Neighborly Software’s Post

Federal rental assistance can be a lifeline to stability for many families but unfortunately, there isn’t enough assistance to go around. Current rent rules leave some families feeling financially paralyzed by a fear of losing assistance or having their rents increase if they get a raise or a better-paying job. In 2018, Congress expanded the Family Self-Sufficiency Program to private housing providers using project-based rental assistance, who are committed to helping their tenants better navigate their financial lives. The program is focused on revising rent rules for families using housing assistance so there are better incentives to work, earn, and save. Read more about how the program is helping families identify their financial goals to achieve better financial security and mobility. https://ow.ly/qq7Y50QxZXc #rentalassistance #financialsecurity #economicmobility #federalhousing #privatehousing

"If done right, FSS can support residents as they pursue their financial security goals, which for some may support their transition away from housing assistance, freeing up resources for the next family in need." Discover ways the FSS program has been adopted and implemented by affordable housing providers and what other organizations can learn from their experience: https://bit.ly/3RCqzfz #CommunityDevelopment #PublicHousing #FederalAssistance

We at Karp Strategies know that lasting growth starts with investing in communities. Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) are a powerful tool in ensuring major projects create real, positive impact—whether it's through local hiring, infrastructure upgrades, or support for nonprofits. Want to understand how these agreements work and why they matter? Check out our latest blog post to learn the basics and discover how CBAs can drive meaningful change in your community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/edmUeUFy #CommunityImpact #CBAs #CommunityBenefits #CommunityDevelopment

An innovative community partnership initiative that leverages BART capital funding to help local agencies make it easier for riders to safely walk and bike to BART stations is awarding funding to seven projects. The Measure RR Safe Routes to BART (SR2B) grant program’s third and final cycle will provide $16 million in funding for the projects, which are located across the three counties that make up the BART District (Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco). The program is made possible through Measure RR which was approved by District voters in 2016 and provides $3.5 billion to rebuild BART’s core infrastructure to make the system safer and more reliable. The selected projects are focused on improving bike and pedestrian connections to BART. SR2B makes the most of Measure RR dollars by using them to support projects that can offer a minimum funding match of 30% and can provide evidence of governing body support, a full funding plan, and a minimum of 35% design completion.

HAVE YOU NO SHAME? The mismanagement of taxpayer money and the lack of growth in our high streets is indeed a concerning issue that deserves attention. The allocation of £10,000,000,000 intended to rejuvenate and reinvent our high streets has seemingly vanished without any noticeable impact. Over the course of five years, there has been minimal growth, with no high street experiencing more than a 10% improvement. This is a diabolical and disgusting waste of public funds. One of the core problems lies in the prevalence of nepotism on LinkedIn, as it seems to hinder progress and accountability. If this situation had occurred on any other media platform, there would undoubtedly be widespread discussion and scrutiny. The magnitude of £10,000 million is staggering, and it's crucial to recognize the missed opportunities that this amount of money could have provided. Imagine the number of social housing units that could have been built, offering affordable and secure homes to those in need. Additionally, the potential for job creation is immense, with the opportunity to establish permanent positions and stimulate economic growth. The funds could have been utilized to construct factories, fostering industrial development and generating employment opportunities. Therefore, creating opportunity of increasing our GDP Furthermore, the impact on the elderly population could have been substantial. Improved housing conditions, including soundproofing, insulation, and energy-efficient heating systems, could have significantly reduced heating bills for older individuals, ensuring their comfort and well-being. The list of possibilities and benefits that could have been achieved with this amount of money is endless. It is disheartening that amidst such a significant misallocation of funds, there appears to be a lack of accountability and public discourse. While individuals like Mark Robinson and Helen Dickinson OBE may hold influential positions, it is essential to scrutinize their actions and the effectiveness of their respective organizations. Mark just keeps building shopping centers and Helen. Well she just keeps talking. The mismanagement of funds and the failure to achieve meaningful growth in our high streets cannot go unnoticed or unaddressed. FIVE years that’s how long they’ve had and you don’t even have an opinion OMG it’s no one that our country is going to the dogs Have you even an opinion on what you would’ve spent 10,000,000,000 pounds on?

🚨 The Cost of Underutilization: Are You Aware? Many PHAs may not realize the significant financial implications of underutilization: ▪️ Example: If you have 1,000 vouchers but only achieve a 75% utilization rate, that means 250 vouchers are unused. ▪️ Funding Loss: At $75 per voucher, you're missing out on $19K per month, which totals nearly $250K annually! ▪️ Impact: That’s 250 families who could be housed, along with missed opportunities for your agency to enhance funding, hire staff, and improve services. If your SEMAP score or utilization rates need improvement, we can help! Let’s discuss strategies to maximize your program’s potential. #Housing #PublicHousingAgencies #Underutilization #Government

Dive into the perks of the Section 8 Program for landlords! From guaranteed, on-time rent payments to long-term tenancy and valuable social contributions, discover how partnering with Section 8 not only ensures financial stability but also supports community well-being. Embrace the benefits and make a positive impact! #Section8 #LandlordBenefits #RealEstateInvesting

Rapid Re-housing is effective, however, I do think communities lack consistent support to individuals needing services. 1.) We need more landlords that are willing to participate in the program to allow individuals or families in housing, as well as allow organizations to pay for rent, short or long term. 2.) Once individuals or families are placed in housing, the wrap around services that are needed must improve on the quality of services to make sure the client doesn’t revert back to the street. 3.) Rent continues to rise, therefore, preparation for the client is vital. Meaning there needs to be a plan in place for the client to afford their rent and bills after the assistance end.

More than 650,000 people experienced homelessness in 2023, a number that is the highest since at least 2007. To address epidemics of homelessness and housing shortages, policies must have enacted. To be effective, those policies must be based on a thoughtful analysis, on rigorous empirical studies from trusted parties. That's where Abt Global comes in. For decades, our work has helped support housing vouchers, which have helped millions of people find affordable homes and stay stably housed. Together with HUD and the National Bureau of Economic Research, Abt conducted the, "first random-assignment social science experiment designed to identify the causal effects of moving from high-poverty to lower-poverty neighborhoods." Our work continues to support programs that work for families. #HUD #AbtGlobal #Housing #FoodEquity

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Family Options Study and the Moving to Opportunity Demonstration have shown that #StableHousing through Housing Choice Voucher (HCB) program subsidies can yield lasting benefits for families. This white paper from Abt Global evaluates the Direct Rental Assistance (DRA) approach as an alternative method. The objective is to determine the future direction of HUD rental assistance. #HUD #RentalAssistance #AffordableHousing