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 [email protected].
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The disinvestment in housing and supportive services is a disinvestment in our nation’s most vulnerable populations.
WASHINGTON (March 12, 2019) - Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s FY 2020 Budget proposal, which would slash funding for the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development by more than 16 percent, including a $4.6 billion cut to the public housing capital and operating funds.
“This budget is a study in contradiction. While the administration is promising safer, healthier, more affordable housing, this budget proposes a 16 percent cut to HUD funding.
“While promoting HUD’s efforts to end homelessness and reduce home health and safety hazards, this budget slashes the public housing operating fund and zeroes out the capital fund.
“While rightly raising the cap on RAD conversions and requesting $100 million for the program, this budget renders the program effectively unusable with the proposed funding cuts.
“It is not possible for public housing authorities to dedicate resources to meeting capital needs when there is no capital fund, or to house the homeless without the resources to operate housing.
“The administration wants us to think beyond investing in bricks and mortar, and instead think about investing in people. This budget does neither of those things. The disinvestment in housing and supportive services is a disinvestment in our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including the 2.2 million low- and very low-income families, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities who are served by public housing.
“Congress has previously rejected draconian budgets that shred our safety net, and we call on them to do so again.”
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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Statement from CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
WASHINGTON (September 21, 2018) – In support of housing authorities and residents impacted by Hurricane Florence, Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, issued the following statement:
“Though the storm itself is behind us, flooding and other destructive impacts of Hurricane Florence may take weeks or months to subside. As we consider the ongoing damage to Virginia and the Carolinas, our thoughts immediately turn to the most vulnerable segments of our population: low-income families and those who risk displacement from their homes.
“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) and its entire membership supports providing assistance in any way we can to colleagues, partners, friends, and housing residents who have been affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence. We will make available to the fullest extent any vital resources and support services we have at our disposal to help cities, PHAs, and residents recover from the storm.
“Please know that our thoughts are with all those who have suffered losses from the hurricane and its aftermath. CLPHA and its entire network of affordable housing professionals stands ready to work across all sectors to extend both short-term and long-term assistance to anyone in need. As we have in the past, we will advocate for HUD and FEMA programs such as DHAP and CDBG-DR that help disaster-impacted low-income Americans establish housing stability and improve their life outcomes.”
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 26 percent of the Housing Choice Voucher program; and operate a wide array of other housing programs. Learn more at clpha.org and on Twitter @CLPHA.
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program is a Proven Means of Securing the Future of the Nation’s Public Housing Stock
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Federal Housing Commissioner Brian Montgomery joined the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, its development partners Atlantic | Pacific Communities and Madhouse Development Services, and the Austin community to celebrate the groundbreaking of HACA’s most recent redevelopment of one of its public housing properties, Goodrich Place, which also represents the 100,000th public housing unit being converted through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program.
In recognition of this important milestone, Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities and Patrick Costigan, Strategic Advisor to the RAD Collaborative, issued the following statement:
Today we are celebrating an important milestone addressing the critical need for affordable housing by enabling housing authorities to convert public housing to more stable long-term Section 8 based contracts that will serve PHAs and residents for years to come.
Through the Rental Assistance Demonstration program, agencies across the country can leverage private financing to complete capital improvements needed to preserve and improve the public housing stock, without giving up control of the asset. RAD engenders creative local partnerships, stimulates ongoing economic activity, and leads to improved housing quality for low-income seniors and families.
As we celebrate the 100,000th RAD unit, it’s clear that we have proof of concept. To give PHAs greater certainty, HUD’s program should be permanent with unlimited opportunity for conversions to agencies meeting the requirements.
Congratulations to HUD at this significant juncture, and to HACA and the residents of Goodrich Place who will soon have access to improved units in one of Austin’s highest opportunity neighborhoods.
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 26 percent 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 the RAD Collaborative
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA)—with the support of the National Equity Fund (NEF), HAI Group, Reno & Cavanaugh, and CF Housing Group—organized the RAD Collaborative for interested Public Housing Authorities, their partners and residents using the Rental Assistance Demonstration to preserve and revitalize public housing properties. Our focus also includes extending RAD to multifamily housing at risk of being lost from the affordable inventory--including Rent Supp, RAP, Mod Rehab and Section 202 PRAC properties. Learn more at radcollaborative.org and on Twitter @SucceedwithRAD.
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From Lucas Metropolitan Housing's press release:
Toledo community leaders today proudly proclaimed “mission accomplished” with the grand opening of the new, first-of-its-kind Park Apartments, a $15 million, 45-unit affordable housing apartment building that represents a historic investment toward ending the homelessness crisis among people with disabilities and young adults that affects approximately 4,000 youths in Northwest Ohio.
“Providing safe, permanent housing where young people with disabilities can write new chapters of their lives is an epic achievement for Toledo,” Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) President and CEO Senghor Manns said during a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the new building, located on a half-acre site at 201 Knapp St., south of downtown in the Middlegrounds neighborhood.
“This truly is a mission accomplished moment for which all Ohioans can be proud,” said Manns.
“Park Apartments will serve as a model for the nation on how to bring affordable housing stability to the lives of young people ages 18-24 who have a disability and are currently homeless, or who are struggling to survive by living in shelters or sleeping in cars.”
Today’s grand opening completes the transformation of one of Toledo’s former landmarks into a beautiful new structure that will offer a comprehensive list of social service programs to help young adults as they enter an important next phase of their lives and that proponents say will have a major and meaningful impact on the youths’ long-term future.
Many of the dignitaries who spoke at this morning’s ceremony have been staunch advocates for Park Apartments from the start of its development, including LMH Board Chair Alisha Gant, Toledo-Lucas County Homelessness Board Executive Director Julie Embree, Beacon 360 Management CEO Celia Kendall, Toledo Housing and Community Development Deputy Director Coleena Ali, Lucas County Commissioners Lisa A. Sobecki, Pete Gerken, and Anita Lopez, Toledo City Council Member Theresa Gadus, District 3, and Ohio Housing Finance Agency Senior Director of Housing Programs Matt Sutter.
“The new Park Apartments will stand as a cornerstone for Toledo’s most vulnerable young adults,” Embree said. “This is more than just housing — it’s a chance to build stability, hope, and a brighter future for young people who deserve every opportunity to thrive.”
From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:
Today, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) was joined by Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) to announce and tour new climate-resilient, and energy efficient upgrades installed at the San Fernando Gardens public housing community.
Thanks in part to a $3.5M federal investment from Rep Tony Cardenas in 2023, HACLA is bringing a community of nearly 1,500 residents more sustainable and resilient living conditions; including the installation of 448 energy-efficient air conditioning units donated by the Mayor's Office and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, as well as new ceiling fans and cooling roofs.
The San Fernando Gardens Community Center has also been upgraded to serve as a resiliency center with a backup solar power energy system, established by GRID Alternatives. It will support residents during a power outage to prevent heat related emergencies, to store life-saving medication, and charge electrical devices to stay connected.
“Crucial to our efforts to build a more climate resilient Los Angeles is investing in communities that are facing the impacts of our changing climate firsthand,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Every family deserves relief from increasing heat and today marks another significant step towards making that a reality. I am grateful to be part of this collaboration with HACLA and our regional partners to help ensure residents of San Fernando Gardens can live comfortably and safely.”
Built in 1955, the San Fernando Gardens in Pacoima was not constructed to withstand the heatwaves and rising temperatures intensified by climate change. This has placed a significant strain on residents' daily lives and the electrical grid.
“With extreme weather conditions adversely impacting the San Fernando Valley, we are prioritizing the installation of these air conditioning units, cool roofs and other enhancements to improve the quality of life for our public housing residents,” said HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez. “Today, we are proud to be completing the installation of upgrades at San Fernando Gardens and express appreciation to the Congresswoman, Mayor’s Office, LADWP, and our partners for investing in communities like San Fernando Gardens. We will continue working together so that families in Los Angeles have a safe, comfortable and affordable place to call home.”
“We need to take meaningful actions to protect San Fernando Valley residents from longer, hotter, and more dangerous periods of extreme heat – and that includes making sure residents can stay safe and cool during heat waves,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “Thank you to HACLA, the City of Los Angeles, and former Congressman Tony Cárdenas for helping secure the necessary improvements to modernize the San Fernando Gardens Community Center to be more resilient to increasingly warmer temperatures. I will continue advocating for federal funding to safeguard gathering places across the San Fernando Valley, like the San Fernando Gardens, from extreme heat and championing legislation that protects our most vulnerable from the harmful effects of climate change.”
“Climate change has created unique challenges for all of us, but especially for those living in underserved communities,” said Janisse Quiñones, LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer. “Through this partnership with HACLA, we are delivering on our commitment to protect our most vulnerable customers and provide them with the resources they need to stay cool and beat the heat, while keeping their costs down and their bills manageable.”
“The YMCA is excited to be partnering with HACLA by providing programs and services to the residents of San Fernando Gardens,” said David Hartmire, Senior Executive Director, North Valley Family YMCA at Porter Ranch.
“I want to thank HACLA and all the parties involved for all that you've done for me and my neighbors,” said San Fernando Gardens Resident Advisory Council President Clara Osorio. “This AC unit has brought real relief — not just from the heat, but from the stress that comes with it. It’s easier to sleep, easier to breathe, and I finally feel comfortable in my home.”
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From the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's website:
At Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Anchorage Family Investment Center, more than 20 staff work to connect families to housing and help Alaska Housing tenants identify resources like childcare, job training and education opportunities.
The AFIC is one of three AHFC family investment centers in Alaska, offering in-person and remote support for the thousands of families who utilize an AHFC housing voucher or reside in an Alaska Housing property.
Michael, a case manager with AHFC’s Jumpstart, is a member of this team. For the last decade, he’s worked to support families by helping them to identify barriers to self-sufficiency and develop goals and objectives to overcome these obstacles.
“I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds, getting to know them and helping them toward their goals.”
From the King County Housing Authority:
After foster care ended, Jonas faced homelessness, hunger, and life-threatening health struggles. What changed everything was access to a federally-funded Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Voucher, providing him with safe and stable housing and the foundation to rebuild his life.
Jonas’ story shows that housing isn’t just shelter—it’s stability, opportunity, and hope. Programs like FYI housing assistance are critical in helping youth transition successfully out of foster care and into independence.
FYI housing vouchers are funded by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and administered by local Public Housing Authorities like KCHA.
From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:
Nancy Lieberman Charities (NLC) has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, BEVEL & P&G, and the BIG3, to present a new Dream Court™ to the Santa Monica community. The outdoor basketball court, located at the Jack & Cindy Jones Youth Center at the Mar Vista Gardens Boys & Girls Club, was donated by NLC and BEVEL – the first and only head-to-toe grooming brand crafted for Black & Brown men. This is the 134th Dream Court™ established by NLC, and will provide a safe place for youth to play basketball, build positive relationships, and much more.
"I speak for all of us when I say that we could not be more honored to unveil another Dream Court™ for the community of Mar Vista Gardens,” said NLC Founder and Chairwoman, Nancy Lieberman. “Through this amazing partnership with P&G and the BIG3, NLC has been able to provide courts to communities that deeply desire a space to come together to learn and grow through the game of basketball. BEVEL aligns precisely with the values held by Dream Courts, the Boys & Girls Club, and the BIG3, and we couldn’t have imagined better partners.”
The Dream Court™ is a high school regulation size (50-by-84 feet) and includes two new basketball goals. It features a high-performance PowerGame™ surface from Sport Court in dark blue and steel blue with the Dream Court™, Boys & Girls Clubs and BEVEL logos. This is the 5th Dream Court™ in California, following the next most recent court, the Kobe and Gianna Legacy Court in Anaheim, CA, in partnership with the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, established in 2022. Dream Courts serve more than 5.5 million youth annually.
"It’s a privilege to be able to provide another Dream Court™ alongside Nancy Lieberman Charities, P&G, and Boys and Girls Club of Mar Vista,” said BIG3 CEO and Co-Founder Ice Cube. “You don’t have to be an expert to know what kind of impact a space like this has on children. Having a safe, fun, professional-grade space to play makes kids feel valued and empowered. Nancy Lieberman Charities has impacted millions of lives through the Dream Courts initiative, and I thank Nancy, our friends at BEVEL, and the great people at the Boys and Girls Clubs for helping to make this Dream Court™ a reality.”
“At BEVEL, we believe grooming and greatness go hand in hand—and that means showing up for our communities far beyond the bathroom mirror,” said Vice President of Marketing at BEVEL, Breann Satterwhite. “Partnering with Nancy Lieberman Charities, the BIG3, and the Boys & Girls Club of Mar Vista to bring this Dream Court™ to life is an extension of our commitment to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. We’re proud to be part of something that inspires confidence and connection, on and off the court.”
After a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, kids practiced their skills on their new club court. BIG3 players were on site to share their expertise along with coaches from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica.
“This Club location is an access point for hundreds of local kids to get active,” said Brynja Seagren, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s CEO. “We are very grateful for this meaningful gift. Dream Court™ will be home to our youth basketball leagues, healthy lifestyle programming, and countless pickup games. It will be a place where our club kids can just be kids – running, playing, laughing, and growing together in a safe space.”
"Mar Vista Gardens is one of HACLA’s many vibrant public housing communities—home to nearly 1,800 residents including almost 600 kids and teens," said HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez. "We are proud to celebrate the grand opening of this Dream Court, made possible through our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica and the generous support from Nancy Lieberman charities, BIG3, and BEVEL. This court will be a space for our residents to gather, be active, build skills and strengthen connections. In a time where too much screen time challenges the health of our children, this court is an investment in their well-being, confidence, and future."
This event was part of the BIG3’s Los Angeles weekend, including the final regular-season matchups at Intuit Dome on August 9, and the YOUNG3 community outreach event on August 8. Tip-off was at 1pm PT, and the Los Angeles Riot played their first-ever home game at 2pm. Fans experienced four, 50-minute fast-paced and physical BIG3 games featuring stars like Dwight Howard, Michael Beasley, and Glen Rice Jr, and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers like Lieberman, Dr. J, Gary Payton, and George Gervin.