A Transformational Time for Housing

By Sunny Shaw, NAHRO President

Hello friends,

Who would have even imagined at the start of this year that much of what we did and discussed would be centered around COVID-19? Not me! Believe me, when I was making my 2020 plans, COVID was not even a part of them. And yet here we are.

You have all amazed me with the skill and speed with which you moved into quarantine mode. From quarantine, I have been so proud of the ways you have still been serving your communities and protecting those we serve. Well done, NAHRO family!

Now we face another challenge that we must look squarely in the eyes and rise to meet. What does a reopen look like? Some of us are already there. But many of us are many weeks from reopening. To focus on best practices, I have created a small post-COVID reopening work group, with representation from each region. When you are contacted, please share any plans you have created so that we can compile a list of best practices to share with all of you, our NAHRO members. This way, agencies do not have to recreate the wheel. We are stronger together!

Like a phoenix rising, out of adversity can come great opportunity. The COVID opportunity we have been given has come in the form of CARES Act waivers. These waivers have provided new changes for the way we do business. They allow us to focus more on services and less on reporting. They allow us to more adeptly meet the needs of our families and communities. And, most importantly, they allow flexibilities so we can do what is most important: get people housed.

I know that we can all see how impactful these changes are and could continue to be. For this reason, I ask you to document. Document the results and impact these flexibilities have in your community. Data is a driving force behind decision making. Let’s gather the data to demonstrate that the waivers have a positive impact at all times, not just during pandemics. This is a moment in history that we cannot allow to pass us by. Permanent adoption of these waivers could fundamentally change, and IMPROVE, the way we do business.

In addition to waivers, thank you NAHRO for leading the advocacy efforts to ensure that we were included in the CARES Act funding. I truly do appreciate knowing that we belong to an organization that fights for us and has become a “go-to” organization for many of our elected officials on the Hill.

This pandemic has caused unusual, costly expenses to each agency. The CARES Act funding will help with those expenses, but it also provides another opportunity. At my agency, we plan to use this opportunity to expand IT services. These are costs that our agency simply could not previously afford. The enhanced IT capabilities will help our agency now and going forward. I am interested to hear the things you plan to use your CARES Act dollars for. Please consider emailing me at sunny@hacp.services to let me know.

This is a defining moment in history. I think our programs are on the verge of monumental change. Do not be a bystander. Continue to demonstrate the good work of your PHA. And then, report it out. Shout it from the rooftops. Be in contact with your elected officials. Our work matters. There are some who do not believe that. They believe it could be more effectively done by others. We know better. Use your voice to ensure that PHAs are IN the conversation as our programs are reshaped…not just a bullet point on someone else’s agenda. This is our moment. Do not let it slip by.

NAHRO Reads

This last month I read The Power of Vulnerability by one of favorite authors and speakers, Brene Brown. Initially, I was attracted to the title because, with the mental and emotional challenges of this pandemic, I have been feeling especially vulnerable. This book reminds me that vulnerability is incredibly powerful and allows us to have a greater connection with others. I really do love Brene and this book helped to lift my heart and give me strength in this especially challenging time. Give it a read and let me know what you think.

Be well,
Sunny