CLPHA Press Room

From the DC Housing Authority's press release:

On April 28, Park Morton Apartments received the 2026 Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing from ULI Washington, the local arm of the national nonprofit Urban Land Institute.

The award recognizes Phase 1 of the multi-phase redevelopment of the former Park Morton public housing community, a project led by a private-public partnership of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), nonprofit The Community Builders (TCB), and Dantes Partners.

“ULI Washington’s recognition of Park Morton Apartments highlights the impact of thoughtful public investment and strong partnerships. This project delivers affordable housing, supports resident opportunity, and advances the District’s vision for inclusive neighborhood growth,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert.

Located at 610 Park Road NW in the Park View neighborhood, the 142-unit Park Morton Apartments is a fully affordable multifamily building that includes 40 replacement units for returning Park Morton residents. DCHA, TCB and Dantes Partners are co-developers of the site, which originally consisted of 12 garden-style apartment buildings.

“Park Morton Apartments has created high-quality affordable housing and shared community spaces in a thriving, opportunity-rich neighborhood that offers access to transportation and other amenities that support resident empowerment,” said Nicole Wickliffe, Interim Executive Director of DCHA. “Thank you to our Park Morton residents for your commitment and passion for your community, and to all of our partners for working together to bring our collective vision to life. The ULI Washington award recognizes what can be accomplished when residents’ voices are prioritized.”

The newly constructed midrise building offers studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a four-bedroom apartment, and includes units with accessible features for persons with disabilities. The modern rental property is available to tenants earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Unit features include simulated hardwood flooring, balconies, dishwashers and in-unit washers and dryers. Community amenities include a parking garage, fitness center, rooftop lounge, two courtyards, a “Kids Hub” lounge, a “Tech Hub” coworking space, a resident lounge and covered bike storage.

“Park Morton Apartments demonstrates what’s possible when the District, nonprofit developers, and private partners work together with residents at the center,” said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. “This award from ULI Washington recognizes a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, deeply affordable housing while honoring the Park View community and creating a foundation for long-term opportunity. We’re proud of this milestone and grateful to our partners for their leadership and collaboration.”

“Park Morton Apartments represents the best of what the District of Columbia can be in providing affordable and workforce housing,” said Buwa Binitie, Founder and CEO of Dantes Partners. “We look forward to on-going collaboration between the District, private development partners and residents to ensure the creation and on-going viability of much-needed affordable housing communities such as this one.”

The five-story multifamily rental property is the first on-site building delivered under the New Communities Initiative (NCI), a District government program that creates vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods. It also marks the completion of Phase 1 of the Park Morton Redevelopment Plan.

Future phases will include the construction of 47 townhomes, with 17 rental replacement units and 30 homeownership units; and 250 off-site rental apartments, including 90 replacement units, located less than a quarter mile away at the former Bruce Monroe School.

From the King County Housing Authority's press release: 

King County Housing Authority (KCHA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative, a strategic partnership to strengthen opportunities for young people ages 14-19 growing up in KCHA communities in Auburn, Kent, and Shoreline.  

The $800,000 investment for the first year will implement proven programs that build belonging and community stability for all young people, including those impacted by trauma or other life challenges. Programs and interventions will focus on positive youth development approaches that prevent violence, foster connection and opportunity, and create safer, more supportive environments where young people can thrive. 

The Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative builds on the strong youth programming already in place across multiple KCHA communities. The initiative is designed to add to existing out-of-school time programs, bringing in additional resources and staff who will build trusting relationships with young people, strengthening the overall support system so more of our youth can thrive. 

KCHA received an overwhelming response to this Request for Proposal (RFP) and appreciates the many qualified organizations that applied, which shows just how committed this region is to supporting our youth. 

Partnerships

Following a robust application review process, KCHA is announcing new awards and partnerships under the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative to two community-based organizations: CHOOSE180 and Northwest Credible Messenger.  

CHOOSE 180, a community-based organization with over a decade of experience serving system-impacted youth across King County, will partner with KCHA to serve youth living at Ballinger Homes in Shoreline. Their intervention-focused, credible-messenger model meets youth where they are, within housing communities, schools, and community spaces, through proactive outreach, structured group programming, and individualized mentorship. Grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, this approach emphasizes relationship-building, accountability, and skill development to reduce conflict, strengthen connections to trusted adults, and support safer community environments. 

Northwest Credible Messenger will partner with KCHA to serve youth living at targeted housing communities located in Kent and Auburn, delivering healing-centered, place-based programming for youth impacted by community violence. Using a peer credible-messenger model, the organization provides proactive outreach, rotating group sessions, voluntary one-on-one mentorship, and restorative supports that foster safety, trust, and connection to caring adults. This flexible, relationship-driven program is led by staff with lived experience and strong community connections, grounded in healing-centered and evidence-informed practices, and designed to engage youth often disconnected from traditional services while strengthening coordination across KCHA communities.   

What People Are Saying 

“Young people growing up in our neighborhoods deserve to feel safe, supported, and connected to opportunity. Stable housing is the foundation, and partnerships with community organizations bring relationships, tools, and resources that create the conditions for young people to thrive. We’re excited to launch the Youth Safety & Belonging Initiative with Choose 180 and Northwest Credible Messenger to make our communities even stronger and give our young people a brighter future.” – Robin Walls, President and CEO, King County Housing Authority 

“KCHA is making a meaningful investment directly into the communities they are embedded within and that alignment matters deeply to us at CHOOSE 180. We believe that when communities invest in our youth early, we create stronger neighborhoods for everyone. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building upstream and intervention-based approaches that strengthen belonging, deepen community connection and create meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive.” –Nneka Payne, M.Ed, Chief Executive Officer, CHOOSE 180   

“At Northwest Credible Messenger, we believe true youth safety begins with healing, connection, and opportunity. The KCHA Youth Safety and Belonging initiative represents an important investment in place-based services and supports that meet young people where they are, honor their lived experiences, and strengthen the communities surrounding them. When we center Healing-Centered Engagement and trust community leadership, we co-create pathways with young people and families to live out their aspirations to the fullest.” – Dr. Jason J. Clark, Director, Northwest Credible Messenger 

"True safety is more than crime prevention, especially for our South King County youth. Safety is about looking after each other, developing social and emotional support systems, and building community right here in Auburn and across the region. This new initiative reflects an approach Auburn has embraced for nearly a decade — pairing compassion with accountability and strong community connections to foster belonging, prevent violence, and support our young residents." – Nancy Backus, Mayor of Auburn

“In Kent, we know that when young people feel safe, supported, and connected, our whole community is stronger. Our partnership with KCHA and our shared support for young people ensures that Kent remains a place where every family can thrive. Stable housing, early intervention, and creating opportunities for youth to feel seen and valued are essential to public safety and can inspire young people to reach their full potential.” – Dana Ralph, Mayor of Kent 

“When we invest in youth well-being, we strengthen the future of our entire community. Shoreline’s partnership with KCHA brings together government, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to meet people where they are, collaborate to create pathways to opportunity, and empower our youth and families to become leaders.” – Betsy Robertson, Mayor of Shoreline 

From the San Diego Housing Commission's press release:

Jacaranda on 9^th, a development in Cortez Hill that celebrated its grand opening today, includes 87 new affordable rental apartments for San Diegans with some of the lowest incomes, including residents who once experienced chronic homelessness, like Isabelle, who hadn’t had a home since 2019.

“When I moved here, I couldn’t believe it. It was a dream. … When the manager gave me the key, it was real. I started to cry because I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t expecting a bed because for a long time I slept on the floor,” Isabelle said at the grand opening.

Community HousingWorks developed the property, whose units will remain affordable for the next 55 years, with financial assistance and federal rental vouchers from the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC). It is located in Cortez Hill, one of Downtown San Diego’s oldest residential neighborhoods.

“To every Downtown resident … I thank you for being welcoming of affordable housing, for understanding that this can make our neighborhoods better, that for all of us who are frustrated by our homelessness crisis, that this is the solution to it,” said Mayor Todd Gloria.

SDHC awarded 14 housing vouchers to the development that are set aside for San Diegans who experienced chronic homelessness and 73 for residents with extremely low income, but who did not experience homelessness.

“As we celebrate today’s grand opening, we are mindful of the profound impact this project will have on the lives of those who now call this building their home,” said Colin Miller, SDHC’s Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development. “Eighty-seven households that would otherwise struggle financially in our high-cost rental housing market—and in some cases have been without housing —now have rental homes they can afford because of Jacaranda on Ninth.”

The housing vouchers are tied to the property, and when a resident moves on, the voucher stays to help another eligible household pay rent at the property. The development also includes one manager’s unit.

SDHC also awarded a loan of up to $5 million toward the Cortez Hill development. The loan consists of federal and local funds SDHC administers:

• $1,816,000 from the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards to the City of San Diego.
• $1,684,000 from the City of San Diego’s Affordable Housing Fund; and
• $1,500,000 from the State of California’s Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF).

SDHC also authorized the issuance of up to $21.2 million in tax-exempt Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds and up to $10.2 million in taxable bonds, which the San Diego City Council approved in its role as the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego.

Private sources of funds, such as revenue from the development, are used to repay the bonds. SDHC, the City of San Diego and the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego are not financially liable for these bonds.

The five-story Jacaranda on 9^th development is named after the colorful purple trees, currently in full bloom, that line nearby streets. It consists of 79 affordable one-bedroom apartments and 8 affordable 2-bedroom units.

Site amenities include a courtyard for residents with a dining patio and barbecue area. Inside, the development includes a community room with a kitchen, restrooms and meeting and gathering spaces. An on-site laundry facility is also accessible from the courtyard.

“Jacaranda on 9th stands as a powerful example of what can happen when a city, its partners, and its community comes together with intention. In a neighborhood like Cortez Hill, where housing is both limited and expensive, this development brings something incredibly important: opportunity,” said CHW Board Member Christine Ault.

People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), the lead service provider, offers case management services for the residents who experienced homelessness and additional services for all residents.

“For residents who have experienced homelessness, including chronic homelessness, this level of support helps them rebuild their lives, find stability, and become a part of the community,” said Angie Striepling, Director of Housing Initiatives for PATH. “These programs and services foster connection, strengthen neighborhoods, and help residents truly feel at home.”

Jacaranda on 9^th, which was formerly known as the Cortez Hill Apartments, is near several neighborhood amenities, including grocery stores and pharmacies within a mile radius, and is a short distance from Balboa Park.

“As housing affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our region, Jacaranda at 9th and developments like it play a critical role in supporting Downtown San Diego’s residents by turning housing into opportunity and strengthening the future of our downtown” said Justin Apger, Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President of the Downtown San Diego Partnership.

The rent for units at Cortez Hill Apartments will be affordable to households with income of 30 percent to 40 percent of San Diego’s Area Median Income, or $39,700 to $52,950 per year for a two-person household, though the development targets families earning 25 percent of AMI.

From the Chicago Housing Authority's website:

Monday’s Mother’s Day event was special for Shanetra Wilson. She is a Stage IV breast cancer survivor and almost didn’t make it to this day. She said it was an opportunity to take a breath and enjoy the moment. 

“It’s a perfect opportunity to take a breather for yourself,” she said. “Today is about us. Myself and other women - we don’t get many days that are just about us. Where we are not worried about what has to be done at the household, or with the kids. It’s a nice breather.”

Wilson was one of 200 moms that were celebrated at the Chicago Housing Authority/Daisie Foundation’s sixth annual Mother’s Day Makeover Experience at the Gwen Hotel.

The moms were treated to professional hair, make-up and styling and a lineup of speakers who shared powerful messages of resilience, self-care, and empowerment. Moms also received special giveaways, photos and an onsite lunch.

“This is the Daisie Foundation’s 6th year partnering with the Chicago Housing Authority on The Mother’s Day Makeover Experience and we are so grateful,” said Julie Hightower, Executive Board President for the Daisie Foundation. “Every year we look to up the ante, elevate and do more for the moms. We’ve had wonderful partners literally laying out the red carpet for all the moms. So we are so happy to be here to make Mother’s Day so bright. We’re seeing a lot of smiles and when we see a lot of smiles - we know we’ve done our job.”

Kristen Hamer, CHA’s Director of Corporate and External Partnerships, said it was a day for moms to “feel loved on.” She said the services were all donated by the stylists and partners and the Gwen Hotel offered their space for free.

“It’s a special treat our moms get to come downtown and be pampered with a free lunch and free services,” she said. “They are walking out of here looking like a million bucks and hopefully feeling like a million bucks too.”

The speaking panel included LaTasha Smith, Director, Provider Relations, Molina Healthcare; Leilani Pino, General Counsel, Cook County Medical Examiner; Lynda Farris, Market Director Milwaukee, Meijer; Aliya Kritzler, VP Food & Beverage, HEI Hotels & Resorts and Christen Osowski, Community Banking Market Manager, Old National Bank.

Employees of Banana Republic Factory generously donated 250 brand new dresses to the Experience. Other sponsors include: The Gwen Hotel, Old National Bank, Molina Healthcare of Illinois, UI Health, Shiraleah, Meijer, Penske, Pin Me Up, Manespace, Daisie Project, Airia Comprehensive Dermatology, TAD Beauty.

All in all, it made for a great day for Wilson – one she needed. 

“I’ve had a tough year,” she said. “So I’m going to love on my mom Saturday and I’m going to take myself out on Sunday. This whole experience right now is the beginning of my ‘taking care of me’ journey.”