Today's Spotlight on Vera Johnson B
Vera Johnson B is only the second public housing property the SNRHA has converted through the
RAD program.
RAD is a program that allows private companies to manage and rehabilitate public housing in exchange for tax
credits and subsidies.
The idea is that private managers and companies are better equipped to operate housing. Private operators
would have access to private capital for rehabilitating the properties. That is, public housing would no
longer have to rely so heavily on federal funding to provide basic maintenance.
The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development began pushing the RAD program onto local housing
authorities through web seminars in 2011. At first, housing authority was skeptical of the program. But the
SNRHA had few options and applied for the program within the first year it was announced. With Landsman
Gardens, the first RAD property, facing multiple issues, housing authority officials were afraid the units
would become uninhabitable if repairs were delayed any longer.
“HUD cannot do it alone anymore. Our properties are old and tired,” the Executive Director said. “We can
extend the life of the property for another 30 years.”
It worked. Landsman Gardens became on one of the first RAD properties in the nation. The SNRHA moved to
convert a second public housing property, Vera Johnson Building B, into a RAD conversion. The housing
authority applied for RAD conversions, one at a time, until it eventually submitted half of its public
housing inventory.
Now Vera Johnson B stands one of the SNRHA's flagship properties. It is now operated by
HAND Property Management
Corporation, a nonprofit real estate development, construction, and management organization that
builds affordable apartments for low-income communities.
Vera Johnson Manor B Family Apartments is a newly renovated townhome-style apartment community located on
Lamb Boulevard near Bonanza Road. It is conveniently located near a wide array of shopping malls and schools
for children of all ages. Amenities include, dishwasher, full-size washer/dryer, a fantastic new community
center, playground areas and much more. Vera Johnson Manor B also offers onsite Resident Services that
connects residents to community assistance programs and coordinates activities such as workforce development
opportunities, homework assistance and summer education programs.
Monthly rents at Vera Johnson Manor B start at only $406 per month for a two-bedroom, one-bath home and $465
for a three-bedroom, one-bath. Income restrictions do apply. To qualify, applicants must earn a minimum
monthly income of at least 2 ½ times the amount of rent being charged for the apartment home. A one-person
household must not exceed $24,550 gross annual income. A two-person household must not exceed $28,050 per
year. A three-person household must not exceed $31,550 gross annual income. We do not charge for water,
sewer, or trash and we do not charge monthly pet fees. See More about
Vera Johnson B.
Solis, J. (2018, June 29). The privatization of public housing. Retrieved from
https://www.nevadacurrent.com
