Author: jcrites

I have a strong interest and passion for helping those who have the least. In the last five years, I have worked in housing policy at the Tacoma and Seattle Housing Authorities in Washington State. I am currently a German Chancellor Fellow researching best practices in affordable housing in Germany.

Embracing change in France, UK and Italy-lessons in supporting tenant needs

The first afternoon session of the Housing Europe conference was about embracing changes.  A talented panel came together to discuss how public, cooperative and social housing providers might future-proof their operating strategies.  The focus was where to put our investments when it comes to technological and social innovation.   To lead this discussion, a panel of… Read More Embracing change in France, UK and Italy-lessons in supporting tenant needs

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Social Housing: Preparing for Changes- Housing Europe Morning Session

The morning discussion of Housing Europe’s conference revolved around the theme of preparing for changes.  The speakers hit the festival’s three main themes of diversification, migration to cities and segregation and inequality.  Below is a short review of the morning session. Speaker 1: Dr. Rudiger Ahrend Dr. Rudiger Ahrend the head for the Urban Programme… Read More Social Housing: Preparing for Changes- Housing Europe Morning Session

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Social Housing: Preparing for Changes- Housing Europe and Aedes Morning Session

The morning discussion of Housing Europe’s conference revolved around the theme of preparing for changes.  The speakers hit the festival’s three main themes of diversification, migration to cities and segregation and inequality.  Below is a short review of the morning session. Speaker 1: Dr. Rudiger Ahrend Dr. Rudiger Ahrend the head for the Urban Programme… Read More Social Housing: Preparing for Changes- Housing Europe and Aedes Morning Session

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Public Housing: 3 Innovative Ideas to Address Tenant Needs

Below are ideas for helping tenants given by 3 speakers at the international public housing conference in Amsterdam. Idea 1: From Northern Ireland: Supporting those with dementia The speaker did a good job explaining the increasing needs of elderly tenants.  The presenter focused on how a housing organization can help those suffering from dementia.  Dr. McPeake… Read More Public Housing: 3 Innovative Ideas to Address Tenant Needs

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Education Programs and Social Housing in and Around Seattle

A coffee and pitch session brought together dozens of housing professionals from countries around the world.  During the collaborative housing program, I spoke about several dynamic and innovative programs taking place with the Seattle and Puget Sound Region.  The audience watched a video by the Urban Institute about the Tacoma Housing Authority’s McCarver Program before… Read More Education Programs and Social Housing in and Around Seattle

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Creating a Strong Social Mix in Milan, Italy

Maria Chiara Cela, from Societa cooperative, Milan spoke about a project where they renovated 180 empty apartments in the Milan area.  These were apartments that agencies around the area did not have money to renovate or fix.  The co-operative fixed these houses and then housed migrants from 26 different countries.   Their agency is working very… Read More Creating a Strong Social Mix in Milan, Italy

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Tenant Boards in Denmark: Best Practices in Supporting Tenant’s Diverse Needs

One of the key themes of this housing festival is diversity in tenant needs.  It is hard to imagine a better example of responsiveness to tenant needs than what is taking place in Copenhagen. Ulia Gregor works for DAB, an organization that houses many citizens across Copenhagen.  In fact, her organization has over 50,000 units.  The speaker… Read More Tenant Boards in Denmark: Best Practices in Supporting Tenant’s Diverse Needs

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I.T. and Public Housing: What is Your Total Cost and Maturity?

The NetwiIT Network of professionals at housing corporations organized a very interesting session today at the International Social Housing Conference.  Henk Korevaar the director of the network facilitated and led the  sesstion As a participant and critique I learned quite a bit.   The average I.T. costs for a public housing association in the Netherlands… Read More I.T. and Public Housing: What is Your Total Cost and Maturity?

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