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HFA News
PHFA Issues RFP for PHARE Funding to Support Local Housing Initiatives
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency today is issuing a Request for Proposals soliciting applications from organizations for projects to improve the availability and affordability of housing across the commonwealth. Funding for this RFP is being provided through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund. The total PHARE funding available this year exceeds $45 million. PHARE receives its funding from the impact fee levied on natural gas drilling companies and a portion of the Realty Transfer Tax.
Public Comment Period for Federal Housing Assistance Fund (CTHAF) Through September 17
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) is seeking public comment on the draft Connecticut Homeowner Assistance Fund (CTHAF) Plan, prior to submitting the plan to the United States Treasury Department. The draft plan can be reviewed at www.chfa.org/haf/. Public comments can be emailed to: PublicComment@chfa.org until 5:00 p.m. on September 17, 2021. A public hearing will be held telephonically on September 17 at 10 a.m. To participate in the public hearing, call (888) 330-1716.
MassHousing Commits $3.8 Million in Financing for New Affordable and Workforce Housing on Martha’s Vineyard
MassHousing has committed $3.8 million in affordable and workforce housing financing to the non-profit Island Housing Trust (IHT) for the development of Kuehn’s Way in West Tisbury, a 20-unit rental community for lower- and moderate-income households on Martha’s Vineyard. Kuehn’s Way will be the largest new affordable rental housing development on Martha’s Vineyard in 15 years. The project is being built with modular units that are being shipped to the island and will be constructed into 10 duplex homes.
Project Restore Applications Open to Maryland’s New or Expanding Businesses
Applicants can apply beginning on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 until Friday, October 8, 2021at 5:00 PM. Please note: the application portal may closer sooner if grant requests exceed the funding available. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid an early application deadline. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is administering $25 million to provide financial support to Maryland’s new or expanding businesses to help incentivize commercial investment in vacant retail and commercial properties.
$35 Million in New Markets Tax Credits Awarded to Support Community Development
– The Colorado Growth and Revitalization Fund (CGR Fund), administered by Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), announced today it has been awarded $35 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC). The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) awarded $5 billion in NMTC to 100 entities throughout the nation. NMTC are designed to generate private-sector investment in underserved communities by supporting local businesses or nonprofits that directly benefit current residents, by either hiring from within the community, and/or providing community services.
Illinois Rental Payment Program Distributes Over $252 Million, 50% of State’s Relief Allocation Paid to Renters and Landlords Impacted By COVID-19
Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), announced that more than $252 million in rental assistance has been paid on behalf of almost 29,500 renter households impacted by COVID-19 through the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP). Launched in May 2021, ILRPP provides up to $25,000 in financial assistance — paid directly to the landlord — to cover missed rent payments beginning June 2020 as a result of the pandemic.
RentReliefRI Provides On-the-Ground Support for Rhode Islanders Facing Eviction
The recent United States Supreme Court decision to allow eviction proceedings to resume has left many Rhode Island renters at risk. Fortunately, renters have a lifeline available to them via RentReliefRI, a federally-funded program that provides up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance for tenants struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For renters facing eviction, a network of agencies and partners are working together to provide on-the-ground support and assistance to prevent eviction and help Rhode Islanders maintain their housing stability.
Pritzker Administration Reaffirms Ongoing Commitment to Affordable Housing Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Illinois renters will continue to be protected through Governor JB Pritzker’s latest executive order that extended the statewide ban on residential evictions through September 18th. The order banning the enforcement of residential evictions remains effective in all Illinois counties and continues to protect tenants who meet the eligibility criteria, despite the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the federal eviction moratorium from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) continues to process applications for the Illinois Rental Payment Program and is on target to approve all eligible applications in September.
Governor Hogan Celebrates Project C.O.R.E. Milestone with Demolition of Perkins Homes
Governor Larry Hogan today marked the milestone of 5,000 units of blight eliminated through Project C.O.R.E. (Creating Opportunities for Renewal and Enterprise) with the demolition of the last building of Perkins Homes in Baltimore City. Project C.O.R.E.—a city-state partnership—was launched in 2016 to remove vacant or blighted properties and encourage revitalization. To date, Project C.O.R.E. has awarded nearly $119 million in state funding for blight removal and redevelopment in Baltimore City through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Stadium Authority.
Housing Leaders Welcome Public Input on Homeowner Assistance Draft Plan
State officials are seeking public feedback to inform a new housing initiative that will support Kansas homeowners in need. The forthcoming Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Kansas Office Recovery and administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), will aim to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
