RAD Experiences
Welcome to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) experiences. The purpose of RAD is to preserve and improve affordable housing so that residents can live in stable, healthy, and safe environments. The content on this page will feature some of RAD's success stories and milestones. We will also highlight the real-life impact of RAD from residents' perspective. The success of RAD isn't measured in dollars but in people. We are excited to share how lives have been and will continue to be positively affected by RAD.
Photo Essays
The photo essays highlight the real-life impact of RAD and experiences during the conversion process from both the Public Housing Authority (PHA) and resident perspective.
California
Jordan DownsLos Angeles, CA
One of the country's largest RAD rebuilds: Jordan Downs grows from 700 homes to 1,410, adding retail, parks, and community space, with local hiring through Section 3.
Holly CourtsSan Francisco, CA
A phased rebuild of San Francisco's first public housing site, bringing light, air, and modern comfort to longtime residents.
Westview VillageVentura, CA
Guided by an active resident council, Westview Village nearly doubled to 320 homes, all LEED-certified and energy efficient.
Michigan
Deborah Strong HousingYpsilanti, MI
A mix of new construction and renovation across centralized and scattered sites, pairing quality homes with supportive services.
New York
Ocean BayNew York (Far Rockaway), NY
Green-energy and resilience upgrades transformed this Far Rockaway complex, preparing it for future storms and building a stronger community.
Colonial IIRome, NY
Rome replaced cramped 360-square-foot apartments with spacious, net-zero homes powered by geothermal and solar.
Tennessee
Cayce PlaceNashville, TN
Cayce Place became a whole new neighborhood, adding a school, health center, grocery, library, and retail to a mixed-income community.
Delaware
Lincoln TowersWilmington, DE
Affordable senior homes in a sought-after neighborhood, with a working fire station built right into the development.
Maine
Harold G. Loring HousePortland, ME
A historic former hospital reborn as bright, comfortable affordable housing through careful renovation.
Massachusetts
Lyman TerraceHolyoke, MA
An Opportunity Zone preservation that kept Lyman Terrace's historic character while adding green technology and modern construction.
New Mexico
Broadway McKnightAlbuquerque, NM
Demolition and new construction grew this site from 30 homes to 54, helping meet Albuquerque's urgent need for affordable housing.
Ohio
Bohn TowerCleveland, OH
Bohn Tower's renovation reimagines what public housing can be, with a renewed focus on community.
Texas
Parklane VillasBrenham, TX
A small housing authority's mission-driven board used RAD to preserve affordable homes its community could not afford to lose.
Eisenhower ApartmentsEl Paso, TX
Eisenhower Apartments turned public housing into a community of homes, with residents telling the story themselves in English and Spanish.
Butler PlaceFort Worth, TX
Butler Place moves families into new homes in high-opportunity, mixed-income neighborhoods, breaking up decades of concentrated poverty.
Merritt HomesMcKinney, TX
A redevelopment built around a simple idea: quality affordable housing should give residents dignity and pride.
Illinois
Chicago (multiple sites)Chicago, IL
Chicago paired RAD with Moving to Work to renovate and rebuild across the city, creating mixed-income, mixed-use homes designed around seniors' well-being.
Maryland
Lakeview TowerBaltimore, MD
Residents formed an advisory board to help guide the conversion, making Lakeview Tower's renovation a story of change and dignity.
Stone Grove Crossing / Square at Merritt MillSalisbury, MD
Salisbury replaced concentrated public housing with homes spread across the community, opening new neighborhoods and opportunities for families.
Minnesota
Three Links ApartmentsNorthfield, MN
Three Links lets seniors age in place with dignity, offering a full spectrum of care from independent living to assisted care under one roof.
North Carolina
Craven TerraceNew Bern, NC
Resident engagement drove the modernization of Craven Terrace, giving an established community a fresh start.
Pennsylvania
Lulal Lee Blevins Veterans CenterPhiladelphia, PA
Accessible homes and on-site services help veterans and people leaving homelessness rebuild stability in Philadelphia.
RAD Resident Stories
There are many success stories from residents that live in properties that have transformed under the RAD program. Hear some of our residents tell how RAD has impacted their lives.
Residents in Austin, TX
Resident collaboration played a major role in the success of making the transformation work for them. Access and listen to their stories below.
Residents in Brenham, TX
The RAD transformation in Brenham gave residents a sense of community to be proud to live in. Access and listen to their stories below.
Residents in Gresham, OR
A new accessible apartment has made all the difference in the world for one resident. Access and listen to their stories below.
Residents in McKinney, TX
Residents reflect on the RAD conversion process and would recommend RAD to any project. Access and listen to their stories below.
Residents in Rome, NY
Residents praised the new community and unit amenities after renovation of the property. Access and listen to their stories below.
Residents in St Croix, USVI
A new senior center and a toddler playground are a few of the amenities residents love. Access and listen to their stories below.
Residents in Ventura, CA
Community and resident engagement made residents feel included as partners in the design process. Access and listen to their stories below.
Residents in Salisbury, MD
Residents all agree that after RAD, this property is nice, convenient, and a wonderful place to live. Access and listen to their stories below.
Residents in Wilmington, DE
Residents will spend their senior years in one of the best neighborhoods in Wilmington. Access and listen to their stories below.
Ypsilanti, MI
Residents continue the legacy of Deborah Strong for a better future for themselves. Access and listen to their stories below.
RADBlasts! are informational email newsletters that provide critical updates on the RAD program including program updates, training and events, success stories and resident rights. Our newsletters feature some of RAD's milestones and other program updates. Sign up to receive our RADBlasts! and newsletters.
PHAs have provided reflections on their experiences during the RAD conversion. Access and listen to their advice or read more from Executive Director Question & Answer Sessions (Q&As).
