Resource Center

NHLP is engaged in an exciting new initiative, Dialogues for Change: Engaging Residents of Federally Assisted Housing in HUD Policymaking. The initiative was a response to Secretary Donovan's welcome desire for meaningful input from residents as HUD formulates new policies. NHLP work is supported by the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.
Working with national advocates and HJN Members from around the country, NHLP has recruited a representative group of public housing tenants and their partners and a representative group of voucher participants and their partners to engage with Secretary Donovan and HUD senior staff to discuss:

- The future of the HUD rental assistance programs, including , the Preservation, Enhancement, and Transformation of Rental Assistance (PETRA)
- Ways to maintain resident voices as policy proposals move forward
- Building an engaged and informed group of residents with ongoing, meaningful participatory role in HUD policies and programs

NHLP is providing training and technical assistance to the residents through webinars and conference calls in preparation for web-based meetings with HUD senior staff and face-to-face meetings with the Secretary in Washington, D.C. The purpose of these meetings has been to discuss what is now known as PETRA. The first meeting with the Secretary took place on January 20th with public housing tenants. The second meeting was held on April 14, 2010, when for the first time the Secretary and senior HUD staff meet with a combined group of public housing, voucher and multifamily tenants. A future meeting with the Secretary is anticipated. We are proud to play a role in making resident voices heard.

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