COVID-19 Illustrated Need for Imperiled Housing Programs
PHADA President Mark Gillett.
Five Years. Right about this time in 2020 the world changed dramatically. We all vividly remember that late winter when schools, businesses, sports leagues, government offices and other institutions shuttered, with many shifting to an online virtual mode. Many HAs, of course, could not close their doors and stepped up their operations, delivering critical services to vulnerable low-income seniors and families. This anniversary is particularly notable with the new Administration proposing vast budget and staff cuts that would jeopardize our ability to deliver services.
Effects of COVID-19 Remain
According to the most recent data on the World Health Organization’s website, more than seven million individuals perished during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these are 1.2 million Americans. Sadly, many of us lost family members, friends, and colleagues, especially early on in 2020–21.
The pandemic’s effects are still being felt in our industry and society in general. The now expired eviction moratorium had financial effects that are still hindering many HAs in the form of increased Tenant Accounts Receivable (TARs). In fact, HUD estimates that about one in five HAs are “severely impacted” by the problem, and a historically high number of agencies have experienced operating fund shortfalls in the last two years.
Supply chain problems and other factors that increased inflationary pressures have subsided, but are still significant, especially in the rental market. We have seen dramatic hikes in local rents, insurance, and other costs, resulting in large increases in the Housing Choice Voucher program at a time when the federal government budget is strained, and some Washington policymakers are looking to cut it more. Many of us are still finding it hard to locate some supplies required for maintenance and construction.
Changes in the workforce environment that started in 2020 have made it harder to find and retain quality staff. Our industry was already undergoing rapid turnover in the leadership at individual HAs and the pandemic hastened the pace. While many U.S. workers are now returning to the office, work from home has also had a significant impact on communities, especially larger cities that have seen an economic downturn in their business and governmental districts.
As we mark this fifth-year anniversary, it is important to remember those we lost. Likewise, it is important to remind policymakers how instrumental our programs and services were in helping millions of low-income seniors, veterans, children and families make it through the pandemic.
As I mentioned above, closing our doors and shutting down was not an option for most of us in March 2020. If anything, we dramatically scaled up our efforts on the front lines, providing shelter, food and other support to vulnerable Americans. In short, the COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the critical importance and value of our work and programs.
Communicate With Your Reps and Senators
That work is now in serious jeopardy as the Trump Administration and Congress talk of potentially crippling budget cuts and federal workforce layoffs that will have a major ripple effect on our ability to operate. Thus, it is more important than ever that we raise concerns with elected officials in Washington.
Some media reports have indicated HUD could face as much as a 50 percent reduction in force in the coming months. This is deeply troubling, and some key Senators raised the alarm with Secretary Scott Turner in recent correspondence. “Freezing already obligated funds, canceling necessary contracts and hastily gutting HUD’s workforce will inevitably lead to costly delays, and many housing projects will fall apart completely, only making our current housing crisis worse,” they wrote. The Senators urged Secretary Turner not to hastily cut the HUD workforce and requested data and information in response.
This kind of congressional intervention is helpful and needs to be replicated by elected officials from all over the country. You can help make that happen by communicating with your elected officials. At the same time, PHADA representatives are advocating on your behalf in Washington. Please let our staff know what is happening in your area so we can support your local efforts and more effectively represent your concerns at HUD and in the halls of Congress.