Partnership Lets Housing Authority Monitor Environmental Risks

A new partnership allows Yonkers housing officials to better monitor and evaluate extreme weather and industrial hazards. BCW Member Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (MHACY) and AreaHub, with offices in Mount Kisco and Stamford, launched a pilot program that offers MHACY officials access to extensive climate data and environmental information for key properties in the city’s largest affordable housing provider’s portfolio.

The partnership with AreaHub enables MHACY to better monitor and evaluate over 35 data topics, such as extreme weather events and nearby hazards, that can help housing officials assess the potential risks to properties and residents and better inform strategic and management decision making.

“At a time when climate- and weather-related risks are rising, access to trustworthy, up-to-date data is critically important to protect our bottom line, assess exposure, and optimally manage our properties for our residents. The program with AreaHub provides the data and visualizing tools to enable us to make more informed decisions,” said Wilson Kimball, MHACY’s president and CEO. “This aligns with MHACY’s mission to provide residents, including low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals, access to good, sustainable housing.”

The pilot program leverages AreaHub’s patented technology to help protect MHACY residents and property. AreaHub’s platform also equips MHACY with data and visualization tools for tasks like grant-application efforts.

At a time of increasing climate risks, AreaHub offers a clear, efficient, and affordable platform with aggregated and predictive climate data and other environmental information on its wide range of topics, ranging from extreme weather and natural hazards to pollution and industrial information.

“We are delighted to partner with the Yonkers housing authority to empower them to proactively address a growing issue for many businesses and housing authorities — increasing exposure to environmental and climate-related events and area hazards,” said Alison Gregory, AreaHub cofounder and CEO. “Our extensive national data-base and patented technology not only provides them with an overall climate and environmental risk picture but keeps them up to date with relevant changes in their area.”

The Business Council of Westchester’s Westchester Innovation Network initiative arranged the pilot between AreaHub and the housing authority.

“We commend the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers for its forward-thinking approach in addressing environmental and climate-related risks,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “Their partnership with AreaHub demonstrates an outstanding commitment to innovation and to protecting the well-being of their residents. It is a model for how organizations can harness data and technology to better serve their communities.”