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NAHRO Report Urges Congress to Restore PHDEP Funding
The loss of funding for the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP) affects activities ranging from crime prevention to computer centers to youth activities. A new report from NAHRO, "The Impact of the Loss of the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP) on Local Housing Agencies and Low Income Families," urges Congress to consider restoring the funding.
The report describes effects on communities since 2001 when Congress withdrew PHDEP funding based on a HUD recommendation. To offset the cut, Congress increased the Operating Fund for local housing agencies (LHAs) by 2.8 percent. However, most of this increase will be used to address recent utility cost hikes. The result is a net loss of approximately $162 million for PHDEP-related activities.
NAHRO's report lists the fiscal impact of the funding loss by congressional district and state, along with the crime index and crime rate for those with public housing communities. It includes case studies with practical information.
The most significant impact of the loss of PHDEP funds is the reduction in security personnel and activities critical to managing the problem of crime and drugs in communities. For example, the Housing Authority of King County, Washington may soon lose some Boys and Girls clubs, police protection, computer centers and counseling services due to the lack of PHDEP funds.
Finding money at the municipal level is not an alternative for most LHAs as cities and counties face their own budget crunches. Since September 11, local law enforcement resources have shifted focus to respond to new national security priorities. The National League of Cities recently estimated that security expenditures have cost municipalities an additional $2 billion since September 11.
Currently, NAHRO and other industry groups are working to restore PHDEP in both the House and Senate. Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) both have sponsored "Dear Colleague" letter campaigns in support of restoring the PHDEP funding. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) both have developed legislative language that seeks to extend the authorization for PHDEP and restore some of its original funding.
Baldwin's staff is planning a press conference focused on PHDEP for a date in September following the congressional recess. NAHRO is working with the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity and YouthBuild. If these organizations lend their support, it is expected that some would participate in the press conference.
For additional information concerning NAHRO legislative activities on PHDEP contact Julio Barreto, Director of Legislation and Program Development. The report is available on the Web site at www.nahro.org/members/district/200207/index.cfm . Hard copies may be ordered by contacting NAHRO Research Officer Will Jones at wjones@nahro.org.
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