Improving DOD housing initiative

WASHINGTON - Defense Department officials are looking for ways to improve the Military Privatization Housing Initiative (MPHI) that was established in 1996, according to Pentagon spokeswoman Heather Babb. DOD recognized the need to improve housing conditions it sought ways to leverage the expertise of private-sector partners. DOD needed the improvements to address retention, recruitment, and quality-of-life concerns. Congress authorized MPHI in 1996. DOD has privatized 99 percent of its family-housing inventory in the U.S. - more than 50,000 units across some 150 bases. MPHI transformed the quality of on-base housing faster than traditional military construction could have, Babb continued. But, there is room for improvement, and that’s why working with private partners to address reports of unhealthy living conditions at any installation is a top priority for Robert McMahon, assistant secretary of defense for sustainment, who has oversight of DOD’s privatization program. “If there are problems, we will address them,” he said. McMahon, and his counterparts from the military services, recently met with executives from each of the housing partners to look for ways to improve and better ensure residents have a positive living experience. At the meeting, McMahon outlined a vision between DOD and its partners to provide safe, high-quality and affordable housing where military members and their families will want, and choose, to live. (Source: DOD 02/08/19) Gulf Coast Note: DOD-Private Housing Partnerships across Gulf Coast region are located at Naval Air Stations Pensacola and Whiting Field and Naval Support Activity Panama City, Fla.; Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base New Orleans; NAS Meridian and Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss.; Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, Fla.