HAC News Formats. pdf

April 15, 2021

Vol. 50, No. 8

TOP STORIES

Biden budget outline calls for more HUD funding and expanded Rural StrikeForce.
The Biden Administration’s first budget request, released on April 9, outlines priorities including increases in the HOME, CDBG and Native American housing programs, along with 200,000 new HUD vouchers.  It proposes to increase funding above current levels for the Rural e-Connectivity broadband program, rural water and wastewater programs and USDA’s civil rights office but does not mention USDA’s rural housing programs. It includes $32 million to renew and expand an Obama administration StrikeForce initiative that aims to connect rural residents with federal resources. More information about the Biden proposal is posted on HAC’s website. A more detailed budget will be issued later this spring.

HUD launches process to restore fair housing rules.
One of President Biden’s early executive orders directed HUD to review two Trump administration fair housing regulations. On April 12, HUD sent replacement rules to OMB for review, the first step towards official Federal Register publication and eventual implementation. The documents themselves are not yet available online. Reinstatement of HUD’s Discriminatory Effects Standard is described as a proposed rule. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing; Restoring Statutory Definitions and Certifications is labeled an interim final rule.

Guidance provided for recently approved USDA Rental Assistance.
The American Rescue Plan Act appropriated $100 million in Section 521 RA for tenants at USDA-financed properties who are not already receiving rent support and are paying more than 30% of their income for rent. USDA explains that its RD staff will determine what tenants may be eligible and will contact property owners. Tenants currently paying more than 50% of their income toward rent will receive priority. Assistance will last for up to a year; further aid depends on appropriations. For more information, contact the relevant RD servicing official (on the linked page, click the Contact tab).

HAC offers flexible loans for rental preservation.
HAC has flexible loan capital available to support preservation of USDA Section 515 properties, HUD-subsidized properties and naturally occurring affordable housing in rural places. Eligible properties are existing affordable or mixed-income rental housing (with or without current income restrictions). Loans can be $50,000-$1.5 million, interest rates can be as low as 4.5%, and terms can be up to 180 months, with longer amortization periods based on project needs. Eligible borrowers include nonprofit organizations, for-profit developers, housing authorities and tribal entities. For more information, see HAC’s website or contact  Kristin Blum, 207-596-0033, or  Alison Duncan, 443-884-9960.

Congressional hearings consider race, infrastructure and housing.
On April 13 the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee held a hearing titled Separate and Unequal: The Legacy of Racial Discrimination in Housing with witnesses from the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the National Fair Housing Alliance, the Ohio State University and the American Enterprise Institute. An April 14 House Financial Services Committee hearing, Build Back Better: Investing in Equitable and Affordable Housing Infrastructure, focused on housing priorities for the upcoming infrastructure package negotiation and also touched on broader topics like the state of the job market, what constitutes infrastructure, and proposed corporate tax increases. Members on both sides of the aisle noted the specific needs of rural and tribal housing during the hearing.

RuralSTAT

According to HAC estimates, approximately 2,838 FDIC insured banks do not report mortgage activity through the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act due to exemptions for asset threshold size, metropolitan location or level of mortgage loan activity. Source: HAC tabulations of FDIC and HMDA data.

OPPORTUNITIES

National Housing Trust Fund doubles last year’s funding.
Each state must use most of its portion of this year’s nearly $700 million in HTF funds to provide rental housing for low- and extremely-low income residents. HUD estimates the total will finance more than 5,400 units. The funding comes from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and increased this year because low interest rates during the pandemic led to high levels of mortgage financing for home purchases and refinances. For more information, contact a state administering agency.

April 20 listening session to cover tribal broadband access.
USDA will host an online listening session on April 20 to solicit comments and recommendations from tribal communities and tribal broadband industry experts on ways to help expand broadband access in tribal communities under the ReConnect Program. Register online here. For more information, contact  Tedd Buelow, USDA. Written comments on USDA’s ReConnect regulation are due April 27.

HAC job openings: Community Facilities Housing Specialist and two internships.
For details, visit HAC’s website.

• The Community Facilities Housing Specialist identifies and engages community stakeholders and provides direct technical assistance to rural organizations that are developing facilities such as parks, community centers, public libraries and childcare centers. This includes helping them identify, utilize and apply for financial resources such as USDA Community Facilities grants and loans. This a two-year position and is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Investor Relations Intern will assist in gathering and analyzing data on HAC’s lending and coordinate with HAC’s communication team to develop impact narratives. The Loan Portfolio Management Intern will assist in gathering and analyzing data for financial statement assessments of existing borrowers, and review and reconcile financial transactions. Both internships provide stipends, are eligible for telecommuting and will run from the end of May through August 2021.

CORONAVIRUS

CFPB proposes to delay foreclosures for pandemic-affected homeowners, asks lenders to help.
Comments are due May 10 on a proposed regulation from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would delay foreclosures on homeowners who have not been able to make mortgage payments for pandemic-related reasons. Forbearance (permission to delay making payments) will end for almost 1.7 million homeowners in September and the following months, CFPB states. Its changes would require lenders and servicers to wait until after December 31, 2021 before starting most foreclosures, to offer loan modifications to borrowers and to take other steps. For more information, contact Angela Fox, CFPB, 202-435-7700. CFPB has also issued a Compliance Bulletin and Policy Guidance urging mortgage servicers to prepare early for the wave of homeowners exiting forbearance and warning them it can base enforcement actions on their assistance to borrowers. For more information, contact Allison Brown, CFPB, 202-435-7107.

HAC provides round-up of recent federal housing actions.
Federal agencies have recently announced numerous policy and regulatory changes related to the pandemic and housing, and HAC summarized many of them on its website. All of HAC’s coronavirus resource pages can be accessed here.

“Covid racial disparities loom large in rural counties.”
This article, published by Stateline and the Daily Yonder, compiles findings from several studies that demonstrate the pandemic’s impact in rural places has been especially significant for people of color.

Eviction moratorium declaration now available in several languages.
The Centers for Disease Control has posted its revised form, which can be used by tenants to state their eligibility for the eviction moratorium, in Amharic, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Traditional Chinese as well as in English.

Research looks at rental housing counseling during coronavirus pandemic.
The Urban Institute published Housing Counseling to Support Renters in Crisis, which outlines how housing counseling agencies have altered their approach to service provision in the wake of the pandemic. The report includes perspectives from counseling agencies that serve rural, urban and suburban populations.

Answers provided to immigrants’ questions about vaccines.
The National Immigration Law Center has posted Answers to Common Questions about Immigrants’ Access to the COVID-19 Vaccines. It explains there are no restrictions on vaccination based on immigration status and addresses several other possible concerns.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

HUD and VA pledge to work together on veteran homelessness.
HUD secretary Marcia L. Fudge and VA secretary Denis McDonough issued a joint statement on April 12 committing to work together to end veteran homelessness. This is the first step, they said, in a multi-agency effort coordinated by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Reports document poverty, income inequality, racial/ethnic disparities for children and youth.
The State of America’s Children 2021, published by the Children’s Defense Fund, is based primarily on pre-pandemic data because little real-time data is available, though each chapter includes a section on the pandemic’s impact. The report includes fact sheets for each state. Pre-pandemic state-level information is also the basis for the 2020 State Index on Youth Homelessness published by the National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United, focusing on state systems, environment and laws as they relate to preventing and ending youth homelessness.

“‘In 2021 it should be different’: Martin County waits for water.”
Residents in part of Martin County, KY have relied for years on a token station where they can purchase water to haul to their homes, reports WYMT, until recently the token station broke down and could not be repaired promptly. A WCHS article describes residents driving miles to other places to find clean water. The county’s long history of water-related challenges is recounted by the Ohio Valley ReSource and the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center.

“Why we must first be well before we can do the work of the people.”
Starting with a description of community leaders’ tendency to ignore their own trauma, this Shelterforce article addresses the need for organizations and staffs to care for themselves in order to do their work of caring for others. The author describes alternative approaches and links to a variety of resources.

HAC

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan fund provides low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, new development, farmworker, senior and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development, construction/rehabilitation and permanent financing. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at  hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).

HAC News Formats. pdf

March 18, 2021

Vol. 50, No. 6

TOP STORIES

American Rescue Plan Act offers aid for housing, socially disadvantaged farmers and more.

The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Biden on March 11, addresses numerous economic and health aspects of the coronavirus pandemic. HAC is proud that the plan provides significant and desperately needed housing aid, including $100 million for USDA’s Section 521 Rental Assistance program and $39 million for the Section 502 direct and Section 504 homeowner loan programs. HAC’s statement includes a summary of relevant parts of the statute.

Comments due March 19 on metropolitan area definition.

HAC encourages rural communities and organizations to respond by Friday, March 19 to the Office of Management and Budget’s proposal to redefine metropolitan statistical areas. HAC has posted language and information including a recording of its recent webinar on the topic. The change could substantially impact rural communities because OMB’s definition of outside metropolitan areas is often used as a proxy for rural areas.

Public charge litigation ends, rule rescinded.

The federal government has returned to using the public charge policy that was in place before the last administration changed the regulation in 2019. This means that determinations of whether an immigrant may become a public charge will not take into account the person’s receipt of federal housing aid, Medicaid (except for Medicaid for long-term institutionalization), food stamps, or medical treatment or preventive services for COVID-19, including vaccines. Court cases that supported the 2019 public charge regulation were dismissed on March 9 after the Biden administration announced it would not pursue them. A Federal Register notice deletes the 2019 rule, and the administration also withdrew a related proposal made in 2020. Several state attorneys general have now asked courts to allow them to intervene to support the 2019 rule.

House again considers bill to legalize farmworkers, revise H-2A and increase rural housing funding.

The House is expected to vote March 18 on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, H.R. 1603, which passed the House in the last Congress but was never taken up by the Senate. The measure would create a process for farmworkers and their families to obtain legal status in the U.S., tweak the H-2A visa program for temporary farmworkers, increase the number of green cards available for farmworkers and establish a mandatory system for farm employers to check their workers’ legal status. For rental housing preservation, it would authorize the MPR and preservation technical assistance programs, expand eligibility for Section 542 vouchers, permit 20-year Rental Assistance contracts, allow decoupling of Rental Assistance as a last resort, require USDA to develop a preservation plan and establish a stakeholders’ committee to advise USDA. Finally, it would authorize increased funding for the Section 514 and 516 farmworker housing programs and for Section 521 Rental Assistance.

National Farmworker Awareness Week will be March 25-31.

Student Action with Farmworkers describes National Farmworker Awareness Week as “a week of action for students and community members to honor farmworkers’ important contributions and to raise awareness about the issues they face.” SAF offers media resources and event suggestions.

RuralSTAT

The share of women among hired farmworkers remained relatively unchanged from 2006 to 2009, but then climbed from 18.6% in 2009 to 25.5% in 2018. Source: Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2020.

OPPORTUNITIES

VA offers grants to help improve safety for sheltering homeless veterans.

VA has opened two funding competitions under its Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program. Nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribes can apply for new special need grants for per diem payments to cover operating costs that facilitate housing stabilization for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and who are chronically mentally ill, frail elderly, individuals who care for minor dependents, terminally ill or women. This can include providing supportive housing beds in private rooms with private bathrooms. Applications are due May 5. Current GPD grantees can apply by May 25 for capital grants to acquire, construct or rehabilitate property to reduce the use of congregate facilities and make more individual units available for GPD transitional housing. For more information on either program, contact Jeffery Quarles, VA, 1-877-332-0334 (toll-free).

Federal agencies set webinar on mortgage forbearance.

Forbearance Options and Resources for Helping Borrowers with Federally Backed Mortgages: Webinar and Discussion with CFPB, FHFA, HUD, USDA, and VA is scheduled for March 22. CFPB staff will review materials available to help consumers navigate the process of requesting a delay in making their mortgage payments. Panelists from the other agencies will discuss the options available to their borrowers, with an emphasis on exit options and information about recently announced forbearance extensions.

HAC job opening: Community Facilities Housing Specialist.

The Community Facilities Housing Specialist identifies and engages community stakeholders and provides direct technical assistance to rural organizations that are developing facilities such as parks, community centers, public libraries and childcare centers. This includes helping them identify, utilize and apply for financial resources such as USDA Community Facilities grants and loans. This a two-year position and is eligible for telecommuting.

CORONAVIRUS

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac extend relief for homebuyers and rental property owners.

Some flexibilities related to new single-family mortgage loans, put in place by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac earlier in the pandemic, have been extended until April 30. These include alternative appraisals, alternative methods for documenting income and verifying employment before loan closing and expanded use of power of attorney. Forbearance options for owners of rental property whose mortgages are owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are extended through June 30. Landlords who are experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic can request mortgage forbearance and must agree to certain tenant protections. For more information, contact a mortgage lender or servicer.

COVID death rates higher in rural counties with high minority populations.

The death rate in “highly diverse” rural counties – those where at least 33% of the population is minority – is 60% higher than in other rural counties, whereas the urban death rate is 13% higher in highly diverse counties than in others, according to COVID-19 and Rural Communities: Protecting Rural Lives and Health, an article by McKinsey & Company. In highly diverse counties where the largest population group is American Indian or Alaska Native, the death rate is 2.1 times higher than in less diverse counties. Death rates are 1.6 times higher where the largest group is Black or African American and 1.5 times higher where the largest group is Hispanic. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities such as financial insecurity, housing insecurity, and risk of being uninsured contribute to poor health outcomes and are greater in highly diverse rural communities than in other rural communities. The report suggests a variety of actions to improve outcomes.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

USDA reminds landlords about eviction notices and non-renewals.

In an notice to stakeholders emailed on March 12, USDA Rural Development reminds owners and managers of USDA-financed multifamily properties that the CARES Act instituted a required 30-day notice before evicting a tenant, and that provision has no expiration date. The agency also notes that a lease cannot be terminated or not renewed as an alternative to eviction. USDA is sending letters to all Section 514 and 515 tenants about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program support that is being distributed through states and localities. For more information, contact an RD state office.

White House and USDA name advisors for rural, housing, racial justice, veterans and Native issues.

Recent appointments to the White House Domestic Policy Council include Kelliann Blazek, who will serve as Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture and Rural Policy. Erika Poethig was named Special Assistant to the President for Housing and Urban Policy; Donald K. Sherman is Special Assistant to the President for Racial and Economic Justice; Terri Tanielian is Special Assistant to the President for Veterans Affairs; and Libby Washburn is Special Assistant to the President for Native Affairs. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has also named a Senior Advisor for Racial Equity, Dewayne Goldmon, who headed the National Black Growers Council and is an Arkansas farmer.

Fudge begins work as HUD Secretary.

On March 10, after the Senate approved her nomination, Marcia Fudge was sworn in as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

USDA FY21 single-family funding details announced.

For the Section 502 direct loan program and Section 504 loans and grants, an Unnumbered Letter dated March 11, 2021 provides information on program goals, basic formula criteria, setasides, administrative allocation, pooling of funds, and program contacts. Lists show funding allocations for each state and names of counties eligible for setasides.

“USDA relocations curtail ag research, farmer confidence.”

This AP article reports on the current status of the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA agencies that were moved from Washington, DC to Kansas City in 2019. Both lost a significant portion of their staff and hiring has been slower than expected. A spokesperson for the current USDA leadership said the department is now focused on restoring employee confidence and morale.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Report calls for increase in Black homeownership.

Raising the Black homeownership rate would address significant barriers to housing access and wealth creation for the African-American community, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition says in 60% Black Homeownership: A Radical Goal for Black Wealth Development. Black homeownership nationwide peaked at 49% in 2004. Even a 60% rate would not bridge the Black-white wealth divide, however, the report’s authors write; additional bold programs are needed.

Research finds link between eviction and depression.

The Health Impacts of Eviction: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper, reports that analyses of nationally representative, longitudinal data from 1994 to 2008 showed eviction was associated with risk of depression in young adults. The researchers concluded that “our results suggest that the recent surges in evictions in the U.S. serve as a potent threat to population health during the emerging adult period, with especially devastating consequences for low-income individuals and communities of color.”

“Soaring home prices are starting to alarm policymakers.”

Despite a much higher unemployment rate, home prices in January rose 14% and sales jumped 24% from the previous year. This article from Politico reports industry analysts do not consider the current situation to be a bubble like the lead-up to the financial crisis of 2007-08 but, as home prices further outpace average income, Americans increasingly will not be able to afford a mortgage.

Expert recommends consulting Native communities in the 2021 redistricting process.

The redistricting conducted after the census every ten years influences how likely Democrats or Republicans are to be elected. A National Conference of State Legislatures blog post reports Native policy expert Chloe Cotton says consultation with tribes is paramount in taking Native communities into account, and explains why.

HAC

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan funds provide low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, farmworker, senior and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development and construction/rehabilitation. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at  hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).

HAC News Formats. pdf

February 18, 2021

Vol. 50, No. 4

TOP STORIES

Federal agencies extend relief for homeowners.

On February 16 the White House announced extensions of forbearance and foreclosure protections for homeowners with federally supported mortgages, which it says will apply to 70% of mortgages on single-family homes. Federal moratoriums on foreclosure for homeowners will run through June 30; homeowners will have until June 30 to request forbearance (postponement of mortgage payments); and those who entered forbearance before June 30, 2020 will be eligible for up to six months of additional forbearance. A summary of these provisions and others previously announced is available on HAC’s website.

• USDA RD announced its implementation of these deadlines in a press release, a notice for the Section 502 direct and Section 504 loan and grant programs, and a notice for the Section 502 guarantee program. For more information, contact RD’s Customer Service Center, 1-800-414-1226.
• VA’s press release is posted here. For more information, contact VA, 1-877- 827-3702.
• Information on FHA-insured mortgages is announced here. For more information, email  housing.counseling@hud.gov.
• FHFA extended until March 31 its moratoriums on foreclosures for borrowers with single-family mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and on evictions for those living in homes already owned by Fannie or Freddie. Also, those who are on coronavirus-related forbearance plans as of February 28, 2021 are eligible for a three-month extension.
• General homeowner information is available from HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, 800-569-4287, and from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The National Consumer Law Center is also temporarily providing free access to its information on homeowner rights during the pandemic.

Coronavirus aid bill taking shape.

The House is developing legislation to enact a version of the Administration’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, with pieces being written by separate House committees. The full House is expected to vote on the measure during the week of February 22 and the Senate will take it up after that. Housing provisions approved by the Financial Services Committee include $100 million for USDA Section 521 Rental Assistance to tenants who are not already receiving RA and have lost income because of the pandemic, as well as $39 million for new Section 502 direct and 504 loans (enabling USDA to use other appropriated funds to refinance loans for current borrowers who are struggling). The largest portion of housing aid in the bill is $19.05 billion for Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance program, along with $5 billion for emergency HUD vouchers, $750 million for HUD’s Native American, Native Hawaiian and Indian CDBG programs, $5 billion for homelessness assistance, $9.96 billion for homeowner assistance, and $100 million for housing counseling. Because of limitations imposed by the budget reconciliation process, which Congress is using so the Senate can pass the bill with a simple majority vote, the measure does not include an extension of the eviction moratorium that is currently scheduled to expire on March 31. The Energy and Commerce piece of the relief package includes $4.5 billion for utility assistance and $500 million for water assistance. The package’s tax portion includes expansions of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Historic LGBTQ housing protections implemented.

HUD announced on February 11 that it is extending housing discrimination protections under the Fair Housing Act to LGBTQ tenants. HUD – which enforces fair housing law generally, not solely for HUD-assisted units – will accept and investigate complaints based on discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity. It instructs HUD-funded state and local agencies and nonprofits to expand their work as well. HUD is the first agency to announce its implementation of President Biden’s executive order directing agencies to review policies that discriminate based on LGBTQ identity.

Biden’s first budget proposal delayed.

February 1 was the official deadline for the Biden administration to submit to Congress its budget for fiscal year 2022, but a variety of delays have pushed back the timeline and a release date has not yet been established.

HAC weighs in on Community Reinvestment Act proposal.

On February 16 HAC submitted a response to a Federal Reserve Board regulatory notice seeking input on ways to modernize its CRA regulations. HAC’s comments are focused on making sure CRA fulfills its yet unrealized potential in rural communities currently, and in any modernization effort.

RuralSTAT

51% of rural African-American households are homeowners. The homeownership rate in rural America for all households is 71%. Source: Housing Assistance Council Tabulations of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2014-2018 American Community Survey. To learn more about homeownership in your community visit the Rural Data Portal.

OPPORTUNITIES

AARP offers small grants for short-term projects including housing.

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to nonprofits and government entities for “quick-action” projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Improvements in housing, transportation, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery and other areas are eligible. Applications are due April 14. For more information, contact  communitychallenge@aarp.org.

Small business grants offered.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Small Business Growth & Recovery Fund offers small businesses up to $20,000 along with virtual training and mentorship. Applicants must be based in the U.S. and operational for at least a year, with under $3 million in gross revenue. The program intends to support entrepreneurs, including those owned by or serving socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, that have been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It is managed by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. Applications are due March 19.

Funding available to diversify nominations for historic designation.

The National Park Service’s Underrepresented Community Grant Program is intended to diversify the nominations submitted to the National Register of Historic Places to include communities that are currently underrepresented. State and tribal historic preservation offices, tribes and some local governments are eligible and can apply by March 31 for grants to fund projects such as surveys and inventories of historic properties associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register, as well as the development or amendment of nominations to the National Register. For more information, contact  agency staff.

NEW Housing Specialist job opening at HAC; Community Facilities Housing Specialist, Loan Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager still open.

For details, visit HAC’s website.

• The Housing Specialist works with local partner organizations to identify financial resources and funding opportunities to support the preservation and development of affordable housing and community and economic development strategies specifically throughout expanses of Southwest and/or Western rural America. At least four years of relevant nonprofit or tribal organization work experience is required. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Community Facilities Housing Specialist
• Loan Officer
• Senior Portfolio Manager

CORONAVIRUS

Moratoriums on utility shutoffs and evictions save lives, research concludes.

Duke University researchers estimate that if federal policy had restricted evictions from early March 2020 through the end of November 2020, COVID-19 infections across the country could have been reduced by 14.2% and deaths by 40.7%. Nationwide moratoriums on utility disconnections over the same time period could have reduced infection rates by 8.7% and deaths by 14.8%. These findings are reported in Housing Precarity & the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impacts of Utility Disconnection and Eviction Moratoria on Infections and Deaths Across US Counties.

“Rural residents appear to be more vulnerable to serious infection or death from coronavirus COVID-19.”

A USDA Economic Research Service analysis of data on COVID-19 infections and deaths indicates that rural residents may be more vulnerable to the virus than urban residents because of underlying health problems, older age, lack of health insurance and greater distance to intensive care facilities.

“Crises collide: the COVID-19 pandemic and the stability of the rural health safety net.”

This report from the Chartis Center for Rural Health provides an overview of the intersection between rural hospital closures, vulnerabilities and the effects of the pandemic. It also outlines recommendations for providing care to non-COVID patients while accommodating waves of COVID-19 patients.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Senate committee recommends Fudge for HUD.

On February 4 the Senate Banking Committee voted to advance President Biden’s nominee for Secretary of HUD, Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH). Her nomination, along with that of Tom Vilsack to be Secretary of Agriculture, now awaits approval by the full Senate.

Comments requested on climate risk to housing finance system.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency requests input on the current and future climate and natural disaster risk to the housing finance system, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. FHFA hopes to strengthen its ability to identify and assess such risk, as well as identify opportunities to enhance its relevant supervision and regulation. Comments are due April 19.

Congress and the department take steps towards racial justice at USDA.

Heather Dawn Thompson, an attorney and member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, has been named Director of USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations, reporting directly to the Secretary. She told an interviewer she plans to focus on coronavirus response, economic recovery, racial equity and climate change. Monica Armster Rainge was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at USDA. Her background includes work on land retention and heirs property at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund. Rep. David Scott (D-GA), the new Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has pledged to focus not only on rural/urban divisions, but also on racial justice and economic inequality. The agriculture portion of the developing coronavirus relief package includes $1 billion to support entities that work with farmers of color, as well as farm loan assistance for farmers of color. Senators have introduced at least two bills – S. 278, the Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act, and S. 300, the Justice for Black Farmers Act – to address discrimination, and USDA declared its support.

ERS and NIFA will stay in Kansas City, Rep. Cleaver says.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), who represents the Kansas City area, assured local media that it would be too expensive to move USDA’s Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture back to Washington, DC. The Trump administration relocated the agencies in 2019.

Smaller lenders exempted from escrow requirement for subprime mortgages.

A final rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau implements legislation providing that lenders with under $10 billion in assets that make few mortgage loans are not required to establish escrow accounts for higher-priced mortgage loans. For information, contact Joseph Devlin, CFPB, 202-435-7700.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Federal labor standards not effectively protecting farmworkers, report says.

An Economic Policy Institute analysis found that 70% of U.S. Department of Labor federal labor standards investigations of farms detect violations such as wage theft or inadequate housing. Farm labor contractors are the worst violators, according to EPI’s report, Federal Labor Standards Enforcement in Agriculture: Data Reveal the Biggest Violators and Raise New Questions about How to Improve and Target Efforts to Protect Farmworkers. Experts discussed the findings in an EPI webinar.

HAC

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan funds provide low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, farmworker, senior and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development and construction/rehabilitation. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at  hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).

HAC News Formats. pdf

January 21, 2021

Vol. 50, No. 2

TOP STORIES

Biden administration extends eviction and foreclosure moratoriums.

On January 20, the day President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were inaugurated, the White House announced that protections for renters and homeowners will run through March 31. Centers for Disease Control director Dr. Rachel Walensky extended to March 31 the CDC’s ban on eviction of tenants for nonpayment of rent. USDA announced its moratoriums on foreclosure and eviction for homeowners with Section 502 single-family direct and guaranteed mortgages will last through March 31. It also set March 31 as the deadline for lenders making Section 502 guaranteed loans to offer forbearance of mortgage payments for up to 180 days, with a second 180-day period possible, and it will continue to provide the same opportunity for its Section 502 direct borrowers. The Federal Housing Administration extended the moratorium on foreclosure and eviction for single-family properties it insures. Similar changes are expected from the Department of Veterans Affairs and (for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Executive Orders change policies on equity, census, regulations.

Among the many actions taken by President Biden on January 20 were the following.

• An Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government declares it is “the policy of my Administration that the Federal Government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality,” and directs several actions to advance that policy.
• An Executive Order on Ensuring a Lawful and Accurate Enumeration and Apportionment Pursuant to the Decennial Census requires that the 2020 decennial census tabulations include all U.S. residents regardless of immigration status and rescinds previous actions by former President Trump that were aimed at counting and excluding residents who lack legal status.
• An Executive Order on Revocation of Certain Executive Orders Concerning Federal Regulation asserts that federal agencies must “be equipped with the flexibility to use robust regulatory action to address national priorities” and rescinds orders by President Trump that tried to cut federal regulations.

Biden will request more coronavirus relief.

President Biden’s coronavirus relief proposal, announced on January 14, commits to asking Congress for additional financial relief including $30 billion in rental and utility assistance and $5 billion for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, as well as $20 billion for tribal governments, supplemental unemployment benefits, aid to states, support for small businesses, expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and a $15 federal minimum wage.

Citizenship path for farmworkers included in new administration’s immigration reform proposal.

Legislation sent to Congress by the Biden administration would make immigrant farmworkers eligible for green cards immediately and for citizenship after three years. An administration fact sheet about the proposal does not provide further details. The United Farm Workers reports that, to be eligible, workers would have to pass criminal background checks and show a five-year history of agricultural labor.

Nominees and hires announced for USDA, CFPB, HUD positions.

President Biden has nominated Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh, currently the Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to be Deputy Secretary of USDA and Rohit Chopra to direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Both will need to be confirmed by the Senate, as will the not-yet-named USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development. Justin Maxson, CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, has been named Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. Katharine Ferguson, a Chief of Staff for Rural Development at USDA during the Obama Administration and most recently Associate Director of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, is Chief of Staff in the office of the USDA Secretary. Numerous top staffers at HUD are listed on the department’s site.

117th Congress gets under way.

The 117th Congress convened in Washington, DC on January 3. Democrats maintain a slim majority in the House of Representatives, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi remaining in her leadership role. While full committee assignments are still forthcoming, it has been announced that Rep. David Scott (D-GA) will take over as chair of the House Agriculture Committee and Rep. Rose DeLauro (D-CT) will take over as head of the House Appropriations Committee. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) will maintain control of the House Financial Services Committee (which has jurisdiction over housing). For the Senate, the January 5 runoff elections in Georgia led to a 50-50 split, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaker vote – putting Democrats in control of the Senate for the first time since 2014. Senate committee assignments also have not been finalized, but Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is expected to take control of the Senate Banking Committee (which covers housing), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to lead the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to chair the Senate Agriculture Committee. Due to the retirement of Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), formerly the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) will become its Ranking Member.

HAC awarded $2.7 million to build housing capacity across rural America.

The $2.7 million grant from HUD’s Rural Capacity-Building for Affordable Housing and Community Development program will enable HAC to significantly impact the capacity of 65 nonprofit housing organizations, municipalities and tribal entities in their efforts to undertake affordable housing and community development activities in some of the most challenging and overlooked communities in the nation.

RuralSTAT

The number of housing units in rural and small-town communities increased by nearly 865,000, or 3%, between 2010 and 2018. Source: HAC tabulations of 2006-2010 and 2014-2018 American Housing Survey Data. For more information on housing occupancy and vacancy in rural America visit http://ruralhome.org/wp-content/uploads/storage/documents/rrbriefs/rrb_occupancy_and_vacancy.pdf.

OPPORTUNITIES

Section 202 funds for elderly housing available.

Nonprofits and coops can apply by May 26 for Section 202 capital advances to finance construction, reconstruction, acquisition, or moderate or substantial rehabilitation of housing, as well as Project Rental Assistance Contracts, for very low-income residents age 62 or older. For more information, contact HUD staff, 202CapitalAdvanceNOFA@hud.gov.

Tribal HUD-VASH expansion announced.

HUD-VA Supportive Housing voucher funding for Native American veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness is available for tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities, whether or not they are already participating in the HUD-VASH program. Applications are due April 15. For more information, contact HUD staff, TribalHUDVASH@hud.gov.

HAC seeks proposals for Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans Initiative.

HAC’s Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans initiative supports local nonprofit housing development organizations that meet or help meet the affordable housing needs of veterans in rural places. Grants typically range up to $30,000 per organization and must support bricks-and-mortar projects that assist low-income, elderly and/or disabled veterans with home repair and rehab needs, support homeless veterans, help veterans become homeowners and/or secure affordable rental housing. AHRV is funded through the generous support of the Home Depot Foundation. Applications are due by February 1. For more information, contact HAC staff, ahrv@ruralhome.org. No phone calls please.

HAC job openings: Community Facilities Housing Specialist, Loan Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager.

For details, visit HAC’s website.

• The Community Facilities Housing Specialist identifies and engages community stakeholders and provides direct technical assistance to rural organizations that are developing facilities such as parks, community centers, public libraries and childcare centers. This includes helping them identify, utilize and apply for financial resources such as USDA Community Facilities grants and loans. This a two-year position and is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Loan Officer represents HAC in its lending activities – to include loan underwriting, marketing, and research and product development – and originates new loan transactions. This position is based in HAC’s Washington, DC headquarters and is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Senior Portfolio Manager provides leadership and oversight to a team that performs a range of lending activities – closing, disbursement, monitoring, servicing and asset management of single-family and multifamily housing development loans. This position is based in HAC’s Washington, DC headquarters and is eligible for telecommuting.

CORONAVIRUS

Treasury sets requirements for Emergency Rental Assistance.

On January 19 the Trump administration’s Treasury Department posted a new FAQ document, as well as new information for tribes, both relating to the Emergency Rental Assistance program created by the December coronavirus relief law. The FAQ adds a requirement that tenants requesting rental aid must document their coronavirus-related economic hardship and their risk of homelessness or housing instability. It also requires a state or local government to wait 21 days for a landlord’s response to a request to accept payment from the government entity before providing aid to a tenant directly.

IRS extends relief for Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties.

IRS Notice 2021-12 extends and adds to the provisions of Notice 2020-53, moving deadlines and providing flexibility for some requirements that apply to LIHTC properties.

Members of mixed-status families now eligible for direct relief payments.

“Nearly 3 million U.S. citizens and legal immigrants initially excluded under the CARES Act are covered under the December 2020 COVID-19 stimulus,” a commentary by the Migration Policy Institute, reports that when they file their 2020 tax returns, approximately 2.9 million citizens and people with legal status who are the spouses or children of undocumented immigrants can apply for the $1,200 stimulus checks provided by the CARES Act in March. These members of mixed-status families were not originally eligible for the funds, but the December 2020 coronavirus relief law changed that, as well as making them eligible for its $600 payments. 2.2 million children who are U.S. citizens or have legal status remain ineligible because they have no parents with legal status.

“Tribal elders are dying from the pandemic, causing a cultural crisis for American Indians.”

The New York Times reports that, although there is no reliable data on the number of Native American elders killed by Covid-19, the virus has taken “an incalculable toll on bonds of language and tradition that flow from older generations to the young.”

News reports relate difficulties in vaccinating farmworkers.

The challenges are described by Politico in “Who is ‘essential’? Food and farm workers left in limbo in vaccine priorities” and by Yuma, Arizona TV stations KYMA/KECY in “Farmworkers trying to get COVID-19 vaccine face challenges.”

“Why West Virginia’s winning the race to get COVID-19 vaccine into arms.”

A National Public Radio story explains how West Virginia has addressed the challenge of delivering coronavirus vaccinations in rural places where most pharmacies are not affiliated with the chains and networks being used to distribute vaccinations. The state chose to distribute doses itself to independent rural pharmacies that were already working with long-term care facilities.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

USDA announces Strategic Economic and Community Development setasides in some RD programs.

USDA will set aside 3% to 10% of funds from some RD programs to prioritize projects that support multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. The relevant programs are Community Facilities loans, grants and guaranteed loans; Water and Waste Disposal loans, grants and guaranteed loans; Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans; Rural Business Development Grants; and Community Connect broadband grants. To apply for these funds, applicants must include a specific form and other information with their program application. For more information, contact a USDA RD State Office.

Single set of quality standards proposed for HUD-assisted housing.

HUD is proposing to create National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate, a unified assessment of quality. Comments are due March 15 on its proposed rule, which includes provisions intended to reduce administrative burden on small rural PHAs. For more information, contact Timothy Weese or Samuel Franco, HUD, 202-708-1112.

HAC

Need capital for your affordable housing project?
HAC’s loan funds provide low interest rate loans to support single- and multifamily affordable housing projects for low-income rural residents throughout the U.S. and territories. Capital is available for all types of affordable and mixed-income housing projects, including preservation, farmworker, senior and veteran housing. HAC loan funds can be used for pre-development, site acquisition, site development and construction/rehabilitation. Contact HAC’s loan fund staff at hacloanfund@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.
Please note: HAC is not able to offer loans to individuals or families. Borrowers must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations or government entities (including tribes).