The Latest News
September 2018
President's Message
Outside Sleepers

Perfect storm –– “a critical or disastrous situation created by a powerful concurrence of factors” (Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary, 1998).

Nationally, the past decade’s rising rents and low to middle-income wage stagnation has culminated in the perfect storm. Locally, these forces challenge communities’ ability to keep up with the demand for affordable housing and have forced more into homelessness.

Many communities’ response to the problem is unfortunate and unforgettable. We tend to look down at people living outside, but instead, we must show more sympathy.

Working in the housing authority sector for over 20 years, I am a believer in the progress that can be achieved through the democratic process. Such progress is often exampled through the role of public forums, organizing, and cross-sectional dialogue. But finding solutions to house outside sleepers in my own community has been the hardest challenge I have ever come across. As a housing authority person, I am familiar with order, waiting lists, functional clients, and typical rental property management
Many outside sleepers have complex issues including: mental and physical illness, addictions to drugs or alcohol, adverse childhood experiences, poor credit or reported negative character flows (legitimate or not), fear of losing their belongings, impossible to afford housing options, needing personal space, needing to be treated with respect and dignity. However, all must deal with the cultural stigma of their social status in society. It is no small burden.

Do we have the capacity to serve outside sleepers in our communities? Of course we do. We are among the wealthiest nations on the planet. But all the resources in the world will not fix a problem that is rooted in the culture of deciding “who is “ and “who isn’t” deserving of help. Rather, it is a matter of will, policy setting, and coordination. In that order.

Many communities are developing solutions that are working and making a difference. Let us learn from each other and house outside sleepers who are vulnerable and need community support. We can do better.
Saeed Hajarizadeh,
PNRC President and Deputy Director, Vancouver Housing Authority
with Emily Hajarizadeh
Regional News
Meriwether Place Grand Opening

The grand opening for Meriwether Place in Vancouver, Washington took place on August 22nd. Meriwether Place is a three-story 30-unit development providing permanent supportive housing to low-income individuals in Clark County. Fifteen units are designated for households at or below 30% area median income (AMI) and will receive Section 8 project based vouchers. The remaining 15 units will be for households at or below 50% AMI. The project will include seventy-five percent (23) of the units as permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals facing mental health challenges. Households for Meriwether Place will referred by partner agencies. The location allows for access to social services, bus lines, grocery stores and recreational areas. 

Community Services Northwest and Lifeline Connections, two local nonprofit organizations in the mental health field, will occupy office space on the first floor of the building where they will provide services to Meriwether Place residents and individuals in Clark County.

The tax-credit property is sponsored by Columbia Non-Profit Housing. Developer/Owner is Meriwether Place LLLP. Vancouver Housing Authority has served as co-developer and construction manager. Funding is provided by City of Vancouver Affordable Housing Fund, Clark County Community Services Department, Columbia Non-Profit Housing, Key Community Development Corporation, KeyBank National Association, Vancouver Housing Authority, Washington Community Reinvestment Association, and Washington State Housing Finance Commission.
Bellingham Whatcom County Housing Authorities Select New Executive Director

The Board of Commissioners of the Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authorities (“BWCHA”) is pleased to announce the selection of Brien Thane, Director of Asset Development at BWCHA, as the new Executive Director effective July 23, 2018. Brien joined the BWCHA team in 2013, bringing over 25 years of experience developing and financing affordable housing. During his tenure with BWCHA Brien has successfully refinanced and renovated 11 tax credit properties comprising 563 apartments and managed $3.5M in Public Housing Capital Funds.
In addition to developing more than 600 new units of affordable housing for local housing authorities and nonprofits in 14 communities, Brien has developed and implemented new financing models for housing very low-income persons. He has served as the Executive Director of two statewide affordable housing nonprofits, where he created and managed capacity-building programs that supported the development of over 550 new housing units in 8 counties. He also brings extensive experience in program development and evaluation, grant management, and strategic planning.

Brien has been an active member of statewide, regional, and national advocacy coalitions for more than two decades. He has successfully secured legislation and appropriations supporting affordable housing development, including a lead role in securing legislation prohibiting local jurisdictions from discriminating against affordable housing in land-use decisions. He has served on a number of advisory committees for developing and updating public financing programs.

When asked about this opportunity Thane expressed, “I am excited about this opportunity to apply my experience and provide leadership at a higher level. I greatly value the trust that the Board of Commissioners is placing with me and I will do everything I can to continue making these Housing Authorities healthy, highly effective agencies. Thanks to the work of staff and commissioners, we adopted an ambitious but realistic business plan in April. The plan provides a roadmap for making measurable, comprehensive improvements in our programs and operations so that we can better serve the community and realize our vision of every person having the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home.”
Thane replaces John Harmon, who recently retired after serving 30 years as the Executive Director of the BWCHA.
Open House and Dedication for Farmworker and Senior Housing Units
 
Bishop Joseph Tyson of the Diocese of Yakima and the Rev. Francisco Gutierrez of Prosser’s Sacred Heart were on hand for the blessing and dedication during Catholic Charities Housing Services’ Open House and Dedication for two properties in Prosser, WA. Rio de Vida (River of Life) is a 51-unit development that houses farmworkers and workforce housing. The development will provide decent, safe and affordable housing to approximately 200 people who are in need. Fabric artist Deborah Ann also unveiled her custom piece of textile art that will be displayed in the Rio de Vida gathering hall.
In February, the newly constructed senior housing development, Saint Anthony Terrace, became fully occupied. The 61-unit development houses seniors 55 years of age and older and provides affordable housing to approximately 125 people.
Presenters included Rick Evans from Senator Cantwell’s office; Eric Seibens from the USDA/RD; Emily Grossman, Senior Policy Advisor for Housing and Community Services, Washington State Department of Commerce; Steve Zetz, Planning and Economic Development Director, City of Prosser; and Marty Miller Executive Director, Office of Rural and Farmworker Housing.

A delicious lunch was provided by Bon Vino's restaurant in Sunnyside.
Open House i n Rio de Vida's
community center
Catholic Charities Housing Services Director, Bryan Ketcham, and Catholic Charities CEO Darlene Darnell address the group during the dedication
USDA Rural Development Team Visits Sunnyside – Helps Families with Home Construction

The USDA Rural Development staff will participate in a unique work party at Sunnyside’s South Hill Park Homes on May 23 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. They will work alongside families who are constructing their homes in the Catholic Charities Housing Services development. Catholic Charities Housing Services is a Grantee for the USDA 523 Program that provides technical assistance to very low and low income individuals and families to provide first time home ownership. This unique program teaches families to build their homes from the ground up. The work party celebrates a great union of partnerships in rural communities. South Hill Park Home Development is located at1707 Canadienne Street, Sunnyside. 
Work Party
Residents of Saint Anthony Terrace greet the tour groups as they visit the beautiful new facility
Holly Anderson, Catholic Charities, Development & Asset Manager unveils the art that will be housed in Rio de Vida as local fabric artist Deborah Ann, talks about the piece
2018 Northern Idaho Housing Roundtables


Invitation to our Roundtable Partners

Registration is now open for the Northern Idaho Roundtable meetings in Lewiston and Post Falls! Expect an expanded conversation and enhanced format. We made these improvements with your feedback in mind.

Please follow the registration links below to the Roundtable event(s) you plan to attend; for those who plan to attend multiple meetings, please register for each location.

Lewiston
Wednesday, September 26
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Red Lion Hotel

Post Falls
Thursday, September 27 
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Post Falls Senior Center

Due to space restrictions, we ask that organizations limit themselves to two representatives, but please let us know if you need an exception.

We look forward to continuing the conversation about current challenges and opportunities. A week before each event, registered attendees will receive an agenda and IHFA program updates via email.

Thank you for your support and partnership; together we can work towards housing that meets the needs of all Idahoans and keeps our communities and economy strong. 

Questions? Email Kristina Larkin at mailto:kristinal@ihfa.org
Harvard Kennedy School Names
THA-TCC College Housing Assistance Program
“Top 25 Innovations in Government for 2018”

The Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation has named Tacoma Housing Authority and Tacoma Community College’s College Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) as one of the “ Top 25 Innovations in American Government for 2018 .”

Started in 2014, the THA-TCC CHAP  provides rental assistance for up to 150 TCC students per year who experience homelessness or who are at serious risk of homelessness. Most students in the program are parents. The program supports them with rental assistance for up to three years or until graduation, whichever comes first. To qualify, they must demonstrate adequate progress toward a degree. The joint program accepts applications each year, and when accepted, students receive on-campus support to ensure they successfully find housing and are on track with college. The program also extends to TCC students who begin their studies while in prison, and who come to campus to continue their studies. Most are mothers reuniting with children, and often, face the toughest housing challenges. This partnership supports some of the most vulnerable students in our community, and its results have been positive for the students and the community.

Groundbreaking for Willow Creek Crossing Apartments

The Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC), working together with DBG Properties, LLC and several partner agencies, broke ground today on a project to increase the availability of affordable housing in Washington County. Officials took part in a brief ceremony to launch construction of the Willow Creek Crossing Apartments, a 120-unit multifamily rental project on 1.3 acres located on SW Baseline, at SW 185 th Avenue in Hillsboro.

The $33.1 million project received funding from several local and state sources to include $300,000 from the City of Hillsboro, $500,000 from Metro, $250,000 from Meyer Memorial Trust, $4.5 million from the Oregon Housing and Community Services LIFT Rental Housing Program, and $12.8 million in equity from the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services. The tract of land was formerly owned by Washington County and was transferred to HAWC by the Board of Commissioners to serve low-income families.

Seattle Housing Authority communities rally to win City support for neighborhood improvements


Three Seattle Housing Authority communities won enough popular votes in the City of Seattle’s
Your Voice, Your Choice: Parks & Streets program to receive funding for local improvement projects. A particularly enthusiastic SHA Community Builder at Rainier Vista spearheaded a campaign that generated enough votes to make Rainier Vista one of the top three vote getters in the city, as well as the top vote getter for youth votes and Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese votes. The program is a participatory budgeting initiative in which Seattle residents democratically decide how to spend a portion of the City's budget on small-scale park and street improvements. The winning projects SHA residents promoted were selected from more than 1,000 ideas submitted by, and voted by, community members across Seattle.

Rainier Vista was awarded $90,000 to fund development of design drawings that residents hope will lead to construction of a permanent street park, where there is a temporary one. Two years ago, community groups concerned about traffic safety worked through the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Pavement to Parks program to install the temporary park to block off a segment of a troublesome road. The park, which features play hills, a teen-designed and painted street mural, small tables and chairs, and planters is considered a big success from a safety standpoint and as a community gathering space.

NewHolly will also receive $90,000. The money will fund design of a marked walkway on 33rd Avenue South between Graham and Holly Drive South, providing safer conditions for pedestrians.

The Lake City grant is $100,000 and will support street crossing improvements and walking improvements on 33rd Ave NE, between NE 125th Street and NE 130th Street. The work will include the installation of curb ramps to improve accessibility for disabled persons, a marked and signed crosswalk and a walkway. The project will improve access for residents at SHA’s Lake City Court and Lake City House as well as others living in or visiting the neighborhood. 

“The Seattle Housing Authority appreciates support from the City to improve the physical environment for Seattle residents living in SHA communities,” said SHA Executive Director Andrew Lofton. “The winning campaigns for street and park improvements in each of these three communities serve as a great example of the important role SHA Community Builders play in connecting community members to each other and to resources that help them improve their lives.”
NAHRO News
 Would You Like to Lead NAHRO?

Are you energetic, flexible, creative, honest, reliable, passionate and knowledge about our industry and are willing to make a commitment to serve our noble industry? Consider running for NAHRO president or senior vice president—we want to hear from you! 
 
NAHRO invites Associates and Allied Individual members who intend to seek the office of either president or senior vice president to formally communicate their intention to David Zappasodi, Chair of the Nominating and Election Committee (N&E), via email  david.zappasodi@dhantx.com  by September 14
 
Traditionally, campaigning commences at national conferences in even-numbered years. At this year’s conference, scheduled October 25-27, 2018 in Atlanta, GA, individuals may announce their candidacy at a plenary session and place an ad in the conference program (specifications will be provided to candidates).   September 14 is also the deadline for submission of conference program ads .
 
The 2019 election is more than a year away; thus, individuals will have numerous opportunities to announce their candidacy prior to the hybrid election in the fall of 2019. Note, however, in accordance with the Guidelines for National Office Campaigns, candidates are prohibited from making any public announcements of their candidacy prior to the National Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta, GA.
Details about the election are on the N&E’s webpage  Nominating and Election Committee The N&E has oversight responsibility for the election and certifies the election results. 
 
Questions? Contact  Sylvia Bowen at  sbowen@nahro.org  or 202 580-7201.
Early Bird Rate Ends this Friday!

At the 2018 National Conference & Exhibition, you’ll find focused learning sessions, thought-provoking speakers, a solution-filled exhibit hall, plenty of networking opportunities, and much more. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel, in downtown Atlanta, GA.

Be a part of history!  Play in the Inaugural NAHRO Scholarship Golf Tournament on Tuesday, October 23rd at the Smoke Rise Country Club in Stone Mtn. Georgia.


Next Month is
Housing America Month!
 
What is your agency
 doing to celebrate?
 

In 2007, Housing America was created and October was designated as the annual month for NAHRO and its members to collectively raise awareness of the need for, and the importance of, safe, decent and affordable housing in quality communities. Events are held around the country by housing authorities, redevelopment agencies and government entities to spotlight the great works that have been done and the successes that so many residents have experienced. Sadly, there continues to be an unmet housing need for many of America's most vulnerable. Click here for more information.

We challenge each agency in the region to do an event to celebrate! 
Let us know what event you are planning by sending an email
 
Event Ideas:
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Property Opening
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Beautification Project
Resident Activity
Proclamations
training_worldcloud.jpg
John L. Carroll Memorial Scholarship is Now Open
 Expressly for small agencies , the John L. Carroll Memorial Scholarship was established in 1993.   Each awarded scholarship will cover the tuition of one NAHRO Professional Development
live seminar or online course registration.  

For more information and to apply, click here .
Regional Training

Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) 
w/ Proficiency Test

October 1-2, 2018
Registration closes September 21st

Location:
Housing Authority of Yamhill County
135 NE Dunn Pl
McMinnville, OR 97128


Description:  
Are you ready to truly make a difference? The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a critical and exciting component to the future of the Housing Choice Voucher /Public Housing Programs. Through this course you will gain or refresh your knowledge of the elements needed to create a successful and innovative FSS program. While attending this interactive course you will discover how to be an effective and creative coordinator using best practice case management techniques, including dissecting regulations to insure proper reporting, collecting data, and creating a linkage from the Housing Choice Voucher program to Homeownership. Learn how to create dynamic partnerships within the community to maximize the resources for your participants. Attendees will learn how to form a non-profit organization, to assist with securing and enhancing future FSS funding. You will be inspired to make a difference in the lives of those families you serve! This course includes a proficiency test.

Objectives:
  • Understand the importance of innovative and dynamic case management by identifying participants needs to create the Individual Training and Service Plan (ITSP)
  • Organize an FSS program to meet current demands and best practices
  • Change the image of the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing through FSS to create positive community awareness through self-sufficiency
  • Learn how escrow credits are calculated
  • Utilizing community resources to build a robust Program Coordinating Committee (PCC)
  • Establish a non-profit organization to support the basic operations of the FSS program and create a platform to become self-sustaining
  • Engage in the development and operation of a Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program including management, counseling, recruiting and financial readiness for participants

Schedule:
Day 1: 8:00 am - 8:30 am - Check In
Day 1: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm - Training
Day 2: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm - Training
Day 2: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Proficiency Test

NAHRO Continuing Education Units (CEU's):
Training Completion = 1.10
Proficiency Test = 0.20
Total = 1.3

Price:
$545 - PNRC Member Registration (includes electronic training materials)
$645 - Non-Member Registration (includes electronic training materials)
Optional - $75 for printed materials and $50 testing fee



To see other jobs,
click on the PNRC Job Openings Page .

If you have position to be posted,
please send it to Kristen Damazio,
Regional Service Officer at
Executive Director - Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington | Longview, WA

President and CEO - Community Housing Improvement Program [CHIP] | Chico, CA

Director of Tenant Based Assistance - Housing Authority of Snohomish County | Everett, WA

Property Manager - Seattle Housing Authority | Seattle, WA

Project Manager 1 - Data Analyst  - Tacoma Housing Authority | Tacoma, WA

Accounting Tech - Vancouver Housing Authority | Vancouver, WA

Grant Administrator II - Alaska Housing Finance Corporation | Anchorage, AK

Energy Program Manager - Alaska Housing Finance Corporation | Anchorage, AK
 PNRC-NAHRO | 202-580-7203 |  kdamazio@nahro.org | www.pnrcnahro.org