International Observatory on Social Housing
Examine the world of social housing from an international perspective.
I think it is extremely important to take time and recognize those who dedicate their careers to public service. The five people I am writing about today have all taken different approaches to their respective careers but have touched the agencies and people they have come into contact with in very positive and meaningful... Continue Reading →
HUD and the EPA are clearly putting a large focus back on lead based paint. Recently, staff from both agencies in D.C. swung through the Pacific Northwest and conducted lead based paint reviews with several housing authorities. There is a good chance that more housing authorities will be reviewed in the upcoming weeks and months.... Continue Reading →
Are there too many PHAs? I am not postulating but simply asking a question. There are around 3500 public housing authorities throughout the United States administering around 3.2 million affordable housing units mainly through public housing and housing choice voucher programs. The majority of these housing authorities are extremely small. In some states there... Continue Reading →
Private contractors are becoming a reality in the world of public housing. Growing costs, increased complexities and the training of staff has made managing voucher programs extremely difficult. Enter the contractor. I am making zero recommendations here but just giving an overview of some of the major players in the game. I have friends who... Continue Reading →
Dr. Carson's appointment to be the leader of HUD was universally derided by many within the public housing sector. His lack of experience in the housing sector was often cited as the reason. While Dr. Carson might not have experience in the housing arena, he has the opportunity to make a major mark on... Continue Reading →
I must give credit for this article to Yi-Ling Chen who is an associate professor of Geography and Planning at the University of Wyoming. I met her at the International Social Housing Conference where she gave a nice presentation. I am going quickly give an overview. In 2015, social or affordable housing only made up less... Continue Reading →
San Diego Housing Authority: Achievement Academy: SDHC Achievement Academy is the name for the community services division that is married up with the MTW path to success rent reform program. Components of this resident focused program include a state of the art learning center that includes a computer lab and programs to help residents learn skills... Continue Reading →
This is a very controversial subject within the public housing world. When it comes to time limits in federally subsided housing programs, there are many on both sides of the argument. This blog is meant to simply introduce a few of the housing authorities that went down this road and their reasoning for... Continue Reading →
The debate is there. Should a social housing company focus all energy on being an excellent housing provider? Why worry about social issues when there are other agencies who can focus on these themes. Many public housing agencies in the USA are looking for ways to improve the social situations for families and residents in... Continue Reading →
There are so many dedicated professionals working on the homeless issue around the world that we can sometimes forget to stop and appreciate the hard work and innovation. Below are 5 interesting programs, developments or ideas that have been implemented around the world. Hyper Aggressive Housing First in Finland: Finland as a country made housing... Continue Reading →
International Observatory on Social Housing 