HFA News
Florida Housing and Governor DeSantis Celebrate Housing Gains Provided by Innovative Housing Resources
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is proud to announce this year’s numerous housing accomplishments under the leadership and vision of Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida Housing is grateful to the Governor’s continued commitment and support of affordable housing programs including the launch of Florida’s $250 million Coronavirus Relief Fund,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Utah Housing Corporation Announces $10.7 Million to Advance Affordable Rental Housing Across the State
The Board of Trustees for Utah Housing Corporation approved staff recommendations to award Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to 15 developments that achieved the highest scores in the recent application process. The credits will be leveraged with other financing, ultimately providing the resources for $137 million in total development costs and supporting 3,276 jobs. According to a recent study, the shortage of affordable units for low-income renters in Utah continues to grow and currently stands at 49,500.
Melanie Walter to Lead New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, Chair of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), today announced that Melanie R. Walter, DCA Director of the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) and a former Deputy Attorney General, was appointed as Executive Director by the board at its December 10th meeting. Ms. Walter served as Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Director of the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) and Local Finance Board Chairwoman for two and half years, first as Acting Director, then under permanent appointment.
LHC Partners with Municipalities to Launch “Housing Heroes” Initiative
In light of the dire need for quality, safe, affordable, and accessible housing following the ongoing 2019 Coronavirus pandemic and Hurricanes Delta, Laura and Zeta the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is partnering with state municipalities in activating Louisiana's Housing Heroes Initiative. Housing Heroes is a statewide initiative that works to identify apartment and rental housing opportunities that are move-in ready or have upcoming availability.
Governor Hogan Announces COVID-19 Relief Grants for Major Tourism-Related Institutions
Governor Larry Hogan today announced the recipients of 32 awards totaling more than $8 million to tourism-related nonprofits through the Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative. The program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, provides grants up to $500,000 for the state's nonprofit and tourism producing organizations, such as museums, cultural attractions, zoos and aquariums whose mission and work substantially contributes to the economic development and now economic recovery of Maryland communities through visitor-driven activities and programs.
CalHFA Kicks Off National Mortgage Settlement Counseling Program
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is pleased to announce the start of the National Mortgage Settlement Counseling Program, offering free housing counseling to help Californians concerned about their housing situation. CalHFA designed and implemented the new program to respond to overwhelming need as COVID-19 and the related economic disruption have exacerbated an already precarious housing situation for millions of California families.
Minnesota Housing Announces $195 Million to Advance Housing Across the State
Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Leimaile Ho announced in an online presentation today that the Minnesota Housing board of directors approved staff recommendations of $195 million to create and preserve 2,387 homes throughout the state, including rental units and single-family homes. Full details on all of the selected and advancing developments, including maps and videos, are available online at www.mnhousing.gov/sites/np/2020selections.
State Agencies Offer Tips to Homeowners Before Some Federal Mortgage Relief Ends
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) are urging homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages to take advantage of options to lower or pause payments before some federal protections end on Dec. 31, 2020. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows borrowers with a federally backed mortgage to request forbearance to defer or lower their payments for up to 180 days if they have been directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19. The CARES Act also prohibits negative credit score reporting for homeowners using this forbearance option.
MassHousing Closes on $26.4 Million in Financing for the Refinancing and Substantial Renovation of the 248-Unit Powdermill Village in Westfield
MassHousing has closed on $26.4 million in affordable housing financing to the non-profit Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc., to support the refinancing and major rehabilitation of the 248-unit Powdermill Village in Westfield. Powdermill Village was constructed in the 1970s and was last renovated in 2000. AHSC has planned more than $28 million in improvements to substantially rehabilitate the 12 two- and three-story buildings at the property, including one building that was partially destroyed by a fire in April 2018.
