MultiHousing News, December 16, 2020 How Affordable Housing Can Work Towards Inclusion By Emmily De Los Santos, Assistant Project Manager, NHPF
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are resharing Emmily De Los Santos’ byline on six recommendations that should be implemented in affordable housing preservation and new construction.
members of Congress working to make LIHTC more effective at expanding opportunity for families with low incomes.
LOOKING THROUGH A DIFFERENT “LAND LENS”
Most affordable housing built in the past was fairly “cookie cutter.” We propose taking in the whole of what is available to build on and customize it for the population who will live there. For example, surveys often show that a housing community has more land devoted to parking than needed and voila, usable land for something else that residents require. This could range from a community center for families and children to a community garden supplying fresh produce in a food desert. By thinking strategically and creatively about underutilized or misutilized land, developers can build properties best suited to those who will live there. Specifically, developers can view the built environment as a catalyst for fighting social and racial injustice. This approach includes providing additional resources, such as a local grocery store, school, or medical facility, to improve resident quality of life. In many instances, this requires a strong partnership and a strategic and unique financing structure that supports both residential and commercial uses.
While 2020 is notable for much upheaval, uncertainty and unrest across the political, health-care and social justice spectrum in our country, it is also notable as a time of reckoning for decision-makers in areas such as affordable housing. Those in the industry are looking to develop equitable housing options, resources, and inclusive community revitalization. As a member of the APA NY Metro Chapter Diversity Committee and elected NYC section representative for the chapter, I recently attended the fourth annual Hindsight Conference which included a virtual keynote “fireside chat.” We explored innovative practices to influence the reimagination of institutions and systems that truly meet the needs of historically marginalized groups and promote social justice. How does this exploration manifest itself in affordable housing? We are working to ensure that racial equity, social justice and resident services are just as solidly built into today’s affordable housing as sound design, plumbing and electrical. To that end, here are six recommendations that should be implemented in affordable housing preservation and new construction. This combination of ideas will produce a winning, inclusive, equitable housing solution for families, individuals and seniors from low- to middle-income households. Emmily De Los Santos
MAKE ON-SITE PROGRAMMING INTENTIONAL
Similar to customizing land use, there are exciting opportunities to shape resident services programming around the population. This means tailoring efforts beyond simple demographic decisions—more smoking cessation at a senior property, homework help at properties with children. We’re talking about meeting the needs of those with mental health and substance abuse issues, meaningful career-building efforts for job seekers and financial empowerment resources. Furthermore, it is important to identify where additional support or specific expertise is needed, such as partnering with a local organization to provide high level case management services to residents living in permanent supportive housing units. These organizations engage on an individual level with residents to ensure they receive the best care needed in order to maintain a healthy life and their affordable home.
WORK TO STRENGTHEN THE LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT
While the provision remains the strongest tool in the affordable housing toolbox, fortifying state policies that encourage LIHTC development in high-opportunity neighborhoods would go a long way towards expanding housing access for Black, brown and indigenous people. Additionally, the industry must work hand in hand with municipalities and lawmakers to help provide assurances that resulting housing remains affordable. This is best accomplished via improved coordination between LIHTC and rental assistance programs like Project Based Section 8. It is also incumbent upon the industry to communicate with and support bi-partisan
PROMOTE INNOVATIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING WORK TO POTENTIAL PARTNERS AND FUNDERS
“Success breeds success.” We are strong believers in sharing positive news of our affordable housing achievements: acquisitions, groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings and any other
62
Powered by FlippingBook