DoD Launches Long-Awaited Housing Feedback Database

DoD Launches Long-Awaited Housing Feedback Database
A maintenance worker for Balfour Beatty Housing power washes the driveway of a home at Marsh Cove, a military residential community at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Nathan T. Beard/Navy)

DoD announced the long-awaited launch of its DoD Housing Feedback System (DHFS) on Aug. 12, which will enable servicemembers residing in privatized military housing to share their experiences and concerns directly. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing longstanding issues that have garnered increasing attention in recent years due to reports of substandard living conditions in some privatized military housing communities.

 

The online DHFS is designed to provide a streamlined and accessible platform for military families to voice concerns about their housing situations. Residents can submit feedback on various aspects of their living conditions, including maintenance issues, safety concerns, and overall satisfaction. This feedback will be used to hold housing providers accountable and ensure servicemembers and their families receive the quality housing they deserve.

 

MOAA has been a key advocate in the push for better military housing and endorsed the legislation that led to the creation of this feedback system. As one of the largest and most influential military advocacy organizations, MOAA has consistently championed the rights and well-being of servicemembers and their families. In collaboration with a coalition of other military and veteran organizations, MOAA played a pivotal role in driving legislative efforts to improve privatized military housing.

 

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Congress to Restore the Basic Allowance for Housing]

 

This coalition’s advocacy efforts were instrumental in bringing attention to the various issues plaguing privatized military housing, including inadequate maintenance; poor communication between privatized housing companies, military housing offices and residents; and a lack of accountability for housing providers. By working together, these organizations successfully pushed for reforms that culminated in the establishment of the DHFS.

 

The launch of the DHFS represents a significant victory for servicemembers and their families, who have long sought better living conditions. It also underscores DoD’s commitment to improving the quality of life for those who serve. With the introduction of this system, military families now have a direct line to communicate their concerns, empowering them to be active participants in the process of improving military housing.

 

“The DHFS has been built to possibly expand to include all of DoD housing. This was done deliberately from the onset as our senior leadership determined it might be beneficial, and a possible direction we will go in the future,” said a senior DoD official.

 

MOAA has endorsed legislation that would expand the DHFS to include servicemembers living in unaccompanied housing.

 

[RELATED: Military Barracks Blasted Over Horrid Living Conditions, Lack of Accountability]

 

As DoD continues to roll out this new system, ongoing feedback from servicemembers will be crucial in refining the platform and ensuring that it effectively addresses the needs of the military community.

 

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About the Author

Jen Goodale
Jen Goodale

Goodale is MOAA's Director of Government Relations for Military Family and Survivor Policy.