New housing needs assessment results, upcoming community of practice meetings, and new resources.
New Housing Needs Assessment Survey Report Reveals Common Challenges
RHS surveyed more than 200 stakeholders across 45 states on the status of their housing operations in refugee resettlement programs. Unsurprisingly, affordability was noted as the top challenge facing respondents when housing newcomers.
Barriers to accessibility in public housing were also cited, as long wait times are prohibitive for resettlement agencies needing to house arrivals on shorter notice. For other noted challenges such as landlord unfamiliarity with the resettlement process, alternative forms of newcomer documentation, and lacking credit and rental histories, respondents called for greater landlord education and demystification of refugee resettlement. Also, when asked, 100 percent of respondents said they would utilize direct housing assistance for their clients if it was available.
The results of the needs assessment survey will inform the RHS team’s work and partnerships in the coming year.
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Featured Resources
Get Involved
Discover opportunities to join a Regional Community of Practice or become a member of the National Housing Working Group. Plus, don't miss out on our upcoming webinars and live trainings.
Upcoming Webinars & Meetings
Southwest Community of Practice: Open Discussion on Housing Challenges and Opportunities
Friday, June 2 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Northeast Community of Practice: Open Discussion on Housing Challenges and Opportunities
Friday, June 9 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
West Community of Practice: Open Discussion on Housing Challenges and Opportunities
Wednesday, June 14 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Lunch and Learn: Mitigating Leasing and Housing Problems
Monday, June 26 | 12:00 - 12:45 PM ET
This webinar hosted by Refugee Welcome Collective will cover strategies for mitigating leasing and housing problems for refugee newcomers.
Special Considerations and Preparation for Ending a Lease
Thursday, June 29 | 2:30 - 3:30 PM ET
In this webinar, you will learn what key things to review and what steps to take to execute a proper move-out.
Southeast Community of Practice
Friday, July 7 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Midwest Community of Practice
Wednesday, July 12 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Policy News
Debt Ceiling Bill Passes with Provisions Restricting Affordable Housing ProgramsThe agreement to address the country's debt ceiling passed Thursday night and awaits signature from President Biden. Included in the bill is a suspension of spending increases for some domestic programs, including certain HUD programs which "require additional funding to keep up with inflation, higher rents, and interest rate hikes." Read the bill text and the NLIHC's write-up |
CWS Releases Local Toolkit for Housing Policy SolutionsThe Policy and Advocacy unit of Church World Service (CWS) released on May 31 an advocacy toolkit for working with policy makers to expand access to affordable housing for refugees and newcomers. The toolkit includes key background information and targeted approaches for change, talking points, templates for contacting lawmakers, and other resources. |
