TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR NEWLY ARRIVED CLERICAL EMPLOYEES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84-00780R004100100005-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 32
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 25, 2002
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: August 4, 1971
• Content Type: MF

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AE.NORAgDUM MR: Management Advisory Group
ATTZUTIGB
sUdJZCT Tempo
Co-Chainaar.
in for NewXy Arrived Clerical 4mployeee
1. This memorandum responds to your reqwat for comment relative
25X1 to Ar-I 'suggestion that tas Agency secure a long-term lease or
purchase a residence to be used by steely arrived Agency clerical personnel.
2. It is hardly an overstatement to Ley that t.:e need to provide
clean, safe, economical aud strategically located housing for iiewly
arrived clerical personnel has been a major, continuing problem for the
Office of Personnel. We have had a series of experiences with a =Ober
of apartment and apartmeat/notel installations in the Washington area over
the nast li veers. In tae late 195C 's and early 1960's we used the
25X1: as initial ani tempo-
rary housing for fossils clerical personnel. By 1904/65 the neighborhood
and the conditions of the installation had deteriorated to the point that
it was an undesirable location. We -thee used four smaller apartment
installations which provided fUrnisted apartments for short-term use. This
arrangement lasted only about two years and was terminated by the apartment
owners because of the mistreatmeot accorded their facilities by our clerical
personnel. We taen arranged with IRosslyn for short- 25X1
term occupancy. This arrangement lasten WO ler on.0 approximately two
years and was terminated byl 'for the some reason. Since 25X1
1967/66, we have been making reservatiooll 'for new
Clerical personnel at the rate of About -' per month. rte first month is 25X1
at a rate of $3 per day and advances to $6 per day if the occupant stays
longer.
;. Because of our concern in this matter, the former Director of
rersohhol queried a nuMber of his counterperts in Government in 1969 on
this subject. Fer your iefermation his query and the replies received
are attached.
4. The replies from the other Government agencies were mixed. :lost
were sympathetic to the prdbies having experienced it in their own sites.-
tions. Alikay pointed out certain difficulties they foresaw in a Government
sponsored arrangement which would certainly apply if this Agency were to
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undertake a unilaterel venture of this sort. First, the living arrangements
woule have to be temporary in nature. Alter a period of getting acqueinted?
most newly arrived girls make friende and subsequently arranal for permanent
apartment living. Locoed, if the Agency, or any other Government entity,
were to assume the role of landlord it would undoubtedly be expected to
assume an additioaal authoritative role over the welfare and conduct of
its employee tenants. It is difficult to see how the Agency in such a
role could refrain from supervising the off-duty activities and behavior of
the girls and this, I would think, would be a responsibility the Agency
would not with to bear. I thiek this fact is ineecapable; one of our afOre-
mentioned respondent* In another Government agency has the following to airy:
"everyone I have talked to sees a real prablen in the Government's accepting
eaponeibility for the girls' off-duty activities, even for a few weeks.
On the one hand, there is the real possibility of adverse parental and
press action at the first hint of 'unladylike' behavior. On the other head
there is the growing belief that an employee's olf=dsity behavior is his
(her) own concern--invasion of private, and chaperoning are probably the
same thing."
5. There is an additional factor to consider in an Agency (=trolled
apartment unit dwelling Awe for its newly arrived girls. The identification
of a CIA residence ball would soon be mode. Undoubtedly it would become a
matter of press concern and certainly a matter of concern to rival emmsercial
establishments. Cover implications nnmediately enter the picture and the
assignment of young ladies to temporary quarters would be restricted by
their intended assignment, such as to the Clandestine bervice, within the
Agency. Although we have been assigning an average of 50 new employees to
25X1 temporary lodging we enter on diaty an average of
90 girls a month. If the Agency were to sponsor a residence for the girls
it is reasonable to expect that more than 50 per month would with to take
advantage of the availability of such quarters. This would be a large
scale operation and in terms of today's rentals it is, we believe, inevitable
that the Agency meld bame to eebeidize a large portion of the costs. There
is some question as to whether appropriated funds could, or ahould, be used
for such a purpose. Moreover, if we sought the use of unappropriated lands-
perhaps the Amployee Activities Association--only a very small portion of
those employees contributing to such reserves would benefit from the =pen
ditures and would have sUbstantial grounds far complaint. 25X1
6. We fully appreciate that is not a desirable housing
facility for newly arrived clerical personnel. We are attempting to
identify reasonable and acceptable alternative arrangements. You will
appreciate, I am cure, that per day for a room in today's cost of living
I s entraordinarily inexpensive. As we improve and uegrade the temporary
nouoing facility, we know that the cost till increase. Most apartment
ownere and managers are unwilling to accept occupants who are under 21
years or age and therefore not liable for contracts which the' siga. Location
of the temporary housing facility is critical in that it must be on or near
*bile transportation routes because few of the newly arrived clerical
personnel have their can transportation.
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7. We have been esrr71a on a aoati*sue dialogue with the Neil
Mike and Construction D1viai of the Office of logistics concerning the
problem of suitable temporary beaming tier our newly appointed girls in an
attempt to find a substitute' It is our hope that 25X1
we will be able to identify five or &Limits in Us Northern Virginia
area which will be willing to cater tato temporary lodging agreements with the
Agency for the use of newly arrived employees. Undoibtedly rental coats
will exceed those of theI Ibut Uwe are successful in this
25X1 pursuit it will give us more than one place to direct the girls to and will
provide them with clean and respectable quarters until they can mike their
own arrangements. we would antleipate that our sgreements with the maneepre
of such establishments would limn the temporary residence of new tenants
to a definite period of time, perhaps 30 days, and the tenants would be
obligated to the reduced costa of this monthly arrangement. In view of
the many disadvantages and practical obetacles to the suggestion that the
Agency secure a 1ong-tara lease or Durebase a residence, we would prefer
to pursue with the Office of Loretto* our efforts to find satisfectory
substitutes for our present use 25X1
25X1
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/s/Harry B. Fisbmr
Harry L. Fisher
Director of Pmrsonnel
Atte
Distribution:
Orig & 1 - Addressee
1 - ExPir
1 - AR
1
1 - D/Pere Chrono
1 - J10 Chrono
1 - D/Pere Subject
OPPD/Pere/W/ally
OD/Pere/
vaiNg (30 July 71)
:pjg (Rewritten 3 Aug 71)
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utiA
r;f.1
;:.r. J. ..obert T6Thb,
P:araonnelQiL ction
tz.,ht of slizatice
WaSainc,:ton.5, D. C. 20530
Dear D.Ob:
The problem discussed la the -attached m.c=randum.I a i
to tv- Agency I do not Itnaw whether the zolatioa proposa: is
feasisla. It -vas vrittan by a rsLture 1,oman in ou.:- Office of Security
rezponsibilltia put her in a go-.6itioa to ogea% 1:ith
cil
and obvious.2,y, as you 7,-,-111 oce 'a't,e.h, you raa6
3:4y pcoplc., who deal with these you vo.=n- have baan
,s1'.C.s the problem for a long time ad certain1;y vould endorse this
:pro2o4tioc.I am uadertsking aa unofficial survey ith the thour:ni,
this is a videz crema and coxa problevlp it:a-Y4;ht be goszy.11,..
-Lo get iLoraAhing do. I m Lot serldiug this to all the agencies
tova but presume to feel free to aalt you for coma,mts.
you exorienccd th12 aa a 2ro151,4a In your employee
Do :jou thitk this kind of s olution. is feasible? Do you thira it
"Ir,c accel.-)tabl to tiv; yo=8 v'oman themselves (this is probbly very
--LIDortant thE;kle day)? And l if you Clink the praana exi,7.;
41ad thia i not the aw.wer$,, 6o you have agy ideas?
Inaasuch
a I sa u erte1ig tis praliminary loca on ny cm ..5 I
ezivion;.ay 'Ail not prosum to speak forvally on your bollai.f or to
,.cy commit you or your agency should the results of tui 6 little
ty
1)romlA wg to thko more form al action.
Any contributions would be gxeatly appreciated.
lAncer'Alyst
? ,
?
bert Z. 14- ?''
Director of Personnel
Distribution:
081 - Addressee
I - D/Pers Chrono
- D/Pera Subject File
OD/Pers/ESWattles:rgs (4 June 69)
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kvi
2 May 1969
SUBJECT: Housing 1ior Government Girls
1. For the past year, I have had thoughts concerning the
housing of all Government girls regardless of Agency, and if I
may, I would like to share these thoughts with you. Pat Nixon
has stated that her interest is with young people and so, I feel
the time is right for sending this idea, perhaps polished up a bit;
on to the White House.
2. Let's talk about the welfare of someone's daughter, not
unlike your very own, who comes to the Washington, D. C. area to
work for the United States Government. These girls come from
every state in the Union with hopes held high not only for now
purpose for their own lives but a certain sense of dedication to
their country. The majority of them came direct from their high
schools to find positions as Clerks, Clerk-Typists and Stenographers.
Others among them have completed their education and plan to serve
as Analysts, Editors and the like, but regardless of their educa-
tional background they share a common need; a plavical place to
begin,
3. Many a girl returns to her home disillusioned shortly
after her arrival in Washington, simply because she has been unable
to establish herself in the community. If we could salvage just one
half of these girls as employees, what a tremendous savings this
would be to the Government when you think in terms of the cost of
recruitment and training.
4. I have in mind a large structure built by the Government
to serve Government girls. A complex, if you like, that is calf-
supporting. The outrageous prices that the girls now pay could be
cut in half and they could still financially support this complex.
I see not only a decent place to live and food prepared for a
wholesome diet, but an opportunity for personal growth.
.5. To help these girls become acquainted with people in this
area we could use them as volunteers in all sorts of community
services. The G. G. Volunteers with proper training could serve in
service hospitals, JUnior Village, the International Center, etc.
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In any case these organized opportunities would be there for them to
accept if they so desired. Transportation could be provided to the
places of service. Other service opportunities could come from the
churches in the community and the churches in turn could provide
transportation to the girl's chosen place of worship. As the girl
grew in her knowledge of the surrounding area, so would she have
had the chance to make friends of her own and would then desire to
leave the complex and find an apartment of her own. Here again
guidance as well as transportation could be provided to the best
suited areas for apartment hunting.
6. For the past two years in my current position in Personnel
Security 1 have interviewed over two thousand girls who are new to
Washington and new to Government service. From this experience
know how each girl is concerned with finding her place. In my
deep concern for each girl away from home I have tried to stress that
she need not change her set of standards simply because she has
changed her address but as you know this has not always been the case.
Can we now think in terms of going one step further and providing
the extra something to help this particular group of young women?
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DEPARTMENT ARMY
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR PERSONNEL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20310
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Bob:
4 August 1969
This will confirm the telephone conversation you had recently with
Dick Schnurr of our staff concerning the problems of housing
Government girls. As he mentioned, this has been discussed by some
of our operating personnel people in the area over the past few years.
Basically, the idea is valid and there are a number of arguments that
can be advanced in its favor. However, there are one or two arguments
against the proposal that the Government build a structure to house
Government girls. These are raised, not to be negative, but to con-
sider what opposition there might be.
The first argument against advocating or lobbying for the construction
of a Government Girls' Home is the already tremendous demand for housing
in Washington. Certainly, the disadvantaged, the ghetto dwellers, the
slum dwellers should be provided with housing on a priority basis.
Would it be realistic to provide Government girls with Federal housing
when budgets can't or won't be met for the underprivileged?
A second problem could be the operation of such an institution. Moral
questions or problems could be raised depending on who operated the
establishment and how.
There are several alternatives to be considered. As you mentioned,
GSA might be queried as to their interest in such a project. Addi-
tionally, religious, quasi-religious or social organizations might
be approached as to their interest in sponsoring something of this
nature.
It may be worthwhile to bring this up at an LAG meeting or, as you
mentioned, at the Fall Conference. Anyway, it is a worthwhile project
to consider further.
C. F. MULLALY
Director of Civilian Personnel
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Address Reply to the
Division Indicated
and Refer to Initials and Number
UNITED STATES DEPAILiTYiENT OF JUSTICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20530
Mr. Robert Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Bob:
July 30, 1969
Sorry I have taken so long to answer your letter of June 5,
but I canvassed our bureaus for reactions to the proposal, and
then I had a few higher priority problems.
The general reaction is guarded, and slightly favorable only
if the apartment complex were managed by a single agency such as
the Civil Service Commission or GSA, for example.
There is no question that housing is a part of the clerical
recruitment and retention problem. However, we feel that offering
housing in an all-girl, chaperoned, and carefully regulated com-
plex may not do much to solve it unless it were designed solely as
a facility for temporary housing.
As the suggestion is written, it appears that the Government
would, in effect, accept the responsibility for supervising the
girls off-duty activities (and behavior). If that is intended,
then the complex will have to be chaperoned and carefully regulated.
Since many girls coming here for jobs are, in fact, also leaving
(escaping) just such an environment, I doubt if the complex could
be made attractive enough to be more than a temporary housing
facility until other arrangements can be made. If it could be made
attractive as temporary housing it might help solve the problem.
By offering comparatively inexpensive living and eating facilities
and some off-duty orientation to living and recreation in Washington,
we might make the transition from home to full independence a lot
smoother for most girls.
Everyone I have talked to sees a real problem in the Government's
accepting responsibility for the girls' off-duty activities, even
for a few weeks. On the one hand there is the real possibility of
adverse parental and press action at the first hint of "unladylike"
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behavior. On the other hand, there is the growing belief that an
employee's off-duty behavior is his (her) own concern--invasion of
privacy and chaperoning are probably the same thing.
In summary, we generally agree that inexpensive, well-run and
organized housing is important to recruiting and retaining good
clerical employees for jobs in Washington. We have some real doubts,
however, about having such housing managed by a Government agency.
Certainly none of those I talked to in Justice would want to
accept such responsibility.
Sincerely yours,
-
J. Robert Webb
Chief, Personnel Programs
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Of TRiovs
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Bob:
JUL 2 3
In response to your letter of June 5, 1969, I asked some of my people
to review the problems you mentioned concerning housing for the young
ladies recruited for employment in Washington, D. C. The experiences
of two of our largest administrations, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and the U. S. Coast Guard (USCG), are mentioned
below:
FAA formerly brought in 100 to 150 girls each year from
Pennsylvania. At that time, they had one employee who
spent all of her time recruiting, training, and counsel-
ing these young ladies. This program included locating
suitable places for the girls to stay upon arrival in
Washington, D. C. Their experience was that the girls
soon teamed up, rented apartments, and moved out of the
"arranged-for" quarters. FAA now hires 20 or less from
out of State and consequently sees no need for the CIA
suggested approach.
USCG has scheduled 30 to 40 girls in from out of State this
year. Because of the D. C. riots of last year and scary
stories regarding rape, robbery, etc, they have found parents
reluctant to let the girls take jobs here. Coast Guard has
met with parents and promised that they will find adequate
housing. It is estimated that 75 percent of the girls who
pass the test and do not come to Washington do not come to
Washington because of their parents' reluctance regarding
the housing problems.
Some suggestions that were mentioned are:
(1) that a half-way house might be the answer. This would
be a temporary residence where no one could reside more
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than six months. A permanent
the same problem residents as
(2) that a good counseling program
might be a way to focus on the
of the CIA suggestion.
(3)
"barracks" would develop
encountered by the military.
in the personnel office
"get acquainted" aspects
that we don't need a barracks for single women nor do we
need a new social agency. It is suggested that CSC be
asked to set up a temporary IAG Committee to examine the
problem and come up with a set of guidelines for housing
assistance and counseling of young women recruited from
out of town.
I hope that the above information will be of help to you in your study.
Sincerely,
?A.
Georoe;./S. Maharay
Director of Personnel and Training
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDL,CATION, AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
jiiN 3 0 jS
Dear Bob:
I read the proposal you sent me with your letter of June 5
with recognition for the problems stated and sympathy for
the ideas suggested. Then I asked for comment from my
staff member who is particularly close to new employees
and lower grade employees. She sent me the enclosed
statement, and I concur in it.
Sincerely yours,
A
o
"..
John D' R. Cole
Deputy Assisitant Secretary
for Pekfylel and Training
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Enclosure
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I have passed this around among some of the people here who
have frequent contact with new girls in government. They think the
idea has great merit. One person said that it would be even better
or subsidized
if the rent in such a place could be reasonable/so that girls would
not have to Pile in a place together in order to afford decent housing.
Part of the problem seems to be that the private hotels which
have catered to women in the past have now either gone co-ed or out
of business. The Meridian Hill Hotel--which has been the main women's
hotel--is now a women's dormitory for Howard University. The YnA is
too small. It might be that the YWCA or smme other UGF organization
might be inteeested in buying an apartment house and setting up a
special housing service ca for these girls. The volunteer involvement
follows easily, once the young women are collected in a particilar
locale.
Personally, lam not for government doing this. I think the
private sector ought to provide the housing and make a little--but not
an exorbitant--profit. If there is a need for a good women's hotel in
Washington, as there appears to be, the government agencies ought to
communicate this to the hotel industry. If they aren't interested, the
community agencies ought to be.
Frankly, this is not. very high on My priority list. I am more
concerned abnut the lack of transportation for girls from D.C. to place's
like .CIA NIH, and others on the edge of the Reltway...-and the racist
:attitudes that prevent them from renting cheaper apartments in the suburbs.
'If housing were built, I would want to know where it would be. located, and
whether it would really Serve, both black and white, or be just another ?
way to avoid our commitment as employers to the central city.
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
UNCLASSIFIED
June 13, 1969
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Dear Bob:
Thank you for your letter of June 5 concerning the housing
of young women working for the Government.
Your proposal has met wholehearted support among the people
I have talked to in the Department of State. We have a
particularly difficult problem with the Foreign Service
girls who stay in Washington about a month before going
overseas. However their month here has often been such a
bitter experience that many of them refuse to consider a
Washington assignment thereafter.
Best wishes for the successful development of your project.
If I can be of assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Howard P. Mace
Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Personnel
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UNiTED STATES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
BUREAU OF RECRUITING AND EXAMINING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20415
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Bob:
IN REPLY PLEASE REFER TO
YOUR REFERENCE
Thanks for including me in your informal survey of the problem of housing
for new stenographers and typists in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Although I am not at present involved in any way with the recruitment
and retention of clerical employees, I was concerned for a number of
years in previous assignments. The problems associated with clerical
recruitment are complex and have been so for about 20 years.
There is no question that attractive, low cost, and immediately avail-
able housing would be a valuable recruitment inducement. I would not
recommend a dormitory or barracks type of structure. Apartment-type
units for three or four girls sounds more appealing.
Bob, I think the problem involves more than just housing. Remember,
we are talking (my estimate) of about 15,000 new employees per year
with an annual payroll of about 30 million dollars. That is big
business! Not only for the local business community, but in terms
of cost to each agency. No one knows really how much it costs to
recruit, process, train, give orientation and retain this large group
of employees. Turnover, which is also costly, is highest in this group.
What I am getting to is the idea that maybe it is high time for some
real joint efforts by all agencies in this town. For about 20 years,
we have seen a successful coordinated effort to recruit and examine for
the position of Management Intern involving between 250-500 new hires
per year. Why not in this sensitive area? The IAG as the Board of
Directors could manage the program, having an Executive Committee and
an Executive Secretary to carry out the actual operations. I have even
drawn up a proposed organization chart!
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THE MERIT SYSTEM-A GOOD INVESTMENT IN GOOD GOVERNIVIE14T
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2
My thoughts are not set in concrete, but I give them to you for
whatever use you care to make of them. Should you gather a small
group to kick these ideas around a lunch table, I would be happy
to join in.
Sincerely yours,
Sam N. Wolk, Chief
Career Service Division
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DZPARTMENTTi-LE".. NAVY
OFFICE. OF CIVILiAN MANPOWER MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20390
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Bob:
IN REPLY REFER TO
OCMM 031.1:mv
26
I've read with interest your letter of 5 June 1969 which
forwarded a proposal for the housing of young girls who come
to Washington to work for the Federal Government. I agree
with you that there is a problem in this area, and it is not
unique to one agency. The solution recommended by your woman
from the Office of Security is similar to others proposed over
the years, but which unfortunately have never been implemented.
I believe some of the Interagency Advisory Groups have discussed
such proposals, and while the feeling always seemed to be that
the idea had merit, other priorities for staff time and attention,
as well as funding and resources, seemed to prevail. If we are
to move such a plan this time, it will undoubtedly demand some
unified support of a number of Federal agencies in the D. C. area
or else the personal interest of someone like Pat Nixon herself.
During World War II and through 1950, we actually had something
like the proposed setup when Arlington Farms (WAVE Barracks) was
used to provide housing for girls recruited by all agencies.
Since that time, we have had a number of arrangements which have
worked reasonably well. Currently, most of our recruits are sent
to McLean Gardens (Porter Street, N. W.). The cost is $6.00 to
$7.00 per night. They typically stay there from a few days to
a week, then find more permanent housing (usually apartments in
Virginia) with the assistance of the Joint Armed Forces Housing
Referral Office. (This Office has overall Department of Defense
responsibility for both temporary and permanent housing including
inspection for suitability, negotiating with landlords, etc.)
To date, McLean Gardens has been able to take care of all our
temporary housing needs (including a group of 50 recruits we
sent to them last week). If for any reason McLean Gardens should
become unavailable, the Armed Forces Housing Office would have
to look elsewhere, and the number of suitable alternatives within
the District is rapidly shrinking.
No one can really quarrel with the general concept of a "Government
Girl Complex" as a permanent solution, assuming that problems of
authorization, financing, and management could be met. There would
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also be a question of location in view of recent large-scale
agency movements into the suburbs - maybe more than one location
would be needed.
The social involvement concept outlined in the proposal is
probably a good idea. As we all know, youth today wants to
be involved and committed. It would probably give the girls
a sense of belonging and make the quarters something more than
a hotel. Even in the event many of today's youths consider
themselves too sophisticated for such dormitory-type facilities,
it could only be considered advantageous for the many thousands
of young girls from the 50 States who come to D. C. unprepared
for city life on their own.
I feel the idea is worth exploring and will be interested to hear
what the overall reaction was to your informal survey. Please
let me know what materializes on the matter.
Sincerely yours,
H. 7anli.z1
Dil"cctor
2
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..;NITED ST CiVIL bN:CE COiViMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20415
June 19, 1969
r-
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C., 20505
Dear Bob:
IN REPLY PLEASE REFER TO
YOUR REFERENCE
I'm glad to let you know my thoughts about a "G-Girl dorm," for
what they are worth. My feelings are mixed.
When we were recruiting heavily in other sections of the country
for typists, we found housing in Washington was an important con-
sideration. We felt an obligation to find quarters for the young
people--mostly girls--who had no means of finding suitable housing
for themselves. Although several of our resources eventually
dried up, we were always able to provide a satisfactory stop-gap.
The effort was not without its problems, however. High prices
(even though not over-priced), uncertain availability, poor main-
tenance (in some cases) led to some dissatisfaction. On the other
hand, we were held responsible by apartment managers when the girls
were unsatisfactory tenants for one reason or other, such as broken
contracts by minors.
A building for G-Girls would offer an easy way to insure adequate
housing and allay the anxiety of the girls and their parents. If
a need exists now, I believe such an idea is worth pursuing. I do
see a number of problems, however, along the following lines:
Who would make the rules? A Government project would have
to keep the respect of the community. Merely by being a
Government project it would be much more liable to close
scrutiny and criticism for actions that would evoke no com-
ment if a private institution were involved. And the resi-
dents might well be more resistive to rules imposed by the
Government. A free-wheeling establishment tagged as a Gov-
ernment project would do no one any good.
Could such a project be used exclusively for G-Girls? Could
the general public be excluded from a "public facility"?
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Would private industry have a just complaint about a nonprofit
Federal establishment run at cut rates?
The immediate financing would have to be by Government subsidy,.
GSA?
Possibly conversation with GSA officials would clear up these points.
I think, on the whole, I am more con than pro the idea. During
World War II, when dorms were available to G-Girls, we were all more
amenable to regulation.
It occurs to me that, if you have not already been in touch, you might
get some ideas on this subject from Tina Lower, the Commission's
leader in the Federal Women's Program. Her extension is 25667.
I hope these notes will be of some help to you.
Sincerely yours,
Jo W. Murtha
Di ector of Personnel
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AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
2 6 JUN ijuJ
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Civilian Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Dear Bob
I have read with interest your letter of 5 June 1969 and its attached
memorandum concerning the housing of Government girls in the Washington,
D. C. area. It is obvious that your employee in your Office of Security
has a deep concern for the young women who come into Washington as
strangers to both the city and a new Government position.
So far as the Air Force employee population is concerned, my attention
has not been directed to the type of problem described in your letter.
Contacts with the Staff Civilian Personnel Division, which services
Air Force Headquarters, and with the Civilian Personnel Offices at
Andrews and Bolling Air Force Bases have not reflected a major problem.
Within the Headquarters, approximately 33 per cent of new recruits are
from outside this area. These young women, who do not have relatives
or friends in Washington, are counseled and assisted to a great extent
in finding permanent quarters in a convenient location, adequate trans-
portation, comparative prices, and other things with which they might
not be familiar.
A Government housing complex may be feasible if the problem proves to
have magnitude. Your unofficial survey will undoubtedly be revealing
in this respect. I believe, however, that the solution rests with the
young women themselves. Such an undertaking would be both costly and
impractical if the majority of newcomers did not take advantage of it.
An alternative may be for each Department and Agency to provide a
housing office counselor for new arrivals and to assure that their
field recruiters are knowledgeable about the aspects of living and
working in Washington, D. C.
I will be interested to hear what your survey reveals.
A.
ocior of Civilian Personnel
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20523
JUN
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Dear Mr. Wattles:
We are in receipt of your letter of June 5 regarding
the possibility of housing for all Government girls.
I am answering in behalf of Joe Toner, who is currently
on leave.
There is much merit to your proposed plan. However, since
we are also aware of some of the pitfalls of such a project,
several of our staff members are meeting to discuss the
feasibility and desirability of such a plan. We shall
advise you of their findings as soon as possible.
Sincerely yours,
(r7 L=1
es R. e-ne
Apting Director
Office of Personnel and Manpower
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20523
7;,
0 j
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Mr. Wattles:
Pursuant to our letter of June 27, five members of our staff met
to discuss the idea presented by one of your employees about
housing for Government Girls. A secretarial recruiter, two sec-
retarial placement officers, a member of our Policy Planning
staff, and a representative of our Employee-Management Relations
Branch comprised the group.
6W1
There was unanimous agreement that moderately priced housing for
young ladies was desperately needed in the District. It was
strongly felt that such a facility should not be located in the
suburbs, which would hurt the employment situation of agencies
located in the District by making transportation too costly and
it also would tend to keep the girls in the suburbs and away from
the area where they could avail themselves of their cultural sur-
roundings.
The now-vacant Willard Hotel appeared to our group to be in an
excellent location, easily accessible to most government buildings
(many are within walking distance), and where Government Girls
could enjoy their new surroundings. It was proposed that an
endeavor be made to lease the now-vacant hotel on a temporary basis
and to operate it for a trial period. Perhaps GSA could lease
the building and Government Services, Inc. undertake the house-
keeping function.
Beyond furnishing a decent, reasonably-priced and centrally located
place to reside, our group felt that the Government or whoever
eventually would administer such a project should have no further
responsibility. The atmosphere should be one of a hotel for young
women not a dormitory, so that the residents would not have the
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feeling of being told what to do or when. A period of not to exceed
90 days was also suggested as the length of time someone could re-
side there.
As you explore this further, I suspect you will find that the
Government cannot do this, or will not. As I review your suggestion,
I'm reminded of the occasional furor that develops concerning a's,
Officers and Non-Corn's clubs, and base housing being operated in
competition with private businesses. In that event, you might want
to propose that GSI operate the facility, or maybe a non-profit
organization such as the Salvation Army, or even a "Federation" of
employees associations.
It is felt that such an undertaking is a major one and would never
be fully endorsed by all Government Girls coming to Washington, but
if it could help fifty percent of the group adjust to their new way
of life until they were able to make more permanent living arrange-
ments within their income, it would make the project worthwhile.
Sincerely yours,
ames R. K
eputy DirectOr
Office of Personnel and Manpower
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-ILA/
ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT
PERSONNEL OFFICE
Dear Bob:
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20540
June 27, 1969
In tardy reply to your letter of June 5, 1969,
you are advised that we are in sympathy with the proposal
concerning improvement of the housing situation for young
women embarking upon careers in the Washington Metropolitan
area. Whether or not it would be acceptable to the young
women themselves would depend in large measure on how the
facility is presented, its cost, conveniences, and so forth.
I think the reaction would be difficult to predict at this
time. Certainly if it were well managed and properly sup-
ported it would seem to me it would be a success within a
few years experience. I am not so sure that it could be
self-supporting as the proposal states. I am inclined to
think the government would have to subsidize a portion of
it based upon what I think the rents would be against the
rising costs of construction these days.
The suggestion I would make on your proposal is
to ask the Civil Service Commission to poll all the Federal
agencies in the area in requiring replies on a well-thought-
out exhaustive questionnaire dealing with all the ramifica-
tions of this subject in an effort to obtain as much factual
data as possible. We would be pleased to participate in
such a survey.
Sincerely,
Robeft W. Hutchison
Director of Personnel
Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
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Office of Administration
Washington, D.C. 20405
'Mr. Robert S. Wattles
Director of Personnel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Bob,
Thank you for your letter of June 5, 1969. I am pleased to comment on
it. The proposal suggested by one of your employees is appealing.
GSA does not have a particular housing problem with the relatively few
young women recruited outside the Washington area. Most youngsters who
come to this Area have friends or relatives here, or come with two or
three friends to obtain an apartment. There are occasional isolates
without contacts. Our Employment Office arranges or recommends accom-
modations in the Evangeline Home, the YWCA, Meridian Hills, McLean
Gardens, or other supervised or relatively protected housing. After the
girls become familiar with the Area and make friends, they usually move
to more commodious and liberal accommodations.
Our employment staff, however, would welcome government-sponsored housing.
It would relieve them of the additional workload occasioned by those in-
dividuals requiring special housing services. They also believe it would
aid recruitment substantially, particularly recruitment of high school
graduates from small towns. One reason is that parents would be more will-
ing to allow the youngsters to come if they were assured of supervised hous-
ing. Also, such housing would reduce the large initial capital (about S200)
presently needed to get housing and meet expenses until the first payday.
However, their experience also dictates pessimism regarding the prospect of
many girls remaining in supervised housing for any period of time, since
there is ample unsupervised housing in the Area.
General Services Administration provided dormitory-type housing for about
10,000 girls a year, (GS-5 and below), during World War II because of the
large number recruited nationally and the unavailability of housing in the
Area. This was done under a special war authority. It was self-supporting,
moderately supervised, and provided planned educational and social activities
as well as professional counseling. By all reports, it was a very successful
endeavor. It was terminated after the war because there was no longer any
need for it. The war agencies terminated, other agencies cut back employment,
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and preference was given to veterans. Also, adequate private housing
became available in the Area. As a consequence, the number requiring or
desiring government-sponsored housing dwindled to practically nothing and
the service was discontinued.
This experience would suggest that a similar large-scale effort would not
be feasible. Current experience also suggests that dormitory-type accommo-
dations and even moderate supervision would not be acceptable to many girls.
A limited facility, with apartment-type accommodations and protection, rather
than supervision, might be both feasible and acceptable. One of our Employee
Relations staff suggests that a trial program of this sort may appeal to a
First Lady, who traditionally has a "pet project or two" in keeping with her
position. It may also materially aid the youngsters as well as recruitment.
However, authority for such a program would have to be established, as well
as the need for it. Possible repercussions from competition with local
private housing would also have to be explored.
It is my understanding that this is a problem in some other agencies. If
you decide to proceed, and additional information from this agency would
be helpful, please do not hesitate to request it.
Sincerely,
W. HARDGROVE
ector of Personnel
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STAT
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Uousiag--and the Retention of Clerical Employees
IExecutive Registry
7./-c40,,2D
9 April 1971
The dont of undesirable personnel turnover ummg elericul employees
could be sharplx reduced if the kesey would undertake to proviae
spa control clean, decent and couvenient housing fnr those individuals
newly arrived in Uashingtons.D. C. For mom, of theca young peoples
the erfputritzeot to our orgsnization represents their first contact
with a :ar4e uetrcp01itan sr,e. Tno cultural shock of this change is
substantial. without thene trit beina subjected to unwarranted
perropel inaignititli in their quzrterso
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annociates in an f7ata'olisIntnt valeb is dirty, ovcreuri with vermias
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are av.;.ilabIe. The-rental operation could be sableaaeds but a require-
ment for the zalatenance of houitag standards would he milde pArt of the
lesae. And I bluk a fivanclal prait walli1!! accrue out of?tbis venture:
TLC Oct
STAT cc; NY.
DC/10
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STAT