TOP STORIES

Final FY23 funding bill supports rural rental preservation, adds new manufactured housing program

The omnibus appropriations bill to fund the federal government in fiscal year 2023, released on December 20, holds most USDA and HUD housing programs near their FY22 dollar levels. The bill is expected to pass both houses of Congress and be signed by President Biden before the current continuing resolution expires on December 23.

The bill’s funding levels support rental preservation efforts, although the measure does not decouple (separate) Section 521 Rental Assistance from USDA Section 514 and 515 mortgages, as the administration’s budget requested. It substantially increases USDA’s Section 538 rental housing loan guarantees, which are used for preservation as well as new construction, from $230 million in FY22 to $400 million in FY23. Section 515 direct rental housing loans receive a smaller increase, from $50 million this year to $70 million next year, but the Section 514 farm labor housing loan program drops from $28 million to $20 million, while Section 516 grants hold steady at $10 million. USDA’s Community Facilities grant program drops from $40 million to $25.3 million. zero, presumably because over An additional $325 million in CF grants will be distributed as Congressionally Directed Funding (earmarks). Another portion of the omnibus adds $50 million in CF grants to repair essential facilities in places where federally declared disasters occurred in 2022. More details on the USDA programs are posted on HAC’s website. [Corrections in red made on March 30, 2023.]

In the HUD portion of the omnibus, HOME, CDBG, tenant vouchers, and most other HUD programs remain close to FY22 levels. The bill increases the SHOP and Rural Capacity Building programs by a modest $1 million each and raises the Tribal VASH veterans voucher program from $5 million to $7.5 million, but cuts HUD’s veterans housing rehab program from $4 million in FY22 to $1 million in FY23. The new $225 million manufactured housing program can be used outside manufactured home communities or in communities with long-term affordability provisions, for a variety of repair, preservation, and infrastructure activities, as well as replacement of pre-1976 homes. More details on this and other HUD programs are posted on HAC’s website.

The omnibus does not include tax legislation that would have adjusted the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and extended the Child Tax Credit.

Rural homelessness increased from 2020 to 2022

Homelessness rose nationwide by 0.4% from 2020 to 2022, HUD reports, but the increase was 5.7% in largely rural Continuums of Care, the largest growth rate among geographies. While the national rate of change included a 1.6% drop in sheltered homelessness and a 3.5% increase in people experiencing homelessness without shelter, the proportions were reversed for largely rural CoCs. There, sheltered homelessness increased by 10.4% and unsheltered dropped by 0.3%. Nationally, rates of homelessness also increased for individuals and for people who had chronic patterns of homelessness. Homelessness decreased for veterans, families with children, and unaccompanied youth. Black and Indigenous people continue to be overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness. These are among the findings published in Part 1 of HUD’s most recent annual assessment of homelessness, which provides estimates for a single night in January 2022. HUD attributes the low increase in the rate of overall homelessness to the “robust federal response” to the housing crisis that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic.

Capacity building and capital access are focus of HAC comments on community investment

On December 19 HAC responded to a request for comments from a new Interagency Community Investment Committee representing several agencies including USDA and HUD. ICIC sought public input on ways the agencies can promote economic conditions and systems that reduce racial disparities and produce stronger economic outcomes for all communities. HAC’s response encourages them to support capacity building for local organizations, provide equitable access to capital for rural America, address rural needs – particularly in persistent poverty areas – directly, accelerate interagency coordination and sharing of best practices, and improve data and information accuracy and availability.

Happy holidays from HAC!

“Home” takes on special meaning during the holiday season: a place to gather with friends and family, or just to recharge. HAC wishes everyone in rural America a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home.

HAC’s offices will be closed from December 26 through January 2.

RuralSTAT

In 2022, families with children experiencing homelessness comprised larger shares of the homeless populations in largely rural (30%) and largely suburban (32%) Continuums of Care than in major cities (26%) or other largely urban CoCs (21%). Source: HUD’s 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress.

OPPORTUNITIES

HAC’s Affordable Housing for Rural Veterans initiative opens

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 January 23. Register here for a January 11 webinar about this initiative. For more information and the application package, please visit HAC’s website.

HAC seeks consulting partner to assist with strategic plan

Are you a strategic consultant passionate about working with CDFIs, nonprofits, and/or rural communities? HAC invites you to submit a proposal for our strategic planning process! HAC seeks a consultant to support the organization and our stakeholders in the creation of a three-to-five-year strategic plan. Applications are due January 11. For more details, review the RFP on HAC’s website. Contact strategic@ruralhome.org with questions.

Grants offered for hazard mitigation revolving loan funds

FEMA’s new Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program will make grants to states and Tribal governments to capitalize revolving loan funds that will help local governments reduce risks from disasters and natural hazards, and other related environmental harm. Applications are due April 28. For more information, contact FEMA staff, askcsid@fema.dhs.gov.

Family Unification Program funding preview published

HUD has published a preview of the FY22 Family Unification Program notice of funding opportunity. It expects the final NOFO will be issued on grants.gov in March and is making the preview available to give interested applicants more time to review it, submit questions, and prepare applications.  For more information, contact Ryan E. Jones, HUD, 202-402-2677.

CAPITOL HILL

Disaster resilience zones to be designated

The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022, signed into law by President Biden on December 20, requires FEMA to assess the risk of natural hazards across the United States based on community exposure and resiliency. The census tracts receiving the highest hazard risk ratings in each state will be designated as community disaster resilience zones. States, Tribal governments, and local governments will be eligible for FEMA assistance for resilience or mitigation projects benefiting those zones. Residents displaced by such projects will receive comparable replacement housing.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

New national plan aims to decrease homelessness 25% by 2025

All In: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, released by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, focuses on developing solutions in the form of housing and supports, homelessness response, and prevention based on equity, data, and collaboration. The plan acknowledges that tailored guidance will be needed to meet its goals in rural, remote, and Tribal areas.

HUD seeks feedback on CDBG Disaster Recovery

HUD requests public comment on ways to improve the CDBG-DR program. Because the program does not receive regular appropriations and Congress authorizes funding only after a specific disaster, HUD has not had standardized requirements that can be used to deploy funds quickly. One comment request addresses the methodology HUD uses to allocate funds. The other asks how HUD can modify, expand, streamline, or remove CDBG-DR rules and requirements. Comments are due February 21. For more information, contact Jessie Handforth Kome, HUD, 202-708-3587 (phone), 202-708-0033 (fax).

CFPB revises threshold for lenders to report mortgage activity

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is reinstating a requirement that lenders who make at least 25 closed-end mortgage loans for two consecutive years must report data under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. A 2020 CFPB rule that raised the threshold to 100 loans was vacated by a court order in a lawsuit filed by consumer organizations. CFPB will not take enforcement actions against lenders with between 25 and 100 closed-end mortgage loans for data collected in 2022, 2021, or 2020. For more information, contact Jaclyn Maier or Alexandra Reimelt, CFPB, 202-435-7700, or submit a question online.

HUD finalizes three Buy America waivers

HUD has issued final versions of three waivers it proposed in November related to the Buy America preference enacted in 2021, which requires recipients of funding from HUD and other federal agencies to use iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials from the U.S. The waiver notices indicate more guidance is forthcoming. For more information, contact Joseph Carlile, HUD, 202-402-7082.

Previous HUD waivers cover all funding obligated by HUD on or before November 14, 2022 and HUD funding to Tribes and Tribal entities before May 14, 2023.

The de minimis and small grants waiver, effective on November 23, 2022, applies to “infrastructure projects” whose total cost falls under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold for federal procurement, currently $250,000. It also applies to de minimis portions of infrastructure projects. The notice does not explain what is considered to be infrastructure.

The exigent circumstances waiver applies when there are exigent circumstances, particularly related to maintenance, rehabilitation and repair activities at affordable housing and community development projects. It also took effect on November 23.

The phased implementation waiver enables HUD to implement the Buy America preference first in the CDBG formula grant program, by waiving it for all other HUD funding obligated through February 21, 2023.

Multifamily housing goals set for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

The Federal Housing Finance Agency used a new methodology to establish benchmarks for Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s purchases of mortgages for affordable multifamily housing for 2023 and 2024.

Public charge resources offered as new rule takes effect

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued policy guidance and a new form related to the public charge rule for noncitizens, adding to its other resources. A revised regulation was issued in September and takes effect on December 23, focusing on receipt of cash assistance or long-term institutionalization and excluding housing aid from the determination whether a noncitizen is likely to become a public charge. Resources for communities (in several languages) and for advocates are also available from the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Opioid settlement distribution formulas result in less financial support for rural communities

The opioid epidemic severely affected rural communities. However, the allocation plans from multiple states for the $26 billion national settlement rely partly on county population totals. As a result, some rural communities in significant need of recovery housing, treatment facilities, and professionals are not receiving the funding they need to address the opioid epidemic.

Pennsylvania housing lower quality in rural places than in urban

Using a definition of rural municipalities developed by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and a housing quality index, researchers found that, on average, the quality of rural housing in the state was lower than that of urban housing. Rural residences were more likely to burn coal or coke as heating fuel, less likely to have phone or high-speed internet, and more likely to have incomplete plumbing and kitchens. Their report, Assessment and Analysis of Housing Quality and Policies in Rural Pennsylvania, shows that characteristics such as income, education, marital status, and race all correlated with housing quality. The research also included an examination of municipal property maintenance codes; those findings are summarized in a Philadelphia Inquirer article titled Almost 90% of Rural Pennsylvania Municipalities Lack Property Upkeep Rules.

Article summarizes status of broadband in affordable rural housing

Many factors contribute to difficulties in increasing rural broadband access, according to an overview offered in a post from the Pew Trusts’ Broadband Access Initiative. Broadband Access Still a Challenge in Rural Affordable Housing concludes that more subsidies and government funding are needed to encourage providers to serve communities.

HAC

HAC seeks Portfolio Manager, Self-Help Housing and Housing Specialist – Native American Communities

• The Portfolio Manager, Self-Help Housing is responsible for the overall asset management, monitoring and reporting for an assigned portfolio of primarily self-help housing loans made to entities engaged in affordable housing activities in rural communities throughout the United States. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Housing Specialist – Native American Communities is responsible for providing direct technical assistance, coaching, and training to tribal communities, tribal housing departments, tribal housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations serving tribal communities. Travel is required. This position is eligible for telecommuting.

National Rural Housing Conference set for October 2023

Mark your calendars and save the date! HAC’s National Rural Housing Conference will be held October 24-27, 2023 in Washington, DC and online.

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).

Want to reprint a HAC News item?

Please credit the HAC News and provide a link to HAC’s website. Thank you!

TOP STORIES

Congressional lame duck session must address spending, possibly tax measures

Remaining business for the outgoing Congress includes providing funds to keep the federal government open beyond the December 16 expiration of the current continuing resolution. Legislators may also decide to extend expiring tax measures before the end of December, and could use that bill to expand the Low Income Housing Tax Credit.

HAC testifies on persistent poverty before House subcommittee

Lance George, HAC’s Director of Research and Information, was one of several witnesses at a November 15 hearing on Persistent Poverty in America: Addressing Chronic Disinvestment in Colonias, the Southern Black Belt, and the U.S. Territories before the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance. His testimony described persistent poverty’s impacts in these largely rural places.

Senators mention housing needs during Farm Bill hearing

Farm Bill 2023: Rural Development and Energy Programs, a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on November 15, featured testimony from USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small and others. Although rural housing is generally under the jurisdiction of the Senate Banking Committee rather than the Ag Committee, Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), who serves on both panels, and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who chairs the Banking Committee, mentioned rural housing needs during the hearing.

RuralSTAT

In 2021, people 65 years and older made up more than 20% of the population outside metro areas for the first time in U.S. census history, up from 16% in 2010. Source: USDA Economic Research Service, Rural America at a Glance: 2022 Edition.

OPPORTUNITIES

Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration funds available

Nonprofits and state, local, or tribal governments that have active DOE Weatherization Assistance Program grants or HUD Healthy Homes Production grants are eligible for Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration grants. Awards may be used for housing interventions in lower-income households that are served by both programs to determine whether coordination between the programs is cost-effective and leads to better outcomes in improving the safety and quality of homes. The deadline is January 5. For more information, contact Brenda M. Reyes, HUD.

Project for Public Spaces Community Placemaking Grant applications due

The Project for Public Spaces Fall 2022 Community Placemaking Grant closes November 28. Two selected applicants will receive $75,000 grant awards for physical and programmatic improvements to outdoor public spaces and technical assistance for community placemaking. Nonprofits or local governments with projects in specific counties in 14 states are eligible.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Community investment programs comment deadline extended

Housing, community facilities, and broadband programs are included along with programs to strengthen community lenders, small businesses, and more, in a request for comment from the new Interagency Community Investment Committee, which hopes to improve the operations and delivery of federal community investment programs through stronger federal collaboration. The comment deadline is now December 19, rather than December 5 as originally announced. For more information, contact Viraj Parikh, Treasury Department, 202-923-5161.

USDA releases new but incomplete guidance on Violence Against Women Act

A new Guide for Administering and Complying with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Attachment 6-K), issued September 30, provides explanations, examples, and forms to help USDA staff and multifamily property owners and managers comply with VAWA. It does not, however, include information about the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022, which took effect on October 1. Explanations of the expansions adopted in 2022 are available from the National Housing Law Project, which will also offer a webinar on November 29, The Violence Against Women Act 2022 Reauthorization: Overview and Updates.

FHA to accept private flood insurance

Effective on December 21, homeowners with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration will have the option to purchase private flood insurance rather than federally backed insurance. Like USDA, VA, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, FHA requires property owners (including owners of manufactured homes) who live in flood hazard areas to carry flood insurance. For more information, contact Elisa Saunders, HUD, 202-708-2121, or an FHA lender.

EVENTS

HAC offers USDA 502 packaging training in South Carolina

The three-day USDA Section 502 Direct Certified Loan Application Packaging Training, designed for those experienced in using Section 502, will provide participants with a strong understanding of 502 direct underwriting and packaging standards, which will ensure that submitted loan dockets are complete and accessible for processing. The course will be held in Charleston, SC, on December 6-8. Registration is $750. For more information, contact HAC staff, registration@ruralhome.org, 202-516-6271.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

90% of U.S. counties experienced climate disasters in last 10 years

Maps and data for the 50 states show county-by-county climate impacts in an Atlas of Disaster compiled by Rebuild by Design, APTIM, and iParametrics. Recognizing that disasters are experienced unequally based on underlying vulnerabilities such as race/ethnicity and income, the maps depict which areas have been hit the hardest by recent climate events, where recovery funds are focused, where people with high social vulnerabilities live, and which areas have the least energy reliability. The report’s recommendations focus on addressing inequities.

News reports describe homelessness for rural youth and elderly

Young and Homeless in Rural America, a New York Times article and podcast, describes the plight of homeless youth in rural Ohio, where the lack of support systems leaves schools and churches to fill gaps. The impact of rising housing costs on elders is covered in More Older Americans Become Homeless as Inflation Rises and Housing Costs Spike, a National Public Radio piece focusing on Montana, where a survey found 44% of older adults struggled with housing and only 10% considered housing affordable.

HAC

HAC seeks Portfolio Manager, Self-Help Housing; Research Associate; and Housing Specialist – Native American Communities

• The Portfolio Manager, Self-Help Housing is responsible for the overall asset management, monitoring and reporting for an assigned portfolio of primarily self-help housing loans made to entities engaged in affordable housing activities in rural communities throughout the United States. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Research Associate conducts original research, manages data, and disseminates information that informs local strategies and national policies to improve conditions for rural Americans. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Housing Specialist – Native American Communities is responsible for providing direct technical assistance, coaching, and training to tribal communities, tribal housing departments, tribal housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations serving tribal communities. Travel is required. This position is eligible for telecommuting.

National Rural Housing Conference set for October 2023

Mark your calendars and save the date! HAC’s National Rural Housing Conference will be held October 24-27, 2023 in Washington, DC and online.

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).

Want to reprint a HAC News item?

Please credit the HAC News and provide a link to HAC’s website. Thank you!

 

TOP STORIES

New HUD effort addresses homelessness in disaster areas

HUD’s new Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program will provide funding to address homelessness in places hit by disasters. To fill gaps in other programs, RUSH funding will help people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness. Eligible activities include emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and outreach assistance, including assistance to meet urgent needs. On October 24, HUD announced it will distribute the first of two 2022 RUSH allocations to the state of Florida and seven localities impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Five barriers to affordable rural housing in the Black Belt

The Montgomery Advertiser reports on a discussion of affordable housing held by experts, including HAC President and CEO David Lipsetz, in rural Alabama. They identified several hurdles, including heirs’ property complications, a lack of infrastructure, and a shrinking construction workforce.

RuralSTAT

In the states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, adult residents of counties on the U.S.-Mexico border were more likely than their non-border counterparts to report delaying healthcare because of cost (16.0% versus 14.0%), and disparities were particularly pronounced among those living in counties outside metropolitan areas: 24.1% in border counties compared to 16.1% in non-border counties. Source: National Rural Health Association.

OPPORTUNITIES

Supportive Services for Veteran Families grants offered

Nonprofits and consumer coops can apply by February 10 for SSVF grants to coordinate or provide supportive services to very low-income veteran families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. For more information, contact John Kuhn, VA.

Funds available to help manufactured housing residents with water and wastewater

USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants program will fund nonprofits to provide technical assistance and training to help improve water treatment and waste disposal systems for rural people living in manufactured homes. Applications are due November 13. For more information, contact Lorrie A. Davis, USDA, 202-568-9046.

Microgrants support marginalized LGBTQ+ older people

SAGE, which provides “advocacy and services for LGBTQ+ elders,” is offering support for ongoing projects involving services and programming for marginalized LGBTQ+ older people (ages 50 and older), including those in rural places. Community groups, coalitions, or organizations with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less are eligible. Awardees will receive unrestricted funds of up to $5,000, training and resources, and networking opportunities. Applications are due November 18. For more information, email equityinnovation@sageusa.org.

Pro bono staff capacity offered for reducing homelessness

The Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab’s Homelessness Prevention and Rehousing Accelerator offers free hands-on technical assistance for initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness. The GPL will provide dedicated staff capacity for at least 12 months, as well as training and information. State or local jurisdictions, or nonprofits that are Continuum of Care collaborative applicants with a government partner, are eligible. An informational webinar will be held November 2 and applications are due November 18. For more information, email govlab@hks.harvard.edu.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

FY23 Difficult Development Areas and Qualified Census Tracts listed

HUD’s annual lists of designations for use in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program have been posted online. For more information, contact Michael K. Hollar, HUD, 202-402-5878.

HAC makes recommendations for H-2A farmworker pilot

The USDA Farm Service Agency’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program should incentivize accessible, affordable, and decent housing for farmworkers, HAC stated in recent comments. Responding to a request for input on the initiative, HAC also supported regular wellness checks, a survey to collect data on farmworker housing conditions, use of appropriate language and communications methods, and training in workers’ rights.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

New programs incentivize home energy upgrades

Home Energy Upgrade Incentives: Programs in the Inflation Reduction Act and Other Recent Federal Laws, a policy brief from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, summarizes programs that will or could provide significant resources for energy efficiency retrofits for existing single-family and multifamily homes.

HUD offers resilience resources for communities and PHAs

• HUD’s Community Resilience Toolkit is designed to help communities enhance their resilience to climate-related natural hazards and risks. It offers resources to help identify climate-related natural hazard risks; enhance the resilience of housing, infrastructure, and residents to those hazards; and implement resilience actions using HUD funds and other innovative financing options.
• An updated Public Housing Agency Disaster Readiness, Response, and Recovery Guidebook recommends actions and funding sources for PHAs.

Flaws identified in FEMA housing inspections process

Disaster Assistance: Actions Needed to Strengthen FEMA’s Housing Inspections Process reports on a GAO review of the housing inspections FEMA conducted for some applicants to its Individuals and Households Program after major disasters in 2018-2021. One change reduced award amounts, while allowing applicants to assess their own damages (now discontinued) resulted in underestimates of damages. GAO made several recommendations, including that FEMA assess the accuracy of its damage level approach and take steps to ensure that its policies on the use of self-assessments are supported by evidence.

Housing program changes needed for people with disabilities

“Disabled people are housing instable and housing insecure, and federal programs are not meeting their needs,” states a fact sheet from the Urban Institute and the Kelsey. People with Disabilities Living in the US Face Urgent Barriers to Housing: Federal Programs Are Not Meeting the Housing Needs of Disabled People reports that 84% of disabled people with low incomes in the U.S., nearly 18 million people, were eligible for housing assistance in 2021 but did not receive it. The authors include several recommendations to reduce barriers to affordable housing for people with disabilities.

Research considers digitalization and housing

Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies released Digitalization and Housing: Framing Paper for “Bringing Digitalization Home: How Can Technology Address Housing Challenges?” This is the first in a series of papers exploring how digitalization – “the strategic use of technologies that collect, create, process, organize, analyze, use, and monetize data” – can be used to address housing affordability, segregation, discrimination, displacement, resiliency, and other current housing-related challenges.

HAC

HAC seeks Research Associate and Housing Specialist – Native American Communities

• The Research Associate conducts original research, manages data, and disseminates information that informs local strategies and national policies to improve conditions for rural Americans. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Housing Specialist – Native American Communities is responsible for providing direct technical assistance, coaching, and training to tribal communities, tribal housing departments, tribal housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations serving tribal communities. Travel is required. This position is eligible for telecommuting.

National Rural Housing Conference set for October 2023

Mark your calendars and save the date! HAC’s National Rural Housing Conference will be held October 24-27, 2023 in Washington, DC and online.

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).

Want to reprint a HAC News item?

Please credit the HAC News and provide a link to HAC’s website. Thank you!

 

TOP STORIES

Federal funding expected to continue

The Senate and House are likely to pass H.R. 6833, a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open when fiscal year 2023 begins on October 1, and President Biden is expected to sign the measure. It will keep most federal housing programs at FY22 levels, with an additional $2 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. The CR ends on December 16, so further congressional action on FY23 appropriations will be required by then.

Disaster guides online for survivors of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian

The Housing Assistance Council’s thoughts are with our rural partners and communities affected by the recent hurricanes in the South and the Caribbean. HAC offers online resource guides with information for individuals and families in areas hit by Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Fiona. Other disaster resources from HAC include Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster and a Disaster Response for Rural Communities Guide.

National Rural Housing Conference set for October 2023

Mark your calendars and save the date! HAC’s National Rural Housing Conference will be held October 24-27, 2023 in Washington, DC and online. The conference brings together stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing from local nonprofits, federal agencies, Congress, state and local governments, and other industry leaders for two-and-a-half days of training, discussion, and networking. We are excited to see you all in DC in 2023!

Rural housing preservation bill introduced in Senate

The Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act, S. 4872, was introduced on September 15 by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Tina Smith (D-MN). Like other measures introduced in the past several years, this bill would authorize USDA’s Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) program, establish a preference for restructuring a property’s USDA mortgage loan when possible, and decouple Section 521 Rental Assistance so that tenants can continue to receive aid when mortgage restructuring is not possible. It would expand eligibility for Section 542 vouchers and would require USDA to improve its technology and submit a plan for preserving its rental portfolio. A companion bill, H.R. 1728, was introduced in the House by Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) in March 2021.

Senate subcommittee hears ideas for improving USDA housing programs

Witnesses described the successes and shortcomings of the rural housing programs at a September 20 hearing titled Examining the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service: Stakeholder Perspectives, convened by the Senate Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development. Recommendations covered single-family and multifamily programs, as well as staffing and technology issues. HAC, the National Housing Law Project, and the National Rural Housing Coalition submitted written testimony.

RuralSTAT

In rural areas, recipients of disaster recovery aid from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program received less assistance (about 5.7% less on average) than those in urban areas. Source: Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center at Texas A&M University.

OPPORTUNITIES

HUD offers Section 202 elderly housing funds

The Section 202 program makes capital advances to sponsors to finance construction, reconstruction, moderate or substantial rehabilitation, or acquisition of a structure with or without rehabilitation, to provide housing to elderly persons who can live independently with some services. This year HUD is also supporting the development of intergenerational housing for elderly caregivers raising children. Applications are due January 25. For more information, contact HUD staff.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

New colonia determination proposed, based on HAC research

The Federal Housing Finance Agency proposes to change the way it determines what geographic areas are considered colonias for purposes of Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s Duty to Serve activities. Based on research conducted by HAC, FHFA suggests it would identify colonias by census tracts, even when they do not meet a definition of “rural.” Comments will be due 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register.

HOME regulation finalized

HUD has finalized without change an interim final rule issued December 2, 2016. The rule revised how HUD determines compliance with commitment requirements and made revisions to prevent loss of allocated HOME funds when program income is expended. For more information, contact Virginia Sardone, HUD, 202-708-2684.

HUD requests input on new green retrofit program

HUD is designing a new Green and Resilient Retrofit Program that will provide loans and grants to support energy and water efficiency retrofits and climate resilience of HUD-assisted multifamily properties. The department seeks public input by October 27 to inform prioritization of work, treatment of cost-benefit analyses, and key design elements. For more information, contact Lauren Ross, HUD, 202-402-5423.

Meetings will cover aligning HUD’s manufactured housing code with energy conservation standards

HUD’s Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee will hold meetings on October 18-20 and November 15-17 to discuss rulemaking to align the HUD Code for manufactured housing with the Department of Energy’s Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing, which have a required compliance date of May 31, 2023. The meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact Teresa B. Payne, HUD, 202-708-6423. To sign up to make comments at a meeting or to submit written comments, contact Home Innovation Research Labs, 1-888-602-4663.

USDA again extends authorization for third-party appraisals

In connection with Section 502 direct loans, USDA will continue to accept appraisals obtained by self-help grantees, certified loan application packagers, agency-approved intermediaries, and leveraged or other participating lenders. The temporary authorization was due to expire September 30, 2022, but now will remain effective through September 30, 2023. The appraisal fee is an out-of-pocket expense to the applicant but may be reimbursed with loan funds at loan closing. For more information, contact a USDA RD office.

Input requested on farm labor shortages and protections

USDA’s Farm Service Agency held listening sessions September 28 and 29 on the recently announced Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program, which aims to address labor shortages in agriculture, reduce “irregular” migration, and improve labor protections for farmworkers. FSA will also consider written comments received by October 24. For more information, contact Linda Cronin, FSA, 202-692-4928.

EVENTS

HAC webinar to cover permanent supportive housing

Permanent Supportive Housing in Rural Areas, scheduled for October 5, will provide information on challenges and opportunities. Permanent supportive housing offers long-term affordable housing with access to supportive services for vulnerable populations. The session will cover supportive housing models and strategies as well as financial resources for acquisition, rehab, and new construction.

Nonprofit finances, homelessness funding, and disaster resilience information posted

Recordings and materials from three recent HAC webinars are available online.

• Nonprofit Finances for Non-Finance Professionals discussed a nonprofit’s fiscal responsibilities and an overview of a nonprofit’s financial statements.
• Funding Opportunities: Learn More About HUD’s Special NOFO to Address Rural Homelessness and New Stability Housing Voucher Program was cosponsored by HAC, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
• Preparing your Organization for Disaster: A Guide to Rural Resilience featured local organizations that have experienced natural disasters, showcased HAC’s Rural Resilience in the Face of Disaster website, and offered tools to help organizations get ready for disaster.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Data, reports, and more available at Black Wealth Data Center

The Black Wealth Data Center site says it “intends to fuel the creation of a national standard for racial wealth equity and drive nonpartisan, evidence-based decisions with the comprehensive data necessary to unlock innovation.” The center was conceived and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Greenwood Initiative and is hosted by Prosperity Now.

Report describes ways to prevent evictions

Home for Good: Strategies to Prevent Eviction and Promote Housing Stability, a recent paper from Enterprise Community Partners, describes holistic strategies for preventing evictions and promoting housing stability. Guidance includes ensuring housing stability and intervening early to help those most vulnerable to evictions.

Inflation Reduction Act’s housing energy provisions summarized

What Does the Inflation Reduction Act Mean for Housing?, a post from the Bipartisan Policy Center, presents a detailed summary of the housing-related efforts that will be supported by the recent Inflation Reduction Act. They focus on energy efficiency and climate resilience.

U.S. territories and mainland rural areas may be losing population for the same reasons

A Washington Post article entitled People are Fleeing Puerto Rico, Guam and Every Other U.S. Territory. What Gives? explores the universal population loss in the U.S. territories over the last decade. The article finds the territories are in a situation very similar to that of many rural areas on the mainland. Policy changes and the rise of China as a dominant manufacturer have meant declining job opportunities. People leave – particularly the best and brightest – and that creates a cycle where there are fewer resources and fewer opportunities for those who remain, so some of them leave, and so on. Climate change and other factors apply also.

Increased costs impact LIHTC developments

Filling Funding Gaps: How State Agencies are Moving to Meet a Growing Threat to Affordable Housing, a report for the National Council of State Housing Agencies, says unexpected cost increases have affected almost all deals that were awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from 2019 to the present. Interviewees reported cost increases of around 30%, with some even larger. Many sought other funding to close the resulting gaps, reducing the resources available for other affordable housing efforts.

Aspen Institute launches new rural development website

The Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group’s site features CSG resources including the Thrive Rural Framework, a tool for local assessment, priority setting, and strategy. It will also offer content from partners including HAC.

HAC

HAC seeks Research Associate and Housing Specialist – Native American Communities

• The Research Associate conducts original research, manages data, and disseminates information that informs local strategies and national policies to improve conditions for rural Americans. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Housing Specialist – Native American Communities is responsible for providing direct technical assistance, coaching, and training to tribal communities, tribal housing departments, tribal housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations serving tribal communities. Travel is required. This position is eligible for telecommuting.

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).

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TOP STORIES

HUD announces thousands of new vouchers, some with provisions to help rural applicants

• HUD will use over $43 million to support around 4,000 new incremental vouchers for a new Stability Voucher program, which is intended to work with the special Continuum of Care funding targeted to unsheltered and rural homelessness. Stability Vouchers may assist households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, and veterans and families that include a veteran family member who meets one of these criteria. Program details are set out in HUD Notice PIH 2022-24. Stability Vouchers will be allocated to PHAs that administer Housing Choice Voucher programs, demonstrate a strategy to coordinate assistance with services available in the community, and register their interest with HUD by October 20.
• HUD will award about 19,700 new regular Housing Choice Vouchers to PHAs, using $200 million that were included in its FY22 appropriation for this purpose. After the first year, these vouchers will roll into each PHA’s renewals. As explained in Notice PIH 2022-29, HUD will allocate as few as three vouchers per PHA to encourage rural and small PHAs to use them. HUD planned to notify PHAs of their awards by August 26 and PHAs were asked to inform HUD by September 2 if they chose to decline their awards.

Temporary Buy America waiver approved for USDA Rural Development

USDA RD has not yet determined whether it will consider housing and community facilities to be infrastructure and therefore subject to the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act requirements adopted in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It has, however, activated a six-month waiver so that from August 4, 2022 through February 3, 2023, recipients of Rural Development funds will not have to consider the origin of iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure projects unless specifically instructed to do so. The currently open funding round of the ReConnect Program is not covered by the waiver, so BABA does apply to those awards. RD states that the waiver will allow it time “to implement the new requirements and shepherd its customers through a transition to BABA.” A request for a longer-term waiver for de minimis, small grants, and minor components of infrastructure projects financed by all USDA agencies is still pending.

HAC’s Shonterria Charleston appointed to USDA Equity Commission subcommittee

USDA recently announced the 12 members of its Equity Commission’s Subcommittee on Rural Community Economic Development, including Shonterria Charleston, HAC’s Director of Training and Technical Assistance. The RCED subcommittee, along with the full commission and its Subcommittee for Agriculture, will meet on September 20 and 21. The meetings are open to the public online. USDA invites public comments to equitycommission@usda.gov on issues that should be considered by the commission and its subcommittees.

RuralSTAT

A study of rural communities in 10 states found that nonfatal overdoses occurred more often in people using both methamphetamine and opioids (22%) than in those using opioids alone (14%) or methamphetamine alone (6%). Source: National Rural Opioid Initiative.

OPPORTUNITIES

HUD offers grants to modify older adults’ homes

The Older Adult Home Modification Program makes grants to experienced nonprofits, state and local governments, and PHAs for comprehensive programs that make low-cost, high-impact safety and functional home modifications to enable low-income elderly homeowners to remain in their homes. One third of the funding is set aside for communities with “substantial rural populations.” The deadline is October 13. For more information, contact Dr. Taneka Blue, HUD, 202-402-6846.

ReConnect broadband program funding available

From September 6 through November 2, USDA will accept applications for loans and grants under the fourth round of funding from the ReConnect Program. Funds can be used for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit or for-profit organizations, partnerships, cooperatives, states or local governments, Tribes, and U.S. territories or possessions. This funding round is not covered by USDA’s six-month waiver of Buy America requirements, so projects will need to comply with those mandates. For more information, contact Laurel Leverrier, USDA, 202-720-9554.

Heirs’ Property Relending Program announces lenders, seeks more

• USDA has selected three intermediary lenders for its new Heirs’ Property Relending Program: Akiptan, Inc., the Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority, and the Shared Capital Cooperative, which has a partnership with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives. These entities will make loans to help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Details about geographic coverage and contacts for the lenders are posted on USDA’s HPRP site.
• USDA’s Farm Service Agency is accepting applications from additional CDFIs to become HPRP intermediaries. For more information, contact Raenata Walker, USDA, 202-720-4671.

REGULATIONS AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Rules revised for Section 502 guaranteed loans

Changes to program regulations for the Section 502 Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, effective on November 29, will update the requirements for lenders, provide guidance for processing applicants with delinquent child support payments, and align builder requirements with the credit program requirements of other federal agencies. For more information, contact Laurie Mohr, USDA, 314-679-6917.

Fair Market Rents posted

HUD’s Fair Market Rents for fiscal year 2023 are posted online and will be effective on October 1, 2022. Comments are due October 3. For more information, contact Adam Bibler, HUD, 202-402-6057.

FEMA plans to address disasters affecting Tribal lands

The 2022-2026 FEMA National Tribal Strategy is intended to help the agency “to better address its responsibilities to federally recognized tribal nations when responding to and preparing for disasters affecting tribal lands.” The strategy calls for FEMA to initiate a national study on Tribal emergency management capacity and capabilities, develop a program guide, develop Tribal-specific technical assistance resources, convene an annual meeting of national and regional Tribal liaisons, and expand training opportunities for Tribal nations.

HUD supports HIV/AIDS plan

Noting that “access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is a critical social determinant of health,” HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge committed to take several actions in support of the recently issued National HIV/AIDS Strategy Federal Implementation Plan for the United States, 2022-2025. HUD will distribute HIV prevention information to people who administer and people who receive HUD-assisted housing programs, including youth in HUD-assisted housing; partner with other agencies to address situations where homelessness or unstable housing is an identified factor for HIV/AIDS; make efforts to ensure racial and LGBTQ+ equity in access to Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS housing and services; and use scoring points to incentivize communities to address inequities.

Advisory committee to focus on affordable, equitable, and sustainable housing

The Federal Housing Finance Agency is establishing a Federal Advisory Committee on Affordable, Equitable, and Sustainable Housing to advise the agency as it oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHFA will publish a notice in the future soliciting applications for committee membership from people representing diverse communities, points of view, institution asset sizes, and geographical locations. For more information, contact Erin Barry, FHFA, 202-649-3287.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Most Native American veterans cannot take advantage of VA home loan program

National Public Radio reports how rarely Native American veterans on tribal land use the VA’s Native American Direct Loan program to finance their homes. Barriers include limited data about the program’s results, out-of-date user manuals, and the fact that only 20% of the country’s almost 600 tribes have Memorandums of Understanding with VA, which are required before the VA can legally make loans on tribal land. GAO released a report in April with recommendations on ways for the VA to increase mortgage loan program participation.

Attorneys differ regarding Supreme Court decision’s impact on fair housing

Could This Supreme Court Ruling Affect Fair Housing?, a Shelterforce article, compiles the views of several housing attorneys on the possible impact of the court’s West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency decision, which held that EPA could not adopt a regulation with a significant economic impact because Congress had not explicitly granted it the authority to do so. The lawyers quoted in the article, all fair housing experts, reached varying conclusions about whether the same rationale could be used to challenge regulations on affirmatively furthering fair housing or on disparate impact.

HAC

HAC offers career opportunities

• The Housing Specialist – Native American Communities is responsible for providing direct technical assistance, coaching, and training to tribal communities, tribal housing departments, tribal housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations serving tribal communities. Travel is required. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Loan Officer, Rental Preservation, conducts rental housing lending and preservation technical assistance activities. This work includes marketing, originating, and underwriting new loan transactions. The Loan Officer also provides hands-on technical assistance to nonprofits that are seeking to acquire and preserve existing USDA-financed (Section 515) rental developments. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Community Placemaking Manager helps rural residents use their unique artistic and cultural resources to guide local development and shape the future design of their communities. The manager will cultivate the capacity of partner organizations and local communities, facilitate peer-to-peer learning engagements, manage day-to-day program functions and activities, communicate program success, and prepare funding applications. Travel is required. This position is eligible for telecommuting.
• The Training Coordinator will support the successful management and delivery of HAC’s training activities as well as its biennial National Rural Housing Conference. The role requires strong logistical training events experience, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for creating high-quality training events for attendees. This position is eligible for telecommuting.

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).

Want to reprint a HAC News item?

Please credit the HAC News and provide a link to HAC’s website. Thank you!