Combatting food insecurity on a large scale requires dedication and innovation. A leading nonprofit in Australia, with Yardi’s help, is rising to the challenge. Our Big Kitchen is a large-scale facility in Sydney that cooks and distributes meals (about 250,000 every year) to disadvantaged Australians. OBK was founded in 2005 by Rabbi Dovid Slavin and his wife Laya as a modest communal cooking experience. The couple soon acted on a larger vision, turning the basement of a Yeshiva center into an industrial kitchen with help from labor donated by builders, excavators, painters, electricians and others. Yardi Australia has been a corporate contributor to OBK for several years. In March, more than 40 employees from the Sydney office spent a day at the kitchen, helping prepare several hundred meals that were immediately shipped to needy community members directly or through a network of more than 40 charities. Making 700 meals a day Turning out up to 700 meals every day takes a lot of work and more than a little creativity. OBK is powered by its legion of volunteers and contributors. The organization also works with other food relief organizations to obtain surplus food from markets and restaurants that would otherwise be wasted. OBK emphasizes outreach to school programs, believing that supporting its mission teaches children “kindness by cooking meals for people in need, and allowing them to interact with their peers in a meaningful way,” according to the organization’s website. OBK’s catering arm hosts onsite events, providing “a memorable, hassle-free way of celebrating a special day.” It honors birthdays, graduations, weddings, baby showers, corporate team-building events and other gatherings. “We look at what happens in the kitchen in two ways. There’s the output, the tens of thousands of meals being cooked and distributed at...

For many CRE operators, the future is green. Businesses of all sizes are achieving sustainability by leveraging software for sustainable buildings. The latest tech offers detailed consumption insights, automates resource optimization, promotes waste reduction and engages occupants through access to building performance data. How facility management software drives sustainability Facility management tech is transforming how the industry monitors, manages and maintains facilities. Eco-minded strategies utilizing the latest software tools aim to reduce a building’s environmental footprint, conserve resources and promote energy efficiency. Traditionally, managing a building’s environmental impact required manual processes, making it challenging to monitor resource usage in real time. Now, with sophisticated software, facility managers can track, analyze and adjust environmental metrics instantly. These software tools integrate with building systems — such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting — and provide real-time data on energy usage, water consumption and other critical resources. By consolidating data in one platform, facility managers gain a holistic view of a building’s performance, allowing them to make data-driven decisions that reduce waste and improve sustainability. Key features of eco-friendly facility management One of the main ways software aids in sustainable facility management is through energy monitoring and optimization. With detailed insights into energy consumption, facility managers can identify high-usage areas and adjust operations accordingly. Some software for sustainable buildings can provide predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize energy use, automatically adjusting HVAC settings and lighting based on occupancy or weather patterns. By reducing unnecessary energy consumption, facilities can significantly lower their carbon footprint and cut down on utility costs. Water management is another critical focus of eco-friendly facility management. Leaks, excessive water use and inefficient plumbing fixtures all contribute to environmental impact. Software solutions can detect irregularities in water usage and automatically alert facility managers, allowing...

Every young person deserves a safe place to call home, a community to support them and a future filled with possibility. Yet, too many youth in Canada face homelessness and instability. That’s where 360°kids comes in. This York Region-based organization provides life-changing youth homelessness support, helping young people find security and hope. A safety net for at-risk youth Since 1989, 360°kids has been a vital resource for young people experiencing homelessness or crisis. From emergency housing and meals to life skills training, mental health support and job readiness programs, the organization provides a holistic approach to empowering youth. Their mission? To help kids not just get off the streets — but stay off. Through case management, education and mentorship programs, 360°kids builds a foundation for independence. Whether it’s teaching financial literacy, job search strategies or self-esteem building, their programs are designed to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive. Transforming lives, one story at a time The impact of 360°kids is best told through the lives they change. Former resident Andrea shared, “Until 360°kids intervened, I was on a path of self-destruction. I am certain I would have dropped out of school and/or committed suicide had I not been given the opportunity to live at 360°kids. Establishing meaningful relationships with staff and residents saved my life.” Andrea’s journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of 360°kids — turning despair into hope and uncertainty into opportunity, ensuring that every young person has the support they need to rise, rebuild and reclaim their future. How Yardi helps 360°kids make a difference Yardi is proud to support 360°kids in its mission to transform young lives. Funding from Yardi helps the organization provide essential services, including emergency housing, meals, life skills training and mental...

Looking for new ways to use electronic health records (EHRs) in senior living? We’re pleased to sponsor a new white paper, Beyond Basics: Four Fresh Strategies for Using EHRs, which shows how senior living providers can get the most out of EHRs in all areas of operation. Keep reading for highlights, including insights from our director of healthcare solutions and EHR expert, Fil Southerland. Enhance resident satisfaction & operational efficiency A good EHR partner helps senior living operators deliver more efficient, higher quality care that is personalized for residents’ individual needs. The white paper categorizes four main areas of operations where they can apply EHRs in innovative ways: Preventing falls Enhancing dining programming Streamlining intake and transfer experiences Optimizing vital sign documentation Learn from industry experts To gain perspective on senior living operations with EHRs, Senior Housing News interviewed Southerland and representatives from four Yardi EHR partners: SafelyYou, eMenuCHOICE, Kno2 and DS smart. “With an operation that’s effectively using an EHR to proactively surface issues that may need attention, you can prevent expensive acute care encounters,” Southerland said. How does Yardi work with EHR partners? Yardi EHR is an electronic health record system for senior living providers. It offers comprehensive tools for medication management, clinical reporting and seamless information flow. It enhances resident care, operational efficiency and compliance, enabling caregivers to deliver personalized, high-quality care. Yardi EHR interfaces allow third-party partners and Yardi EHR users to exchange information seamlessly and securely. You can optimize care transitions and enable the secure flow of information to and from EHR. Questions about the Yardi Senior Living Suite? Reach out to our...

Did you know that residents can choose their electricity provider in certain markets? Retail energy markets give consumers the power of choice, which includes the ability to select a competitive energy rate. Read on for information about retail energy providers, green alternatives and where renters are finding the best deregulated energy sources to protect against rising electricity rates. Energy basics: the electric grid Most consumers take it for granted that the lights will turn on at the flip of a switch. However, the system that makes this possible is complex, involving power plants, transmission lines and various market participants. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. electric grid comprises more than 12,500 utility-scale power plants that serve more than 160 million customers. Electricity isn’t easily stored, so grid operators and regional balancing authorities must constantly work to balance production and consumption. While supply and demand influence the price of electricity, regulators closely monitor and govern the market. Some authorities work to ensure grid stability while others focus on supplying and billing consumers for the electricity they draw from the grid. Under the traditional model, consumers depend on a single, tightly regulated provider in a vertically integrated power market. In deregulated energy markets (including 17 states and the District of Columbia), multiple energy providers compete to sell retail electricity to residences and businesses. This provides consumers the choice to shop among various retail plans, which offer competitive pricing, green energy options and other value-added services. Power in consumers’ hands With the freedom to choose the best deregulated energy sources comes the challenge of selecting the right plan. Understanding contract terms, rates, hidden fees and energy plan options can help businesses and residential energy users manage costs. So, how can renters make the...

Did you know that over the next decade, the U.S. population aged 70 and older will increase by 15 million? According to a 2025 report released by PwC and the Urban Land Institute, “This supply-demand tension sets up an environment ripe for innovation and strategic positioning for the next chapter of senior housing development.” As the 70+ population continues to grow, and the number of residents in senior living communities increase, energy consumption will be one of many issues for operators. This applies to both the construction of new buildings and the upkeep of existing ones. Energy is an area where innovation can help. Without technology built to monitor energy consumption and identify areas for improvement, senior living operators face heightened costs. Fortunately, solutions like the Yardi Energy Suite equip you to reduce costs, enhance efficiency and comply with energy benchmarking regulations. The rise of energy consumption The average building wastes roughly one-third of the energy it consumes, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This could be a result of not having the right solution in place to track consumption and identify savings opportunities. Energy matters in senior living in this time of growth. But monitoring consumption and strategizing ways to save energy and money isn’t easy without technology to help. How to save With the right solution, you can boost efficiency and save money while meeting state, county and local benchmarking regulations for your communities, and there are about 50 jurisdictions with mandatory energy benchmarking and transparency policies for existing buildings. Imagine the impact if you could monitor consumption, improve utility billing, identify conservation opportunities and measure results. But which tech solution is right for you?   Achieve more with the Yardi Energy Suite Let’s take a look at the Yardi Energy Suite — our full-service...

Across the U.S., commercial and residential property owners are required to comply with ENERGY STAR® energy benchmarking and transparency policies. In these jurisdictions, metrics ranging from electricity usage per square foot to greenhouse gas emission volumes must be reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®, the most widely used energy reporting compliance system in North America. Gathering data Gathering the volume of required energy consumption and billing data and submitting it can be daunting. This is especially true for property management staff who are short on time or energy expertise. Fortunately, clients using the Yardi Energy Suite can draw on resources at every stage of the process. “We have many creative ways to get whole building data that aren’t available from most other property management software providers,” said Christy Cannon, a solutions consultant for Yardi Energy. For example, Energy Efficiency offers a cost-effective alternative to shadow metering. This method tracks individual energy usage in multi-tenant buildings by reading tenants’ utility meters for accurate billing. The data, along with common area usage from utility bills, is pushed into Portfolio Manager and used to generate a performance score. “Along with generating a score, the data can produce some really good metrics that help building owners understand their performance,” Cannon said. Bringing clarity with meters & dashboards Yardi’s manual utility meter reading service can read resident or tenant utility meters monthly, bimonthly, quarterly or at other intervals. Monthly or bimonthly readings allow the property to apply for ENERGY STAR Building Certification. A mobile meter reading app transfers the data into a dashboard where it’s aggregated into whole building data. “This approach provides a granular look at consumption, and we can separate common areas from tenant areas for greater clarity,” Cannon said. Another approach...

This spring is packed with senior living events — but which ones should you prioritize, and how can providers effectively plan their calendars in 2025? With numerous trade shows offering valuable insights, we’re highlighting a few must-attend senior living events for spring 2025. These gatherings provide opportunities to network with industry experts, discover cutting-edge solutions and explore the future of senior living. The Yardi team will be at each event, connecting with attendees and answering any questions about the Yardi Senior Living Suite. Here are our top five senior living events from April to June. Which ones will you attend? 1. TALA 2025 Annual Conference & Industry Expo Meet us at the TALA Conference & Industry Expo in Round Rock, Texas. Reach out to book a meeting.  Event details: Kalahari Resort, April 2-4, 2025 2. Together We Care Convention & Trade Show Join us at booth 308 during the Together We Care Convention & Trade Show in Toronto, Ontario. Contact our team to get a meeting on the calendar. Event details: Toronto Congress Centre, April 7-9, 2025 3. Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference Visit us at the Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference in Tampa, Florida, at booth 701. Schedule a meeting with us. Event details: Tampa Convention Center, May 19-21, 2025 4. BC Care Providers Association Annual Conference Connect with us at the BC Care Providers Association Annual Conference in Victoria, British Columbia, at booth 13.  Contact us to book a meeting at the show. Event details: Victoria Conference Centre, June 1-3, 2025 5. CALA Spring Conference & Trade Show Let’s network at the CALA Spring Conference & Trade Show in Sacramento, California.  We’re sponsoring the awards luncheon this year. Hope to see you there! Book a meeting with our team. Event details: Hyatt Regency Sacramento & SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, June 2-4, 2025 Connect with us...

Request for Tenancy Approvals (RFTAs) are difficult, but they’re just part of the job. They can take some time and really slow you down when you just want to move things along. The waiting, the delays, the endless paperwork — it all adds up. But there’s a better way. Online RFTA is a tool that saves time for your staff, program participants and landlords. And it all happens electronically through RentCafe PHA. So, no more waiting months for approvals, chasing down lost emails or sifting through heaps of paper. It’s simply a faster way to get things done. How online RFTA works Each step of the RFTA process is handled digitally with Yardi Online RTFA. Agencies issue vouchers, applicants find their units, and landlords execute HAP contracts — all in one digital interface. You may be wondering, do I really need this? Well, this simple tool cuts approval times from weeks to just a few days. Imagine what you could do with the extra time. In fact, Lori McGowen of Spokane Housing Authority praises Yardi’s RFTA portal for just that reason. She says, “We’re able to lease-up in about 10 days rather than 14 to 20 days.”  For your applicants, faster approvals mean they can move into homes sooner, and for landlords it could lead to improved ROI and more participation in the program. Finally for your agency, it means greater efficiency and fewer bottlenecks. Take a look at the workflow to see how seamless it is.   Then vs. now Maybe spreadsheets and emails are just how you’ve done it all along. And it works. So why change what’s working? Well, think about it this way. What if the time spent on paperwork and follow-ups was time saved? Because when it comes down...

You might have heard about the Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC). YASC Virtual, a cutting-edge conference where you can explore Yardi solutions with classes and engaging live chat rooms, is happening March 11-12, and it’s free to all Yardi clients. Did you know there are five classes specifically for the Yardi Senior Living Suite this year? Here’s a quick summary of what the senior living classes at YASC Virtual will cover. For more details, see the complete class listings. Spotlight on senior living Join us as we showcase the latest innovations in the Yardi Senior Living Suite and reveal exciting future changes planned this year. We’re always evolving our solutions to help you streamline operations and provide improved services for your community and residents. Learn about new tools and features in the Senior Living Suite that can help you achieve your goals. Increasing productivity with free senior living training resources This class outlines free training resources for senior living and how you can use them to increase productivity and confidence on your team. Maximizing the impact of EHR with interoperability & interfaces Learn how Yardi EHR interfaces connect your communities to the broader healthcare ecosystem so you can optimize care delivery and resident outcomes. Explore how this connection supports value-based care. Voyager 8: Senior CRM overview & migration basics Discover the advantages of our latest Senior CRM update on Voyager 8. This session dives into exciting new features and powerful enhancements so you can explore how upgrading can accelerate progress for your community. Get expert strategies for a seamless and powerful transition. Voyager 8: Senior Housing overview & migration basics The next generation of Voyager Senior Housing is here! This class provides an overview of how this new simplified and intuitive user interface organizes...

It’s almost time for the Self Storage Association (SSA) to host SSA Spring 2025, their biggest annual event on the East Coast. This year, Yardi is a sponsor, presenter and exhibitor — and our experts have a lot to show attendees. This is a rare opportunity on a national stage for the self storage industry to network, explore the latest tech and discover new ways to connect with customers. For those who haven’t been to an SSA event in a while, the 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show is a great year to jump back in. For one, as an Ambassador Sponsor, it’s our job to help make the trip worth the while. We’re going to showcase our innovative facility marketing, management and market research solutions built just for the self storage industry. What Yardi offers Jeff Bailey, regional manager at Yardi, will host a roundtable to guide attendees through the process of streamlining business operations with a single connected solution. Join him on March 13 from 2:45-4 p.m. EDT. Our team will be at SSA Spring 2025 to demo and discuss four solutions attendees need to see: Yardi Storage Manager: Our leading-edge cloud-based platform for institutional self storage operators. A suite of optional add-on modules expands the functionality of the system to include advanced marketing, stored goods protection, procurement, construction, forecasting, investment management and more. Yardi Breeze Premier: Our all-in-one platform that is ideal for small- to mid-sized self storage businesses. Everything one would need for facility marketing, leasing, operations and accounting comes in one highly affordable package. Yardi Matrix: Real estate’s leading marketing intelligence tool for property-level data on over 38,000 facilities nationwide. StorageCafe: The self storage industry’s leading ILS for streamlined lead-to lease marketing tools that help find customers faster. Stop...

As you know, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is constantly keeping us on our toes and for good reason. The HOTMA voucher final rule introduces changes as part of a collective effort to enhance housing stability and address rising rents. For Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), keeping up with HUD changes is key to staying compliant and providing the best possible support to families.  Gabrielle Van Horn, senior director at Yardi and an expert in PHA compliance and operations, explains, “Our goal at Yardi is to help PHAs navigate HUD’s evolving requirements. The latest changes reflect greater flexibility and responsiveness in the HCV program.” Let’s take a closer look at these recent changes and how they may impact your agency. Notice PIH 2024-34 HUD recently released Notice PIH 2024-34, which provides guidance for PHAs on Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) payment standards as part of HOTMA voucher final rule. These changes are mandated by the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization (HOTMA) Act of 2016 and are designed to increase flexibility and equity in the HCV program. Relevant changes include how PHAs manage increases and decreases in payment standards, as well as adjustments to family composition and voucher size. Payment standard increase Under the notice, PHAs are now required to implement increases in payment standards during interim reexaminations, rather than waiting until annual reexamination or when moving into a new unit. This adjustment allows families to get help faster when rents go up. If the payment standard increases for households under a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract, they will get the benefit of the new payment standard at the earliest of: A change in the gross rent or family share An interim or annual reexamination One year after the effective date of the new...

Senior living providers, like all property managers, must carefully screen prospective residents to ensure the safety of their communities. To avoid issues and liability risks, it’s important to examine criminal history and verify income when identifying new residents. And while resident screening may sound simple, keeping track of all requirements — for each individual prospect — is challenging. That’s why an automated screening system, one tailored to senior living communities, is essential. Fortunately for Yardi clients using RentCafe Senior CRM, that exact system is integrated into the resident move-in workflow. Meet ScreeningWorks Pro, our tenant background check solution. Why use resident screening? ScreeningWorks Pro provides comprehensive reports and automated recommendations to help senior living providers select low-risk residents, ensuring a safer environment for everyone. You can access critical information in real time, and results are customized to meet your criteria. Best of all, everything is compiled in one centralized system. That’s because ScreeningWorks Pro is integrated with the Voyager leasing workflow in Senior CRM. Both Senior CRM and ScreeningWorks Pro can communicate back and forth to: Submit applicant information for screening Submit changes to existing screenings Communicate application results back into the system’s screening page Benefits of ScreeningWorks Pro What else sets ScreeningWorks Pro apart? Tailored to the needs of senior living providers, this built-in solution helps you: Obtain applicant credit histories that can be evaluated using Vantage 3.0 or your specific credit criteria Conduct comprehensive criminal record checks Examine civil court records for past landlord-tenant disputes including filings, judgements and forcible detainers Enable automatic income verification Review apartment rental payment history from Experian RentBureau Check for possible matches to the Specifically Designated National (SDN) list from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Customize your screening processes to ensure you comply with Fair Housing laws,...

To create accurate forecasts for your CRE portfolio, a few challenges must be solved. These challenges include market volatility such as unpredictable fluctuations, data quality issues like incomplete or inaccurate data typically housed in spreadsheets and a variety of other factors such as tenant demand and vacancy rates. When you have a forecasting strategy in place that starts with clean and reliable data, you are well positioned to overcome those challenges and benefit from informed decision making, improved profitability and reduced risk. You’ll also save a lot of time (already imagining what you could do with more time?). So, how do you clear the hurdles to get there? To follow best practices, start with saying good-bye to spreadsheets and adopting a specialized software platform that combines operational and financial data across your portfolio for a single source of truth. Key aspects of CRE forecasts Data analysis: Gathering and analyzing historical data on property performance, market trends, economic indicators, lease agreements and competitor activity to build a comprehensive picture.  Predictive modeling: Using statistical methods and algorithms to project future performance based on historical data and current market conditions.  Sensitivity analysis: Evaluating how changes in key variables (like interest rates, vacancy rates or tenant demand) might affect future projections.  Cash flow forecasting: Projecting future cash inflows and outflows from a property to assess its financial viability and potential for returns.  Portfolio optimization: Using forecasts to identify opportunities to reallocate capital within a portfolio to maximize returns and mitigate risk. Benefits of software for forecast management To get to your forecasting “AHA!” moment, you need advanced tools that combine data, leverage automation and enable collaboration across teams. Yardi Forecast Manager simplifies and speeds up budgeting and forecasting. It increases accuracy by eliminating error-prone spreadsheets and inviting leasing,...

The Yardi Affordable Housing and PHA Forum will bring together Yardi clients, team members and industry leaders in a group setting for discussion of challenges and technology solutions. If you are not yet signed up to attend, make plans today! The Forum is happening in Nashville on April 10-11. Get additional details and a link to register. What does the Yardi Forum offer? New this year, the Forum will host panel presentations from affordable housing and PHA industry leaders. Panels will cover topical subjects, including the state of the industry with considerations of changes to funding processes and compliance requirements, such as HOTMA. The core of the Forum agenda is in-person classroom learning. When you attend the Forum, you have a prime opportunity to increase the benefits Yardi solutions can deliver to your agency or affordable housing organization. Forum attendees can choose from 60+ classes, each covering specific Yardi products and/or industry topics. Classes are generally small, taught by Yardi employees, and are set up to encourage questions from attendees. Who should attend the Yardi Forum? As an instructional learning event, the Forum is designed for PHA and affordable housing professionals who use Yardi every day. From front office site staff to accountants and housing compliance specialists (and everyone in between), the Forum is a perfect setting to find new ways to leverage Yardi technology. What benefits will Forum attendees get? Opportunities to learn proper use of Yardi solutions at the Forum go beyond what users may get from online classes, user manuals and independent research. The Forum offers focused sessions that cover topics critical to finding efficiency in the workplace with Yardi technology. Many Yardi clients are familiar with our annual Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC). While YASC is always a big, exciting...

Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) are constantly evolving, whether it’s bringing in new talent or refining the skills of seasoned employees. There’s always more to learn, and fresh perspectives can bring valuable insights to your organization. But this ambition to enhance your team comes with the challenges of keeping training materials and employee development organized. That’s exactly where Yardi Aspire steps in. With Aspire, there’s no need to juggle multiple storage systems for training resources and employee documents — it’s all housed in one centralized employee hub. Let’s look at how Aspire simplifies communication and training for PHAs. Personalized dashboards With Aspire, PHA employees get a personalized experience with: Interactive leaderboards: Motivate and engage employees with badge and point rewards Important announcements: Keep your team in the know with training recommendations and policy updates at a glance Training assignments: Assign role-specific courses and easily track progress Interactive training catalog: Provide employee access to a full catalog of PHA-specific courses to ensure compliance and growth   Document management Storing and accessing PHA training materials shouldn’t be a challenge — and it shouldn’t even require many clicks or logins either! Aspire’s central hub provides a single source of truth for all essential documents, including: Policy acknowledgment: Track employee acknowledgment with eSignatures and version control Onboarding resources: Simplify new hire onboarding with centralized forms, skills and development checklists Performance reporting: Gain insights into employee performance and training progress with automated tracking Social learning and collaboration tools Collaboration is key to a thriving PHA. Aspire makes team-based learning simple with: Built-in chat tools: Foster peer coaching, group discussions and interactive online training projects. Microsoft Teams integration: Connect Aspire with Teams for a connected training and communication platform   Notifications and reminders You can easily help your employees stay on...

Last year, Yardi joined a select club of businesses to whom the Better Business Bureau grants membership. The BBB accepted Yardi after completing an accreditation process that certified the company’s rigorous ethical practices in business operations, dispute resolution and data protection. The BBB, founded in 1912 and based in Arlington, Virginia, is a nonprofit organization that partners with leading companies to promote best practices in business ethics, marketplace excellence and effective industry self-regulation. More than 90 BBB chapters are active in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Benefits of BBB membership include positive visibility and credibility among consumers and other businesses. Accredited businesses can leverage online BBB advertising, marketing and media resources, along with a plaque, certificate and window decals. The membership also offers consumers a platform for resolving disputes and posting reviews. “These tools will help you to enhance your reputation and build a better business,” says Rick Copelan, president and CEO of the BBB chapter that encompasses the tri-county area around Yardi’s headquarters in Santa Barbara, California. This chapter approves only 6% of applications for certification. “Earning BBB membership helps us show our clients and the real estate markets we serve that we’re committed to delivering high-quality products and services while upholding the highest standard of ethical conduct,” says Arnold Brier, senior vice president and general counsel for...

Happy February! Our senior living clients shared stories of warmth and love this winter, captured on social media and blogs. Embrace the spirit of love in senior living communities with vibrant flowers, the beauty of art, delightful dining experiences and cherished wedding anniversaries. Nature’s love letters Maplewood Senior Living shared a flower-arranging activity from Maplewood at Darien, an event to encourage the power of creativity to enrich the lives of residents. Maplewood shared that arranging flowers “not only brought out their artistic flair but also fostered a sense of accomplishment and joy.” Celebrating February as HEART month, Maplewood also shared about raising money for the HEART Foundation and highlighted inspiring stories of love in Maplewood communities.    Cooking up memories and sweet treats Special food and cooking events are popular activities at many of our clients’ communities. The Bristal Assisted Living shared a gathering of the Foodie Club at The Bristal at Lake Grove where residents made strawberry shortcake. Brandywine by Monarch shared pictures from Princeton by Monarch, where the community warmed up a cold day by surprising residents who signed up for the “mystery ride” activity with a stop for hot chocolate and sweet treats. The Turning Point restaurant served specialties like the s’mores heavenly hot chocolate. Northbridge shared an intergenerational cooking demonstration at Stroudwater Lodge with students from Acton Academy in Kennebunkport, Maine. Merrill Gardens shared a blog post about Bridges Bistro, a special event where residents at the Murano Senior Living community served meals, in collaboration with the University of Washington’s Memory Hub community center. “Bridges Bistro was more than a dining experience,” wrote the Team at Merril Gardens. “It was a bridge between the dementia community and the wider world. By showcasing the strengths and resilience of individuals living with...

Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Please keep reading to learn more about a recent volunteer opportunity our Atlanta office had to support this worthy cause. About Special Olympics Georgia Special Olympics Georgia invests in people with intellectual disabilities, helping them develop athletic skills while also promoting the athletes’ abilities off the field. In achieving this goal through sports, they show the world that every person counts and can be something good when we work together. The organization provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. When the athletes succeed, attitudes change, communities grow, self-esteem builds, and the eyes of the world focus on all that is good, hopeful and positive. Athletes gain skills for employment and learn to be independent while forming relationships and helping the public understand their incredible capabilities despite the health issues they experience daily. #TeamYardi Atlanta volunteers Last month, the Atlanta team volunteered at AMF Lanes in Woodstock with Special Olympics Georgia. The place was packed with athletes and volunteers, and all 40 lanes were occupied. Coaches and family cheered from the sidelines as the athletes scored strikes, spares and plenty of high fives and hugs. Yardi volunteers assisted the athletes, making sure they were bowling when it was their turn and being their biggest cheerleaders. After three games were played, scores were tallied, and volunteers guided their group to the awards room. Each player was awarded a ribbon, bronze, silver or gold metal. It was a day filled with joy and fun for all, leaving everyone with a sense of inspiration and upliftment! Feeling inspired? If our story inspires you, we encourage you to support Special Olympics Georgia and explore our...

As public housing professionals, we’re in the business of providing safe and affordable housing. Part of this promise means tackling PHA maintenance issues head-on, whether it’s emergency repairs or various inspections. And with the right software, you can respond to issues as they happen and make life easier for your residents! Here’s how Yardi Maintenance IQ helps you tackle common maintenance challenges: Spike seasons Every public housing authority deals with seasonal maintenance spikes. Whether it’s heating or HVAC repairs, the demand can quickly add up. Maintenance IQ eases the strain of peak seasons by anticipating these demands and helping you allocate resources efficiently. Automated work orders ensure priority request are handles promptly Smart scheduling helps maintenance staff balance workloads and reduce delays With a robust PHA maintenance solution, you can stay ahead of these spike seasons and ensure your residents are taken care of in a timely manner. Emergency repairs Burst pipes, power outages and HVAC failures require immediate attention. And the more time you delay your response, the more costly damages are and the more you are putting residents at risk.  With Maintenance IQ, you can streamline repair requests: Tenant submits service requests via in person, by phone or directly from RentCafe Maintenance team receives instant notifications on their mobile device Technicians update work orders, upload photos and complete tasks The difference? Faster response times and improved resident satisfaction! Severe weather events Major weather events have been exacerbated all over the country, and they pose serious challenges for PHAs. Property damage and repairs can truly overrun your maintenance teams, but you can manage this with a robust solution that helps you prepare and respond quickly. Track maintenance trends using data analytics to anticipate weather-related repairs Text functionality keeps tenants updated about work order...