HFA News
State to Open Wait List for Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program will be open from April 22-26. Formerly known as Section 8, this HUD-funded program assists low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. David Whisnant, DCA’s Division Director for Housing Assistance, said the waitlist has been closed since May 2018 in order to accommodate the approved applicants.
Governor Wolf Announces $2.2 Million for Community Revitalization
Governor Tom Wolf today announced that five projects will be awarded $2.2 million for the construction or rehabilitation of mixed-used developments. The funding was raised through the sale of tax credits under the Mixed-Use Development Tax Credit Program, the proceeds of which are being used to fund the work of the Community Revitalization Fund Program. “We believe there is pent up economic demand coming out of the pandemic, and these mixed-use developments can be a part of our economic recovery,” said Governor Tom Wolf.
Governor Hogan Proclaims National Community Development Week in Maryland
Governor Larry Hogan today proclaimed the week of April 5-9, 2021 as National Community Development Week in the State of Maryland to celebrate federal redevelopment resources and their positive impact on Maryland's communities. Three federal programs - the Community Development Block Grant, the Emergency Solutions Grants Program, and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program - are administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. To mark the occasion, Governor Hogan also announced the premiere of a new video which highlights a successful project in Cecilton (Cecil County) with significant federal and state funding.
MassHousing Completes $2.5 Million Refinancing of Downtown Lowell Affordable Housing Community
MassHousing has provided $2.5 million in affordable housing financing to Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative (AHSC), to refinance and preserve affordability at the 34-unit Majestic Apartments for senior citizens and residents with disabilities in downtown Lowell. “We are pleased that this transaction will help ensure that the Majestic Apartments remain a quality affordable housing option for residents in downtown Lowell long into the future,” said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation Launches Statewide Art Contest: What Does Home Mean to You?
Florida Housing announced the launch of a statewide art contest, inviting kids and teens to submit their visions on the theme: What does home mean to you? The contest aims to increase awareness on the importance of having a home by encouraging kids across the state to use their imaginations to illustrate the meaning of what their home truly means. A Florida Housing committee will review all designs and select the top 40 to be prominently displayed in the Florida Housing Finance Corporation building in Tallahassee in honor of National Homeownership Month in June.
Agency Presents Champions of Affordable Housing Awards
In March, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) presented Champion of Affordable Housing Awards to the outstanding loan officers, real estate agents and financial institutions who partnered with the agency to deliver its homeownership programs in 2020. “North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s Champion Awards recognize and celebrate the work of the individuals and businesses who make exceptional affordable housing contributions,” said Dave Flohr, the agency’s executive director.
Applicants Sought for Inaugural Michael S. Van Leesten Awards Program
RIHousing is seeking applicants for the agency’s Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Awards program, an awards program that provides financial assistance to students pursuing a career in the construction trades or a degree related to the housing field through two scholarship opportunities and one summer fellowship. The awards program honors the life and work of Michael S. Van Leesten, a longtime advocate dedicated to improving the lives of Rhode Islanders through his business leadership, civil rights activism, and public service.
Moody’s Upgrades California Housing Finance Agency’s Issuer Rating to Aa3
The California Housing Finance Agency’s continued dedication to financial strength has once again been recognized by Moody’s Investor Service. One of the country’s Big Three credit ratings agencies, Moody’s recently upgraded CalHFA’s Issuer rating from A1 to Aa3, with a revised outlook of stable. The upgrades were also made on CalHFA’s outstanding Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds III. “We have been on a mission over the past several years to put CalHFA in position to create and preserve more and more affordable housing, and our improved financial strength allows us to do just that,” said Don Cavier, CalHFA's Acting Executive Director.
Amber Hills Named Chair of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Board of Directors
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is pleased to announce that Amber Hills, president of FirstBank’s Southwest Market, has been named chair of CHFA’s board of directors. CHFA’s 11-member board serves as the governing body of the organization and establishes policies to further its mission of affordable housing and community development. As an industry veteran with over 22 years of experience, Hills oversees FirstBank’s Southwest Market, which includes eight branch locations, more than 160 employees, and $2.2 billion in deposits.
