New research examines how the United States is facing a dual crisis: a growing shortage of affordable housing and an increase in climate-driven disasters. The team, which was led by University of Washington researchers, found that disasters disproportionately affect extremely low-income renters living in federally subsidized housing managed by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).
A national survey revealed that PHA characteristics – such as size, urban location, political context and perceived hazard risk – significantly influence their disaster risk management (DRM) efforts. Well-resourced PHAs are more likely to implement DRM strategies, including establishing dedicated funding, departments and partnerships. The study highlights the need for policymakers to allocate resources to Housing and Urban Development to support DRM capacity-building among PHAs.