WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 4, 2026 — The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (OJC) met with the HUD Assistant Secretary responsible for overseeing the nation’s Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs, which provide housing assistance to millions of low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities across the United States.
The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., focused on identifying practical ways to expand housing opportunities, strengthen workforce participation, increase community engagement, and maximize available resources through innovative public-private partnerships and collaborative initiatives. The discussion comes as communities across the country continue searching for solutions to rising housing costs, growing demand for assistance, and increasing economic pressures on working families.
Representing a broad coalition of business leaders, multicultural chambers of commerce, faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, housing stakeholders, employers, and community advocates, Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, led the discussion and presented recommendations developed by the Chamber’s leadership and research team. Long recognized for bringing together unlikely partners and developing out-of-the-box solutions to complex economic and community challenges, the Chamber focused the conversation on practical, results-oriented approaches designed to expand housing opportunities, strengthen workforce participation, and maximize the impact of available resources.
Joining the discussion alongside HUD leadership were Graydon Daubert, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary, members of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, and senior leaders from the housing, banking, and finance sectors who participated by conference call to provide insight and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The discussion centered on how stronger partnerships between government, community organizations, employers, financial institutions, and housing providers can help extend the reach of existing programs, improve awareness of available resources, and create additional pathways to housing stability for families in need.
Particular attention was given to identifying ways communities can continue expanding services and opportunities despite budget pressures by leveraging private-sector expertise, community-based resources, volunteer networks, and innovative partnership models that complement existing government programs.
Participants also explored how housing initiatives can support broader economic development goals by strengthening workforce participation, reducing barriers to employment, stabilizing communities, and encouraging job creation through increased collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce has always been known for bringing people together and developing practical, out-of-the-box solutions to challenges that impact our economy and communities,” said Duvi Honig. “Housing affects jobs, workforce participation, economic growth, and family stability. By bringing together government leaders, community organizations, financial institutions, employers, and other stakeholders, we can identify innovative approaches that help more families, strengthen communities, and create new opportunities for economic growth. The goal is not simply to discuss challenges, but to help identify solutions that create lasting impact.”
The Assistant Secretary welcomed the dialogue and expressed appreciation for the broad range of perspectives represented during the meeting.
“We are grateful for the engagement, ideas, and commitment demonstrated by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the many stakeholders who participated,” the Assistant Secretary said. “The willingness of leaders from different sectors to work together in pursuit of solutions is invaluable. Bringing together community leaders, financial institutions, housing professionals, and advocates creates opportunities to identify new approaches and strengthen outcomes for the families and communities we serve. We look forward to continuing the conversation.”
Following the meeting, HUD leadership expressed appreciation for the collaborative nature of the discussion and the Chamber’s efforts to bring together diverse stakeholders from the public, private, nonprofit, and financial sectors.
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce noted that the conversation reflects a growing recognition that some of the nation’s most pressing housing and economic challenges are best addressed through partnerships that combine government leadership with private-sector innovation, community engagement, and local expertise.
The Chamber said it looks forward to continuing discussions with federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private-sector partners to help strengthen housing opportunities, expand workforce participation, support job creation, and improve quality of life for families throughout the United States.