On January 24, HUD published a notice in the Federal Register implementing and providing guidance on the provisions of the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) Act amendments. Changes were made to the assistance provided to eligible youth under the Family Unification Program (FUP), including those who received vouchers through the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative.

As part of this notice, two major changes were made to the PBV program, effective back to December 27, 2020:

• FUP Youth (FUPY) and FYI vouchers that the PHA project-bases are counted as part of the 10% exception authority to the 20% program cap.
• The excepted units requirement for the PBV program has been amended to include units that house eligible youth receiving FUPY/FYI assistance.

Guidance from HUD and the Treasury on HCV budgeting, Section 3, commitment letters for prospective renters, and more.

Recent News

HUD Letter on 2022 HCV Program Renewal Awards

In a letter to PHA executive directors on January 18, HUD provided important information and guidance about planning 2022 budgets for the Housing Choice Voucher program. Read article

 

HUD Publishes Section 3 Guidebook

This new resource is intended to help HUD grant recipients, subrecipients, contractors, and Section 3 business that manage or implement the Section 3 provisions. In addition to the latest tools and resources for applying these provisions to HUD-funded projects and activities, the guidebook includes information on implementing the requirements of the Section 3 final rule that went into effect November 30, 2020. Read article

 

HUD Publishes Notice to Extend Length of Housing Support to Foster Youth

In a notice in the Federal Register, HUD implements and provides guidance on the provisions of the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) amendments to the Family Unification Program. Under FSHO, former foster youth may receive up to 60 months of voucher assistance. Eligible youth include those participating in family self-sufficiency programs, and those in specific situations precluding their participation in such programs. HUD seeks public comment on certain provisions. Read article

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

 

Today at the third annual NMA and GoSection8 Housing Conference in Miami, Nan McKay and Associates announced the four winners of the 2015 NMA Housing Awards. We first launched these awards nearly a decade ago to recognize excellence and innovation in the affordable housing industry.

Today in the NMA "Meet the Team" interview series, we sit down with senior associate trainer Betty Turner. With longstanding expertise in subjects including transition to asset management, supervision, and working with commissioners, Ms. Turner frequently trains popular NMA classes such as Public Housing Management, Public Housing Specialist, Supervision and Management, and Hearing Officer Workshop.

Tell us about your work experience.

I have over 25 years of experience in the affordable housing industry and have worked in both public housing and Section 8.

How did you get your start in the industry?

I ended up in the industry because I needed a job! I had no clue what a housing authority was about — in fact, I didn't know the government was even involved in housing!

How many years have you been at NMA?

Nine years. Ten years this September.

Education credentials and professional organizations?

B.S. in business administration, and some graduate school. I'm semi-retired now, so I don't do a lot with professional organizations anymore.

What’s one topic you’re most passionate about in the affordable housing industry?

Public housing management. You have an opportunity to work with the whole family in a very meaningful way.

What's your favorite part about your job?

I love training, especially when I see the class participants really getting it!

Describe your typical work day?

Up at 5:30 a.m., in the training room by 6:45 a.m., no lunch, out of the training room about 6 p.m.

Tell us about a successful project that you had a part in.

A collaboration with the social services department in assisting kids aging out of foster care with eligibility for family unification Section 8 vouchers.

Hobbies outside of work?

Movies! There's just something magical about sitting in a large, dark room full of strangers eating popcorn.

NMA senior associate trainer Betty Turner honed her creative team-building skills over more than three decades as executive director of both large and medium-sized PHAs.