Q&A
Conversations with HUD and impact of arrears on NYCHA operations
0:15:33
·
83 sec
This chapter discusses NYCHA's conversations with HUD about potential extraordinary measures to address rent arrears and the impact of these arrears on NYCHA's operations. Annika Lescott-Martinez explains the ongoing dialogue with federal partners and the operational challenges faced by NYCHA.
- NYCHA continues to have conversations with HUD, flagging the arrears balance monthly
- NYCHA does not have authority to forgive rent
- The rent arrears significantly impact NYCHA's ability to operate effectively
- NYCHA is missing over $300 million in expected funds over the last 4 years
- The lack of funds affects maintenance, repair needs, and special programs for residents
Chris Banks
0:15:33
Has there been any conversation with HUD about the hardship exemption program, rental forgiveness program, or any extraordinary measures because the New York State ERAP program initially ex ex COVID-nineteen resident.
Annika Lescott-Martinez
0:15:48
That's right.
Chris Banks
0:15:49
So has there been any conversations?
Annika Lescott-Martinez
0:15:52
We continue to have conversations with our federal partners.
0:15:56
This The state excluded the public housing and subsidized residents, not the federal government, but we do continue to, you know, flag for HUD on a monthly basis what our arrears balance is, that our residents are struggling but we do not have any authority to forgive rent.
Chris Banks
0:16:15
Okay.
0:16:16
What what are the current impacts of the rent arrears on the ongoing operations of nature?
Annika Lescott-Martinez
0:16:21
Well, it's really difficult to operate when a major source of our funding is not available.
0:16:27
So if you think about the rent arrears in very basic terms, we should have $487,000,000 that we don't have.
0:16:34
And even if we want to be conservative and just consider the rent arrears, that built up during the pandemic, we should have over $300,000,000 that we don't have over the last 4 years.
0:16:45
So it has been very difficult for us to keep up with the maintenance, the repair needs, all the special programs that we'd like to run for the residents.
0:16:52
And it has necessitated, you know, various tightening of our belts at Nitro.
