Housing Opportunities Commission’s Post

As local governments grapple with the ongoing housing crisis, Vice President Kamala Harris' proposed $40 billion "housing innovation fund" presents a significant opportunity. This initiative aims to empower municipalities to create more affordable housing options, potentially revolutionizing federal housing assistance programs. Now is the time for local leaders to explore innovative solutions and bring positive change to their communities. Learn more about how this plan could transform housing efforts: https://okt.to/V6UDKR

In light of the persistent housing challenges faced by local governments, Vice President Kamala Harris has introduced a transformative $40 billion "housing innovation fund." This initiative is designed to enable municipalities to develop increased affordable housing opportunities, potentially reshaping the landscape of federal housing assistance. Local leaders are encouraged to think creatively and implement impactful solutions for their communities. Discover how this initiative could enhance housing efforts: https://okt.to/cHyVUQ

Equity investment partnerships in #AffordableHousing: Andy Smith, our Head of Housing Impact Services, shared learnings from the Equity Investor Impact Reporting Project at Room151's #Housing151 conference last week. Andy's presentation focused on opportunities for Local Authorities to partner with #EquityInvestors in the affordable housing space. In particular, he shared thoughts on how to approach responsible risk sharing. Andy also gave tips on what Local Authorities should look for when seeking investors who genuinely want to make a positive impact. He suggested checking if they have a 'theory of change' and whether they begin by addressing the problem or proposing a solution. Additionally, consider if they have established impact goals, defined success metrics, signed up to external standards, and how they report on their impact. The Equity Investor Impact Reporting Project is a collaboration of investors and other market participants led by The Good Economy and Big Society Capital. The project working group is co-creating a framework and tools to measure, manage and report on the positive impacts of equity investment in social and affordable housing and mitigate any negative impact risks. Learn more and get involved here: https://lnkd.in/ezR-S26a Outside of his session, Andy was struck by research commissioned by London Councils which found that 1 in 23 children in London are living in Temporary Accommodation. This report provides a stark reminder of the urgent need for stakeholders across the social and affordable housing sectors and homelessness services to collaborate and find innovative solutions to improve outcomes for vulnerable people. #ImpactReporting #SocialImpact #RiskManagement

The social and affordable housing sector was unloved for a long time. But now, the housing crisis is on every front page. There is significant willingness and momentum from the Federal and State governments, as well as the private sector, to build more homes. And there is real money flowing into the sector. We just need to ensure we have the right settings in place to meet Australia’s targets faster. With relevant insights from our senior leaders in our latest industry pulse survey and roundtables held last month, Erin Wakelin, Julie Couch and I discuss the key areas of reform required to support the delivery of social and affordable housing following the first allocation of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) last month. For the full survey insights read our report ‘A Pulse on Social & Affordable Housing in Australia’: https://lnkd.in/ghK5QmhW Herbert Smith Freehills #socialhousing #affordablehousing #infrastructure

We recently surveyed 88 senior industry leaders to get a pulse on the current state of social and affordable housing in Australia. In our survey, industry identified the key opportunities for reform to support the delivery of housing in the sector.   Real Estate partner, Jane Hodder, said: "There is a strong desire from respondents for a "truly national system". The benefits of a national scheme would help to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing through consistent cross-border regulation including registration processes and eligibility. Reducing the burden on community housing providers, expediting planning and approval processes, and attracting private investment were also top of mind."   To view the full survey findings, read our latest report: 'A Pulse on Social & Affordable Housing in Australia 2024’: https://lnkd.in/gMaP4Wmg #socialhousing #affordablehousing #infrastructure

As the new government prioritises addressing the housing crisis, we can expect increased funding for the development of new affordable homes, and additionally, there may be a stronger push towards integrating advanced technology into housing management and construction processes. Now, more than ever, it's crucial for housing associations to stay ahead of these developments and be ready to adapt to new opportunities. Will you be joining in with the conversation at the Social Housing Strategy Forum? See below what Elizabeth Froude from Platform Housing Group had to say following her time at the forum last year. #SocialHousing #UKHousing #DigitalTransformation

We fully agree! Now the EU needs to do more to streamline access of housing organizations to long-term European financing so they can deliver much-needed affordable housing with strong social impact. #HousingForAll #SocialImpact #EUHousingCrisis

Great conversation this morning on the successes and challenges facing the DC Metropolitan Region on increasing #affordablehousing supply. What helps? Supportive and transparent state and local governments and programs, accessing land, flexible housing trust fund dollars, and committed development ecosystem. What stands in the way? Costs, timeframes, complex capital stacks, misaligned program requirements, and need for deep subsidies to reach households with the lowest incomes #LiveatUrban

Couldn't say it better Jackson Hills. If we can implement this policy now, backed by serious investment, then we can approach Brisbane 2032 without resorting to crisis management. We are better than temporarily hiding homelessness in the eyes of a world that will be watching. Great work Danielle McAllister and Mark Cridland. Let's change the standard when it comes to mega events and homelessness solutions. Queensland can lead the world. Two years ago we proposed Supportive Housing as a legacy to Brisbane 2032 and in 2004 I wrote my first submission proposing supportive housing in response to homelessness. It's time... https://lnkd.in/grCAGrx4

Housing is the foundation upon which all other aspects of life are built. Without a stable and safe home, it becomes difficult for individuals to thrive in other areas of their lives. That's why, together, we must advocate for increased investment in social and affordable housing.  By raising awareness and driving policy changes, we can work towards creating a society where access to housing is considered a basic human right. #AffordableHousing #CommunityHousing #SocialHousing