Facing a $225 million deficit, housing advocates from the New York City Housing Authority met with elected officials Tuesday to discuss ways to sustain the city?s affordable housing programs.

Organizers say the discussions are being held to bring city agencies together so that public housing can be preserved for the future. NYCHA officials believe the organization?s fiscal issues need to presented to the public so affordable housing can be maintained.

?As the city gets stronger, as the economy gets better, the need for affordable housing grows even more dramatically,? said NYCHA General Manager Douglas Apple. ?I think this kind of event helps to bring that home and helps to bring a consensus for the need for public housing.?

Housing advocates blame the budget problems on a lack of funding from the federal government.