Having a safe place to call home is critical to the overall well-being and development of children. Nearly 5,000 children live in DC Housing Authority’s (DCHA) public housing.  For low-income families, the struggle to find affordable housing has been a longstanding problem before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent 72-page report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), they cited that DCHA failed to provide “decent, safe, and sanitary,” housing for residents in need. The report also outlined a total of 82 areas of deficiencies, many of which are linked to living conditions. The HUD auditors’ findings revealed dangerous conditions including mold, rodents, lead-paint hazards, out-of-code plumbing, and violence.

According to the audit, DCHA received more than $76 million in federal funds to maintain 8,000 units. However, HUD found that DCHA had the lowest occupancy rate of any large public housing authority in the country, with an estimated 76% of their housing units occupied. The audit also found DCHA’s public housing waiting list has not been updated in 10 years and that the housing voucher waiting has been closed since 2013. The report also included photos of several vacant units that were covered with black mold and moss on floors and walls. The limited access to safe and affordable housing choices disproportionately impacts children of color and families with lower incomes.

Researchers have found that children who live in substandard housing are more likely to experience greater emotional and behavioral problems.[1] Improving and creating more housing options for children and families is a key public health issue that DC and other state leaders must address through legislation, policy, and regulation. While there are number of outstanding concerns for DCHA to address within the report, DCHA must respond to HUD findings by November 30 or risk escalating actions by HUD. To access the full report, please visit this link here.