Affordable Housing Gets a Tech Upgrade

Technology has become a big part of our lives, and now it's helping manage affordable housing too. The shift to using more tech in housing really took off during the pandemic.

Allen Feliz from MRI Software explains that affordable housing groups are now using different computer programs and online apps.

These tools make it easier to keep track of who is living in their buildings, make it faster to check if residents still qualify for housing support, and allow renters to report issues or pay rent online at any time.

To make work more flexible, housing groups are also updating their office tools. This way, some employees can work from home, using the internet to do tasks that they couldn't do before without being in the office.

But as housing providers move to these new tech tools, they need to remember that not everyone may have easy access to these apps.
 

Making Public Housing More Efficient

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has started using two new tech systems to help tenants: Yardi Voyager and RentCafe. These systems allow residents to submit documents and requests online.

Adriana Ruiz from HACLA points out that these tools are much easier to use and more interactive than the old systems. Residents can handle important housing tasks online without waiting for letters in the mail.

Some other housing providers use AI chatbots to answer questions, but HACLA decided to stick to real people on phone lines to give a personal touch when helping residents.
 

Reducing Paperwork with Online Tools

One of the big benefits of these online systems is that they cut down on a lot of paperwork. With less paperwork, there's also less need for physical storage space for tenant files.

Michelle Boyd from Terner Labs mentions how some states had up to 80 pages of paperwork for each housing application. Technologies like online income verification through Pronto Housing have made this process much quicker.

These online systems also mean fewer in-person visits, saving time for everyone.
 

Assistive Tech for Independent Living

Inglis, a nonprofit in the Greater Philadelphia area, creates housing for people with disabilities. They're using tech like smart home devices to help residents live more independently.

They offer ongoing support and education on how to use this assistive technology. For instance, they even used 3D printing to make special utensils for a resident who had difficulty eating.
 

Tech for Inclusivity and Sensitivity

Tech is being used not only for practical functions but also for increasing inclusivity. SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ seniors, offers virtual classes to train service providers on how to support older LGBTQ+ adults with sensitivity and understanding.
 

The Challenges Ahead

Although this movement towards tech in affordable housing is promising, not everyone is quickly convinced. Budget constraints, especially with the uncertainty of federal funding for affordable housing, can make organizations hesitant to invest in new technologies.

However, people like Allen Feliz are hopeful that these tools can show their value by potentially saving housing authorities significant amounts of money in the long run, especially in areas like utility expenses.

In summary, technology is making a big entrance into affordable housing, allowing for more efficient operations, personalized resident support, and the potential for more inclusive services.

While the transition to a tech-savvy approach brings challenges, the possibilities for innovation and improvement in the sector are substantial.

-

Find programs that help with rent by signing up here