Opportunities for Promoting Credit for Affordable Housing in Rural America

HAC participated in a White House Rural Council/USDA convening on access to mortgage credit in May. The Center for American Progress summarized the event in a paper entitled Opportunities for Promoting Credit for Affordable Housing in Rural America.

Homeless Population in Rural America (NPR)

NPR: In Rural America, Homeless Population May Be Bigger Than You Think. Homeless advocates say services in rural areas don’t get as much federal funding as they deserve — partly because the number of homeless people might be underestimated.

H-2A Guest Worker visas in the U.S. (NPR)

There are benefits and drawbacks for farmworkers operating under H-2A Guest Worker visas in the U.S., NPR reports. While H-2A workers receive consistent, typically higher wages, they lack freedom to move to more lucrative crop-picking jobs.

USDA offers Section 533 Housing Preservation Grants

USDA offers Section 533 Housing Preservation Grants. Public agencies, nonprofits, tribes, and consortia are eligible to apply by February 12 for these funds, which are then used to fund repairs and rehab for low- and very low-income homeowners.

An Alternative to Standard Public Housing

Out of public housing, and hoping for something better. American Public Media’s ‘Marketplace’ radio highlights the Macon Housing Authority’s plan to replace public housing with something less dense, more modern, and with access to new neighborhoods.

Recent Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions

ERS Economist Lorin Kusmin will discuss the most recent indicators of social and economic conditions in rural areas, focusing on the U.S. rural economy, including employment, population, poverty, and educational attainment in a webinar on January 13.

Rural Programs get a Reprive

From The Daily Yonder: Rural programs that were slated for cuts got a reprieve – and some increases– in last month’s budget compromise. Renters, self-help home builders, and housing agencies will benefit from these last-minute changes.