An Introduction to the Housing Authority of Portland
Overview
The Housing Authority of Portland, or HAP, is dedicated to providing safe, decent and affordable housing for individuals and families who are challenged by income, disability or special need. A public corporation, HAP serves all of Multnomah County, including the cities of Gresham, Fairview, and Troutdale and other East County communities. We are governed by a nine-member citizen commission, which ensures our continued accountability to the interests of the community.
Meeting Growing Needs
Now the largest provider of affordable housing in Oregon, HAP was established in 1941 in response to a dire need for housing. The Great Depression saw a huge decline in housing availability across the country. As a result, Portland was unprepared for the flood of World War II laborers who came to the city in search of work -- and a place to live. Since that time, HAP has evolved into a broad-reaching organization that develops and manages a range of affordable housing options. In 1991, we served approximately 8,500 households and 20,000 residents. Today, that number has grown to include nearly 14,000 households and more than 33,000 residents.
Properties and Programs
Like all urban housing authorities, HAP owns and operates public housing units that are directly subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We also develop and acquire our own affordable housing stock. Taken together, HAP oversees 6,200 housing units, which vary in size, design and location to meet the different needs of our residents. The Housing Authority also offers the HUD-funded Section 8 rent assistance and administers approximately 8,000 vouchers in this program.
HAP offers more than just shelter. We know that difficulties resulting from low income, disability or special needs are not limited to securing affordable housing. Some residents are eager to move toward economic independence from public assistance; others are interested in training for and obtaining employment; still others need help with day-to-day activities. Our residents seek education, independence and support in order to function as productive members of society. HAP's services are designed to help residents meet their goals. For more information on our housing programs and services, visit our Programs page.
Community Partnerships
What we can't do alone we can do together. HAP partners with more than 100 community agencies in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. The services provided by our community partners include financial services, education, substance abuse and youth programs, job training and life skills. HAP's relationships with other agencies are invaluable: They enhance the Housing Authority's ability to act as a leader and advocate for housing issues in Multnomah County and the region.
A Vision for the Future
As part of its strategic plan, HAP is engaged in a $153 million project to replace the Columbia Villa public housing. New Columbia offers mixed-income housing in a community-friendly development. Built more than 60 years ago, the aging Columbia Villa buildings lacked the modern amenities and infrastructure that make housing safe and inviting for residents. And Columbia Villa's street patterns isolated residents from the larger Portsmouth community surrounding the development in North Portland.
New Columbia, which opened in May 2005, consists of 854 housing units that include public housing, affordable rentals, senior housing and market-rate and affordable homes for sale. Residents of New Columbia share a new 3.8-acre park that serves as the "heart" of the community and have access to new facilities for child care, workforce training and youth development, among others. The project, funded in part by a HOPE VI grant HAP received in 2001, integrates public housing into the surrounding neighborhoods, creating a more fluid community.
HAP's strategic plan outlines four main initiatives, of which the New Columbia revitalization is part. HAP's goals are to:
• Promote successful residency leading to increased self-sufficiency.
• Develop and manage our real estate assets with the most effective blend of public and private sector practices.
• Increase our organizational effectiveness.
• Provide leadership on affordable housing issues that impact Multnomah County.
The Housing Authority's challenge is to help improve the prospects of the community's most vulnerable citizens in a time of economic hardship and constrained community resources. As population, housing demand and costs continue to rise, many among us still lack safe, decent and affordable housing along with services that foster self-sufficiency. We are working to develop innovative, effective strategies that will assist an even greater number of our citizens in the future. Our unwavering goal is to provide housing, help and hope to the people who need us.
HAP's Budget and Financial Report
The Housing Authority's two primary funding sources for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, are $67 million in HUD grants, which account for 76 percent of budgeted operating revenues, and $13 million in rental income, which accounts for 15 percent of operating revenues. Revenues and expenses are listed in detail in the Consolidated Budget below.
HAP Consolidated FY 2009 Budget |
 Projected Revenues
|
|
|
|
Dwelling Rental Income |
$ |
12,180,000 |
|
|
Non-Dwelling Rental Income |
|
1,243,000 |
|
Total Rental Income |
|
13,423,000 |
|
|
HUD Operating Subsidies |
|
65,585,000 |
|
|
HUD Grant Income |
|
5,099,000 |
|
|
Development Fee Income |
|
1,087,000 |
|
|
Other Grant Income |
|
2,306,000 |
|
|
Other Income |
|
2,697,000 |
|
Total Other Income |
|
76,774,000 |
|
Total Operating Income |
|
90,198,000 |
|
Projected Expenses |
|
Housing Assistance Payments |
|
54,407,000 |
|
|
Administration |
|
18,474,000 |
|
|
Tenant Services |
|
3,319,000 |
|
|
Maintenance |
|
7,996,000 |
|
|
Utilities |
|
3,569,000 |
|
|
Capital Labor |
|
(234,000) |
|
|
Depreciation |
|
4,664,000 |
|
|
General |
|
878,000 |
|
|
PH Subsidy Transfer |
|
941,000 |
|
Total Operating Expenses |
|
94,013,000 |
|
Net Operating Income |
|
3,816,000 |
|
Net Other Income (Expenses) |
|
1,391,000 |
|
Net Capital Contributions |
|
9,466,000 |
|
Increase in Net Assets |
$ |
7,041,000 |
|
|
HAP FY 2009 Budget |
For materials related to the FY 2009 budget, click here. |
Demographics
Each month HAP produces a central reporting tool called a Dashboard Report. It contains current information including the number of property and voucher units, demographic information, waiting list numbers, and much more. Access the Dashboard Report here.
HAP History & Archives
The Housing Authority of Portland is proud of its history and of the city it calls home. As our community continues to grow and flourish, we at HAP find it interesting – and inspiring – to chart our evolution.
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