HAC Awards $950,000 to Help Organizations Thrive

Contacts: Elizabeth Radecker, Housing Assistance Council, (202) 842-8600 x140
Janice Clark, Housing Assistance Council, (202) 842-8600 x131

Washington, D.C., January 4, 2011 – The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) has awarded 22 organizations with grants totaling $950,000 through its new Thrive Fund Capacity Building Grant Initiative. With funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HAC created the Thrive Fund to provide rural nonprofit organizations with critically needed administrative funds to pursue capacity building activities that will help these organizations meet the affordable housing needs in their communities.

The recent economic crisis has resulted in significant pressures for those working in the affordable housing field. Rural communities across the nation are experiencing high unemployment and an increasing number of mortgage foreclosures. As the number of families in need of affordable housing continues to grow, many nonprofits have been forced to delay projects, cut back on programs, and lay off staff. HAC created the Thrive Fund to fill a gap in much needed support for rural housing nonprofits. “We have found that a small grant can sometimes help an organization do great things,” said Moises Loza, HAC’s executive director.

HAC received more than 130 applications for funding, with requests totaling more than $5.8 million. After an extensive review process, HAC identified 22 rural housing development organizations that will receive capacity building grants over the next three years (see list below). The funds will be used to support a range of activities, including board and staff development, conducting needs assessments, and expanding program services.

“HAC recognizes these organizations’ efforts to sustain their affordable housing programs in these troubled economic times,” said Moises Loza. “The Thrive Fund is HAC’s way of supporting these organizations as they strive to meet the housing needs of rural communities and low-income families.”

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About the Housing Assistance Council
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Housing Assistance Council is a national nonprofit corporation dedicated to helping local organizations build affordable homes in rural America by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, research, training, and information services. HAC’s programs focus on local solutions, empowerment, reduced dependency, and self-help strategies. HAC is an equal opportunity lender. To learn more about HAC’s programs visit www.ruralhome.org.

2010 Thrive Fund Recipients

International Sonoran Desert Alliance, Arizona
Mississippi County Arkansas E.O.C., Arkansas
Humboldt Bay Housing Development Corporation, California
Florida Home Partnership, Inc., Florida
Homes in Partnership, Inc., Florida
Beattyville Housing and Development Corporation, Inc., Kentucky
Three Rivers Community Action, Inc., Minnesota
Central Missouri Community Action, Missouri
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area, Missouri
Housing Assistance Corporation, North Carolina
Cape Fear Regional Community Development Corporation, North Carolina
Tierra Del Sol Housing Corporation, New Mexico
Accord Corporation, New York
Community Action Commission of Fayette County, Ohio
Little Dixie Community Action Agency, Inc., Oklahoma
Farmworker Housing Development Corporation, Oregon
Habitat for Humanity Georgetown County, South Carolina
Community Assistance Provider, South Carolina
Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership, South Dakota
Foothills Community Development Corporation, Tennessee
Skyline Cap, Inc., Virginia
Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Corporation of Racine County, Wisconsin