Our Response to the 2020 Pandemic
2020 was a year of challenges, resilience, and adaptation for everyone, especially in affordable housing.
In 2020, we celebrated our 40th anniversary. Due to COVID-19, 2020 was also a year of challenges, resilience, and adaptation for everyone, especially in affordable housing. For Navigate Affordable Housing Partners, ensuring the safety of employees, owner/agents, and residents while maintaining operations became the priority. Despite the pandemic’s hurdles, our team remained committed to providing quality, livable housing options and supporting communities through innovative solutions.
Navigating the Early Days of the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normalcy, Navigate acted swiftly. In March of that year, employees transitioned to working from home. We equipped them with the necessary tools to stay productive and safe. This quick adaptation ensured that essential functions like rent payment continued without interruptions across our four states.
Owner/agents and property staff faced unprecedented challenges, including staffing concerns and the suspension of resident activities. Maintenance teams had to balance emergency repairs with health risks, often limiting unit entries to urgent situations only. Despite these challenges, most offices remained open, adjusting schedules to maintain operations while adhering to public health guidelines.
Ensuring Public Health During MORs
As a Performance-Based Contract Administrator (PBCA), conducting Management and Occupancy Reviews (MORs) is a core responsibility. The pandemic posed significant obstacles to these inspections. To address safety concerns, Navigate implemented stringent health protocols:
- Protective Equipment: Relationship Managers (RMs) were provided with masks, gloves, and sanitizing supplies.
- No Entry Policy: RMs avoided entering occupied units to minimize risks.
- Social Distancing: On-site interactions adhered to CDC guidelines.
These measures allowed MORs to resume safely in Mississippi and Virginia as early as June 2020. Navigate also maintained open lines of communication with owners and agents, ensuring transparency and addressing concerns about public health.
Educating and Supporting Stakeholders
Communication was key during the pandemic. Navigate launched a dedicated newsletter informing stakeholders about HUD guidance, safety protocols, and operational changes. Our social media channels and website became vital resources for updates, providing clarity during uncertain times.
In addition to providing information, Navigate responded to community needs by supporting food pantries, hot meal programs, and gardening initiatives for residents. These efforts helped alleviate some of the stress caused by isolation and economic challenges.
Resilience and Bright Spots
Amid the challenges, there were moments of hope and resilience. Teams found innovative ways to stay connected, including virtual meetings. Our “Tuesday Tips” video series continued and offered practical guidance for property managers.
A Year That Defined Us
The pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and community support.
Reflecting on our 45-year history, 2020 is a testament to our commitment to quality housing and community empowerment. It was a year that tested us and proved our ability to navigate through the most brutal storms.
