HFA News
CalHFA’s National Mortgage Settlement Housing Counseling Program Web Page Updated With 1st Quarter Results
The California Housing Finance Agency is proud to announce that its National Mortgage Settlement (NMS) Housing Counseling Program partners have reported successful first quarter results, which can now be found on CalHFA’s website. As reported by CalHFA’s three HUD-approved Intermediaries, who oversee over 80 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, nearly 5,000 California residents have received free, confidential counseling sessions.
Governor Cuomo Announces New $25 Million Legacy Cities Initiative to Eliminate Blight in Upstate New York
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the new $25 million Legacy Cities initiative, a targeted effort to eradicate vacant properties in concentrated neighborhoods across Upstate New York and transform blighted structures into newly renovated, move-in ready homes. The renovated homes will help expand affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents, specifically first-time buyers and households of color.
Governor Hogan Announces Nearly $17 Million in Neighborhood Revitalization Awards
Governor Larry Hogan today announced nearly $17 million in awards for four state revitalization programs and one federal community development program administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). “These important programs enable Maryland to partner with local governments, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to support revitalization efforts that enhance the quality of communities and the quality of life for our citizens,” said Governor Hogan. “These partnerships and projects provide critical facilities and services while creating jobs and contributing to positive economic growth.”
RIHousing Funds Efforts to Bridge the Digital Divide
RIHousing today announced funding awards to support innovative and long-term sustainable projects to increase internet access for low- and moderate-income households across the state. The agency’s new “Bridging the Digital Divide” (“Digital Divide”) program provides financial resources to eligible organizations and municipalities in support of initiatives to bridge the digital divide. “While there are a number of initiatives to broaden access and remove barriers, there are still gaps in access to high-speed internet,” said Carol Ventura, Executive Director of RIHousing.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation Announces Winners of Statewide Art Contest: What Does Home Mean to You?
Today, Florida Housing announced the winners of their statewide art contest, inviting kids and teens age 5-18 to submit their visions on the theme: What does home mean to you? The contest aimed to increase awareness on the importance of having a safe and affordable place to call home, particularly leading up to National Homeownership Month in June. Florida Housing received more than 200 submissions from kids across the state who used their imaginations to illustrate beautiful designs showcasing what they notice most about their home life.
WHEDA Awarded Emergency Housing Vouchers By HUD
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority has been awarded 313 Emergency Housing Vouchers by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Emergency Housing Vouchers target individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, survivors of domestic or sexual violence and victims of human trafficking. WHEDA will partner with a continuum of care agency to accept referrals for tenants who qualify for these vouchers. To assist in housing search efforts and the deployment of vouchers, WHEDA is asking property owners interested in accepting tenants with vouchers to complete a brief online form.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Implements Policy Changes Expanding Eligibility of Rental Assistance Program
Since mid-March, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs has been administering rental assistance through the Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA) to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on evolving federal guidance, the Georgia Rental Assistance Program has expanded eligibility to include renter households that receive a monthly federal subsidy, such as a Housing Choice Voucher. Only the tenant portion of rent will be eligible for reimbursement and subject to existing program guidelines and limitations.
Supportive Housing Webinar to Focus on Property Management and Community Success
The real benefits to communities come when neighborhoods improve, the need for crisis care is reduced and individuals gain access to stable, affordable shelter and services that increase well-being and productivity. The event, the last in a series of four, is made possible through a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) to expand the supply of affordable, supportive housing in Wisconsin. Speakers include: Tonya Buchner, director of risk and compliance for WHEDA; Angie Miller, property manager for Cardinal Capital Management, Inc.; Katrina Van Valkenburgh, central regional managing director for CSH and Johnna Lowe, a senior program manager for CSH.
Rep. Todd Novak joins WHEDA Board
State Rep. Todd Novak has been appointed to serve as a member of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Board of Directors. Novak represents Wisconsin’s 51st Assembly District, which includes the city of Dodgeville, central and western Iowa County, Lafayette County, as well as southwest Green County, southeast Richland County and southwest Sauk County. A native of Cobb, Novak was first elected to the Assembly in November 2014.
