Top Marks for Section 8
For the second year in a row, NYCHA’s Section 8 program – the largest in the nation – has been recognized for outstanding performance by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Each year, HUD reviews every public housing authority’s Section 8 program through the Section 8 Management Assessment Program. In 2015, NYCHA received its first “High Performer” rating since 2004, which is the highest designation a housing authority can receive. NYCHA’s outstanding performance was recognized with another High Performer designation for 2016.
“In the last two years, we have changed how we do business to meet our NextGeneration NYCHA goal to provide safe, clean, and connected communities,” said Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. “I’m proud of the success of NYCHA’s Section 8 program. We will continue working hard on behalf of the one in 14 New Yorkers who call NYCHA home, including our Section 8 residents.”
“With 200,000 residents in 85,000 units across the city, we must keep improving to ensure every Section 8 resident has a home they are proud of,” added Executive Vice President for Leased Housing Cathy Pennington. “To maintain the ‘High Performer’ level for a second year in a row is a testament to our team’s dedication to NYCHA’s Section 8 residents.”
As part of NextGen NYCHA, the Leased Housing Department implemented more technology to improve customer service. Through the online Self-Service Portal, Section 8 residents can access their tenancy information and inspection status, schedule inspections and make special inspection requests, and complete their annual recertification. Additionally, landlords can go online to submit lease renewals and inspection repair certifications, apply for direct deposit payments, post vacant rental apartments, and review rent-related tenant information and service requests.
Other improvements include new software that streamlines resident income reviews and a new monthly training program for staff focused on policies and procedures and enhanced customer service.
