Public housing

Australia’s housing crisis is deepening. Here are 10 policies to get us out of it

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 9, 2023

The federal budget will be handed down today, and housing will be a key talking point.

Key Points: 
  • The federal budget will be handed down today, and housing will be a key talking point.
  • While home ownership has been the Australian tradition, it should not be the only option for secure and affordable housing.
  • Rental housing policies, as opposed to policies aimed at construction, have an immediate widespread impact on housing affordability and security of tenure.

5 policies for rental housing

    • Such policies typically accompany caps on annual rent increases.
    • This can be in the form of housing vouchers delivered directly to tenants.
    • The amounts of rental assistance should be adjusted to reflect the actual rental cost trends of recent years.
    • To avoid stigmatisation and ghettoisation, social housing should house people on a range of incomes.
    • This puts them at risk of exploitation and increases the overall housing pressure.

5 policies for home ownership

    • If enough housing is built to meet buyer demand, and the population remains stable in an area, house prices at the metropolitan level will reduce.
    • Height bonuses and tax incentives should be provided to developers who build dense housing – especially in inner cities and next to public transport stations.
    • It stems from upper-income classes who cast themselves as progressives defending the local character while in fact they seek exclusivity.
    • This type of housing is for people in crisis situations, such as victims of domestic violence, or who are homeless.
    • It largely pays for itself because it offsets the social costs of homelessness and offers major benefits for the beneficiaries.

The risks of sticking to the status quo

    • Why was the crisis allowed to develop in the first place?
    • Because many profit a great deal from a broken housing system – disregarding the inequalities and gentrification waves that come about as a result.
    • Australian society should come to share an understanding that a dwelling is a space needed for living.

Landmarks Illinois announces 2023 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 4, 2023

CHICAGO, May 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Landmarks Illinois has announced its 2023 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois , calling attention to nine culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state that face growing threats of disinvestment and demolition.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, May 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Landmarks Illinois has announced its 2023 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois , calling attention to nine culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state that face growing threats of disinvestment and demolition.
  • "Our 2023 Most Endangered sites show willful disregard for the proven environmental, social and economic benefits of reusing historic buildings," said Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois.
  • The 2023 Most Endangered sites are located in the following counties: Alexander, Coles, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and St. Clair.
  • A digital press packet, which includes local contacts for each endangered property, is also available at our website.

Thousands of Americans call for safeguards from gas stove health risks, as public health organizations mark World Asthma Day

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Thousands of Americans and a diverse range of organizations are calling for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to take concrete steps to protect the public from gas stove pollution, as health bodies across the globe mark World Asthma Day.

Key Points: 
  • Thousands of Americans and a diverse range of organizations are calling for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to take concrete steps to protect the public from gas stove pollution, as health bodies across the globe mark World Asthma Day.
  • More than 3,000 individuals, 205 health professionals, and 139 organizations have submitted comments expressing concern over gas stove pollution in response to the CPSC’s request for information (RFI) about chronic hazards associated with gas ranges.
  • A recent peer-reviewed study found that nearly 13% of childhood asthma in the U.S. can be attributed to gas stove pollution.
  • “Many people are now learning for the first time that the air we breathe indoors can be unhealthy due to gas stove pollution.

Devils in the detail: an economist argues the case for a Tasmanian AFL team – and new stadium

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 1, 2023

A new stadium is the last of 11 AFL requirements for a Tasmanian club to become the league’s 19th team, joining ten Victorian clubs and two each from the other four states.

Key Points: 
  • A new stadium is the last of 11 AFL requirements for a Tasmanian club to become the league’s 19th team, joining ten Victorian clubs and two each from the other four states.
  • The Tasmanian government wants the stadium, which it will own, to anchor a new “arts and sports” precinct.
  • Without an AFL team and new stadium, Tasmania is likely to still have a homeless problem.
  • In fact, the problem may even be worse without economic activity the new team and stadium will bring.

Economic rationale

    • The rationale for the federal and state governments is that a new stadium is a precondition for a Tasmanian AFL, and that both together will generate $2.2 billion in economic activity over 25 years according to Tasmanian government.
    • The Tasmanian government estimates construction will generate $300 million in economic activity and 4,200 jobs.
    • It expects the stadium when operational to sustain 950 jobs and generate $85 million in economic activity a year.

The case for a Tassie team

    • In assessing this decision, we can’t just consider the business case for the stadium.
    • It’s about the case for a Tasmanian AFL club.
    • The percentage of Tasmanians that only follow the AFL is 35%, compared to the national average of 19%.
    • Read more:
      The Barassi Line: a globally unique divider splitting Australia's footy fans

More than the bottom line

    • It’s sort of a blend of strict financial business and not for profit […] If we wanted just to make money, our model would be quite different.
    • It’s about more than just the bottom line.
    • The entry of the Tassie Devils into the AFL can be justified on economic, social and (most of all) footy grounds.

PulteGroup Announces National Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 27, 2023

PulteGroup , Inc. (NYSE: PHM), one of America’s largest homebuilders, has launched a nationwide partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America , a leading youth-development organization that provides safe places, caring mentors and life-enhancing experiences for young people across the nation.

Key Points: 
  • PulteGroup , Inc. (NYSE: PHM), one of America’s largest homebuilders, has launched a nationwide partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America , a leading youth-development organization that provides safe places, caring mentors and life-enhancing experiences for young people across the nation.
  • The PulteGroup Charitable Foundation is also making a $150,000 contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
  • “The kids and teens we are investing in through our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs will be the homebuilders and homebuyers of tomorrow.
  • “We are excited that PulteGroup is joining us to impart knowledge and share their skills and resources to help young people uncover their potential,” said Chad Hartman, National Vice President of Corporate Partnership & Engagements at Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

NEWLY EXPANDED $185M SDS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FUND CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF FIRST PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROJECT

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 27, 2023

LOS ANGELES, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, Councilmember Curren D. Price, Jr,. Veronica Lewis, Director, Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS) and John Yamamoto, Vice President, Community Health and Government Relations, Kaiser Permanente, Southern California, are scheduled to join SDS Capital Group Founder & CEO Deborah La Franchi along with students from Dolores Huerta Elementary School for the grand opening of Dolores Huerta Apartments, the first completed permanent supportive housing building funded by the $185M SDS Supportive Housing Fund.

Key Points: 
  • This 40-unit permanent supportive housing (PSH) project, located at 5215 South Figueroa Street, was built with a $6.6 million investment from the SDS Supportive Housing Fund (SHF or Fund).
  • To date, the Fund has financed ten PSH projects which will result in a total of 760 PSH units upon completion.
  • The SDS Supportive Housing Fund is on track to finance approximately 30 projects that will result in the construction of an estimated 2,500 PSH units over the next six years.
  • The SDS Supportive Housing Fund is a new high-speed, low-cost financing model developed by SDS Capital Group to fund RMG Housing's PSH developments that support people experiencing homelessness.

BFC Partners Awarded $100+ Million NYCHA PACT Deal - the First of its Kind on Staten Island

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 20, 2023

NEW YORK, April 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) today announced that over $100 million in capital repair needs will be addressed for more than 1,400 residents of the West Brighton I & II developments on Staten Island through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, which will greatly improve living conditions at the campus. As a key step in this process, following a year of planning and engagement with residents, NYCHA and resident leaders have selected BFC Partners Development LLC, CB Emmanuel Realty LLC — a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) — and the non-profit organization Catholic Homes New York to provide comprehensive repairs to 574 apartments across 14 buildings at the site. BFC and CB Emmanuel will also lead as the general contractors, and Pinnacle City Living will serve as the day-to-day property manager when the property converts to Project-Based Section 8. The selection of the PACT partners was made by a resident review committee after an extensive community engagement process beginning in the fall of 2021. This process was supported by a technical advisor, Censere Consulting, through the PACT Resource Team. Resident review committee members reviewed and compared proposals submitted by potential partner teams and conducted interviews with proposing teams. The selected team will spend the next year working with residents to assess property conditions and develop rehabilitation, property management, and social services plans. Construction is slated to start in the summer of 2024.

Key Points: 
  • PACT is consistently delivering results for NYCHA residents across the city, and I'm excited to welcome West Brighton residents to that group."
  • "Congratulations to resident leaders at West Brighton on your selection of BFC Partners, CB Emmanuel Realty, Catholic Homes New York, and Pinnacle City Living."
  • "We are honored to be selected as a PACT partner for West Brighton I & II," said BFC Partners Principal Joseph Ferrara.
  • BFC Partners has strong ties to the community on the North Shore area of Staten Island.

Richmond Public Schools Launches Construction of New Wide Area Network with WANRack

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 20, 2023

RICHMOND, Va., April 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, April 19th, 2023, Richmond Public Schools celebrated the beginning of the construction process on their brand-new WANRack Private Fiber Network.

Key Points: 
  • Richmond Public Schools celebrated the beginning of the construction process on their brand-new WANRack Private Fiber Network.
  • RICHMOND, Va., April 19, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, April 19th, 2023, Richmond Public Schools celebrated the beginning of the construction process on their brand-new WANRack Private Fiber Network.
  • In April 2022, WANRack, a private fiber-wide area network provider, entered a contract with Richmond Public Schools to construct a state-of-the-art fiber network that spans all RPS school campuses across the city.
  • "We are thrilled to be a part of this project with Richmond Public Schools," said Rob Oyler, Founder, and CEO of WANRack.

Housing Choice Voucher holders are losing ground to rising rents

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 18, 2023

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a critical rental assistance program provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is sometimes referred to as Section 8.

Key Points: 
  • The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a critical rental assistance program provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is sometimes referred to as Section 8.
  • Eligibility for a housing voucher is based on income and family size.
  • With voucher values eroding, voucher holders will have fewer options for places to rent and will likely be forced farther away from neighborhoods with amenities and job centers.
  • Strengthening the Housing Choice Voucher program, encouraging greater landlord participation in the program by enacting the Choice in Affordable Housing Act , and increasing the supply of affordable rental homes by passing the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act should all be on Congress's must-do list."

The social determinants of justice: 8 factors that increase your risk of imprisonment

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 17, 2023

It’s the idea that social factors – such as poverty, access to education, where you live and whether you face discrimination – have a huge influence on your health and life expectancy.

Key Points: 
  • It’s the idea that social factors – such as poverty, access to education, where you live and whether you face discrimination – have a huge influence on your health and life expectancy.
  • These determinants explain why worse health outcomes persist for some groups of people, despite incredible advances in medical care.
  • That is, to quantify what social factors increase a person’s chance of ending up in prison, and to use that to improve policy and reduce the harms and costs of incarceration.

What we did

    • We analysed studies of a data set containing information on 2,731 people who have been incarcerated in NSW.
    • The data comes from government agencies: NSW police, courts, corrections, and health and human services agencies such as housing and child protection.


    And importantly, we found the more of these factors you experience, the more likely you are to be incarcerated and reincarcerated. The people in our data set are often in custody on remand (not yet sentenced) and for minor offences, going in and out of the system on a criminal legal conveyor belt. This damages lives and doesn’t make our communities safer long term.

Why these factors?

    • People working in this area have developed the concept of the social determinants of health inequity.
    • Policy needs to focus on making nutritious food affordable and accessible to really make a difference.
    • All this highlights that we need broader system and policy changes to reduce the unacceptable social and economic costs of incarceration.


    The social determinants of justice show up in the over-surveillance of certain communities, lack of access to well-resourced legal representation, not being granted diversionary options and bail, and limited specialist services and support.

What now?

    • To truly reduce the harms and costs of incarceration, we can’t just roll out behaviour-change programs in prisons.
    • And we can’t just focus on what police are doing or what happens to people in court – though these are important.
    • The social determinants of justice could inform policy to ensure police are not the frontline service for people in crisis.