HAI Group Blog

Insurance, Risk Management, and Professional Development Tips for the Affordable Housing Industry.

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Andrew Ragali | Manager, Marketing and Communications | HAI Group

Andrew Ragali is a manager with HAI Group's Marketing and Communications Department. His core focus is the development of compelling and informative content to help HAI Group's clients navigate insurance and risk management in the affordable housing industry. Send Andrew your ideas, questions, and thoughts: aragali@housingcenter.com

Staying Cool in Public Housing: HUD's New Guidelines for Extreme Heat

As temperatures rise, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is taking action to ensure public housing residents can stay cool during the scorching summer months. In a June 13, 2024 notice, HUD reminded public housing authorities (PHAs) that they can utilize capital and operating funds to help residents beat the heat. Additionally, HUD clarified that PHAs may establish a policy to provide individual relief and immediately start granting relief requests from air conditioning or cooling-related surcharges or utility supplier billings based on severe or extreme heat.

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Wrap-Up Insurance Unveiled: Understanding OCIPs and CCIPs for Housing Development Projects

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.

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Protecting Public Trust: Why Public Housing Agencies Need Cyber Insurance Coverage

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.

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IT employee at desk reading code

Elevate Your Public Housing Agency's Cybersecurity Defenses (at No Cost) With MS-ISAC

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.

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From Insights to Action: How HAI Group's Risk Control Collaboratives Empower Housing Professionals

Kechelle Jones entered HAI Group’s Mid-Atlantic Risk Control Collaborative in early August 2023 with uncertainty about what awaited her. Upon leaving the event, equipped with newly acquired policies, procedures, and best practices, she promptly initiated transformative changes within her housing organization.

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