Since taking on the role of executive director at North Providence Housing Authority in 2021, Marilee Arsenault has prioritized safety and security within the organization. She began her journey with the agency in December 2018 as a public housing coordinator before moving to the role of executive assistant. Two years after becoming executive director, Arsenault was named HAI Group’s 2023 Risk Champion of the Year.

Property owners and managers face the challenge of interpreting and adhering to the regulations and guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Among these complexities lies the realm of non-rent fees in HUD-assisted properties. 

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program remains a cornerstone in providing affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families in the United States, offering substantial benefits to tenants and landlords. Administered by public housing agencies (PHAs), these vouchers subsidize rental costs for eligible recipients, facilitating access to decent, safe, and sanitary housing within the private rental market.

Since cybersecurity can feel overwhelming for those outside the information technology sphere, we've developed a list of 15 (mostly non-technical) cybersecurity terms that public and affordable housing leaders and employees should know in 2024. 

Housing organizations embarking on significant construction endeavors may encounter unfamiliar insurance products designed to mitigate construction-related risks. One such product is wrap-up insurance, a specialized form of construction liability coverage offered in two primary variations—owner-controlled insurance programs (OCIPs) and contractor-controlled insurance programs (CCIPs).

In this article, we offer an insightful overview of wrap-up insurance and delineate the crucial distinctions between OCIPs and CCIPs.

In an increasingly digitized world, where data breaches and cyber threats have become pervasive, the need for robust cybersecurity measures extends to all sectors. Public housing agencies (PHAs), entrusted with sensitive information and critical operations, are no exception. Yet, despite the growing threat landscape, many PHAs may overlook the importance of cybersecurity coverage.

Unlike traditional property and general liability insurance policies, which lack the specificity to address cyber risks and often explicitly exclude coverage for such incidents, cybersecurity coverage offers tailored protection against the evolving threats public housing agencies face. This article explores the imperative for public housing agencies to prioritize cybersecurity coverage as a fundamental component of their risk management strategy, safeguarding their operations and residents and their hard-earned reputation in the community.

This article delves into why cybersecurity coverage is essential for public housing agencies to safeguard their operations, residents, and reputation.

Effective communication is the foundation for establishing strong relationships between housing organizations and their residents. By implementing robust communication strategies, both parties can collaborate to foster an environment built on understanding, inclusivity, and transparency.

Enhancing your public housing organization's cybersecurity posture remains paramount as we move into 2024, particularly in light of the ever-increasing stakes involved.

In the wake of a significant surge in ransomware attacks across the United States in 2021, 2022 appeared to offer a respite with a notable decrease in reported incidents. However, any hopes of a sustained lull were dashed in 2023 as ransomware activity skyrocketed, reaching unprecedented levels.

In the wake of a significant surge in ransomware attacks across the United States in 2021, 2022 appeared to offer a respite with a notable decrease in reported incidents. However, any hopes of a sustained lull were dashed in 2023 as ransomware activity skyrocketed, reaching unprecedented levels.