HUD Tenants Win Victories in 2008 Housing Budget!

Now that the dust has cleared on the 2008 budget for HUD, its clear that NAHT and its allies have won some major victories! But HUD tenants have more work to do to avoid mass displacement and loss of housing in 2008.

Good News and Bad News

The good news is that Congress and the President have approved the FY 08 HUD budget with $6.15 billion for project-based Section 8—about $600 million more than what Bush sought in his budget request--with no major cuts to other HUD programs! (For more information on the final HUD budget overall, see the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities website). This was a real victory for tenants and allies in the housing advocacy movement.

The final budget also includes several provisions sought by NAHT that will help preserve HUD multifamily housing: 1) extension of the Schumer amendment, requiring HUD to provide project-based Section 8 with all dispositions and foreclosures; 2) closing loopholes to limit HUD’s strategy of terminating Section 8 contracts to avoid foreclosure; 3) restoration of HUD’s ability to engage in “below market sales” to local governments and nonprofits they select in cases of HUD becoming owner through foreclosure; 4) clarifying that city or nonprofit purchasers of HUD buildings at foreclosure can Mark Up to Market; 5) strengthening tenant consultation if Section 8 contracts are to be transferred and requiring one for one replacement and new units to be available before tenants are relocated.

The bad news is that there is still a $1.9 billion shortfall in the project-based Section 8 account. And HUD has acknowledged that there are NO protections for tenants whatsoever (no vouchers, no notice) if, as now seems likely, HUD runs out of funds for Section 8 contracts during the year.

Gearing Up for 2008 Save Our Homes Campaign

So NAHT and its allies will need to mount a major campaign early in 2008 for an Emergency Supplemental Appropriation of $1.9 billion for project-based Section 8, plus passage of an amendment to the Enhanced Voucher program to require EVs in the event that HUD terminates a contract due to lack of funds.

We have also learned that the Preservation bill being drafted by the House Financial Services Committee will NOT include a National Right to Purchase, but that Chairman Frank will allow an amendment for the Right to Purchase from Committee members to be considered at mark-up.

NAHT’s local affiliates have agreed to mount a Save Our Homes campaign to fight for full funding for Section 8 and a Right to Purchase for at-risk buildings, and to use the January 26 Day of Action called by the World Social Forum Committee, Habitat International Coalition, and International Alliance of Inhabitants as one focus. People organizing an event on or before that date can link it to the global websites tracking local actions, at www.hic-net.org and www.wsf2008.net

The Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants in Boston has already mobilized tenants for a rally and press conference, held on November 21. The Portland (Maine) Tenants Union has also held a press conference, which received local TV coverage. PTU has prepared some excellent background materials and sample press release which is available on their website.

In addition, NAHT affiliates in states with Republican Senators (ME, MN, CO, NC, OR, OH, PA, TX) have been asked to approach their Senators to see if they would initiate a Republican Senate sign-on letter to their colleagues, urging support for full funding for Section 8. Already, the Portland Tenants Union has met with staffers from Sen. Collins and Snowe (R-ME), who are reportedly considering initiating a letter (focus now should be on an Emergency Supplemental Appropriation). NAHT affiliates in Chicago have also met with staff to Sen. Durbin (D-IL), who is both a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and second ranking Democrat in the Senate, asking his support for full Section 8 funding. Now that the FY 08 budget has passed, tenants are redoubling their efforts for an Emergency Supplemental Appropriation in January.

NAHT Testifies Before Congress, Wins amendment!

On October 23, 2007 NAHT Vice President-West Paula Foster testified before the House Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity about NAHTs proposed Stakeholders Amendment to HR 647, the Mark to Market Extension Act, to release HUD funds for tenant organizing. Read the October 23 testimony. Paula’s testimony came less than a week after NAHT Vice President-East Carolann Livingstone’s testimony on October 17, 2007 about the $2.5 billion Section 8 funding shortfall for next year. Read the October 17 testimony.

The testimony was obviously very effective because in a tremendous victory for HUD tenants, the House Financial Services Committee adopted, by voice vote, the Stakeholders Amendment! The Committee then voted out, by voice vote, the entire Mark to Market Extension and Reform bill, HR 3965, with the amendment!! This victory demonstrates the power of tenant voices being heard in Washington, DC!

DON'T AGONIZE! ORGANIZE!

Forming a tenant union is the first step to solving problems in your building. Your right to organize a tenant union without interference from management is protected by federal regulations.

Not sure where to start? Have other questions about your rights? Visit our Tenant Organizing Resources to find tips, links, and resources you need for organizing!!

NAHT's National 2008 Conference To Be Held June 21-24 in Washington DC

The 14th annual NAHT conference will be held June 21-June 24, 2008 at the Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida NE, Washington, DC.

Go to the NAHT Conference 2008 page for registration and hotel reservation information. Briefly, conference registration is $200 voting member; $225 all other HUD tenants; $275 associate members; and $325 all others. Hotel room rates are: $183.20 triple/quad; and $174.04 single/double. When making room reservations, mention the National Alliance of HUD Tenants.

Last year, tenants and advocates from around the world attended NAHT's 13th annual conference in Washington, D.C.! Attendees participated in workshops on HUD housing, national policies, and tenant empowerment; rallied against global real estate speculation, which puts low-income housing at risk, and to prevent displacement of DC HUD tenants; and lobbied at the Capitol for pro-tenant legislation. For more detailed information see a copy of the schedule .

DC Independent Media Center was there to cover both days of rallies by NAHT and their allies. The coverage includes a write-up, photos and audio. Listen to coverage of, and read about the June 4th demonstration at Deutsche Bank as well as June 5th demonstration to "Save Temple Courts." Both Demonstrations were well attended and high spirited.

NAHT attends U.S. Social Forum

NAHT joined other activists from around the country in attending the U.S. Social Forum this year in Atlanta, Georgia! The forum took place from June 27-July 1, 2007. Please see the forum's website for more information about this exciting event.