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 [email protected].
*Please let us know if you are working on deadline.
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Thanks again for your interest in CLPHA!
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
November 20, 2020
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 .
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
The Housing Is Initiative, led by the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, 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.
About The Center for Disaster Philanthropy
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s mission is to leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. CDP manages domestic and international Disaster Funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. For more information, visit: disasterphilanthropy.org, call (202) 464-2018 or tweet us @funds4disaster.
New Funds Will Develop and Sustain Public Housing Authority Initiatives to Improve Postsecondary Achievement for Low-Income Households
WASHINGTON (November 25, 2019) – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, a housing advocacy organization and leader in efforts to improve life outcomes for low-income individuals and families, announced today that it has been awarded $300,000 from The Kresge Foundation to deepen connections between public housing authorities and their postsecondary education partners.
The three-year grant enables CLPHA to build on work that began last year, in partnership with The Kresge Foundation, to convene cross-sector housing and education partners who are collaborating to improve postsecondary achievement for students served by public housing authorities, including residents and housing insecure college students.
“Last year we showcased how these two sectors are working together to improve educational outcomes for low-income households. With generous funding from The Kresge Foundation, we will help more cross-sector partners develop and sustain their work,” said CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman. “As a national organization representing 70 of the largest public housing authorities in the country, CLPHA is well-positioned to identify promising innovations and facilitate peer-learning among those doing the work with the goal to scale successful initiatives that can be replicated nationally. We are very grateful to The Kresge Foundation for its multi-year support of our work.”
With the funds, CLPHA, through its Housing Is Initiative, will establish a leadership institute for a cohort of public housing authority staff and their partners who demonstrate the experience and capacity for postsecondary collaboration. In addition to virtual meetings aimed at institutionalizing their cross-sector work, members of the cohort will travel for in-person site visits to learn about the different projects in the field.
“By supporting stronger partnerships between housing authorities and postsecondary stakeholders, CLPHA’s leadership institute will help increase college access and success for both public housing residents who have postsecondary aspirations but need support to realize their dreams, and current college students, whose housing insecurity threatens to derail their educational progress," said Bethany Miller, program officer with the Kresge Education Program.
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.
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
The Housing Is Initiative, led by the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, 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.
About The Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation was founded in 1924 to promote human progress. Today, Kresge fulfills that mission by building and strengthening pathways to opportunity for low-income people in America’s cities, seeking to dismantle structural and systemic barriers to equality and justice. Using a full array of grant, loan, and other investment tools, Kresge invests more than $160 million annually to foster economic and social change. For more information visit kresge.org.
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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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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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(Washington, D.C.) March 9, 2022 -- Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement about the HUD budget in fiscal year 2022 spending omnibus package:
“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the $4 billion increase in funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development over last year in the fiscal year (FY) 2022 omnibus appropriations bill released last night. The increase amounts to $53.7 billion for HUD in this omnibus bill. "Subcommittee Chairman David Price and the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee recognized the critical role that public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers play with several funding increases. First, an expansion of up to 25,000 new incremental vouchers for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including survivors of domestic violence and veterans as part of the $200 million increase in the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program. Second, the Project-Based Rental Assistance budget increase of $475 million over the FY 2021 budget will continue to safely house 1.2 million very low- and low-income households.
“For public housing a $645.5 million increase over FY 2021, including $3.2 billion to meet the full annual capital accrual need in order to improve the quality and safety of public housing for more than 2 million residents. Finally, the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative received an increase of $150 million above FY 2021, which represents a 75 percent increase. While America’s housing crisis continues, these funding increases recognize that public and affordable housing programs are the most effective way to keep low-income families housed.”
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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(Washington, D.C.) November 19, 2021 -- Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement after the House passage of the Build Back Better Act today:
“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the $1.9 trillion Build Back Better Act. The $150 billion targeted to affordable housing is the single largest investment in public housing ever.
“Today represents a fundamental change in America’s approach to public and affordable housing. The Build Back Better Act is historic legislation that seeks to remedy two generations of chronic disinvestment that has left millions of public housing residents suffering and exacerbated health, safety, climate risks, and racial inequities. These long-term investments to public housing, along with significant expansion of rental and homeownership assistance, will increase housing stability, reduce poverty, provide substantial climate benefits, and spur economic activity that strengthens local communities.
“CLPHA is thankful the House continued to listen to housing advocates by re-inserting provisions that will strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit’s ability to better leverage the capital required to develop and redevelop aging public housing infrastructure.
“As the Act moves to the Senate, CLPHA will continue its work with Senators to ensure that the public and affordable housing funding levels remain intact in the Senate version.”
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman in an article about the government shutdown's impacts on Section 8 Voucher holders if the shutdown continues beyond March 1.
Zaterman said, “Without a guarantee from HUD that funding will be available in March, many [public housing authorities] will need to notify landlords and residents next month that delayed payments are a possibility. Anxious residents and landlords fearful of missed payments, combined with other cascading impacts due to lack of staffing at HUD, including program grants not being renewed and affordable housing development deals not being approved, amount to an unmitigated disaster for millions of low-income families.”
Today, Gray News Bureau published a comprehensive article "SNAP, WIC, Section 8: Separating fact from fiction in the government shutdown" featuring a quote about the shutdown’s effects on HUD programs from CLPHA Executive Sunia Zaterman. Gray News pulled the quote from CLPHA’s January 16 joint press release with the Campaign for Housing & Community Development Funding (CHCDF), of which CLPHA is a member of the Steering Committee.
On the shutdown's effect on housing authorities' future rental assistance payments, Zaterman said, "Without a guarantee from HUD that funding will be available in March, many Public Housing Authorities will need to notify landlords and residents next month that delayed payments are a possibility. Anxious residents and landlords fearful of missed payments, combined with other cascading impacts due to lack of staffing at HUD, including program grants not being renewed and affordable housing development deals not being approved, amount to an unmitigated disaster for millions of low-income families.”
You can read the article via Gray News Bureau TV affiliates:
CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman spoke to the Pew Charitable Trust's Stateline blog about the looming crisis facing public housing authorities (PHAs) if the shutdown continues. In today's article "Cities Scramble as Shutdown Leaves Families in Federal Housing Vulnerable," Zaterman warned that if the shutdown is still in effect by the end of February, many PHAs will not have enough funds to continue rental assistance payments for March and beyond.
“It’s definitely an all-hands-on-deck, high-urgency red alert for agencies that don’t have sufficient reserves for a sufficient amount of time,” Zaterman said. “And most don’t.”
Pacific Standard quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman in today's article "The Government Shutdown Could Decimate America's Subsidized Housing Programs." Of the partial government shutdown's impact on the housing market, Zaterman said, "Owners in many cities will be faced with financial disruption, foreclosure, or bankruptcy if they're not able to pay their mortgage or meet the other costs of the property... This really is going to ripple through the whole housing market system."
Zaterman added that the shutdown is likely to negatively impact landlords' perceptions of the HCV program and other federally funded rental assistance programs, observing that in light of the shutdown landlords may be discouraged from participating in the HCV program because now "[funding] is something an owner would have to calculate as a risk now that was previously not seen as a risk."
CLPHA’ Executive Director Sunia Zaterman spoke to Multi-Housing News about the disastrous effect the shutdown will have on not only on Housing Choice Voucher funding and other rental assistance programs, but also affordable housing projects, if it continues beyond February. Zaterman added that if the shutdown continues into March, for smaller landlords and property owners especially “there is a huge concern about the ripple effect and concerns about bankruptcy and foreclosure.”
However, as Zaterman noted in a January 16, 2019, joint press release accompanying a national conference call about the effects of the partial government shutdown on low-income people and communities and the affordable housing programs that serve them, the shutdown is already a catastrophe for millions who rely on HUD funding. “Anxious residents and landlords fearful of missed payments, combined with other cascading impacts due to lack of staffing at HUD, including program grants not being renewed and affordable housing development deals not being approved, amount to an unmitigated disaster for millions of low-income families,” said Zaterman.
From the Los Angeles County Development Authority:
The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) and the Los Angeles County Community Development Foundation (LACDF) proudly awarded scholarships to students in the LACDA’s Public Housing and Section 8 Programs. The Resident Scholarship Program accepted scholarship applications in November and recently awarded five students with a $1,000 scholarship to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Scholarship recipients are either currently attending or will be enrolled at Cal State LA, Cal Poly Pomona, East Los Angeles College, Los Angeles Habor College, and the Universal Technical Institute.
The Resident Scholarship is awarded by the LACDF, a nonprofit organization created to inspire and provide positive life-changing opportunities to the LACDA’s Public Housing residents and Section 8 participants. All high school and college students living in a County Public Housing or Section 8 household, are encouraged to apply. These scholarship opportunities provide recipients with financial support to ease their college experience and cover costs to avoid debt. Scholarships are provided by the generous donations of donors such as Edison International, California Community Foundation, and LACDA employees.
“The Resident Scholarship Program celebrates the hard work and bright futures of students in our Public Housing and Section 8 Programs striving to continue their higher education,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “Through our partnership with the LACDF, residents are provided with resources and support to dream big, reach their goals, and succeed.”
From the New York City Housing Authority's press release:
On Friday, May 8, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) closed on the financing for a $349 million Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) project that will bring comprehensive renovations to over 1,200 residents living in four residential buildings at Moore Houses and East 152nd Street-Courtlandt Avenue in the Melrose section of the Bronx. The buildings have now converted to Project-Based Section 8 through the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, unlocking funding that will allow the PACT partner team – Mega Group Development, Brisa Builders Development – to address the capital needs of the development and begin fully rehabilitating apartments, shared spaces, grounds, and building infrastructure to improve residents' quality of life. A PACT first, the comprehensive renovations to Moore Houses and East 152nd Street-Courtlandt Avenue will fully electrify all four buildings for heat, cooling, cooking, and hot water service. The PACT program maintains residents' rights and preserves affordable rents for all households.
“This $349 million closing represents top-to-bottom building and home improvements for the residents of Moore Houses and East 152nd Street-Courtlandt Avenue, shaped by their input and managed by a team they helped select,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg. “Congratulations to each of the residents, and to NYCHA, Mega Group, Brisa Builders, and Cornell Pace teams, on this important milestone – I look forward to seeing much-needed improvements made in the coming years, including electrification, upgrades to community spaces, flood protection, and more.”
“With this financial closing, we're unlocking the necessary funding to complete comprehensive renovations to Moore Houses and East 152nd Street-Courtlandt Avenue,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “Through the PACT modernization of these two developments, we'll be making critical quality of life improvements to residents' homes and buildings, as well as common areas and outdoor spaces. This will also be the first time that a NYCHA project has electrified more than one building, as we bring heating, cooling, cooking, and hot water services online in all four buildings, allowing for a greener, more efficient future and reliable utilities while also activating new indoor amenity spaces for resident use.”
“This financial closing brings the PACT program to a total of $10.3 billion unlocked citywide for improvements to NYCHA campuses, buildings, homes, and most importantly, for the communities that call them home,” said NYCHA Executive Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer Jonathan Gouveia. “PACT has brought sweeping improvements to the doorsteps and into the homes of so many NYCHA residents, making a tangible difference in their lives, and we're looking forward to continuing this progress at Moore Houses and East 152nd Street-Courtlandt Avenue.”
“The tenant association is excited and eagerly anticipating the upcoming repairs that the PACT partners will be implementing here at Moore Houses,” said Moore Houses Tenant Association President Rosa Pinero. “We’re looking forward to the positive impact this will have on the community. It’s awesome to see real investment here – making it safter, cleaner, and more pleasurable for our tenants – and the new landscaping and building updates will have a big impact on our daily lives. We have maintained a great relationship with the PACT partners in a way that allows us to feel seen and heard, and we’re thrilled that our development will finally receive lasting changes that will benefit our residents for many years to come.”
Atlanta Housing (AH) has launched two new programs aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for low-income households.
At AH's 2026 State of Atlanta Housing event, the PHA announced a new initiative providing up to $60,000 in down payment assistance for eligible participants in its Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), more than doubling the previous maximum of $25,000. AH also announced a new partnership between Atlanta Housing (AH) and Pretium designed to create a complete and more achievable pathway to homeownership for HCVP families.
Together, these efforts combine significant financial assistance, access to quality homes and personalized homebuyer support to help families successfully transition from subsidized housing to homeownership within the City of Atlanta. Through the Pretium partnership, eligible families can pursue the purchase of single-family homes sold by Pretium while also receiving tailored education and financial guidance to navigate the process with confidence.
“Atlanta Housing remains focused on our vision to use housing as a foundation to lift families to economic freedom,” said Terri M. Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing. “This new partnership reflects the kind of public-private collaboration we believe is essential to close the gap between housing stability and economic opportunity. We are grateful for Pretium’s willingness to partner with Atlanta Housing to help remove barriers to homeownership for our families.”
“Our new $60,000 down payment assistance program is about turning readiness into reality. These families are stable, working, and ready for the next step. Today, we are making our most significant investment in down payment assistance yet. As we help one family move forward, we also free up space for another,” Lee added.
“Pretium has long served Housing Choice Voucher families in Atlanta, and we are proud to help create a pathway for those same residents to become homeowners,” said Tatiana Gutierrez, Head of Corporate Impact at Pretium. “This partnership demonstrates how public-private partnerships expand access to homeownership while bringing capital to preserve safe, quality, affordable housing stock for local rental markets. We look forward to working with Atlanta Housing to continue supporting families on their paths to homeownership.”
At the center of the new partnership initiative is a coordinated approach that pairs financial support with housing access and long-term stability investments. Pretium will offer single-family homes within the city priced at or below $375,000 for participating families and provide a seller subsidy of up to $10,000 per transaction based on lease tenure. The company will also fund and complete, with its affiliate Progress Residential, up to $15,000 in property renovations for each home, as needed, and offer one year of post-purchase repair, maintenance and homeowner-stability support to help ensure long-term success.
Beyond the transaction itself, the partnership also introduces workforce development opportunities tied to Atlanta’s housing ecosystem. These pathways will support careers in property management, maintenance, construction and administrative services, helping families build not only equity through homeownership but also long-term income stability.
The pilot builds on Atlanta Housing’s existing homeownership program, which has provided up to $25,000 in down payment assistance and other supports to help families pursue ownership. When a participating HCVP family transitions to homeownership through the pilot, Pretium will coordinate with Atlanta Housing to make the vacated home, or an alternative home, available for another eligible voucher holder creating a cycle of opportunity that expands access across the system.
While homeownership remains one of the clearest pathways to long-term stability and economic independence, many Atlanta families continue to face barriers including limited affordable inventory, high upfront costs and the complexity of preparing for and sustaining a mortgage. This initiative is designed to directly address those challenges.
To further strengthen outcomes, an Atlanta-based mortgage partner will deliver HUD-approved homebuyer education and individualized mortgage-readiness assessments to prepare families for sustainable homeownership. The lender will also assist buyers in identifying supplemental down-payment or closing-cost resources to maximize purchasing power and long-term success.
This new partnership is another innovation in Atlanta Housing’s broader Resident Renaissance initiative, a resident-centered strategy to help families move from housing stability to economic mobility and long-term independence. Resident Renaissance is powered by Atlanta Housing’s continued work with the private sector to build a more complete ecosystem of support for residents. By aligning housing, workforce development, transportation and other life-building resources, Atlanta Housing is creating stronger pathways for families to thrive.
From the DC Housing Authority's press release:
On April 28, Park Morton Apartments received the 2026 Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing from ULI Washington, the local arm of the national nonprofit Urban Land Institute.
The award recognizes Phase 1 of the multi-phase redevelopment of the former Park Morton public housing community, a project led by a private-public partnership of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), nonprofit The Community Builders (TCB), and Dantes Partners.
“ULI Washington’s recognition of Park Morton Apartments highlights the impact of thoughtful public investment and strong partnerships. This project delivers affordable housing, supports resident opportunity, and advances the District’s vision for inclusive neighborhood growth,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert.
Located at 610 Park Road NW in the Park View neighborhood, the 142-unit Park Morton Apartments is a fully affordable multifamily building that includes 40 replacement units for returning Park Morton residents. DCHA, TCB and Dantes Partners are co-developers of the site, which originally consisted of 12 garden-style apartment buildings.
“Park Morton Apartments has created high-quality affordable housing and shared community spaces in a thriving, opportunity-rich neighborhood that offers access to transportation and other amenities that support resident empowerment,” said Nicole Wickliffe, Interim Executive Director of DCHA. “Thank you to our Park Morton residents for your commitment and passion for your community, and to all of our partners for working together to bring our collective vision to life. The ULI Washington award recognizes what can be accomplished when residents’ voices are prioritized.”
The newly constructed midrise building offers studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a four-bedroom apartment, and includes units with accessible features for persons with disabilities. The modern rental property is available to tenants earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI).
Unit features include simulated hardwood flooring, balconies, dishwashers and in-unit washers and dryers. Community amenities include a parking garage, fitness center, rooftop lounge, two courtyards, a “Kids Hub” lounge, a “Tech Hub” coworking space, a resident lounge and covered bike storage.
“Park Morton Apartments demonstrates what’s possible when the District, nonprofit developers, and private partners work together with residents at the center,” said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. “This award from ULI Washington recognizes a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, deeply affordable housing while honoring the Park View community and creating a foundation for long-term opportunity. We’re proud of this milestone and grateful to our partners for their leadership and collaboration.”
“Park Morton Apartments represents the best of what the District of Columbia can be in providing affordable and workforce housing,” said Buwa Binitie, Founder and CEO of Dantes Partners. “We look forward to on-going collaboration between the District, private development partners and residents to ensure the creation and on-going viability of much-needed affordable housing communities such as this one.”
The five-story multifamily rental property is the first on-site building delivered under the New Communities Initiative (NCI), a District government program that creates vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods. It also marks the completion of Phase 1 of the Park Morton Redevelopment Plan.
Future phases will include the construction of 47 townhomes, with 17 rental replacement units and 30 homeownership units; and 250 off-site rental apartments, including 90 replacement units, located less than a quarter mile away at the former Bruce Monroe School.
From the King County Housing Authority's press release:
King County Housing Authority (KCHA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative, a strategic partnership to strengthen opportunities for young people ages 14-19 growing up in KCHA communities in Auburn, Kent, and Shoreline.
The $800,000 investment for the first year will implement proven programs that build belonging and community stability for all young people, including those impacted by trauma or other life challenges. Programs and interventions will focus on positive youth development approaches that prevent violence, foster connection and opportunity, and create safer, more supportive environments where young people can thrive.
The Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative builds on the strong youth programming already in place across multiple KCHA communities. The initiative is designed to add to existing out-of-school time programs, bringing in additional resources and staff who will build trusting relationships with young people, strengthening the overall support system so more of our youth can thrive.
KCHA received an overwhelming response to this Request for Proposal (RFP) and appreciates the many qualified organizations that applied, which shows just how committed this region is to supporting our youth.
Partnerships
Following a robust application review process, KCHA is announcing new awards and partnerships under the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative to two community-based organizations: CHOOSE180 and Northwest Credible Messenger.
CHOOSE 180, a community-based organization with over a decade of experience serving system-impacted youth across King County, will partner with KCHA to serve youth living at Ballinger Homes in Shoreline. Their intervention-focused, credible-messenger model meets youth where they are, within housing communities, schools, and community spaces, through proactive outreach, structured group programming, and individualized mentorship. Grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, this approach emphasizes relationship-building, accountability, and skill development to reduce conflict, strengthen connections to trusted adults, and support safer community environments.
Northwest Credible Messenger will partner with KCHA to serve youth living at targeted housing communities located in Kent and Auburn, delivering healing-centered, place-based programming for youth impacted by community violence. Using a peer credible-messenger model, the organization provides proactive outreach, rotating group sessions, voluntary one-on-one mentorship, and restorative supports that foster safety, trust, and connection to caring adults. This flexible, relationship-driven program is led by staff with lived experience and strong community connections, grounded in healing-centered and evidence-informed practices, and designed to engage youth often disconnected from traditional services while strengthening coordination across KCHA communities.
What People Are Saying
“Young people growing up in our neighborhoods deserve to feel safe, supported, and connected to opportunity. Stable housing is the foundation, and partnerships with community organizations bring relationships, tools, and resources that create the conditions for young people to thrive. We’re excited to launch the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative with Choose 180 and Northwest Credible Messenger to make our communities even stronger and give our young people a brighter future.” – Robin Walls, President and CEO, King County Housing Authority
“KCHA is making a meaningful investment directly into the communities they are embedded within and that alignment matters deeply to us at CHOOSE 180. We believe that when communities invest in our youth early, we create stronger neighborhoods for everyone. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building upstream and intervention-based approaches that strengthen belonging, deepen community connection and create meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive.” –Nneka Payne, M.Ed, Chief Executive Officer, CHOOSE 180
“At Northwest Credible Messenger, we believe true youth safety begins with healing, connection, and opportunity. The KCHA Youth Safety and Belonging initiative represents an important investment in place-based services and supports that meet young people where they are, honor their lived experiences, and strengthen the communities surrounding them. When we center Healing-Centered Engagement and trust community leadership, we co-create pathways with young people and families to live out their aspirations to the fullest.” – Dr. Jason J. Clark, Director, Northwest Credible Messenger
"True safety is more than crime prevention, especially for our South King County youth. Safety is about looking after each other, developing social and emotional support systems, and building community right here in Auburn and across the region. This new initiative reflects an approach Auburn has embraced for nearly a decade — pairing compassion with accountability and strong community connections to foster belonging, prevent violence, and support our young residents." – Nancy Backus, Mayor of Auburn
“In Kent, we know that when young people feel safe, supported, and connected, our whole community is stronger. Our partnership with KCHA and our shared support for young people ensures that Kent remains a place where every family can thrive. Stable housing, early intervention, and creating opportunities for youth to feel seen and valued are essential to public safety and can inspire young people to reach their full potential.” – Dana Ralph, Mayor of Kent
“When we invest in youth well-being, we strengthen the future of our entire community. Shoreline’s partnership with KCHA brings together government, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to meet people where they are, collaborate to create pathways to opportunity, and empower our youth and families to become leaders.” – Betsy Robertson, Mayor of Shoreline