1. Legislative Focus booklet of the California Association of Housing ...

Introducing CAHA
The California Association of Housing Authorities - CAHA – represents 113 Housing Authorities throughout the Golden State.
Whether through rental subsidy programs, such as the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program, or our own affordable
rental properties, Housing Authorities are committed to providing quality housing for low income Californians.
CAHA members realize that 2013 brings unprecedented budgetary challenges and it is more important than ever for organizations
to prove their value. So we have taken this opportunity to present our “people, programs and projects”-- stories of typical
Californians who receive help through Housing Authority affordable housing programs. The families at the core of our programs
represent a broad cross-section of our State and include low-income wage earners, seniors, disabled, veterans and the homeless.
CAHA's 2013 Legislative Agenda presents important budget and regulatory priorities for you to consider, ensuring that millions of
Californians continue to benefit from critical housing assistance programs that strengthen our communities. With your support,
we can enhance and streamline our programs and provide the best possible service to low-income Californians.
BY THE NUMBERS:
350,000
HOUSING AUTHORITIES, ENABLING 350,000
THE NUMBER OF SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS ADMINISTERED BY CALIFORNIA'S
FAMILIES
TO RENT HOUSING IN THE PRIVATE MARKET.
hile growing up living in Oakland Housing
Authority’s (OHA) public housing, Demaude
Wdreamed of a career that combined business with
his love of the outdoors. But when he became a father at a
young age, he didn't know how he would make his career
dreams come true. Although he took various landscaping
positions to provide for his family, his lack of steady work kept
him from achieving better employment.
In 2009, OHA received a $10M American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant. The grant helped to fund the
Palo Vista Gardens renovation project where Demaude and
over 100 others were hired as temporary employees.
Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Demaude
worked to demonstrate his strong work ethic and ability to
learn.
After the ARRA project ended, Demaude's experience paid off.
His application stood out when he applied for a landscaping
position with OHA, and he accepted a permanent job with full
benefits.
Demaude now takes pride in knowing he can provide for his
sons and be a role model to them. As a former public housing
resident and current OHA employee, he wants to give back to
the community that has meant so much to his family. Demaude
looks forward to helping others as a future leader with OHA.
Demaude Dawkins
3