New Report Highlights Federally Assisted Rental Properties at High Risk of Negative Impacts from Natural Hazards

CHESHIRE, Conn., June 30, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, the Public and Affordable Research Corporation (PAHRC) and the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) announced the release of their joint report demonstrating that one-third of federally assisted rental homes are located in areas at high risk for negative impacts from natural hazards like flooding, hurricane winds and storm surge, and wildfire.

'Taking Stock: Natural Hazards and Federally Assisted Housing' examines the locations of project-based federally assisted properties in relation to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index (NRI). The report recommends more resources and planning to prepare the federally assisted housing stock, which makes up 10% of all rental units, to weather future storms and climate-related disasters.

"People living in federally assisted homes are more likely to live in socially vulnerable areas and are less likely to have supplies to endure natural hazards or the financial resources to evacuate than their unassisted peers," said Ed Malaspina, president and chief executive officer of HAI Group, a sponsor of PAHRC's research. "In particular, federally assisted renters of color are more likely to live in areas of high risk than federally assisted white renters." As the costs and frequency of severe weather events climb, fully understanding and planning for their potential impact on affordable housing is critical.

"Natural hazards pose a significant threat to federally assisted housing, while its residents are especially vulnerable to adverse impacts," said Diane Yentel, president and chief executive officer of NLIHC. "This report provides a national picture of this challenge and we encourage federal, state, and local stakeholders to assess the vulnerability of the federally assisted housing and develop or improve strategies and resources for equitable planning, mitigation, and recovery."

To read more about the risks natural hazards pose to federally assisted housing and learn about policies for preparedness and mitigation, please visit https://preservationdatabase.org/reports/taking-stock/.

About The Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC)
The Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation delivers research, data, and tools to housing providers, policymakers, affordable housing advocates, and others who are working to help families achieve the benefits of an affordable home or increase the supply of affordable housing. Based in Cheshire, Connecticut, PAHRC is dedicated to building an evidence-based case for why affordable housing matters. For more information, visit https://www.pahrc.org.

About National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
Founded in 1974 by Cushing N. Dolbeare, NLIHC educates, organizes, and advocates to ensure decent, affordable housing for everyone. Our goals are to preserve existing federally assisted homes and housing resources, expand the supply of low income housing, and establish housing stability as the primary purpose of federal low income housing policy. NLIHC's staff teams work together to achieve our advocacy goals. Our Research Team studies trends and analyzes data to create a picture of the need for low income housing across the country. Our Policy Team educates lawmakers about housing need and analyzes and shapes public policy. Our Field Team mobilizes members and supporters across the country to advocate for good housing policy. Our Communications Team shapes public opinion of low income housing issues. And our Administration Team works to ensure NLIHC remains a sustainable, high-capacity organization. For more information, visit https://www.nlihc.org/.

Media Contact

Courtney Rice, Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation, +1 203-649-6553, [email protected]

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SOURCE Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation