Program areas at NHC
Raising National awareness: nhc builds nationwide awareness regarding the significance of affordable Housing through various means, including social media, op-ed contributions, media interviews, and the publication of research and reports. Furthermore, nhc organizes an annual convening of Housing communications leaders, called "solutions for Housing communications," which successfully attracted prominent figures in the Housing sector in 2023. Nhc consistently disseminates its "member brief," a weekly policy update newsletter with a broad readership of nearly 12,000 subscribers. Additionally, nhc is dedicated to further advancing the expertise of Housing professionals through our "emerging leaders in affordable Housing."
Nhc's research division produces nhc's hallmark paycheck to paycheck online database which is updated each quarter to include data from 289 occupations across 390 metropolitan statistical areas. The database informs nhc and other decision makers of the ability, or lack thereof, for working families to afford typical Housing in msas across the country by comparing wage data and Housing costs. The research division also runs nhc's Housing resource center, which offers thousands of Housing policy and research resources to help individuals and organizations make informed decisions and actively shape effective Housing policies. The resources within the Housing resource center are organized under twelve key categories. Other pages include multimedia resources, public data tools, and an events calendar.
Policy development: nhc works with a broad coalition of Housing stakeholders and advocates around a wide range of Housing issues. Of nhc's members, no sector of affordable Housing development and advocacy represents more than 20 percent, allowing for a diverse set of views and perspectives. In 2023, nhc held two major Housing convenings, solutions for Housing communications and solutions for affordable Housing, that drew 329 attendees and 489 attendees respectively. Additionally, nhc hosted "breakfast with barr: a conversation about cra in the 21st century" which focused on the final community reinvestment act and drew 450 attendees. Nhc also co-hosted an event titled "building livable communities for all generations" which focused on creating communities that are safe, accessible, and inclusive for all ages and backgrounds, which drew 318 attendees. Nhc's annual webinar series featured research, policy changes, and best practices in Housing and community development. Nhc also convenes working groups to address key policy issues including expanding black homeownership and racial equity, tenant protections, and Housing finance reform.