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Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas Recognized with High Performer Status by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Tenth Consecutive Year
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, has been recognized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with 'High Performer' status for its Housing Choice Voucher program for the tenth consecutive year. The 'High Performer' status is the highest rating from HUD to a public housing agency (PHA) for financial management, operations, and regulatory compliance. This designation ranks DHA among the top Housing Choice Voucher programs in the country. This designation ranks DHA among the top Housing Choice Voucher programs in the country. 'This represents the 10th consecutive year DHA has achieved this rating. It is no small feat to achieve this prestigious honor in any given year, let alone for a decade. I certainly can't think of another PHA our size and complexity that has achieved this level of consistency,' said Troy Broussard, president and chief executive officer of DHA. 'Increasing access to affordable, inclusive, and healthy housing opportunities for low-income families remains our top priority. Our dedication to the approximately 40,000 Housing Choice Voucher clients we serve and being good stewards of the federal funds we are entrusted with drives the level of care with which we administer this important program. We have a strong and committed team that upholds our culture of outstanding performance, and for that, I am thankful.' To achieve High Performer status, public housing authorities must score high marks on an annual performance assessment, which includes a review of 14 indicators that measure a public housing agency's effectiveness. HUD has three performance grades in the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP): 'High Performers' (overall score of 90 %+) 'Standard' (60-89%) 'Troubled' (0-59%) The key indicators of performance are: Achieve proper selection of applicants from the housing choice voucher waiting list Execute sound determination of reasonable rent for each unit leased Institute payment standards within the required range of the HUD fair market rent Ensure accurate verification of family income Execute timely annual reexaminations of family income Generate correct calculation of the tenant's share of the rent and the housing assistance payment Perform maintenance of the current schedule of allowances for tenant utility costs Ensure units comply with the housing quality standards before families enter into leases and PHAs enter into housing assistance contracts Perform timely annual housing quality inspections Perform quality control inspections to ensure housing quality Ensure that landlords and tenants promptly correct housing quality deficiencies Ensure that all available housing choice vouchers are used Expand housing choice outside areas of poverty or minority concentration Enroll families in the family self-sufficiency (FSS) program as required and help FSS families achieve increases in employment income DHA is the tenth-largest PHA in the nation and provides affordable housing programs across seven counties across North Texas, including Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant. It leads the fifth-largest Housing Choice Voucher program, which serves 40,000 people across 16,000 households, contributing more than $26 million per month in housing assistance payments to the region's economy. About DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas (formerly the Dallas Housing Authority) DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, provides quality, affordable housing to low-income families and individuals through the effective and efficient administration of housing assistance programs. The agency aims to create opportunities for program participants to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. DHA provides housing opportunities to ~55,700 people through public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. DHA's mission is to provide affordable, quality housing and access to supportive resources across North Texas. The agency is governed by its Board of Commissioners and administers housing programs funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. DHA is an independent, local government entity that is separate from the Dallas City Housing/Community Services department, which is governed by the City of Dallas. For more information about DHA, please visit
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas Recognized with High Performer Status by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Tenth Consecutive Year
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 30, 2025-- DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, has been recognized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with 'High Performer' status for its Housing Choice Voucher program for the tenth consecutive year. The 'High Performer' status is the highest rating from HUD to a public housing agency (PHA) for financial management, operations, and regulatory compliance. This designation ranks DHA among the top Housing Choice Voucher programs in the country. 'This represents the 10th consecutive year DHA has achieved this rating. It is no small feat to achieve this prestigious honor in any given year, let alone for a decade. I certainly can't think of another PHA our size and complexity that has achieved this level of consistency,' said Troy Broussard, president and chief executive officer of DHA. 'Increasing access to affordable, inclusive, and healthy housing opportunities for low-income families remains our top priority. Our dedication to the approximately 40,000 Housing Choice Voucher clients we serve and being good stewards of the federal funds we are entrusted with drives the level of care with which we administer this important program. We have a strong and committed team that upholds our culture of outstanding performance, and for that, I am thankful.' To achieve High Performer status, public housing authorities must score high marks on an annual performance assessment, which includes a review of 14 indicators that measure a public housing agency's effectiveness. HUD has three performance grades in the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP): The key indicators of performance are: DHA is the tenth-largest PHA in the nation and provides affordable housing programs across seven counties across North Texas, including Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant. It leads the fifth-largest Housing Choice Voucher program, which serves 40,000 people across 16,000 households, contributing more than $26 million per month in housing assistance payments to the region's economy. About DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas (formerly the Dallas Housing Authority) DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, provides quality, affordable housing to low-income families and individuals through the effective and efficient administration of housing assistance programs. The agency aims to create opportunities for program participants to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. DHA provides housing opportunities to ~55,700 people through public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. DHA's mission is to provide affordable, quality housing and access to supportive resources across North Texas. The agency is governed by its Board of Commissioners and administers housing programs funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. DHA is an independent, local government entity that is separate from the Dallas City Housing/Community Services department, which is governed by the City of Dallas. For more information about DHA, please visit View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact:Jacqueline Chen CONNECTIVE Agency [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE URBAN PLANNING CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY SOURCE: DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/30/2025 11:42 AM/DISC: 06/30/2025 11:42 AM
Technical.ly
27-06-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Pittsburgh housing authority recruits AI to help with application backlogs
Pittsburgh's housing authority will begin using artificial intelligence to help its understaffed voucher department process thousands of applications from people in need of affordable housing. On Thursday, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) board approved payment of $160,392 to Boodskapper Inc., a private artificial intelligence company known as The company offers several services to automate housing authority work, which include reviewing and verifying certification packages from current voucher holders. The effort will begin as a one-year pilot program. Addressing concerns from the board members and a public speaker about the role the AI would play, HACP Executive Director Caster Binion stressed, 'The AI will not be in charge, not making decisions.' 'This will be used for recertifications specifically,' he added. Recertifications refer to updates affecting existing voucher holders, such as household income level and number of family members. Households with vouchers pay 30% of their income toward rent and utilities, with the balance covered by the HACP. The authority's Housing Choice Voucher Program Director Lashawna Hammond told the board the 'AI would scan recertification packets with their income and then it shows us on the back end if the packet is completed. So it's not processing, it's just doing preliminary work.' Approval of the pilot comes after Binion signaled in a meeting last year with City Council the authority would experiment with AI and other efforts to improve the efficiency of the voucher program. In 2020, PublicSource reported that the housing authority planned to 'enhance the voucher program,' but those efforts were hampered due to staffing shortages, according to the authority's leadership. Since then, steps have been taken to train new staff, according to Binion, who along with the board's former chair pledged improvements in 2022. Board member Charlise Smith worried that the program might take on human tendencies to discriminate against certain types of people. A public commenter at the board meeting echoed Smith's concerns. 'We all agree that increased efficiency is needed within the HCV Program to address administrative delays that limits the use of HCVs,' said Megan Hammond, a housing justice advocate and executive director of the Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh. 'AI is dependent upon the humans who create the AI. As a result, AI is susceptible to the continuation and scaling of fair housing concerns,' Hammond said, noting that the National Fair Housing Alliance created a Responsible AI Symposium that includes a framework for auditing algorithmic bias in these programs. Hammond called for 'greater transparency about the role of the proposed including checks and balances for applicants and voucher recipients to dispute inaccurate information.' She pressed for monthly public reports from the authority on the status of the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list every month along with information on where the authority allocates funds. Concerns over the use of AI in public housing has also reached the federal level. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development released guidelines for housing authorities across the country on best practices and uses of this new technology in an attempt to enforce the Fair Housing Act and prevent discrimination in housing. LaShawna Hammond maintained the program is needed to help with the backlog of recertification applications that threaten to overwhelm her staff. She noted that the system will be used to improve processing time and reduce clerical and user errors. She said the system will be able to detect missing information in the application and how that would trigger an automatic response to the client, letting them know that their application is incomplete. She said her department has 13 housing specialists, each averaging a caseload of 500. She said they hired five new housing specialists to start June 30 but it would take some time to train the new hires and bring them up to speed.
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Section 8 Housing Landlord Requirements in 2025: A Complete Guide for U.S. Property Owners
06/25/2025, Monument, Colorado // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In 2025, federal housing assistance programs such as Section 8 are undergoing significant changes that will affect both landlords and tenants. As new regulations and budget adjustments roll out, property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program must stay informed about how these changes may impact their rental operations and responsibilities. Among the proposals under review is the potential of cutting the HUD budget almost in half, which could limit voucher availability, delay payment processing, and increase reliance on state-managed housing initiatives. Landlords are advised to review program updates closely to adapt effectively and continue offering stable, affordable housing. What Is Section 8 Housing? Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, provides rental assistance to low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Instead of living in public housing, qualified tenants can choose their own housing in the private market, and the government pays a portion of their rent directly to landlords. This differs from Section 42 housing, which ties affordability to specific units through tax credits rather than tenant-based assistance. With Section 8, tenants can move freely, and landlords retain control over screening and lease enforcement. Key Section 8 Landlord Requirements in 2025 To rent to Section 8 tenants, landlords must comply with several federal and local guidelines: 1. Pass a Health and Safety Inspection Each rental unit must meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Inspectors from the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) evaluate the property before a tenant moves in, checking for safety, functionality, and habitability. Common inspection areas include: 2. Charge a Reasonable Rent The rent you charge must be in line with similar units in the local market. The PHA conducts a comparison to ensure your rent is fair and that government funds are not being misused. 3. Sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract After passing inspection, landlords sign a HAP contract with the PHA to receive direct payments. You'll also sign a standard lease with the tenant outlining their obligations. 4. Participate in Ongoing Inspections Most PHAs conduct annual inspections or respond to tenant complaints. It's your responsibility to maintain the property year-round so it continues to meet HUD standards. 5. Conduct Tenant Screening While PHAs determine tenant eligibility for housing vouchers, tenant background screening is entirely the landlord's responsibility. Screening protects your property and ensures that tenants are a good fit. How to Effectively Screen Section 8 Tenants Landlords often ask how to effectively screen Section 8 tenants without violating fair housing laws. Here's how to do it right: By following these steps, you can effectively screen Section 8 tenants while complying with housing regulations and protecting your rental investment. Budget Reductions and Their Impact Recent federal proposals aimed at cutting the HUD budget almost in half would significantly alter how housing assistance is administered. If implemented, these changes could reduce the number of available vouchers, slow approval processes, and shift funding decisions to state and local governments. Proposed changes also include: Implications for Landlords and Tenants For Landlords: For Tenants: Best Practices for Navigating the Section 8 Program To stay ahead in 2025 and beyond, landlords should: Conclusion As housing assistance programs shift and budgets fluctuate, landlords must remain adaptable. While changes such as cutting the HUD budget almost in half present challenges, they also reinforce the need for smart property management, consistent tenant screening, and strong working relationships with PHAs. With proper preparation and a commitment to fair housing, landlords can continue to succeed in the Section 8 program—offering valuable support to families while protecting their own business interests. Source published by Submit Press Release >> Section 8 Housing Landlord Requirements in 2025: A Complete Guide for U.S. Property Owners
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas Advances Housing Revitalization Priorities
DHA invests in the redevelopment of Roseland Communities in Central Dallas and Cliff Manor located in North Oak Cliff DALLAS, June 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas ("DHA"), is investing in the redevelopment of two historical affordable housing properties in Dallas—Roseland Communities located in Central Dallas and Cliff Manor in North Oak Cliff. These affordable housing developments have been prioritized by DHA based on the age of their infrastructure, and evolving community needs. Roseland Communities opened in 1942 and underwent a redevelopment in the 2000s funded in part by a federal Hope VI grant. The development includes a mix of apartments and townhomes where 290 units will be renovated and updated with new kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, flooring, appliances, fixtures, and exterior renovations. The Roseland community will also have secured vehicular access gates at each entry point installed, as well as landscaping and recreation center improvements. Most Roseland Communities residents have been provided the opportunity to relocate to other locations by accessing alternative affordable housing programs (e.g. Housing Choice Voucher). Renovations are expected to be completed in 2026. Cliff Manor, a 12-story building near the Bishop Arts District, was built by DHA in 1974 to provide housing specifically for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Cliff Manor residents who were living in the 180-apartment development were provided with the ability to relocate by accessing other affordable housing programs. The building is currently vacant, with any needed abatement work to begin in the next 30-days which will clear the way for demolition anticipated for later this year. "We are glad to have the opportunity to redevelop these important affordable housing communities," said Debbie Quitugua, vice president of Capital Programs for DHA. "Our agency continuously works to create, modernize, and maintain affordable housing for the families we serve. Investing in the Roseland and Cliff Manor sites will enable us to enhance the affordable housing options we provide, benefitting residents and the neighborhood for many years to come." About DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas(a/k/a The Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texas or DHA) DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, provides quality, affordable housing to low-income families and individuals through the effective and efficient administration of housing assistance programs. The Agency aims to create opportunities for program participants to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. DHA provides housing opportunities to ~55,700 people through public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. DHA's mission is to provide affordable, quality housing and access to supportive resources across North Texas. The agency is governed by its Board of Commissioners and administers housing programs funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. DHA is an independent, local government entity not affiliated with the City of Dallas Housing/Community Services department, which is governed by the City of Dallas. For more information about DHA, please visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Jacqueline ChenCONNECTIVE Agencystart@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
