Housing Assistance Council

RUFES: The Business Case for Helping Rural Families Get Ahead
2014-08-12 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | External Webinar, United States
Doing business in smaller communities requires finding good employees from a smaller pool of workers. Retaining those good employees can be the difference between profits and loss, or between staying put and relocating. So why, many rural employers wonder, do their businesses experience such high turnover in the ranks of their low-to-moderate wage workforce? Isn’t steady work in a quality job the most obvious step towards financial stability for these families?
>> Join a RuFES Webinar featuring Working Bridges, a model strategy for employers looking to help and retain employees <<

Acquisition Rehabilitation for Rural Nonprofit Affordable Housing Development
2014-08-12 08:30 - 2014-08-14 16:30 | Astor Crowne Plaza – New Orleans – French Quarter, 739 Canal Street @ Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
Join the Housing Assistance Council on August 12-14, 2014 in New Orleans, LA for Acquisition Rehabilitation for Rural Nonprofit Housing Development.

Sharpening Your Skills: Financial Management for Rural Nonprofits
2014-08-12 08:30 - 2014-08-13 16:30 | Astor Crowne Plaza – New Orleans – French Quarter, 739 Canal Street @ Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
Join the Housing Assistance Council on August 12-13, 2014 in New Orleans, LA for Sharpening Your Skills: Financial Management for Rural Nonprofits.

Nonprofit Strategic Planning
2014-07-30 14:00 - 15:00 | HAC Adobe Connect, United States
Materials Posted
Power point presentation | Webinar Recording
Whether sparked by a desire to have a greater impact or by an immediate change in the operating environment, effective strategic planning is crucial for the survival of any organization. This webinar introduces participants to proven approaches to strategic planning for nonprofit organizations, community groups, and/or coalitions. Participants will be provided with step-by-step methods and instructions on implementing a successful strategic plan as well as identifying critical issues to address when undertaking organizational planning.
Register Now: https://ruralhome.adobeconnect.com/e5ar1plgk8s/event/event_info.html

Canal Street Housing: Housing Homeless Veterans
2014-07-23 14:00 - 15:00 | HAC Adobe Connect, United States
Materials Available
Power Point Presentation | Webinar Recording
The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is pleased to invite you to participate in a webinar on a model program for housing homeless veterans. More than 250,000 veterans experience homelessness each year. Veterans in rural areas are more likely to be homeless for longer periods of time and have serious medical problems. Nonprofits in rural communities are addressing the challenges for housing homeless veterans.

Nonprofit Board Membership: From Basics to Beyond
2014-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 | HAC Adobe Connect, United States
Materials Available
Power Point Presentation | Webinar Recording
In Nonprofit Board Membership: From Basics to Beyond we will present manageable changes any nonprofit board can implement to improve their performance, make sound decisions, and further the mission of their organization.

From Service to Shelter: Housing Veterans in Rural America
2014-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | HAC Adobe Connect, United States
Materials Posted
Power Point Presentation | Webinar Recording
The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is pleased to invite you to participate in a webinar on demographic changes regarding veterans in rural America. As two wars overseas wind down, more veterans will be coming home, while at the same time the demographic changes associated with the baby boom generation and the overall greying of America will also impact veteran’s needs in rural America. In the next ten years, over 70 percent of all veterans in rural America will be over the age of 65 placing increased pressure on the housing and health needs of rural veterans.
On the opposite end of the age spectrum, younger veterans, returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, are more diverse and face different economic and housing challenges. Although these veterans comprise just 7.6 percent of the total rural veteran population, they are more diverse and face different economic and housing challenges than their older counterparts. Minority and female veterans are a much larger segment of this population as well and maintain differing needs than older veterans. Beyond this, younger veterans face higher unemployment and poverty rates than older veterans. Approximately 10 percent of veterans between the ages of 18 to 34 are unemployed and 12 percent have incomes below the poverty line.
For their sacrifice, it is imperative that all veterans have access to safe, affordable, and secure housing. This can be particularly challenging in rural America due to vast geographies, limited resources, and less social service infrastructure. Join the Housing Assistance Council’s webinar on June 25th to learn more about these challenges as well as the demographic shifts reported on in HAC’s new publication From Service to Shelter and the implications that these realities will have on providing affordable and appropriate housing to rural veterans.
This webinar is supported by The Home Depot Foundation. For more information, please email Janice Clark at janice@ruralhome.org.
Register Now! https://ruralhome.adobeconnect.com/e7t536khd3s/event/event_info.html.

Nonprofit Board Basics
2014-06-18 14:00 - 15:00 | HAC Adobe Connect, United States
Materials Posted
Webinar Recording, Power Point Presentation
A successful nonprofit organization must have a responsible and engaged board of directors. Join us as we discuss board members’ roles and responsibilities and how nonprofit organizations can cultivate effective board leadership.

Practitioner’s Guide to Meeting Energy Star 3.0
2014-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 | HAC Adobe Connect, United States
Materials Posted
>> Recording
>> Power Point Slides

Materials Posted
All homes permitted after January 1, 2012 seeking ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 rating must meet ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 standards. Verification partners, including HERS raters and Field Inspectors, must complete ENERGY STAR Version 3 Rater Training through an Accredited Training Provider in order to service and/or inspect homes that seek ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 rating.
This webinar will provide an overview of construction, fundamentals of the Energy STAR program requirements. Webinar will assist in identifying the building envelope, air sealing and impart of air infiltration has on building performance. Air infiltration prevention while unit is under construction will be discussed. Webinar will cover proper ways of insulating attics, walls, knee walls, attic accesses and recessed lights. Methods for proper duct insulation and sealing will be reviewed. Finally heating and cooling units and their loads will be discussed. This webinar is the first of two; the next webinar, Advanced Energy STAR will cover check list, formulas and duties of contractors and HERS Raters.
Register now online: https://ruralhome.adobeconnect.com/e6x8l3nfgf8/event/event_info.html

Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development and Services
2014-04-22 08:00 - 2014-04-23 17:00 | Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport – The Wren, 4300 East Washington St, Phoenix, AZ, 85034, United States
Register Now!
Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development and Service
Start Date: April 22, 2014 End Date: April 23, 2014Register: www.regonline.com/seniorVeteransPhoenix
Join the Housing Assistance Council on April 22-23 in Phoenix, Arizona for Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development and Services. Made possible with generous support from The Atlantic Philanthropies and The Home Depot Foundation, this symposium will provide training and information on housing for rural seniors and veterans. These two vulnerable and often overlapping populations face many challenges. Homeowners may need help with repairs or counseling. Renters may need affordable units, face loss of their apartments or want to become owners. The homeless or near homeless need help with basic shelter and survival. Resources and models exist to help in all these situations and will be showcased in detail at this conference.

HAC’s approach to serving seniors and veterans is grounded in the fact that those two groups are over represented in rural America. One in five U.S. residents is rural, but 25 percent of all rural homes are occupied by the elderly, and 40 percent of veterans enrolled in the VA health system are rural. This is set against the backdrop of a rapidly aging population of baby boomers. Eighty percent of rural seniors are homeowners, but rental units are also very much needed. Veterans of the United States military put their lives in danger to serve the nation, but then may face homelessness, live in substandard homes or have other housing needs.

This conference will feature program overviews, funding resources, case studies and models presented by federal and state administrators, nonprofit developers, policy experts and others. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to learn and share information on ways to meet the growing needs of these rural populations.

CO-SPONSORS
LeadingAge, Chicanos por la Causa

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: www.regonline.com/seniorVeteransPhoenix.
HOTEL & ROOM BLOCK
HAC has reserved a block of rooms at the government per diem rate of $106.00 per night at the Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport – The Wren for this event. Please call the hotel at (602) 273-7778 and ask for the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) Room Block to take advantage of this rate. This room block expires on Saturday, March 22, 2014 but space is limited, so make your reservations early.

This symposium is made possible through the generous support of The Home Depot Foundation. Additional information about HAC’s Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans program can be found at www.ruralhome.org.

Serving Veterans in Rural America: A Symposium
2014-04-09 08:00 - 13:00 | US Capitol Visitors Center, US Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, 20515, United States
Serving Veterans in Rural America: A Symposium
Date: April 9, 2014 Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Location:US Capitol Visitor Center Room SVC 200-201 Washington, District of Columbia 20515Register:https://www.regonline.com/VeteranDC2014
This symposium aims to draw attention to our rural veterans — and to showcase programs and initiatives that help with their housing, health, and employment needs. America’s veterans disproportionately are from rural areas and small towns. Rural veterans make up over 40 percent of enrollees in the VA’s health system. While 21 percent of the US population is rural, 25 percent of the nation’s veterans live in rural communities. Youths from rural zip codes are 22 percent more likely to enlist than young people from cities. And within a decade an astounding 70 percent of rural veterans will be age 65 and over. Rural America serves, but this service is then often forgotten.

Invited Speakers: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME)

Confirmed Speakers: Gina Capra, Dir., VA Office of Rural Health; Tony Hernandez, Admstr., USDA Rural Housing Service; Mark Johnston, Acting Asst. Secretary, HUD Office of Community Planning & Devel.; Kenn Sassorossi, Housing Vermont

There is no charge for the symposium however, advance registration is strongly encouraged.

For information on HAC’s Veteran program contact Janice Clark at 202-842-8600 or janice@ruralhome.org.

This symposium is made possible through the generous support of The Home Depot Foundation. Additional information about HAC’s Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans program can be found at www.ruralhome.org.

Federal Rural Housing Programs Update
2014-03-27 13:00 - 14:00
Register Now!
Federal Rural Housing Programs Update
Date: March 27, 2014 Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDTRegister: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/459238616
This webinar, from the National Alliance for Rural Policy (NARP), will include a brief overview of the housing programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist lower income rural homebuyers, homeowners, and renters. Presenters will cover the funding outlook for the year and other issues. Can USDA continue to serve the lowest income rural residents? Can affordable rural rental housing be preserved? What is the definition of rural for USDA housing programs? And why are these programs at the Department of Agriculture at all?
Presenters: Joe Belden and Leslie Strauss, Housing Assistance Council
This Webinar is administered by the National Consumer Law Center.
There is no charge for this webinar. All time listings are in Eastern Standard Time For more information email Jessica Hiemenz at Jhiemenz@nclc.org.

Section 502 Packaging Training for Nonprofit Developers
2014-03-25 09:00 - 2014-03-27 17:00 | The Hotel Memphis, 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Memphis, TN, 38118, United States
Join the Housing Assistance Council on March 25-27, 2014 in Memphis, TN for the Section 502 Packaging Training for Nonprofit Developers, a valuable training for any organization that packages or intends to package USDA Rural Development Section 502 Loans.
This three-day advanced course covers USDA Rural Development’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program and provides invaluable insight as to how this homeownership financing resource can be utilized. Learn how to assist potential borrowers and work in partnership with RD staff, as well as other nonprofit organizations and regional intermediaries to deliver successful Section 502 loan packages. This course is intended for and specifically framed for those experienced in utilizing Section 502 and/or other affordable housing mortgage products. Participants will learn regulations and practical applications of the loan program, while developing a strong understanding of 502 direct underwriting and packaging standards. Following the course, participants are encouraged to take the online certification exam.
Questions?? Contact Shonterria Charleston at 404-892-4824 ext. 27 or Shonterria@ruralhome.org.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Systems for Affordable Housing Development
2014-03-25 09:00 - 2014-03-26 17:00 | The Hotel Memphis, 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Memphis, TN, 38118, United States
Join the Housing Assistance Council on March 25-26, 2014 in Memphis, TN for an “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Systems for Affordable Housing Development” workshop.
This course outlines and examines energy efficient development practices and renewable energy technologies in rural affordable housing development. Participants will learn how to successfully deliver sustainable rural housing projects that meet both Energy Star ® and WaterSense ® requirements and develop strategies for incorporating renewable energy systems. In addition, participants will gain a better understanding of the infrastructure, economics, and financing of energy efficient renewable energy projects.
The course will also addressmultiple ‘layered’ or ‘competing’ energy efficiency requirements and include site visits to “The Solar Farm” and a Western Tennessee rural development, and review case studies on Energy Star development, rural household solar heating, sustainable building technologies and renewable energy.
This session is filling up quickly. Space is limited to the first 30 participants and available on a first come, first served basis only.

USDA Rural Housing Activity: Overview of FY 13 and Beyond
2014-03-18 14:00 - 15:00 | HAC Adobe Connect, United States
USDA Rural Housing Activity: Overview of FY 13 and Beyond
Date: March 18, 2014 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDTMaterials: Webinar Recording, Power Point Presentation
Additional Materials:

FY 13 USDA Rural Housing Service Yearh End Program Obligations Report
A Perplexing Year for Rural Housing Programs
As Overall Progam Funding for USDA Rural Development Shrinks, The Need for Rental Assistance Has Grown
USDA Rural Development Data

Webinar Desription:For more than sixty years the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development (RD) Agency has provided financial assistance to house millions of low- and moderate-income rural Americans. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, RD obligated approximately $23.4 billion in loans, grants, and loan guarantees that were used to build, purchase, repair, or support 177,387 units of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families in rural areas. Earlier this year, HAC released a Rural Research Report providing detailed information on USDA’s most recent, as well as historic, housing program activities. Please join HAC for a webinar presentation on March 18, 2014 that presents an overview of recent program activities and trends, how funding has changed, and a glimpse of where USDA’s housing activities may be headed.

Conducting Homeless Counts on Native American Lands - A Toolkit
2014-02-19 14:00 - 15:00 | HAC Adobe Connect, United States
View the recording of this webinar and download the presentation.
The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) invites you to participate in the “Conducting Homeless Counts on Native American Lands: A Toolkit” webinar that highlights strategies for Native American communities to conduct internal homeless counts on their lands. Topics include: outreach, engagement, survey planning, survey implementation, partnering amongst researchers and intermediaries, and funding.
It is often difficult to address homelessness on Native American lands, due to the challenge in quantifying the number of actual homeless individuals living therein. While there is ‘literal’ homelessness on Native American lands, many Native Americans also live in extremely crowded conditions with family and relatives which is another, less visible, form of homelessness. Places with small, spread-out populations, like most Native American lands, typically have few shelters or service providers forcing homeless individuals to rely on strong kinship networks to find a place to stay. Issues surrounding tribal mistrust of the federal government, a lack of understanding of tribal sovereignty and diversity among Indian nations by outside entities, cultural competencies, and legal complexities associated with tribal lands create additional challenges to conducting an accurate count.
Based upon past research as well as interviews with key stakeholders in the field, the webinar will provide insights on how to conduct outreach, plan homeless surveys, partner with other researchers and organizations, and secure funding.

About the PresenterEric OberdorferResearch AssociateHousing Assistance Council
Eric Oberdorfer is a Research Associate at the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) in Washington, DC. Eric has worked on a variety of projects and reports that have focused on topics ranging from farmworker housing to homelessness on Native American lands, and most recently housing for rural seniors. His previous experience includes working with affordable housing at the Department of Neighborhoods in Anchorage, Alaska, as well as the City of Vancouver and BC Housing in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has published reports funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development as well as the British Columbia Ministry of Housing and Social Development. Eric’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in geography and international development from the University of Washington in Seattle and a Master’s degree in community and regional planning from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver
