California Apartment Association

Despite the federal government shutdown, the Fresno Housing Authority will do its best to keep providing core services to residents, landlords and public partners.

That’s the main message in a letter that the Housing Authority’s chief executive officer, Preston Prince, sent to landlords and community partners Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Luckily, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has provided a large portion of the October money for Housing Assistance Payments to landlords. The Fresno Housing Authority will cover the additional $1.7 million.

If the federal government remains closed, however, HUD may be unable to authorize normal funding to housing authorities. That might require short-term alternatives to cover any shortfall from HUD, says the letter.

The Housing Authority says it will provide additional information if the federal closure lasts through mid-October.

The California Apartment Association appreciates the Housing Authority’s prompt communication with stakeholders.

“The Fresno Housing Authority has always kept CAA Greater Fresno updated on recent events so we can pass along information to our members,” says William H. Leifer, a member of CAA’s Fresno board. “We appreciate the fact that the Fresno Housing Authority has planned ahead and prepared their clients”

Prince asks that landlords appeal to their representatives in Congress.

“We are urging anyone who will be affected to please contact your U.S. senators and representatives to urge them to pass a budget and explain the impact you will experience,” he says in his letter.

“The Fresno Housing Authority is committed to our mission of creating and sustaining vibrant communities throughout Fresno County,” Prince continues, “and we will continue to work towards that even in this difficult and uncertain time in the government.”