New Updates on The Edge - 09/24/2014

New on The Edge

Message from PD&R Leadership:
Research Partnerships, Partners in Research
Under the Research Partnerships initiative, PD&R accepts unsolicited proposals and participates in noncompetitive, cooperative agreements for relevant research initiated by foundations, research organizations, independent researchers, or other government agencies. Deputy Assistant Secretary for University Partnerships Sherone Ivey discusses how Research Partnerships enable PD&R to participate in innovative projects that address key research questions that otherwise would not be addressed.

Research:
Insights on Reverse Mortgage Default
The default rate on reverse mortgages — a tool to convert home equity into a monthly income stream or a line of credit for homeowners — has risen since the housing crisis as more households have used reverse mortgages to supplement their income. Researchers at Ohio State University analyzing the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program have identified a number of risk factors for default: credit score, prior delinquency on mortgage debt, the presence of a prior tax lien, and the property tax burden.

In Practice:
Housing for Homeless Female Veterans in Millvale, Pennsylvania
In the Pittsburgh area, a local veterans support group and an affordable housing developer formed Project Journey, a program that provides homeless female veterans and their families with temporary housing and support services following their return to civilian life. In its first year, Project Journey housed 30 clients and has recently added a two-apartment building in Millvale Borough as it expands its services.

Policy Update:
Paired Testing and the Housing Discrimination Studies
Research to understand the extent of housing discrimination is critical to developing successful enforcement strategies and educational campaigns. The paired testing methodology used in HUD's Housing Discrimination Studies is an important tool in furthering fair housing, as are other methods of uncovering housing discrimination.