. My first spring at Somerville Village, I finished high school with high honors and was awarded a scholarship to a private university. The Home for Little Wanderers gave me the opportunity to get my bachelor's degree."
Janice’s top grades have her on track to graduate with dual degrees in business and marketing.
The acquisition of the property by CHA ensures the continuity of this vital program in its current location. Without this strategic acquisition, the financial feasibility of the program could have been at risk, had a non-mission-oriented entity purchased the property. This acquisition marks a significant addition to CHA's portfolio, which comprises over 7,500 units across various programs.
For CHA Executive Director Michael J. Johnston, the move made sense personally and professionally.
“Our relationship with the Home for Little Wanderers started soon after one of our Commissioners heard an appeal by a young man that had aged out of foster care and was homeless,” he said. “That Commissioner suggested that the CHA find and partner with an organization that supported this vulnerable population."
“We reached out to The Home for Little Wanderers and joined forces using our Sponsor Based Vouchers and have never looked back,” continued Johnston. “As an agency, we are proud to be able to support two of their communities, and on a personal level, my wife’s brother spent time in their programs many years ago, making the collaboration very special for me."
Established in 1799, The Home for Little Wanderers is the oldest child welfare agency in the United States, dedicated to shaping better futures for children and young adults in their care, believing that no child should face life's challenges alone. You can learn more about The Home for Little Wanderers at The Home's website.
Somerville Village exemplifies the crucial role of supportive housing in addressing the community's needs. Among the 46 communities managed or owned by CHA, seven offer tailored supportive services that foster housing stability, crucial for residents to realize their potential.
The CHA extends its gratitude to the individuals and organizations involved in the successful acquisition:
- The Home for Little Wanderers: Matt McCall, Courtney Brown, and John Davis.
- Jon Ash of Lawson & Weitzen.
- Madeline Nash, Veronica Pelletier of CEDAC.
- Kimberly Martin-Epstein of Hackett-Fineberg.
- Lynne Stewart, Steve Nolan of Nolan Sheehan Patten.
- Felicia Jacques of Maloney Properties.
- Jeff Sacks of Nixon-Peabody.
- CHA members: Andrew Kerivan, Shayla Simmons, Sue Nohl, Margaret Donnelly-Moran, and Devin Chausse.
Special thanks are extended to:
- Sue Cohen of the CHA, for her remarkable contribution and dedication over 35 years, ensuring residents' comfort and housing security. Her tireless efforts in policy advocacy have positively impacted public housing nationwide.
- Diana Kelly of FOCUS and Maloney Properties, for her compassionate work benefiting residents across the Greater Boston area. Her commitment to supporting residents and understanding their needs has been invaluable. The CHA is dedicated to continuing the vital work at Somerville Village and wishes Diana a fulfilling retirement.
For further information about The Home for Little Wanderers and Somerville Village, visit The Home's website | Somerville Village's page.
From WTOL 11 News Toledo:
New life for an old hotel began Wednesday with the demolition of a blighted historic south Toledo property.
Lucas Metropolitan Housing began the demolition of the old Park Hotel on Wednesday morning at 201 Knapp Street.
In its place, LMH will build new apartments for individuals between the ages of 18-25, who may be experiencing housing instability or aging out of the foster care system and in need of assistance transitioning from high school to adulthood.
The demolition coincides with National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.
Data from the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board shows 1,590 youth experiencing homelessness in Lucas County for 2022, with 592 between the ages of 18-24 experiencing housing instability due to a number of factors. Those factors include leaving foster care, aging out of child welfare, transitioning from high school to adulthood and family breakdowns or other issues.
The Park Apartments will include 41 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments. It will include spaces for socialization, counseling and education resources along with a community room with an attached kitchen, a fitness space, laundry and storage.
"Beyond shelter, the new Park Apartments will stand as a cornerstone for our most vulnerable young adults, offering them not only a stable home but also a pathway to essential services that will pave the way for a brighter future,” Coleen Ali, city of Toledo Manager of Tenant and Landlord Services, said.
Officials expect that the building will be fully leased in under four months once finished.
Tenants for the apartments will be referred through Lucas County Children Services, the Lucas County Juvenile Justice Center and Continuum of Care, the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board.
"Many of these various partners who are currently working with young adults, who are often times at a certain age no longer have access to their resources," LMH Deputy Executive Director Rachel Gagnon said. "So we want you to be able to pick up where they left off, have warm, handoff and continue to support that they need so that they can build cast-off self-sufficiency."
LMH will partner with Harbor for support services, which will include mental health and behavioral support, workforce development job opportunities, childcare, and food and transportation assistance, according to Gagnon.
"Whatever the individual needs, we're here to support them," Gagnon said.
Read WTOL 11 News' article "Lucas Metropolitan Housing kicks off demolition of abandoned Park Hotel for planned affordable housing for young adults."