New Updates on The Edge

Message from PD&R Leadership:
Homelessness and Children in the United States
In the leadership message, the director of PD&R's Research Utilization Division Rachelle Levitt discusses the circumstances of children experiencing homelessness in the United States. According to HUD's 2018 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, approximately 11,000 children were homeless across the country in January of that year. Levitt describes how programs such as Sesame Street are raising public awareness about children experiencing homelessness, and she examines the positive role that HUD housing assistance can have for these children and their families.

Research:
Small Area Fair Market Rent Demonstration
In January 2019, HUD published the final report evaluating the Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) Demonstration. Launched in 2012, the SAFMR demonstration set the Fair Market Rents in five cities at the ZIP Code level rather than at the metropolitan level, allowing Housing Choice Voucher recipients to receive higher subsidies in more expensive neighborhoods. The report evaluates the potential and actual access to opportunity among voucher recipients, the costs and rents associated with the demonstration, and the impacts on program participants.

In Practice:
Supportive Housing for a Diverse Community in the Bronx
Walton House, an affordable supportive housing development in the Bronx, opened in July 2018. The first project to open under New York City's new 15/15 Initiative, the 89-unit Walton House was developed by the Jericho Project and B&B Urban. The development serves two populations, housing insecure veterans and young adults. Each group has a dedicated community room, as well as access to shared amenities including a Wi-Fi lounge, outdoor garden, and library nook. All units are subsidized by project-based vouchers.

Please send your comments and suggestions to editor@huduser.gov.