Today the Supportive Housing Network of New York hosted a convening in New York City to discuss changes in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulations, guidance and actions that would improve access to mainstream supportive services for residents of subsidized housing.
The meeting was held to help NHC and the Center for Housing Policy gather information for a report that will be presented to HUD this summer. NHC President and CEO Maureen Friar spoke about non-legislative actions that HUD can take to increase the effectiveness of services, including its relations with other federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Veterans Administration. Discussions included identifying action-steps that HUD and other federal agencies can take to better serve low-income families, people with disabilities, the elderly, and those that are currently experiencing homelessness.
Specifically, the topics addressed focused on regulations, administrative procedures, and other rules that can needlessly complicate the administration of programs designed to link residents of subsidized housing with mainstream supportive services.
Participants in the meeting included representatives from the Center for Urban Community Services, Common Ground, Self Help, and the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corp.