New online housing support available

Airmen moving into or out of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe command now have access to a new online housing support program.

USAFE housing offices are implementing the new Internet-based Automated Housing Referral Network, AHRN.com, to facilitate the long-distance house-hunting process encountered during a permanent change of station.

The Web site is a joint service, Department of Defense-sponsored online service that offers a 24/7/365 source of available housing to incoming military members. It directly connects servicemembers with local property managers via the Internet, potentially saving time and money, while reducing headaches.

“This housing referral network has a major advantage because it reduces reliance on visiting housing offices and the word-of-mouth method,” said Ben Hizon, deputy director for the KMC Housing Office.

With this new capability, PCSing military members are able to reach out from anywhere and get an updated list of housing that is available upon their arrival.
Local property managers and military members can register on the site to list or search available properties, in some cases several months before the property will be available. These properties are then easily viewed by incoming personnel.

“It’s our job to promote the site to all local stakeholders to ensure that it builds momentum and synergy,” said Ginger Speake, command housing specialist.
USAFE housing offices have been expanding the AHRN.com program since May. The KMC, Spangdahlem and Geilenkirchen air bases in Germany were the first USAFE areas to use the system.

Aviano Air Base, Italy, brought the system online in June and most other bases should be using the site by the end of the year.

Housing officials encourage local property managers to register in the system as well.
“The larger the database, the more useful it will be to people searching for places to live,” Mr. Hizon said.

AHRN.com incorporates several layers of privacy protection to ease concerns about registering properties and property owners also benefit by having a consistent resource of quality tenants.

“It’s a win-win for everyone who uses the site,” Ms. Speake said.

For more detailed information about the local AHRN.com Web site, call the local housing office or visit the Web site at www.ahrn.com  to list a property or search for one.