I am writing in response to a March 2 article entitled “The Terrible Toll of Subsidized Housing” and a March 4 editorial entitled “Subsidized Housing: Obvious solutions.” On the surface it tells a tragic tale, but underneath it seems to increase already negative stereotypes and misconceptions of subsidized housing.

In addition, the article unfairly characterized me as not caring to address the accountability of HUD, owners, residents etc.  That is not the case. I do not believe it is acceptable for any family to live in an unsafe environment, but the reality is that holding HUD or one owner or a handful of tenants “accountable” is not going to make the problem go away and may just result in many law abiding low income residents losing their homes.

My first problem is with the description of inspections in the article. Inspections are not synonymous with crime prevention as the article suggests. Advance notice is given to residents for privacy rights and the unintended consequence is perhaps allowing property owners time to make improvements. It is important to note that inspections are only a physical and cursory financial check on the property.  I do notice that the article fails to mention Eureka Garden’s high REAC (inspection scores) count of 96 and 84 that would call attention to the fact the inspections have nothing to do with crime prevention and security. The policy issue of whether or not inspections should include security issues is a good question, but I believe there is a better solution.

Drugs and crime disproportionately affect subsidized housing communities for a variety of reasons that demand the attention of everyone involved—HUD, landlords, law enforcement, residents and community leaders. I have long believed Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) is one of the most important tools in our fight against crime. Every year I support increased funding for COPS, Weed and Seed and other policing programs. This year I introduced a resolution that would support more COPS programs and full funding every year. I also support HUD initiatives to start Crime Prevention Planning Partnerships (CPPPs) that provide building blocks for more secure and empowered communities. 

There is no question that security at subsidized housing complexes should be improved. One approach would be to reauthorize the Multifamily Housing Drug Elimination Program which provided grants to assisted housing landlords (and public housing agencies) to eliminate drug activity in the community.  This “drug elimination” program required the property owners to coordinate their efforts within the affected community to develop a comprehensive approach to drug related criminal activity.  The program was successful in many communities but has not been reauthorized.  I plan to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to revive this funding this year.

I would also like to note that on March 4, 2008 I met with Deputy Assistant Secretary John Garvin about multifamily housing issues including Eureka Gardens. I believe his new leadership will be an improvement to this area of HUD. I plan on working with him to find solutions for Eureka Gardens and other subsidized housing complexes.

A comprehensive approach must include the ability to tap additional resources for increased police presence in the community, funding for additional security at the affected properties, tenant and community involvement to report crimes and institute prevention programs.  Removing drug dealers from one property is only successful for as long as it takes them to move their business across the street or up the block. 

I appreciate The Florida Times Union focusing attention on the greater needs of subsidized housing. For 15 years in Congress, I have been fighting for better subsidized housing and quality child care, more police funding, continuing education, quality and affordable healthcare and improved public transportation. I know my constituents will agree because anyone that steps foot in one of my offices or calls my staff knows that Corrine cares. 

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