HFA News
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Launch of Emergency Rental Assistance Data Dashboard
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the launch of the Emergency Rental Assistance Data Dashboard to track the progress local jurisdictions are making in distributing relief funds for tenants and landlords affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The dashboard focuses on the first round of funding through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which launched statewide in Maryland in mid-May 2021.
Illinois Rental Payment Program Provides Over $209 Million to Renters and Landlords Impacted By COVID-19
Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), announced that more than $209 million in rental assistance has been paid on behalf of 26,300 renter households impacted by COVID-19. With over 40% of the $500 million in available funds committed to being paid, Illinois is ramping up its distribution of assistance through the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) and was the second highest provider of rental assistance among all states in June.
DCHFA Finances 41 New Affordable Apartments in Congress Heights
On August 6, the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) issued $10.3 million in tax-exempt bond financing and underwrote $8.9 million in four percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for the construction of 41 new affordable rental homes at 17 Mississippi Avenue Apartments. “Congress Heights has become one of Ward 8’s most sought after neighborhoods for commercial development and homebuyers. As development and home values increase, DCHFA’s investment helps to ensure that residents at all income levels will be able afford to live here and enjoy the neighborhood’s growth.”
Kansas Housing Awards $6.8 Million to Support Affordable Housing Development
Twelve Kansas communities will add a collected 540 affordable homes to their housing stock, thanks to funds awarded through the state’s competitive housing development application process. The awards, totaling $6,806,417, will help finance the construction of 324 new homes and the rehabilitation of 216 existing homes for Kansas seniors and families. “Our state has long experienced a shortage of quality, affordable housing—a reality that has only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic,” said Ryan Vincent, Kansas Housing’s Executive Director.
Rental, Utility Assistance Available When Eviction Moratorium Expires
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency, has provided $21,670,326.79 in emergency rental and utility assistance to 4,054 Kansas households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. The funds, made available through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program, were allocated to the state through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.
All Alaska Housing Rent Relief Applicants Contacted
While the federal eviction moratorium expired on Saturday, July 31, 2021 Alaska Housing Finance Corporation has contacted all 30,000 applicants in Alaska Housing Rent Relief, reviewed all requests for past-due rent and paid $85.2 million. As part of the federal COVID relief package passed at year-end 2020, approximately $242 million was made available through Alaska Housing Rent Relief. Alaska renters are among the first to be approved for this assistance, with eligible applicants receiving commitment for up to 12 months of rent and/or utility relief.
Assistance Available to Iowa Renters and Landlords
Governor Reynolds, the Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Legal Aid are reminding Iowa renters and landlords of resources available to them with the federal eviction moratorium’s expiration on July 31. Iowa renters at-risk of eviction or who receive an eviction notice should immediately apply for assistance through the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program and contact Iowa Legal Aid to inquire about legal assistance that may be available to them at no cost.
Donna Marsh and Tricia Morin Appointed to New Hampshire Housing Board of Directors
Donna Marsh of Stratham and Tricia Morin of Hopkinton were recently appointed to the New Hampshire Housing Board of Directors by Governor Chris Sununu. Marsh is the Interim Director for Home for All/United Way Greater Seacoast, a coalition to end homelessness. Previously she was the executive director for New Generation, Inc., a family-oriented shelter for homeless pregnant women and women with small children.
Ending of Federal Eviction Moratorium Does Not Affect Minnesotans
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium is currently slated to end on Saturday, July 31, potentially affecting thousands of American renters behind on their rent – but not Minnesota renters. With legislative action last month, Minnesota has broader and longer renter protections than the ending CDC eviction moratorium.
