Last day for all PHAs to submit information to the CARES Act Waiver Report Tool, expedited regulatory waivers now available for public housing and HCV programs, and more.

Recent News

Today, Dec. 20, Is the Deadline to Submit CARES Act Waiver Adoption Information

Per HUD’s Notice PIH 2021-33, all PHAs must enter information to the CARES Act Waiver Reporting Tool (CAWRT) no later than today, Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. This includes those that did not adopt the discretionary COVID-19 waivers, although there is an expedited reporting process in place for these PHAs. Read article

 

PHAs May Apply for Expedited Regulatory Waivers for Public Housing and HCV Programs

In Notice PIH 2021-32, HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing advises PHAs that they may apply for certain regulatory waivers originally offered as part of the CARES Act. As long as a PHA follows the process set out by the notice, HUD will expeditiously respond to the request for these waivers. Read article

 

HHS and HUD Announce Expanded Partnership, New Housing and Services Resource Center

The US departments of Health and Human Services and of Housing and Urban Development are launching a national Housing and Services Resource Center (HSRC) as the hub of a coordinated federal effort to improve access to affordable housing and community-based supportive services. Goals include advancing equity for people with disabilities, older adults, and people experiencing homelessness. Read article

 

New public housing and HCV resources are available on the HUD Exchange, the Department of the Treasury releases resources and information for Emergency Rental Assistance reallocation, and more.

Recent News

New Public Housing Resources and Training Available

New resources and training are available on the HUD Exchange to support PHAs and their partners in developing and administering their public housing and voucher programs. Recent additions include the Public Housing Resident Organizing and Participation Toolkit in English and Spanish, NSPIRE Online Training, and a guidebook and webinar on strategies for assisting people experiencing homelessness. Read article

 

Treasury Releases ERA1 Reallocation Resources

NLIHC summarizes a letter published by U.S. Department of the Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, announcing timelines and priorities for the Emergency Rental Assistance reallocation process. The letter also includes links to relevant forms and instructions for submitting them. Read article

 

HUD PIH Posts Updated Emergency Housing Voucher FAQs

In the sixth update to the EHV FAQs, HUD PIH adds 14 new questions and answers. NLIHC highlights five additions regarding voucher administration, the EHV services fee, and portability. Read article

 

We would like to highlight two more winners of the 2021 NMA Housing Awards—our Resident Service awardees—as well as one other agency whose work impressed us.

East Baton Rouge Parish, LA steps up

For one southern city, last year, during the height of the pandemic, necessity was the mother of invention.

The idea for the Beds for Babies/Beds for Kids program began when a member of the E. Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority maintenance team noticed children’s bedrooms without beds and asked if he could purchase the wood and supplies to build a bed for these children. This problem of infants and young children sleeping on the floor or co-sleeping with parents and siblings was elevated to Director J. Daniels and the entire staff of the EBRPHA. Turns out under the financial stress of COVID-19 some new parents were struggling to buy these pricey items.

Director Daniels and his team found that 50 children had been sleeping with their parents, on sofas or pallets.

The White House hosts a virtual Eviction Prevention Summit, Oregon passes several affordable housing bills, HUD announces key staff appointments, and more.

Recent News

White House Hosts Virtual Summit on Eviction Prevention

The White House's virtual Eviction Prevention Summit featured a panel of administration officials and private breakout sessions on the subject of designing and administering accessible emergency rental assistance programs that reach people with the greatest risk of eviction. Read article

 

Oregon Legislature Passes Bills to Expand Renter Protections and Increase Affordable Housing Supply

During its 2021 legislative session, Oregon passed several bills to build and maintain affordable housing, protect renters, and address homelessness. Throughout the session, the Oregon Housing Alliance and Housing Oregon mobilized affordable housing advocates from across the state to share why a safe, stable, affordable, and accessible home is critical. Read article

 

HUD Announces Key Staff Appointments

HUD has announced several key additions to its staff—a talented and diverse group of individuals ready to tackle the nation's housing challenges. Read article

HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman sworn in, HUD restores AFFH requirement, HUD awards $1.1 billion for EHVs, and the University of Chicago releases new research on homelessness.

Breaking news

Adrianne Todman Sworn in as Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

On June 14, HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge issued the oath of office to Deputy Secretary Todman, who most recently served as the CEO of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Read article

 

HUD Publishes Interim Final Rule to Restore Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Requirement

The publication provides a robust definition of the duty to affirmatively further fair housing. Under the restored AFFH regulatory definition, HUD funding recipients must commit to taking steps to remedy their unique fair housing issues. The interim final rule will go into effect on July 31. Read article

 

HUD Awards $1.1 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funds for Emergency Housing Vouchers

70,000 vouchers are being awarded for 626 public housing authorities administering HCV programs. The awarded funds are part of the $5 billion the American Rescue Plan Act enabled HUD to allocate. These vouchers went to communities with the greatest need for EHVs, where local housing authorities demonstrated their capacity to administer assistance. Read article