Although private companies provide housing for Navy families, many are unaware that there is a dedicated staff of Navy employees as well as tools to manage, improve and provide oversight for privatized housing — as well as all Navy housing.

One of the tools used includes “Housing Program Reviews,” conducted by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), which manages and conduct program oversight of the Navy housing programs at its installations. They cover not only privatized family housing, but also military family housing and all unaccompanied housing.

CNIC conducts the reviews, commonly referred to as HPR, collaboratively with Navy regions and installations, using Navy housing policy, metrics, reports, plans and on-site observation.

“The HPR is the most effective method to monitor the housing programs,” said Greg Wright, director of Navy Housing at CNIC. “While conducting a review, we use a team approach to identify and correct issues, promote efficiencies, validate resources and provide a forum to collect and share best practices.”

The CNIC housing team, along with region and installation housing personnel, conducted a review at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads May 13-17. During the one-week, on-site review, the team evaluated unaccompanied housing, staffing, housing referral and other services.

The team also conducted focus groups, which provided an opportunity for Navy personnel to meet with service members and families residing in Public Private Venture (PPV) housing and unaccompanied housing. At the conclusion of the focus groups, team members and housing professionals met one-on-one with residents to address individual questions and concerns.

“We wanted to meet with our residents and listen to their recommendations for the program,” said Gabriel Smith, CNIC’s PPV housing program analyst. “An open discussion also gave residents the opportunity to ask housing professionals about the program, and residents learned more about the support that the Navy has in place to ensure that their housing needs are met.”

Other support available to residents include home-finding services, issue resolution with landlords, and the option to have Navy staff conduct lease review and home visits if issues arise.

“We want our residents to know that we are there for them,” Smith added. “If they have any concerns or issues, they can turn to our Housing Service Centers for support. We are here to help.”

The review team provided a briefing to the commanding officers of the Navy installations Norfolk and Hampton Roads. A full report will be sent to the base leaders in the coming weeks.

To find your local Navy Housing Service Center, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/ContactHousing.

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