Welcome to CLPHA's Press Room
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David Greer
Director of Communications
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Statement From Council of Large Public Housing
Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
Washington, DC – “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), representing more than 70 of the country’s largest and most innovative housing authorities, is calling on Congress to reject the Trump Administration’s FY18 budget, which proposes to slash $6.2 billion in funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including $2 billion in cuts to public housing. If realized, the draconian cuts included in this budget would not only have severe and cumulative effects on public and affordable housing programs across the country, but it would also shred the safety net of other public assistance programs on which many low-income Americans rely.
“The Trump Administration’s full FY18 budget proposal, released today, Tuesday, May 23, would devastate HUD programs that are currently helping over 1.2 million households that reside in public housing, including families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and close to 800,000 children. The budget targets America’s most vulnerable citizens with drastic cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), while also slashing disability benefits and student loan and education programs, thereby crippling essential support systems affecting many of the residents we serve in low-income housing.
“The Administration’s dramatic HUD reductions come at a time when the federal government should actually be investing in public housing as part of the nation’s infrastructure, as such investment generates economic growth, creates jobs, bolsters productivity, and generates tax revenue for localities.
“The budget proposes $628 million for the Public Housing Capital Fund compared to $1.942 billion in FY17; $3.9 billion for the Public Housing Operating Fund compared to $4.4 billion in FY17; $17.584 billion for Section 8 voucher renewals compared to $18.355 billion in FY17; and $1.55 billion for administrative fees compared to $1.65 billion in FY17.
“Everyone should be alarmed by the magnitude of these proposed cuts -- the Public Housing Capital Fund alone sustains a cut of over 67 percent. The irony of this particular cut is that it not only undermines basic health and safety improvements, it also makes it virtually impossible to leverage private investment, which HUD claims is a major policy priority.
“Another example is the proposed $771 million reduction to the Housing Choice Voucher program, which provides housing vouchers to needy families. These budget reductions, coupled with rising rents and inflation, will result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of vouchers and threaten currently-housed families with homelessness.
“CLPHA and the nation’s largest public housing authorities are asking members of Congress to reject the cuts proposed by the Trump Administration, as they will significantly harm our most vulnerable citizens and undermine our already significant public investment in this affordable housing stock.”
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), representing more than 70 of the country’s largest and most innovative housing authorities, calls on the Administration and Congress to reject the draconian proposal to slash more than $6 billion in funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including $2 billion in cuts to public housing.
There are over 1.2 million households currently residing in public housing. Seniors and persons with disabilities constitute over half of all residents, and there are over 600,000 children residing in public housing. Public housing cuts will fall directly on the shoulders of residents currently residing in public housing and reduce opportunities for millions of families languishing on waiting lists across the country.
The public housing capital fund provides modernization and rehabilitation funding for the 1.2 million unit public housing portfolio. The reported cut to the capital fund of $1.3 billion represents close to a 70% reduction from last year’s funding level. These proposed cuts will dramatically accelerate the current estimated loss of 10,000 to 12,000 public housing units already lost annually due to chronic underfunding.
The public housing operating fund covers day-to-day operational and maintenance expenses not covered by resident rents. The reported cut to the operating fund of $600 million is a 13% percent reduction from last year, and approximately 72% of what is needed. This funding level will have a devastating impact on the ability to operate and maintain this housing and severely endanger the health, wellbeing, and safety of our most vulnerable children, families, and seniors reliant on housing assistance.
These cuts directly contradict the findings of the congressionally-mandated 2010 HUD study on the backlog of public housing capital repair needs estimated at $26 billion and annual accruing capital needs estimated at $3.4 billion. HUD’s budget does not come close to meeting the annual need and contributes to the growing backlog need.
The tenant based rental assistance program which provides housing vouchers to needy families will also experience a $300 million reduction according to the reports on the budget. This cut coupled with rising rents and inflation will result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of vouchers and threaten currently housed families with homelessness.
We call on the Administration and Congress to reject these draconian cuts that will harm our most vulnerable citizens and undermine our already significant public investment in this affordable housing stock.
Statement From Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, which represents 70 of the nation’s largest public housing authorities (PHAs) in cities across the United States, congratulates Dr. Ben Carson on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Housing stability is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty for families, and our nation’s PHAs have been on the front lines of this fight, helping to develop creative solutions to our housing crisis, and implementing these ideas in their communities.
CLPHA looks to Dr. Carson to advocate for adequate funding for housing programs, to support implementation of innovative programs on the local level, including the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Moving to Work (MTW), and to provide PHAs with the tools to promote the cross-sector partnerships that connect housing to health, education and other sectors to lift families out of poverty.
As someone who spent part of his upbringing in public housing, Dr. Carson represents the promise to create opportunity and lift people out of poverty. We look forward to working with him and HUD to provide safe, decent, and affordable rental housing to low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
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From the City of New York's press release:
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani today announced “Liberty Link,” a groundbreaking program that will deliver high-quality internet to thousands of low-income New Yorkers in 100-percent affordable housing buildings at little to no cost to tenants. Through the pilot program — which is being led by HPD and the New York Public Library (NYPL) system — NYPL will connect the buildings to fiber internet and deploy building-wide Wi-Fi infrastructure. With $3.25 million in funding from HPD, the pilot internet network will serve nearly 2,200 households across 35 affordable housing buildings in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. Additionally, as part of Liberty Link, tenants will have access to HPD’s “Neighborhood Tech Help” program, a one-on-one digital literacy program launched earlier this year to help New Yorkers connect to the internet, use technology, and navigate online resources. Today’s announcement reaffirms Mayor Adams’ commitment to closing the digital divide in New York City and making sure that every New Yorker has affordable access to the internet. In 2022, the Adams administration launched “Big Apple Connect” to bring access to free internet and cable to 330,000 New Yorkers across 220 NYCHA facilities and save working-class families an average of roughly $1,700 per year. With Liberty Link — which was first previewed in Mayor Adams’ State of the City address earlier this year — the Adams administration will double down on those efforts and deliver an essential, free service to even more New Yorkers.
“Whether it’s finding a job, filling a prescription, or applying for child care, the internet is no longer a luxury; it’s an essential service. But when we came into office, too many New Yorkers were disconnected from the internet, which is why we launched our ‘Big Apple Connect’ program to bring free broadband to hundreds of thousands of NYCHA residents. Today, we are doubling down on those efforts and expanding our free Wi-Fi services to thousands of new Section 8 and affordable housing tenants with ‘Liberty Link,’” said Mayor Adams. “‘Liberty Link’ will build on the success of ‘Big Apple Connect’ and give over 2,000 more households the free internet they need. We will help more working-class New Yorkers save on the cost of this vital service, put money back into their pockets, and deliver, once again, on our commitment to create a more affordable city for working-class families.”
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is a fundamental necessity in today’s world. With ‘Liberty Link,’ we are extending the reach of our digital equity work to ensure that more New Yorkers, regardless of income or zip code, can fully participate in our economy and society,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “This program is about ensuring equal opportunity and creating a more connected and inclusive city.”
“At HPD, we talk a lot about housing as a foundation. But today is about what we build on top of that foundation: access to jobs, education, health care — all of which increasingly depend on access to the internet,” said HPD Acting Commissioner Tigani. “For the families we serve, the internet isn’t a luxury — it’s how you find a job, get your kids through school, stay connected to health care and community. With ‘Liberty Link,’ we’re meeting people where they are and removing a barrier that’s held too many New Yorkers back for far too long.”
“Part of the Library’s mission is to promote free access to information, and in today’s digital world that means internet access,” said Anthony W. Marx, president, The New York Public Library. “From applying to jobs to staying informed, the internet is increasingly necessary to fully participate in society. This is why we are so committed to closing the digital divide and proud to help spearhead this innovative program designed to deliver free at-home Wi-Fi to lower-income New Yorkers.”
The Liberty Link pilot program will run for three years and test a range of models and technologies to identify the most effective and scalable approaches for a citywide expansion. As part of the Adams administration’s efforts to increase investments in minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs), approximately half of the pilot’s funding will be awarded to M/WBEs to install, maintain, and operate the network infrastructure. Network design and procurement will begin this summer, with service rollout expected to begin by the end of 2025.
Liberty Link will operate in 35 buildings with 100-percent affordable housing across the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. These buildings include properties owned by non-profit housing providers such as Comunilife, JASA, Lantern Community Services, Lutheran Social Services, PIBLY Residential Programs, Services for the Underserved, and Urban Pathways. Many residents of these buildings participate in the Section 8 rental assistance program and currently face barriers to internet access.
Liberty Link builds on the Adams administration’s continued investment in closing the city’s digital divide and delivering public services that meet the needs of New Yorkers where they live. Mayor Adams originally launched Big Apple Connect in September 2022 to provide residents of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments with a free bundle that consists of in-home, high-speed internet connection, basic cable TV service, and access to common area Wi-Fi hotspots, selected in consultation with NYCHA. After a first phase that reached more than 90,000 households across 135 NYCHA developments, the Adams administration has steadily expanded Big Apple Connect to reach 150,000 households, and 330,000 total New Yorkers, citywide across 220 NYCHA facilities.
From the Housing Authority of New Orleans' press release:
July 18, 2025 —The Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO), through its Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program, is partnering with Cox Communications and a coalition of organizations to host a series of Back-to-School giveaway events to support families living in HANO communities with supplies, services, and celebration ahead of the new school year.
The ROSS Program, a HUD-funded initiative, connects public housing residents—including elderly and disabled individuals—with education, employment, health, financial literacy, and social services that support long-term stability and self-sufficiency. These back-to-school events reflect that mission by removing barriers to access and ensuring families are set up for success.
The series will kick off Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 3450 Desire Parkway to support residents of The Estates. This launch event is made possible through the generous support of Cox Communications.
Participating partners include: 1 Life 1 Future, Aetna, AT&T, Baker Maid, Bonfolk Giving Good, Chase Bank, Cricket Wireless, The Elzey Foundation, Thrive 9th Ward, DePaul Community Health Centers, Healthy Blue, Humana, Just Life Insurance Partners, UnitedHealthcare and more.
“We are proud to work alongside Cox Communications and our amazing community partners to ensure HANO families are equipped, supported, and celebrated as the school year approaches,” said Marjorianna Willman, HANO Executive Director. “These events demonstrate the power of partnership and our shared commitment to uplifting New Orleans families.”
“We are grateful for the chance to give back to our neighbors in meaningful ways," said Sunni LeBeouf, Greater New Orleans Market Vice President at Cox. "Cox Communications is all about connecting communities. Through fellow changemakers like HANO, we're using our technology and resources to help support families with tools and school supplies for a confident start to the school year —and that's what true community connection looks like."
Families will enjoy free backpacks and school supplies, food, health resources, music, games, and giveaways as HANO and its partners work to eliminate gaps in access for residents.
From CVS Health's press release:
CVS Health® announced today the opening of its new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center (WITC) in Columbus, located at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's Rosewind Community Center. The WITC will provide the community access to free workforce training and health services in collaboration with various local workforce organizations, such as Eckerd Connects, Columbus Jewish and Family Services, Columbus State Community College, YouthBuild and more.
The WITC will transform lives in the Columbus community, like that of Triunity Darden. Her journey began while trying to navigate herself on a better path into adulthood. Now, as a pharmacy technician at CVS Health, Triunity is not only making progress on her own journey, but her sister is also following in her footsteps toward pursuing the same career.
"Finding a job I enjoy was challenging, and then after losing my previous job, I knew Eckerd was my first step toward change. The program supports you in going back to school, finding a job or building a career path," Darden said. "Through their support and guidance, I realized that it was okay to rebuild and not have everything figured out. Now that I'm a certified pharmacy technician, I feel accomplished and motivated to advance in my career. Knowing I'm making a difference in people's lives at CVS Pharmacy, often in unseen ways, keeps me going."
The new WITC will provide free training for individuals seeking employment as pharmacy technicians, customer service associates, call center associates and retail associates. A simulated retail store location will offer hands-on job training to create experiences resembling real-world scenarios.
Every participant who completes the WITC program has an opportunity to apply for a position at CVS Health and will also have access to Aetna's new Community Resource Center. This center is available to the public, and its services include health needs assessments and education, assistance navigating health benefits, access to computers and state-of-the-art teleconferencing, and connections to a network of local health care providers.
"At our new WITC, we're dedicated to helping individuals build skills for in-demand jobs, like Pharmacy Technicians," said Sheryl Burke, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at CVS Health. "Working alongside the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and various local workforce organizations, we aim to make it easier for community members to access and find meaningful employment."
"CMHA is committed to improving the quality of life for Franklin County residents, and all of our community, and we're honored to support the grand opening of the Columbus WITC as part of that mission," said CMHA Board Chair James L. Ervin, Jr. "In today's rapidly evolving economy, the strength of local communities depends on a skilled, agile, and adaptive workforce," Ervin added. "The new Columbus WITC will be a tremendous resource for individuals and employers across central Ohio, creating opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and long-term economic growth."
Working with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority builds on CVS Health and Aetna's long history of community support in Ohio. To date, CVS Health has invested more than $79 million in affordable housing across Ohio, helping to create, preserve and renovate nearly 1,900 housing units. The company also offers free health screenings to individuals nationwide through its Project Health initiative. Last year, CVS Health hosted 54 Project Health events, which saw over 1,400 participants and provided 5,000 screenings in Ohio.
From Sports Illustrated:
Earlier this week, the Washington Commanders teamed up with one of their all-time greats to bring summer fun and football to young athletes in Washington, D.C. Commanders legend Darrell Green, in collaboration with the D.C. Housing Authority, hosted a special football clinic for 50 young athletes at Benning Terrace Recreation Center.
Meant to be a day of football, fun, and community engagement, children participated in a flag football clinic that focused on teaching the fundamentals of the sport. Participants ran through drills and learned various offensive and defensive techniques designed to sharpen their skills. Green, along with coaches and volunteers, provided hands-on instruction and plenty of encouragement.
Darrell Green, one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL and franchise history, didn’t just spend the day as a coach; he spent time interacting with the kids, answering their questions, and cheering them on throughout the day.
Read Sports Illustrated article "Commanders bring summer surprise to local kids with special guest."