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HFA News
WHEDA Names Steele Tribal Liaison; Searles Tapped for Community Economic Development Post in NE Wisconsin
Erica Steele will add the role of tribal liaison to her repertoire while she continues to build strategic relationships as a member of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority’s Community and Economic Development team. Steele succeeds Deby Dehn, a 15-year WHEDA member of the Community and Economic Development team who worked to advance affordable housing and economic development in a territory covering 21 counties in northeastern Wisconsin.
Federal Tax Credits Awarded to Build Affordable Apartments in Five Vermont Towns
The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners announced last week that its annual allocation of federal housing tax credits will support the construction of 105 permanently affordable apartments in five communities across the state. The sale of the credits is expected to yield over $26 million in funding, which will cover over 60 percent of total development costs. The program is the largest single funding source for affordable housing development in Vermont.
WHEDA Issues $156 Million Housing Revenue Bond
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has issued a $156 million Housing Revenue Bond to finance rental housing developments currently in its loan closing pipeline. The bond issuance is expected to help finance 10 developments that will provide more than 800 units of affordable and workforce rental housing in Fitchburg, Madison, Milwaukee, Oregon, Oshkosh, Sturgeon Bay and Wausau.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation Highlights Affordable Housing in Honor of National Homeownership Month
In honor of National Homeownership Month in June, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is highlighting the importance of quality, affordable housing for all. Florida Housing understands that homeownership can significantly impact the lives of families, communities, and the local economy now more than ever. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 50% of all Floridians lived just one paycheck away from homelessness. As unemployment skyrocketed in 2020 and families experienced unprecedented financial strain, more than 57,300 evictions and 7,400 foreclosure suits were filed between March and December.
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.
