New Updates on The Edge

Message from PD&R Leadership:
Why Housing Matters for Successful Reentry and Public Safety
In the leadership message, PD&R’s deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring Calvin Johnson, discusses the Biden Administration’s recent designation of April as Second Chance Month. Throughout April, HUD also recognizes National Fair Housing Month. These two observances link actions to tackle housing discrimination with dismantling barriers to safe and affordable housing for formerly incarcerated individuals. Johnson discusses how housing and supportive services such as healthcare and workforce development can reduce recidivism and ensure successful reentry and highlights several successful programs at the state and local levels.

In Practice:
Supportive Housing Sustains Native American Culture and Addresses Homelessness in Seattle, Washington
Chief Seattle Club, a nonprofit organization that serves the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the local Native population in Seattle, Washington, has worked to address homelessness through a culturally appropriate, holistic approach. Opened in early 2022, ʔálʔal, which means “home” in Lushootseed, is Chief Seattle Club’s first permanent affordable housing development and provides 80 units primarily for people experiencing homelessness. Located next to the organization’s headquarters in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood, the mixed-use project includes a comprehensive health clinic, café and art gallery, and a community room where residents receive supportive services. Brick designs also adorn the building’s exterior and reflect aspects of Native life.

Spotlight on PD&R Data:
Strong Economic Conditions and a Tight Home Sales Market in Austin HMA
The most recent article in a series focusing on HUD’s Comprehensive Housing Market Analyses examines the Austin-Round Rocks, Texas housing market area (Austin HMA). Located in south-central Texas, this HMA has an estimated population of 2.31 million people. The Austin HMA economy weathered the coronavirus pandemic better than elsewhere in the nation, and in 2020, nonfarm payrolls declined by 2.1 percent compared to the 5.8 percent decline nationwide. In 2020, the home sales market was tight, with an estimated vacancy rate of 0.9 percent, and the rental market was balanced with an estimated vacancy rate of 7.3 percent.

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