PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Privatized military housing offers a mix of potential benefits and challenges for military families. A significant advantage is its convenient location, often within a five-mile radius of workplaces and key amenities, including childcare, schools, medical facilities, shopping, and fitness centers. At Patrick Space Force Base, residents enjoy the added perk of being directly across from some of the Space Coast's most pristine and less crowded beaches.
However, challenges exist, particularly as privatized housing units age and are constantly exposed to harsh environmental elements, such as sea salt spray and potential hurricanes. Recognizing these difficulties, there have been increased efforts in recent years to address maintenance backlogs, expedite emergency repairs, and streamline the reporting process for housing issues.
Efforts are underway to improve communication between residents, property management, and military leadership. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all military families have access to safe, affordable, and well-maintained housing, regardless of ownership.
A key figure in achieving this goal is the Privatized Housing Resident Advocate. As the installation commander's advisor on base housing matters, the PHRA offers a comprehensive perspective on resident concerns. This unique position allows them to identify emerging issues and trends, providing critical insights for proactive problem-solving and ensuring a positive living experience.
"I love working with people and being here to assist residents who may be experiencing housing issues, especially if those issues impact the health and safety of the military member and their family," says Susan Alexander, SLD 45 Privatized Housing Resident Advocate. Building trust through community engagement and consistent interaction is essential for the PHRA. If residents encounter unresolved housing issues through standard channels, the PHRA can offer practical assistance.
Acting as an objective third party, the resident advocate can facilitate productive discussions between tenants, the government military housing office, and Hunt, the property owner, proposing beneficial solutions and empowering residents to resolve issues. Additionally, a key objective is to ensure residents understand their rights and responsibilities under the Tenant Bill of Rights.
"I assist military residents with two key aspects of housing repairs: First, I guide them through the process of submitting repair requests, including navigating the website and completing necessary documentation," Alexander explains. "Second, I provide logistical support and mediation to help resolve any resulting issues."
Military life already presents significant challenges to maintaining a work-life balance. A housing repair concern can further complicate this. Taking advantage of the Patrick Space Force Base Privatized Housing Resident Advocate allows families to ease the burden, knowing they do not have to tackle these issues alone and can receive expert help at the local level.
To learn more about how a privatized housing resident advocate can assist military families, call 321-494-3480 and speak with Susan Alexander.