The last few weeks have been unlike any others in our lifetimes and we are all struggling to find our new normal both at work and at home. CHC and our members are finding new ways to work through the daily challenges posed by COVID-19. Through all of these recent changes, we remain committed to meeting the needs of our members.

With millions of Californians now sheltering in place—giving even daily trips to the grocery store a new meaning—the work of the California Housing Consortium has not slowed down. We remain as committed as ever to ensuring affordable housing remains at the forefront of the state and federal response to the pandemic.

After working closely with the Newsom Administration, we were pleased to see affordable housing included as an “essential service” in the state’s shelter-in-place order—an acknowledgement of what we all know: lower-income households need a safe, affordable place to call home.

CHC has also reached out to the Treasurer and Governor with detailed recommendations for state action that will make it easier for developers to manage project financing and work schedules during this emergency. After successfully advocating for substantial affordable housing relief in the federal stimulus bill we have also identified the critical next steps state government should take to maintain access to affordable housing, from more renter assistance to new limits on foreclosures and mortgage payments that will ensure every Californian can keep a roof over their head.

There is no end to the complexities being managed every day by Governor Newsom, but he clearly recognizes the role affordable housing must play in keeping the state running—pledging last week to continue working with financial institutions to identify new ways to support small businesses and nonprofits. “The job is not done,” he said.

With the Legislature’s uncertain return to action as early as mid-April and the state budget deadline still looming in June, there is much more to be done. CHC is collaborating with our state and regional partners to refocus our advocacy on the most impactful state actions this year. We are also hosting regular calls with our members to learn more about the challenges they are facing—and to identify the best ways to work together to ensure affordable housing remains accessible when this crisis has passed.

This is our mission and it hasn’t changed. We are proud to continue this critical work with all of you.

Stay safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Ray Pearl
CHC Executive Director