The achievements of our partners across rural America are a constant source of inspiration. Even during these trying times when organizations are faced with funding cuts, a struggling economy, and a rural housing market still undergoing recovery, dedicated organizations and individuals work daily to improve the lives of low-income rural residents. HAC looks back at 2013 knowing tangible change can still be accomplished through hard work. HAC’s success is linked to the success of our partners.

HAC’s strong relationships with rural housing providers across the country provide a unique insight into in rural communities’ needs and the challenges they face in meeting those needs. These relationships allow strategies to be adapted in order to work across a diverse landscape. Input from partners helps create appropriate policy and programmatic responses and allows HAC to remain a strong advocate for low income rural families. Loan fund programs, trainings, direct one-on-one technical assistance, research and information products, and analyses of federal housing policies ensure that HAC provides the tools necessary for organizations to continue providing safe, secure, affordable housing across rural America. HAC’s resources build and maintain relationships, and these relationships are critical.

HAC’s 2013 annual report highlights these relationships. Beginning with loan and grant making, HAC’s role as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) allows us to help our local partners build and develop needed affordable housing projects. HAC’s training and technical assistance helps rural housing providers operate effectively and efficiently. And finally, HAC’s research and information provides partners with resources to gain access to data, understand federal policies, and stay up to date on news that impacts rural communities. Each service has its role and value for organizations in the field. HAC looks back on 2013 and recognizes not only the challenges, but also the hard-won successes of our partners. We remain committed to the advancement of local efforts and organizations and the ultimate goal of strengthening rural communities across the United States.

2012 Annual Report

After nearly five years of economic crisis, foreclosure, and declining home values, indicators are finally pointing to the beginnings of a housing recovery. Yet this recovery is not occurring in all places at the same speed. An untold number of rural Americans are still struggling after what was the worst economic recession since the 1930s. Even before the crisis, many rural households and communities struggled with housing problems. While much of the country sees a housing rebound, problems of distress remain in rural America longer than elsewhere because of a lack of economic vitality and diversification. To make things more challenging, federal support for affordable housing is under increasing financial pressure and has been diminishing when it is needed the most.

It is clear that HAC’s role as an intermediary organization and lender is more crucial than ever. Despite decreases in federal funding, a still-struggling economy, and a rural housing market undergoing recovery, HAC continues to further its mission of providing safe, secure, and affordable housing across rural America in some of the most distressed regions of the country. Like all nonprofit organizations, we have made adjustments as we face an uncertain political future and harsh economic realities. But we remain committed to working with partner organizations across the nation and to continue providing housing through our loans and grants, training and technical assistance, and research and information.

HAC has learned the importance of continual dialogue with rural housing practitioners who provide us with firsthand accounts of the need that exists in communities across rural America. With their input, we have been able to help create effective policy and programmatic responses to some of the most challenging issues facing rural affordable housing providers.

Through this landscape, HAC strives to create tangible change for the poorest individuals and families in the most rural parts of America. This annual report demonstrates the ways in which HAC continues to help strengthen rural communities during these challenging times. There is still much more to do, and we are proud to work with you to improve housing and lives in your community.

2010 Annual Report

The housing and financial markets were hard hit in 2010 and this has had a profound impact on the affordable housing sector. With government budgets in the red across the nation, common funding sources are being cut and organizations are scrambling to find new sources of revenue to assist the large number of families and individuals in need of affordable housing. This past year has reminded the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) and many of its partners of the significance of collaboration and partnership. In this environment, it is vital that organizations join together to share resources and learn from one another in order to survive.

The 2010 National Rural Housing Conference (NRHC) epitomized the strength of collaboration in these difficult times. For the first time, the NRHC was held jointly with the Rural Community Assistance Partnership’s annual meeting and training conference, allowing the more than 900 people registered to participate in workshops and exchange ideas. In working together to learn important skills and gain insights on current programs and policies, rural housing stakeholders also expressed new appreciation for the partnerships that have kept them afloat during these lean years.

Partnership has always been central to HAC’s success. As an intermediary organization, HAC is built on the many relationships it has developed on the national, state, and—most significantly—local level. This year’s annual report, Collaboration: The Key to Building Rural Communities, highlights the many ways that HAC has partnered during the year to help rural communities meet their housing goals.

Some important examples include the following:

• Working with national and regional organizations to develop and deliver training on packaging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 502 loans
• Committing more than $14.2 million in lending to support the development and preservation of 1,200 housing units
• Approving more than $1.39 million in capacity-building grants to support the administrative and programmatic development of local organizations
• Completing a comprehensive analysis of Section 502 loan originations for very low-income homebuyers

As HAC looks forward to its 40th anniversary in 2011, we appreciate our continued partnerships with the many organizations that are working to improve rural housing conditions. As we work with these organizations, we gain valuable insights into the needs of these communities and learn the best ways to support these efforts. Everyday, we are reminded that together, we can build rural communities.

2008 Annual Report

Communities across the nation have been devastated by the current economic crisis. Rising mortgage foreclosure rates, mounting personal debts, and skyrocketing unemployment have increased the need for stable, affordable housing. However, these same economic trends have made it even more difficult for local nonprofits to create needed housing opportunities for low-income residents. In the current economic environment, the Housing Assistance Council’s work as an intermediary organization is even more important.

By definition, intermediary organizations serve as a bridge between two entities. HAC uses knowledge, financial and technical resources, and access to connect rural communities to the larger housing sector. And, despite the challenges, there were many successes this year. This annual report highlights the links HAC was able to forge over 2008. It is also a testament to the phenomenal partners HAC works with across the nation and their dedication to improving rural communities.

Some of HAC’s accomplishments over the year include:

• Providing more than $20.85 million in loans and grants to help produce more than 1,800 units of affordable housing.
• Hosting more than 15 national, regional, and audio-web training events with more than 1,000 participants.
• Providing key information through the HAC website, www.ruralhome.org, which received more than 10 million web visits over the year.
• Developing a national Rural Housing Platform that shares program and policy recommendations that can benefi t those working to create affordable housing opportunities.

HAC’s ongoing partnership with local communities is the foundation on which it is able to fulfill its mission. By listening to local communities and communicating the issues we hear, HAC is able to contribute to the national dialogue in a way that reflects the needs and interests of rural communities. In March 2008, HAC completed a survey of stakeholders and learned about the issues impacting rural communities and how HAC’s products and services can better serve those needs. Feedback from the most recent survey is provided throughout the annual report.

It is with great pride that HAC continues to stand with rural communities and build the bridges that result in stronger local organizations, increased housing opportunities, and better communities. HAC is proud of the work we have done together in 2008 and excited about making new connections throughout 2009.