New Updates on The Edge

Message from PD&R Leadership:
'EnVisioning' the Possible
In the leadership message, acting general deputy assistant secretary for PD&R Todd Richardson announces the launch of the EnVision Centers, a new program demonstration, and its recently opened public comment period. EnVision Centers will bring together in one place services from government, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations, with the goal of helping HUD-assisted residents become self-sufficient and move toward homeownership or entry into the private rental market. A federal notice is seeking public comment on the demonstration until February 12.

In Practice:
Housing for Families and Transitional Youth Opens in San Francisco
Opened in 2015, 1100 Ocean Avenue is a 71-unit affordable housing development in San Francisco that provides 25 units to very low-income transitional age youth (TAY). TAY are individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 who are exiting foster care or other public systems. Developed by Mercy Housing and the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center, the project provides supportive services and a case manager through First Place for Youth, to help TAY successfully transition into adulthood.

Research:
Measuring Discrimination in Rental Housing Among Individuals With Mental Disabilities
A recently released report describes the methodology and findings of HUD's Rental Housing Discrimination on the Basis of Mental Disabilities: Results of Pilot Testing. The study used matched-pair testing with telephone interviews in 9 rental markets over the course of 18 months in 2013 and 2014 to determine the degree of discrimination experienced by people with mental disabilities in housing searches on the private rental market. The research article summarizes the researchers' findings and recommendations regarding future studies on the subject.

Trending:
Global Cities and Affordable Housing: Toronto
The fourth article in a series on affordable housing in global cities discusses Toronto, Canada's largest city and the capital city of the province of Ontario. Toronto's housing market is considered "severely unaffordable," a situation caused in large part by an influx of foreign buyers and a shortage of rental units. The municipal and provincial governments have implemented a number of measures to curb rising home costs and encourage development, including levying a foreign buyer's tax, eliminating restrictions on 'laneway housing,' implementing financial incentives for the development of affordable rental properties, and more.

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