Combatting the Affordable Housing Crisis

A recent article in Business Insider highlighted an unprecedented increase in homelessness across the country. The housing crisis America is facing has detrimental effects on millions of people every day. Americans with low incomes face heightened challenges in affording housing. The shortage of homes in the U.S. is estimated at around four million, and an increasing number of individuals eligible for government housing assistance are not receiving the support they need.

With government housing assistance at its lowest point in 25 years, a solution is needed to counteract the increase in rent and housing prices. Inadequate assistance programs require a systemic overhaul.

Researchers at HUD have proposed replacing housing vouchers with a “direct cash” transfer program for rent to improve this current situation. This proposal provides monthly cash payments to renters. The Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation is currently testing this initiative. Known as the PHLHousing Plus program, in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, it functions as a guaranteed income program for 300 eligible households receiving housing vouchers.

This initiative is an important step in addressing the affordable housing crisis. To provide meaningful, lasting change, we as a country must build more affordable homes and communities as well as fund and improve housing assistance programs. 

2023 Impact

Creativity is in full bloom as St. Luke's Plaza resident, Vanita Smith, and RSC, Angela Alexander, paint together during a community building event.

Operation Pathways is pleased to share our impact report from 2023. Resident Services Coordinators (RSCs) worked with 5,595 residents, touching the lives of 50% of the resident population and serving 62% (3,972) of the 5,756 households in the 30 properties where we provide services. RSCs also helped residents save over $344,000 by accessing benefits, rental assistance, and donations.

Community Stories

Asar put his creativity to the test, crafting an Iron Man hand from scratch for his Halloween costume to wear trick-or-treating with his friends and family.

Operation Pathways transforms affordable housing communities through customized onsite programs and coaching where residents partner with service practitioners to gain skills, overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and live well. We are resident-centered, meaning residents determine their own goals and areas of focus.

At Bayview Towers in Stamford, CT, Operation Pathways staff and residents came together, with our partners from CAST, to create a makerspace thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation. A makerspace is a public space where people gather to work on projects, share ideas, and learn. Makerspaces can be found in schools, public libraries, museums, and other community locations.

Aspiring to be just like his hero, Iron Man, for Halloween this year, one Bayview resident, Asar collaborated with our Lead Makerspace facilitator, Brea to make his wish come true. The two designed and created a mechanical hand made of recycled materials including cardboard, string, tape, and straws. Asar had a blast being able to create his own Halloween costume and be Iron Man for the day.

Operation Pathways takes pride in the relationships we foster with residents like Bayview Towers’ Natalie Mendoza.

Natalie came to the community center seeking help with her rent recertification. During the conversation, Natalie mentioned that the increasing cost of her cable bill was forcing her to choose between internet and cable. RSC, Tsani Rhodes, enlightened her about the Affordable Connectivity Program, presenting her with the available packages from her current provider under the program. Tsani guided Natalie through the ACP application process, leading to her immediate approval. She contacted her service provider to apply for benefits, and now enjoys the same services for nearly half the original cost!

An Anacostia Garden volunteer shares the joy of reading with youth during a health fair hosted by the Washington DC Chapter of the Links Incorporated. 

A Washington Dodd resident gives us a beautiful smile as she picks out her gift at OPs’ annual Christmas Toy Drive. She was one of the many happy children who went home with a toy.