Navy Housing Early Application Tool Hits One Year Anniversary

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As the Navy's Housing Early Application Tool (HEAT) reaches its first year, Navy Housing is already working on upgrades to be implemented over the next several years.

Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Navy Housing launched HEAT, the online tool for service members and their families to request housing information and begin the military family housing application process, in July 2012.

Returning customers may notice some positive changes to the interface as Navy Housing launches the second phase of HEAT this summer. This upgrade also improves processes within the HSCs and allows for better inter-communication with Navy systems.

HEAT allows service members and their families to connect with multiple housing service centers (HSCs) to review all of their housing options at any Navy installation before accepting orders. HEAT can also start the housing application process for those interested in military and community housing.

Navy Housing designed HEAT to engage customers earlier in the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process. Though approximately 75 percent of HEAT users have orders, and/or know where they're going, HEAT can also be used before accepting orders. It is a convenient way to contact Housing Service Centers (HSCs) to collect valuable housing and local community information that may be important in making PCS decisions.

The program is the first of its kind within the Department of Defense.

"I am very impressed with how well HEAT has worked in its first year," said Bill Pearson, acting housing program manager, CNIC. "As the team rolls out improvements, Navy Housing hopes to see more and more service members and their spouses utilizing HEAT during their next PCS."

"More than 6,300 customers used HEAT in its first year, and I expect that to double next year," said Mike Bowlin, CNIC Navy Housing HEAT Project Manager. "We continue to improve and expand HEAT, and the overall customer service experience with Navy Housing. Although 95 percent of HEAT users are applying for military family housing, we want service members to know they can use it to contact the professional staff at our HSCs and find information on housing options and the local community too."

Service members and their families can begin their housing search online and to contact their next HSC using the HEAT website at www.cnic.navy.mil/HEAT .

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/ .