Welcome to CLPHA's Press Room
CLPHA experts welcome interview requests from print, radio, television, and online reporters and are happy to provide their insights on issues of public housing and related legislation and policy.
For media inquiries, please contact:
David Greer
Director of Communications
(202) 550-1381 or dgreer@clpha.org.
*Please let us know if you are working on deadline.
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Congratulations to Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman on New Role as Acting Secretary
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(Washington, D.C.) March 12, 2024 — “On behalf of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, we congratulate HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on a dedicated career in public service from serving as Mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, to U.S. Congresswoman from Ohio’s 11th district, and culminating as the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. “When Secretary Fudge took the reins of HUD in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, she provided steadfast leadership that expanded rental assistance and served more than 1.2 people experiencing homelessness. She has been an ardent housing champion giving voice to millions of people in need. “Secretary Fudge worked with CLPHA throughout her tenure to provide greater flexibility to address housing needs and redress systemic racism that has been embedded in housing policy for decades. “We commend her on an exemplary career in public service and wish her well in the next chapter of her life. We look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman, former CLPHA Vice President, in her new role as Acting Secretary.” |
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### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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Policies Would Bring Housing Stability to Nearly 1 Million Low-Income Americans |
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(Washington, D.C.) March 7, 2024 — The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) applauds President Joe Biden for his call to expand the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Low-income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. As part of the proposed HCV program expansion, the President is calling for a voucher guarantee for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care. Notably, President Biden is the first U.S. President to call for a portion of federally assisted housing to be classified as a guarantee. “President Biden’s call for voucher and LIHTC expansion would immediately bring housing stability to nearly one million low-income Americans who are one lost paycheck or unforeseen health event away from homelessness,” said Sunia Zaterman, CLPHA executive director. “Moreover, the President’s extraordinary call to guarantee vouchers for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care is a transformative measure that would bring much-needed certainty to a portion of federal housing funding. This demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding housing stability for our nation's most vulnerable populations.” This year’s State of the Union address is considered by many to be the kickoff of President Biden’s 2024 election campaign. “It is clear after tonight that President Biden intends to make housing a top election priority,” said Zaterman. “We encourage President Biden to become the housing president by creating a comprehensive long-term plan for a sustainable future for public housing that would include the recapitalization of the public housing portfolio, permanent expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher program, and a cross-sector approach that includes housing, health, and education. We look forward to working with the President on such a plan.” |
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### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
 (Washington, D.C.) January 11, 2022 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to announce that Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) CEO Jeffery K. Patterson has been named president of CLPHA’s board of directors.
Mr. Patterson was elected at CLPHA’s December 2021 board meeting, and previously served as the board’s vice president. He follows CLPHA’s previous board president, King County Housing Authority (KCHA) Executive Director Stephen Norman, who retired on December 31, 2021. CLPHA is also pleased to announce that La Shelle Dozier, executive director of the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, was elected CLPHA vice president and Maria Razo, executive director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, was elected CLPHA secretary at the board’s December 2021 meeting. Ed Lowndes, executive director of the Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO, was re-elected board treasurer.
"I am honored to be elected president of CLPHA’s board and would like to thank Stephen Norman for his service and leadership upon his well-deserved retirement,” said Patterson. “Decades of chronic disinvestment, an aging housing portfolio and racial inequities have long predated the pandemic. Entering the third year of pandemic, these issues have only been magnified.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Patterson added. “Historic housing investments proposed by the White House and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in the Build Back Better Act have stalled in the Senate. CLPHA will continue robust advocacy to ensure these significant housing investments are available to housing authorities across the country who are serving low-income families every day in their local communities.”
“Congratulations to CMHA CEO Jeffery Patterson on being named president of the Board of Directors of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. I was pleased to join him, residents, and city leaders at the recent groundbreaking of the Buckeye-Woodhill Choice Neighborhoods transformation plan, which will provide high quality affordable housing that is connected to economic, educational, and health opportunities in a vibrant neighborhood. I look forward to continuing to work with CEO Patterson in his new role to bring greater affordable housing opportunities to more people and communities in Ohio and across the country,” said Senator Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
“Jeffery has been an invaluable asset to CLPHA in his seven years on the board,” said CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman. “He leads in many ways, not only as board vice president, but also more locally through the many boards he serves on in the greater Cleveland area. Jeffery has a deep understanding of national housing issues as well as local challenges and solutions, and his commitment to CLPHA will ensure continuity through this leadership transition. I look forward to working with CLPHA’s new board leadership to advance our goals and policy priorities in these unprecedented times.”
Mr. Patterson has served as CMHA’s CEO for ten years and has over thirty years of dedicated service to the residents of Cuyahoga County. As CEO of one of the largest housing authorities in the country, he is responsible for a $230 million dollar budget, approximately 750 employees, 10,500 units of housing, 15,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, and nearly 55,000 residents and participants of CMHA's low-income Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. He also serves on the board of directors for the Housing Authority Insurance Group, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (Chairman), Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (Vice-Chairman), St. Luke’s Foundation, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Unify Labs Inc., University Circle Inc., the Cleveland Public Library Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation.
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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(Washington, D.C.) November 17, 2023 — Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement yesterday of the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health and the CHIP Health-Related Social Needs Framework:: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Biden-Harris administration’s publication of the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health and the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health-Related Social Needs Framework. President Biden and HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge have led the nation in raising awareness of the foundational role that housing plays in improving life outcomes for low-income Americans throughout the President’s term. “CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative has driven the conversation for a decade on how best to bridge the housing and health sectors to improve the life outcomes of residents living in federally assisted housing. CLPHA has long supported public policies cited in the Framework such as evidence-based interventions to support housing and nutrition needs for certain Medicaid enrollees. CLPHA has also advocated for innovative solutions like waivers for Medicaid through its 1115 demonstration that allow for housing-related assistance. “With current programs proving beneficial and innovative programs being developed we know we have the answers. Yet, for these programs to be successful they must be funded at a level that meets the need. Unfortunately, they are not funded at those levels currently. While announcements like these are important in raising the awareness of the foundational role of housing in improving health outcomes, we must continue to advocate for increased resources, including incentivizing PHA/Medicaid partnerships, so they can deliver the benefits they are designed to achieve.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
(Washington, DC) November 30, 2022 -- Statement from Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, on the importance of finalizing the FY23 appropriations legislation:
“For the millions of families served by public housing authorities, it is critical for Congress to complete the FY23 appropriations legislation before the start of the 118th Congress in January. The leading public housing advocacy organizations, in one voice, call on Congress to get this legislation passed so that our most vulnerable families are not put at risk.
“The consequences of a government shutdown or a series of continuing resolutions, which lock the previous year’s funding levels in place, create uncertainty for PHAs by not accounting for inflation or current shortfalls that could be severe and would amount to a budget cut. It will tie the hands of housing authorities and impact their abilities to provide their residents with safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“These consequences are preventable if Congress passes the FY23 appropriations legislation at the funding levels requested by the public housing organizations in the letter sent to Congress. We look forward to working with Congress as they finalize the legislation.”
Media Contact:
David Greer, CLPHA
(202) 550-1381
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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(Washington, D.C.) August 5, 2022 -- Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s adoption of the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program and the Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program:
"The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) applauds the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) adoption of the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program and the one-year Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program at its Open Commission Meeting today. CLPHA has worked closely with the FCC to help shape these programs through direct dialogue with members of Congress, the FCC, and submitted comments throughout the regulatory process. CLPHA has also been a long-time proponent for digital equity through working with partners, disseminating information via webinars, spotlighting promising practices at conferences, and conducting outreach on opportunities. Today is a strong step forward for serving low-income families living in assisted housing with improved access to high-quality, affordable broadband and devices.
"These initiatives will improve the Biden administration’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14 billion long-term initiative that offers up to $30 a month for the costs of internet service for eligible households and builds on the Emergency Broadband Benefit in order to provide more permanent assistance. Public housing authorities have long understood that digital access is critical to improve life outcomes for low-income families living in assisted housing and we are excited for additional support to get more assisted households connected.
"Public housing authorities offer the most effective avenue to connect the highest number of low-income families to broadband access and accomplish the goals of the Affordable Connectivity Program. At CLPHA’s 8th Annual Housing Is Summit in May, Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Geoffrey Starks noted this point in his keynote speech, 'When I look at the data where we can reach more vulnerable households…, I consistently come back to housing. I see a clear synergy between housing and connectivity; if we are helping a family secure housing, we should be able to help them secure an internet connection as well.'
"In May 2022 Commissioner Starks also visited Nickerson Gardens, a property of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), a CLPHA member. With 1,000 units, Nickerson Gardens is the largest public housing community west of the Mississippi River. He reported that the ACP Pilot Program had connected 78 percent of the Nickerson Garden units to the internet.
"During today’s open meeting, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel also named CLPHA member the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA) and its executive director Vivian Brady-Phillips as an exemplary PHA working on digital inclusion. CLPHA highlighted both HACLA and JCHA during this year’s Housing Is Summit.
"The Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program will provide eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with funding to conduct outreach to eligible low-income households in order to increase awareness of and encourage participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program. The one-year Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program aims to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program among recipients of federal housing assistance and facilitate enrollment in the ACP by providing targeted assistance with the ACP application.
"CLPHA will work with its members to ensure they are taking advantage of these programs to help residents access not only to affordable, high-quality broadband and devices, but also digital literacy to utilize these resources."
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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In an interview with radio program Marketplace for its November 4 story "Apple pledges $2.5 billion to ease California’s housing crisis," CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman told reporter Jack Stewart that Apple's recent $2.5 billion Bay Area affordable housing pledge is an important starting point in addressing the nation's affordable housing shortage, but also noted that much more money is needed to help public housing authorities provide affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Zaterman told Stewart that public housing needs an injection of $50 to 70 billion to address its massive capital needs backlog.
“The giving back here [by Apple] should be seen as necessary and required,” said Zaterman, “because these corporations are benefiting from the workforce, from the transportation systems, health systems, that are already in their communities.”
Read or listen to Marketplace's story.
In a new op-ed for The Hill, a prominent political newspaper widely read by policymakers, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman underscores the role of public housing authorities (PHAs) as essential partners in local efforts to house those who are particularly vulnerable to housing insecurity, including unsheltered families, veterans, people with disabilities, youth aging out of foster care, victims of domestic violence, and returning citizens. Programs like the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s Stable Homes Stable Schools and the Oakland Housing Authority’s Building Bridges are examples of how PHAs are leveraging their limited resources and local partnerships to create more opportunities for housing stability.
Yet, the President’s proposed FY2020 HUD budget would reduce the agency’s funding by more than 16 percent and slash the public housing operating and capital funds by $4.6 billion, which would seriously impede PHAs’ and their communities’ abilities to address the housing needs of low-income and housing-insecure people.
Though House and Senate appropriators propose modest funding increases in their FY20 spending bills, Zaterman argues that level funding is not enough to meet the growing and urgent demand for housing that is safe and affordable. “We can address the crisis of homelessness in America, and public housing authorities are prepared to help solve it with appropriate resources.”
Part two of Affordable Housing Finance’s special report “Turning Point for Public Housing,” explores tools such as the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that public housing authorities can use to recapitalize and redevelop properties for their residents and communities. In the face of unsustainable federal funding levels, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman tells the magazine that public housing is at a crossroads, but with the right tools, “we could have the portfolio totally recapitalized in 10 years.”
Zaterman was also featured in part one of the series to discuss the impact of the federal disinvestment in public housing. “We have lost about 10,000 units a year from underfunding,” she said. But, “the number of public housing units lost may have slowed to about 8,000 a year, thanks to RAD, in the last couple of years.”
Read the series, which includes interviews with housing advocates, policy experts, and policymakers, online here.
NPR’s May 16 story, which also aired May 22 on NPR’s Morning Edition, “Trump Administration Wants To Cut Funding For Public Housing Repairs,” featuring District of Columbia Housing Authority Executive Director Tyrone Garrett and CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman, underscores the need to reinvest in public housing with funding for the capital needs backlog and more tools for recapitalization and redevelopment.
Of the Trump Administration’s proposal to slash funding for public housing, Garrett says, “Other housing authorities throughout the country are in the same boat. We're looking for opportunities to be able to improve the lives of our families, and it's becoming increasingly difficult with the funding cuts."
In Affordable Housing Finance's (AHF) article discussing Rep. Maxine Waters' (D-CA) draft legislation of her Housing is Infrastructure bill, CLPHA's Sunia Zaterman told reporter Donna Kimura that Waters' bill, which would allocate $70 billion for the public housing capital fund, is attempting to get the public housing industry "on an even keel."
Zaterman told Kimura, “We do have challenges moving forward in the appropriations process on the annual funding levels for public housing operating and capital funds, but what Ms. Waters is saying in this bill is that we can no longer stand by idly and watch this public investment start to crumble when we need it the most.”
Zaterman added that Congress must also consider expanding additional tools that PHAs can employ in their public housing development and renovation efforts, such as the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs).
AHF also quoted Zaterman's April 30 press statement on Waters' draft legislation and the House Committee on Financial Services April 30 hearing “Housing in America: Assessing the Infrastructure Needs of America’s Housing Stock":
“Public housing is as a much a part of the national infrastructure as Route 66, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Hoover Dam,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. “Public housing helps communities and families thrive by providing more than 1 million low- and very low-income families, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities with a stable place to live, connecting low-income workers to economic opportunities, and spurring regional job creation and economic growth.”
“But, years of chronic underfunding have led to the deterioration of the public housing stock, and, since 1990, at least 300,000 units have been lost because of the lack of adequate resources to maintain them. The federal disinvestment in public housing has contributed to an untenable shortage of stable housing for low-income households,” Zaterman added.
From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles' press release:
Nearly 500 Watts residents recently joined the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), along with local leaders and development partners BRIDGE Housing, The Michaels Organization and Primestor to celebrate "10 Years of Revitalization" at Jordan Downs, culminating in a vibrant community block party.
“Jordan Downs is a powerful example of what’s possible when we meet a housing crisis with hope, vision, and partnership,” said former HUD Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Community Partners Shaun Donvan. “Jordan Downs is transformational, creating affordable homes, opportunity, and a model for what neighborhood resurgence can look like across the country. What LA has accomplished through Jordan Downs reminds us that investing in our communities is how we build lasting progress and a strong foundation for the future.”
The celebration marks a decade of transformative development that has delivered $664 million in new investment to the Watts neighborhood, resulting in the construction of 787 new affordable homes, 120,000 square feet of new retail space, and four new parks.
“The revitalization of Jordan Downs from an outdated public housing site into a thriving and well-connected housing community with affordable homes, retail shops, and parks where children can play is far more than a construction project; it is a decade-long promise kept to the residents of Watts,” said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, HACLA President & CEO. “In a high-cost city where land is scarce, inclusive redevelopment that expands housing and promotes family stability and economic opportunity is the way to go. We celebrate Watts and renew our commitment to working in partnership to deliver on this historic vision.”
The block party concluded a series of events showcasing the revitalization's impact. Last month, HACLA and its development partners—The Michaels Organization, BRIDGE Housing, and Primestor—hosted a walking tour of the new housing, parks, and retail that are creating stability, job opportunities, and strengthening the local economy.
"We were delighted to celebrate 10 years of progress with our residents and look forward to more celebrations with them and our partners in the coming years," said John Mimms, Vice President of Development at The Michaels Organization. "We are confident that the unprecedented collaborative efforts of HACLA, residents and community stakeholders with strong leadership of political officials at the local, state, and federal level will continue to drive the success of this historic neighborhood revitalization."
The tour was followed by a high-level roundtable discussion attended by residents, along with federal, state, civic, business, and philanthropic leaders, to strategize the final phase of development.
“The transformation of Jordan Downs shows what’s possible when residents, community leaders, and partners like HACLA and BRIDGE Housing work together toward a shared vision for a brighter future,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard. “We’re proud to have delivered four new communities at the reimagined Jordan Downs -- with more on the way -- as part of our mission to empower all people, regardless of background, to live in a place they’re proud to call home.”
The input gathered from residents and leaders at the recent strategy session will be compiled into a report that will help guide the final crucial steps, ensuring the Watts community remains a place of opportunity for generations to come.
“I enjoyed the event with everyone coming to celebrate Jordan Downs 10-year celebration,” said Darlene Allen, Jordan Downs Resident and Community Coach. “[This redevelopment] is a long time coming. I look back in time and remember all the doubts residents had and now I am in my new house living so blessed.”
Other notable attendees at the celebration included Councilmember Tim McOsker (CD-15); Hollie Frey, Associate Director of Community Engagement at BRIDGE Housing; John Mimms, Vice President at The Michaels Organization; and Shajira Hope, Marketing Director at Primestor Development Inc.
“As a company deeply rooted in community, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone alongside the residents, partners, and leaders who have helped bring this vision to life,” said Shajira Hope, Director of Marketing, Primestor. “Freedom Plaza was built with and for the community, and over the past decade, it’s become more than just a retail center. It’s a gathering place, a source of jobs, and a space that reflects the strength and spirit of Watts.”
From the NYCHA Journal:
In January 2026, every kindergartener who lives in Red Hook Houses and attends a New York City public school will receive a $1,000 contribution towards college savings, thanks to a new community scholarship launched by Red Hook Initiative, NYC Kids Rise, and local philanthropists.
The Red Hook Initiative Community Scholarship 2026 builds on the NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program, a citywide scholarship and savings program that provides families, schools, and communities a way to come together to invest in children’s futures.
The program began in 2017 in Queens and expanded in 2021 to include all kindergarten students enrolled in NYC public schools. Almost every 1st through 4th grader has a NYC Scholarship Account with funds for their futures. To date, there are nearly 280,000 scholarship accounts totaling almost $50 million for students across the five boroughs.
The $1,000 that will be deposited into the Red Hook kindergarteners’ NYC Scholarship Accounts in January is in addition to the initial $100 seed they receive when their savings account is opened.
“This investment is a down payment on the futures of Red Hook’s youngest learners,” said Michael Partis, Executive Director at the Red Hook Initiative. “It sends a clear message: We believe in you and your potential. By providing these resources early, we’re opening doors for children and families that have historically been left behind.”
“The Save for College Program has been designed to allow every part of a child’s community — from schools, to philanthropy, to local businesses, to civic organizations and places of worship — to come together to show support for their children and invest in their futures together,” said Debra-Ellen Glickstein, Founding Executive Director of NYC Kids RISE. “We all have a role to play to make sure our kids are set up for success. Thank you to the Red Hook Initiative for this pioneering investment and the incredible community of support in Red Hook Houses.”
From Fresno Housing's newsletter:
Fresno Housing proudly celebrates Monica Jones, a HeartCorps member with the American Heart Association, who was named a finalist for Member of the Year for her outstanding service across Fresno County.
In collaboration with Fresno Housing’s Resident Empowerment department, Monica facilitated over 150 workshops on blood pressure awareness, healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management, delivered in multiple languages and hosted at three Fresno Housing communities. These programs brought free screening stations, education, and referrals directly to where residents live, removing barriers to preventative care.
In her second year, Monica became a resident of Fresno Housing herself, experiencing the program’s impact firsthand. Today, she continues her journey as an outreach ambassador, helping others in her community take control of their health and access vital resources.
This work reflects the mission of Resident Empowerment, to meet residents where they are and connect them with opportunities that support long-term wellness, independence, and leadership.
From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA):
HACLA is proud to announce the launch of its AmeriCorps Program, an exciting new initiative dedicated to empowering residents, fostering community engagement, and workforce equity across our communities. Officially named HACLA AmeriCorps and launching in January 2026, the program invites individuals to serve in areas like the WorkSource Center, Permanent Supportive Housing, or Section 8, helping families and residents while gaining hands-on experience, leadership skills, and benefits such as education awards and professional development.
From CVS Health's press release:
CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is expanding access to health care careers with the launch of its new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center and Community Resource Center in Fort Worth, in collaboration with Fort Worth Housing Solutions. The new dynamic space is designed to build a pipeline of skilled health care professionals by offering no-cost workforce training and health care services.
“Our new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center aims to create pathways to opportunity,” said Sheryl Burke, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at CVS Health. “By working hand-in-hand with the Fort Worth Housing Solutions and local workforce organizations, we’re helping community members gain the skills they need for in-demand roles—like pharmacy technicians—and build healthier futures for themselves and their families.”
As the health care industry faces a growing talent shortage, CVS Health is setting a new standard in corporate-led workforce development with its Fort Worth Workforce Innovation and Talent Center. The center offers no-cost, hands-on training for roles like pharmacy technicians, customer service associate and call center representatives for both retail and non-retail —all in a simulated retail environment that mirrors real-world scenarios. Graduates are encouraged to apply for positions at CVS Health, creating a pathway to employment opportunities.
“We are so honored to partner with CVS Health in Stop Six,” said Mary-Margaret Lemons, President of Fort Worth Housing Solutions. “Over half a billion dollars will be invested in housing and community redevelopment in this neighborhood, and a key part of that strategy is ensuring the people of Stop Six, have access to health care, education and economic mobility. Free training opportunities at the WITC will provide new skills for residents to qualify for higher-paying jobs and change the trajectory of their families. FWHS is so excited to continue this community-building work with CVS Health.”
Additionally, the WITC will connect participants with valuable resources to aid their success, including Goodwill, Easter Seals and United Way. Participants can also advance their careers through programming pipelines at the College of Healthcare Professions and the University of North Texas.
"This partnership between CVS Health and Fort Worth Housing Solutions is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our city’s foundation,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “By equipping residents with skills for high-demand health care jobs and connecting this community with vital resources, the new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center is building a healthier, more prosperous Fort Worth for generations to come."
The new Community Resource Center is supported by Aetna, a CVS Health company. The CRC provides the public, including workforce program participants, with access to health education, assistance navigating health benefits, computers and state-of-the-art teleconferencing and available space for community events. Providing visitors with access to health screenings is planned for late 2025.
“As a company focused on health solutions, we recognize the connection between stable employment and health and wellness,” said Stephanie Rogers, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Texas. “By co-locating the WITC and CRC in Fort Worth, we’re bringing together essential resources to help individuals in local communities achieve professional success and lead healthier lives.”
Working with the Fort Worth Housing Authority builds on CVS Health and Aetna’s long history of community support in Texas. To date, CVS Health has invested more than $232 million in affordable housing across Texas, helping to create, preserve and renovate nearly 14,000 housing units. Also, in conjunction with Fort Worth Housing Solutions, the company invested in the development of Babers Manor, a new 80 unit mixed-income residence located in Fort Worth’s Stop Six Neighborhood that will offer community members career training opportunities through CVS Health’s Fort Worth WITC. Additionally, throughout this year CVS Health has awarded over $700,000 to local organizations such as Easterseals Lonestar, The Rose, and Family Service Association of San Antonio. The company also offers free health screenings to individuals nationwide through its Project Health initiative. Year to date, CVS Health hosted 279 Project Health events, which saw over 16,000 participants and provided over 65,000 screenings in Texas.