Announcements Archives

USDA offers 514/516 Farm Labor Housing grants and loans

January 14, 2016/in Announcements

Nonprofits, state or local government agencies, public agencies, federally recognized tribes, and limited partnerships with nonprofit general partners are eligible to apply for Section 514 loans. The same entities, with the exception of limited partnerships, are eligible for Section 516 grants. The funds can be used for construction of new off-farm Farm Labor Housing units and related facilities for domestic farm laborers, and for the purchase and substantial rehabilitation of existing non-FLH properties. Section 521 Rental Assistance and operating assistance are available for new construction.

To apply, contact the USDA Rural Development state office serving the state of the proposed project in order to receive further information and copies of the application package.

Applications are due to state offices on April 12, 2016.

Bad bargain? Manufactured-home owners feel the financial strain

January 5, 2016/in Announcements

Bad bargain? Twenty million Americans live in manufactured housing – many of which are located in rural areas. Manufactured homes, their owners, and the economics associated with this type of housing are highlighted in a new PBS NewsHour segment.

Twenty million Americans live in mobile, or manufactured, homes that offer affordable housing, particularly in rural parts of the country. Typically older and poorer than traditional homeowners, manufactured homeowners often face serious, unique financial difficulties that make it a bad bargain for some low-income Americans. NewsHour’s Stephen Fee reports.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has re-issued a proposed rule on Duty To Serve.

December 15, 2015/in Announcements Duty to Serve

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has re-issued a proposed rule on Duty To Serve. Through HERA, GSEs have a ‘duty to serve’ traditionally underserved markets of rural, preservation, and manufactured housing. Comments are due in 90 days.

First Generation College Students in Appalachia

December 10, 2015/in Announcements

A recent edition of the “Inside Appalachia” radio examines the challenges that first generation college students are going through, and how some colleges and universities are developing strategies and programs to help these students stay in school.

RDLN Auction Closes on December 13

December 8, 2015/in Announcements

The Rural Development Leadership Network (RDLN) Auction closes on December 13, 2015 at 10:00 PM EST.

Proceeds from the auction support the efforts of RDLN, a national multicultural social change organization founded in 1983, supports community-based development in poor rural areas through hands-on projects, education and skills building, leadership development and networking.

HUD Publishes Final Definition of Chronically Homeless

December 8, 2015/in Announcements

A final definition of “chronically homeless,” published Dec. 4, will be used in HUD’s Continuum of Care Program and in the Consolidated Plans that guide state and local governments’ use of HUD funds. HUD has tested three definitions of the term.

The Long Wait for Section 8

December 2, 2015/in Announcements

The long wait for Section 8. In most places across the country, Section 8 waiting lists are rarely open. When they do open, it’s for a small window of time, and the numbers are daunting. NPR’s Marketplace investigates increasing Section 8 wait lists

Missouri Town Increases Collaboration to Build Better Communities

December 1, 2015/in Announcements

The Kansas City Star tells the story of how the small town of Warrensburg, MO (Pop. 20,000) created a comprehensive approach to battling poverty in their community by increasing collaborations between local agencies, nonprofits, and other services.

Migrant Workers Critical to Small Farms

November 24, 2015/in Announcements

Without migrant farmers, many small farms would be in trouble, according to The Rural Blog. More than 10 percent of H visas granted to migrant workers in the U.S. in 2012 were for agricultural jobs throughout the U.S.

HUD’s 2015 Annual Homeless Assessment Report

November 19, 2015/in Announcements

HUD’s 2015 Annual Homeless Assessment Report indicates homelessness has declined nationwide by 11% since 2010. Veteran homelessness fell by 36% between 2010 and January 2015, including a 47% decline in unsheltered veterans. The report includes estimates for the rural parts of each state.