Tag Archive for: Rural Housing

HAC News: January 8, 2014

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HAC News Formats. pdf

January 8, 2014
Vol. 43, No. 1

• “War on poverty” declared 50 years ago • Congress facing budget deadline • 2015 budget likely to be late • Senate committee approves NAHASDA reauthorization • Watt sworn in at FHFA • USDA proposes nondiscrimination changes • Final rule provides exemptions from appraisals for high-cost mortgages • CFPB issues final rule on mortgage disclosures • CFPB seeks help improving closings • Conducting Homeless Counts on Native American Lands: A Toolkit – Webinar


January 8, 2014
Vol. 43, No. 1

“WAR ON POVERTY” DECLARED 50 YEARS AGO. In his first State of the Union address on January 8, 1964, just seven weeks after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, President Lyndon Johnson announced: “This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America. I urge this Congress and all Americans to join with me in that effort. It will not be a short or easy struggle, no single weapon or strategy will suffice, but we shall not rest until that war is won. . . . Poverty is a national problem, requiring improved national organization and support. But this attack, to be effective, must also be organized at the State and the local level. . . . For the war against poverty will not be won here in Washington. It must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House.” HAC is honored to work with the rural housers who continue to strive towards this goal.

CONGRESS FACING BUDGET DEADLINE. Congress is back in session this week after the holidays. House and Senate appropriators are working to reach agreement on and pass a final 2014 omnibus spending bill before January 15, when the current stopgap continuing resolution expires. Another short-term CR could be needed to avoid a second government shutdown while negotiations continue. Details of the omnibus package are not expected to be revealed until shortly before consideration by the full House and Senate. The overall budget cap for FY14 is $1.012 trillion. Both houses have decided, but have not made public, how that total will be divided among federal agencies. Also yet to be decided is an extension of the federal government’s borrowing authority, which expires February 7. That may be the next showdown.

2015 BUDGET LIKELY TO BE LATE. The Administration’s request for FY15 spending may not be released until a month or so after its due date in early February. The compromise budget agreement completed in December (H.J. Res. 59) set a 2015 overall budget of $1.014 trillion.

SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES NAHASDA REAUTHORIZATION. On December 18, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved S. 1352, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2013. A companion bill has not yet been introduced in the House.

WATT SWORN IN AT FHFA. Former Representative Mel Watt (D-NC) was sworn in on January 6 as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank system. FHFA may now move forward on some stalled initiatives. Particularly important for rural areas would be adoption of regulations implementing a provision of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 that imposes on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac a “duty to serve” three specific underserved markets – rural areas, affordable housing preservation, and manufactured housing. Watt could also require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to begin contributing funds to the National Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund.

USDA PROPOSES NONDISCRIMINATION CHANGES. Comments are due January 27 on a proposed regulation on nondiscrimination in USDA programs and activities. Changes would require collection of data voluntarily provided by participants (already collected by RD), mandate use of alternative dispute resolution services, and add protection against discrimination based on political beliefs and gender identity. Contact Anna Stroman, USDA, 202-205-5953.

FINAL RULE PROVIDES EXEMPTIONS FROM APPRAISALS FOR HIGH-COST MORTGAGES. A regulation issued by the agencies that oversee mortgage lenders exempts streamlined refinances and transactions of $25,000 or less from a provision requiring appraisals for higher-risk mortgages. Loans on manufactured homes will be exempt until July 18, 2015 and then will vary depending on circumstances. Contact Robert L. Parson, OCC, 202-649-6423.

CFPB ISSUES FINAL RULE ON MORTGAGE DISCLOSURES. The Consumer Financial Protection Board has established new disclosure requirements and forms for most consumer mortgage transactions, effective August 1, 2015. The rule also provides guidance on compliance and includes copies of forms in English and Spanish. Contact CFPB’s Office of Regulations, 202-435-7700.

CFPB SEEKS HELP IMPROVING CLOSINGS. Comments, including answers to specific questions, can be submitted by February 7 on key consumer “pain points” associated with mortgage closings and ways to address them through market innovations and technology. Contact Monica Jackson, CFPB, 202-435-7275. [tdborder][/tdborder]

CONDUCTING HOMELESS COUNTS ON NATIVE AMERICAN LANDS: A TOOLKIT
Webinar, February 19, 2014, 2:00 pm (EST)
Presented by HAC, this webinar highlights strategies for Native American communities to conduct homeless counts on their lands. Topics include outreach, engagement, survey planning and implementation, and funding.

HAC News: December 18, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

December 18, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 24

• Congress completes budget deal, with appropriations up next • New Rural Housing Service Administrator named • Senate confirms Watt for FHFA • USDA receives RA funds • Sec. 502 guarantee regulations proposed • Guidance updated on refinancing with Section 502 guaranteed loans • Deadline extended to submit homebuyer education packages to USDA • HUD releases FY14 income limits • Manufactured home standards revised • Harvard reports record levels of renter affordability problems • Report finds little improvement in farmworker conditions • Census tool maps data at local level • Rental Assistance funding explained in new HAC publication


December 18, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 24

CONGRESS COMPLETES BUDGET DEAL, WITH APPROPRIATIONS UP NEXT. On December 12 by a 332-94 vote the House approved H.J. Res. 59, a bipartisan agreement setting an overall budget framework, and the Senate passed it 64-36 on December 18. The agreement averts deep cuts under sequestration and sets top-line budget levels for fiscal 2014 and 2015. Spending levels for individual programs have yet to be established. Before the current continuing resolution expires January 15, appropriators must use the new template to craft their final 2014 bills. The Agriculture and Transportation-HUD bills could be included in an omnibus wrap-up law. Other more contentious appropriations measures, such as the Labor-HHS bill, will likely end up in a year-long continuing resolution for 2014.

NEW RURAL HOUSING SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR NAMED. Tony Hernandez started work December 16 as the new head of USDA’s Rural Housing Service. Most recently Director of the Division of Local Government for the State of Colorado, Hernandez also worked for Fannie Mae as Director of the Colorado Community Business Center, was a HUD Regional Administrator during the Clinton years, and served in the Colorado legislature. He is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, the University of Denver School of Social Work, and Colorado State University.

SENATE CONFIRMS WATT FOR FHFA. Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) was confirmed on December 10 to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank system.

USDA RECEIVES RA FUNDS. USDA now has funds it expects will be sufficient to continue to fund and renew any expiring RA agreements through January. The agency will waive late fees for borrowers who may have been charged for late December mortgage payments. See HAC News, 12/4/13.

SEC. 502 GUARANTEE REGULATIONS PROPOSED. Comments are due January 8 on an interim final rule intended to make the program easier to use. The rule is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2014. Contact Debra Terrell, RD, 202-720-1452.

GUIDANCE UPDATED ON REFINANCING WITH SECTION 502 GUARANTEED LOANS. USDA RD Administrative Notice 4738 provides updated instructions, including new eligibility requirements, for refinancing Section 502 direct or guaranteed loans with guaranteed loans. Contact an RD office.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SUBMIT HOMEBUYER EDUCATION PACKAGES TO USDA. Online counseling programs may now be sent to RD by December 31 to be considered for use by first-time homebuyers receiving Section 502 direct loans. (See HAC News, 9/25/13.) Contact Shantelle Gordon, RD, 202-205-9567.

HUD RELEASES FY14 INCOME LIMITS. The figures for each county and metropolitan area are used to determine eligibility for a number of programs.

MANUFACTURED HOME STANDARDS REVISED. HUD’s final rule amends a variety of provisions of the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. It does not include provisions on energy efficiency or maximum formaldehyde emissions standards for flooring. Contact Henry S. Czauski, HUD, 202-708-6409.

HARVARD REPORTS RECORD LEVELS OF RENTER AFFORDABILITY PROBLEMS. America’s Rental Housing: Evolving Markets and Needs, released by the Joint Center for Housing Studies, states that erosion in renter incomes has pushed the number of cost-burdened households to record levels, and aid has not kept pace. Among the striking findings: from 2001 to 2011 nonmetro areas permanently lost 8.1% of their rental units, compared to losses of 5.7% in central cities and 4.7% in suburbs.

REPORT FINDS LITTLE IMPROVEMENT IN FARMWORKER CONDITIONS. The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act of 1983 was intended to improve working and living conditions for farmworkers in the U.S. According to Unfinished Harvest: The Agricultural Worker Protection Act at 30, published by Farmworker Justice, “Overwhelmingly, farmworker advocates agree that AWPA has not resulted in a demonstrable improvement in farmworker conditions. . . . [Along with other problems,] farmworkers still typically live in over-crowded and substandard housing, rarely visited by government inspectors.” The report recommends improvements in the law and in enforcement.

CENSUS TOOL MAPS DATA AT LOCAL LEVEL. The new Census Explorer uses updated statistics from the 2008-2012 American Community Survey. It allows users to map out social, economic, and housing characteristics for a state, county, or census tract and to see how they have changed since the 1990 and 2000 censuses.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING EXPLAINED IN NEW HAC PUBLICATION. “As Overall Program Funding for USDA Rural Development Shrinks, the Need for Rental Assistance has Grown” briefly covers the recent history of RA funding increases and makes projections for FY14.

HAC News: December 4, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

December 4, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 23

• Budget conference committee may develop two-year plan • USDA expects to have RA funds soon • RA shortfall later in FY14 will be bigger than last year’s • Continuum of Care funds offered • HUD opens new student design and planning competition • Difficult Development Areas announced for 2014 • VA proposes regulations for Home Improvements and Structural Alterations program • HUD finds continued decline in homelessness • Regulators adopt revised CRA questions and answers • Online mapping tool shows race and ethnicity in U.S. places • Rural seniors’ housing covered in Rural Voices magazine


December 4, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 23

BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MAY DEVELOP TWO-YEAR PLAN. While the federal government operates under a continuing resolution through January 15, a House-Senate budget conference committee is to report out an overall budget template by December 13. Then the appropriations committees will produce agency bills, an omnibus spending bill, or a CR for the remainder of FY14. Also looming is another round of sequester cuts. Congressional Quarterly and Politico report that the conference committee is focusing on a limited plan to finish 2014 and cover all of 2015. It would include some relief from the sequester, a two-year discretionary spending template for appropriators, and possible fee-based revenue increases.

USDA EXPECTS TO HAVE RA FUNDS SOON. Some confusion occurred in November when USDA RD informed field staff that it had used up its Rental Assistance funding under the CR. In FY13, USDA used 22% of the $837 million annual RA appropriation between October 1 and January 15, so OMB released the same amount this year. In FY14, however, because FY13 September contracts were renewed after October 1 and some long-term contracts also needed to be renewed, USDA expects to need 52% of $837 million by January 15. OMB has the authority to release the full 52% during the term of the CR and is expected to approve USDA’s request to do so. When the funding becomes available, contracts that expired but were on hold awaiting funds will be renewed and paid retroactively.

RA SHORTFALL LATER IN FY14 WILL BE BIGGER THAN LAST YEAR’S. USDA faces increased demand for Section 521 Rental Assistance funds this year for three reasons, possibly four. First, contracts for about 15,000 units were held over from September and renewed using FY14 funds. Second, about 26,000 long-term RA contracts will expire this year and must be renewed for one-year terms. Contracts covering a total of 39,382 units, created over two decades ago for terms of 20 years or longer, had enough funding to last far beyond their original terms. HAC calculates that $105 million will be needed to renew the additional 26,000 units in 2014 and eventually a total of $160.4 million will be needed for all 39,382. Third, if RA funding for the rest of the fiscal year continues at the same level as FY13, it will again fall short by another approximately 15,000 units. A final possible threat will come if sequestration is not changed for 2014; USDA would have to cut some of its spending, and there are not yet any indications where those cuts might take place. More background is provided in a new Rural Research Note from HAC, “As Overall Program Funding for USDA/Rural Development Shrinks, the Need for Rental Assistance is Growing.” Additional papers and updates will be posted at https://ruralhome.org as available.

CONTINUUM OF CARE FUNDS OFFERED. Applications must be submitted through e-snaps by February 3. Con-tact a HUD field office or submit a question through the OneCPD website.

HUD OPENS NEW STUDENT DESIGN AND PLANNING COMPETITION. Teams of graduate students will develop plans for a site owned by a PHA, including architectural designs, neighborhood planning, and financial plans. Teams may begin registering now. Contact Claire Desjardins, HUD, 202-402-5945.

DIFFICULT DEVELOPMENT AREAS ANNOUNCED FOR 2014. Lists of DDAs and Qualified Census Tracts (the April 20, 2012 QCT designations remain in effect) are posted at https://www.huduser.org/datasets/qct.html. Contact Michael K. Hollar, HUD, 202-402-5878.

VA PROPOSES REGULATIONS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS PROGRAM. HISA funds necessary home improvements and alterations for disabled veterans. Comments are due January 21. Contact Shayla Mitchell, VA, 202-461-0366.

HUD FINDS CONTINUED DECLINE IN HOMELESSNESS. Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness, Part 1 of HUD’s 2013 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, reports a reduction of 3.8% since 2012 and 6.1% since 2010. Data are aggregated by state and by Continuum of Care.

REGULATORS ADOPT REVISED CRA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. The federal agencies that regulate lenders subject to the Community Reinvestment Act made some changes in the interpretive questions and answers that were proposed in March (see HAC News, 3/21/13).

ONLINE MAPPING TOOL SHOWS RACE AND ETHNICITY IN U.S. PLACES. Using 2010 Census data, the Racial Dot Map, provided by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, provides color-coded dots for each person in each census block, showing population density and integration/segregation.

RURAL SENIORS’ HOUSING COVERED IN RURAL VOICES MAGAZINE. The fall issue of HAC’s quarterly magazine is titled “Filling the Gaps: Creating Housing Options for Seniors in Rural Communities.” One print subscription per organization is free from Dan Stern, HAC 202-842-8600.

Filling the Gaps Creating Housing Options for Seniors in Rural Communities

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The Fall 2013 edition issue of Rural Voices focuses on housing for seniors in rural America. As America ages, the challenge of housing its low- and moderate-income senior population becomes an increasingly pressing issue. Rural communities face additional challenges in providing much needed services to a spread out population.

View from Washington

Q&A with Senator Kit Bond
Senator Kit Bond discusses his work with the BiPartisan Policy Center’s Housing Commission and its recommendations for housing older Americans

FEATURES

The Seniors are Coming! Oh Wait, They’re Here

by Dr. E. Hellen Berry,
The effects of an aging population are already being felt in rural America and will continue over the next two decades

Declining Funds in the Section 202 Program

by Alayna Waldrum, LeadingAge
Community action programs can play an important role in addressing both housing and food security needs in rural America.

Minor Repairs Create Major Improvements for Tribal Elder Homes

by Rick Tewa, Pueblo de Cochiti Housing Authority
Housing repair and rehabilitation can be critical for seniors who desire to remain in their home, but physical impairments and fixed budgets can often make these repairs impossible to perform without assistance

Seniors Look to Resident-Owned Manufactured Communities

by Chelsea Catto, Casa of Oregon
Across the country, innovative manufactured housing options are serving seniors who want to age in place in a strong and supportive community

Providing Successful Transportation Options for Seniors in Rural Communities

by Debbie Dauenhauer, Southern Nevada Transit Coalition
The Southern Nevada Transit Coalition’s Silver Riders Program has taken on the task of mitigating transportation challenges for seniors in rural Nevada

MAPS

thumb_aging-rural-america-mapAn Aging Rural America (jpg)
MAP – A Demographic Portrait of Seniors in Rural America

Infographics

Add your Response

Rural Voices would like to hear what you have to say about one, or all, of these issues. Please feel free to comment on this story below, at the Rural Affordable Housing Group on LinkedIn, or on our Facebook page.

HAC News: November 13, 2013

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November 13, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 22

• November is Native American Heritage Month • November 16-24 is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week • Fewer rural jobs, more poverty, and declining population, research shows • RD changes multifamily transfer process • HUD considers risk sharing initiative for small multifamily properties • FEMA issues final rule on assistance for housing damage • Housing counseling comment period extended • USDA used most Section 502 funds, but not Section 504 loans, in FY13 • USDA encourages local partnerships to address veteran homelessness • HUD and DOT launch site on housing and transportation costs • Sequestration’s impact on government activities, including housing, described • Research from sources including HAC covers veterans housing issues • Record share of young adults living at home • HAC reports on farmworker housing


November 13, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 22

NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. President Obama’s proclamation also designates November 29 as Native American Heritage Day. A USDA press release highlights support for Native Americans.

NOVEMBER 16-24 IS NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK. Information, planned events, and ideas are available from the National Coalition for the Homeless.

FEWER RURAL JOBS, MORE POVERTY, AND DECLINING POPULATION, RESEARCH SHOWS. The USDA Econom-ic Research Service’s annual “Rural America at a Glance” report says rural unemployment is declining, but – with exceptions in some areas – the change is due to declining populations rather than job creation. An article in the online rural news source the Daily Yonder summarizes ERS’s findings. A separate Daily Yonder analysis of unemploy-ment data in August 2012 and August 2013 includes an interactive map with figures for every county in the U.S.

RD CHANGES MULTIFAMILY TRANSFER PROCESS. An Unnumbered Letter dated September 30, 2013 focuses on determining the financial feasibility of a transfer or preservation transaction, including reducing Rental Assistance. Contact RD State Office preservation staff.

HUD CONSIDERS RISK SHARING INITIATIVE FOR SMALL MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES. Comments are due January 3 on a proposal for mission-driven lenders, including CDFIs, to originate, underwrite, and service loans with HUD mortgage insurance for refinancing or rehab of small properties. Lenders would assume 50% of the risk on each loan. Contact Lynn Wehrli, HUD, 202-402-5210.

FEMA ISSUES FINAL RULE ON ASSISTANCE FOR HOUSING DAMAGE. Revisions to FEMA’s repair, replacement, and housing construction assistance regulations are intended to clarify the eligibility criteria for assistance and to implement legislative changes. Contact John Carleton, FEMA, 202-212-1000.

HOUSING COUNSELING COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED. Comments are now due December 12 on changes to HUD’s housing counseling program regulations, published September 13 (see HAC News, 9/11/13). Contact Ruth Román, HUD, 202-708-0317.

USDA USED MOST SECTION 502 FUNDS, BUT NOT SECTION 504 LOANS, IN FY13. Despite USDA’s success-ful efforts to attract borrowers near the end of the year (see HAC News, 8/1/13 and 8/28/13), HAC estimates that USDA used only 53% of its Section 504 home repair loan funds in FY13. Section 504 grant funds were fully used, and Section 502 direct and guaranteed loans were almost entirely obligated. HAC’s final USDA obligations reports for the year are posted online.

USDA ENCOURAGES LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS VETERAN HOMELESSNESS. An Unnumbered Letter dated November 8, 2013 suggests that RD field staff inform local organizations about RD housing programs.

HUD AND DOT LAUNCH SITE ON HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION COSTS. The Location Affordability Portal is intended to provide consumers, researchers, and policymakers with data and resources on combined housing and transportation costs for all parts of the U.S. including remote rural areas.

SEQUESTRATION’S IMPACT ON GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING HOUSING, DESCRIBED. Faces of Austerity: How Budget Cuts Have Made Us Sicker, Poorer, and Less Secure, published by NDD United, compiles data, quotes, and individual stories. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has updated its data on use of HUD vouchers, including the number of vouchers that will be lost in each state if sequestration continues in FY14.

RESEARCH FROM SOURCES INCLUDING HAC COVERS VETERANS HOUSING ISSUES. “Housing Our Heroes: Veterans in Rural America,” a HAC research brief, summarizes data on demographics, housing conditions, and homelessness. USDA’s Economic Research Service provides demographic and economic data in “Rural Veterans at a Glance.” (ERS uses data for nonmetro areas, while HAC uses a definition of rural based on census tracts.) Housing Instability Among Our Nation’s Veterans, a National Low Income Housing Coalition report, examines housing issues for veterans nationwide. “Rental Assistance Helps More Than 300,000 Veterans Afford Homes, But Large Unmet Needs Remain,” from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, also covers the topic on a national basis.

RECORD SHARE OF YOUNG ADULTS LIVING AT HOME. More than one-third of Millennials aged 18-31 are living with their parents, according to A Rising Share of Young Adults Live in Their Parents’ Home, published by the Pew Research Center. A Forbes analysis of the report suggests that federal policies favoring homeownership led to high housing prices that young adults cannot afford.

HAC REPORTS ON FARMWORKER HOUSING. Housing Conditions for Rural Farmworkers explains character-istics of farmworker housing and obstacles to its improvement.

HAC News: September 25, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

September 25, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 19

• National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated September 15-October 15 • Shutdown possible? • CR will extend area eligibility for USDA rural housing programs • Assisted Living Conversion funds offered • USDA RD to review online homebuyer counseling programs • Agencies propose aligning definitions of qualified mortgages • CFPB amends some mortgage regulations including rural and underserved exemption • Nonmetro poverty increased in 2012 while national rate remained the same • Low-power FM radio opportunities offered in October • HUD offers website and email list for Native American housing study • HAC report describes colonias • Between 2000 and 2010, more than one-third of U.S. counties lost population. How has your community changed?


September 25, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 19

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATED SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15. President Obama’s proclamation is posted online.

SHUTDOWN POSSIBLE? Congress this week continues to debate passage of a continuing resolution to begin FY 2014 on October 1. “Non-essential” federal functions could be shut down if no agreement is reached. On September 17 OMB sent a memo to federal agencies telling them to plan for a shutdown. At press time, neither USDA nor HUD has issued guidelines for shutting down. When a possible shutdown loomed in 2011, USDA Rural Development’s contingency plan said no new loans or guarantees would be made without an appropriation, and all offices would close except for the Washington, D.C. national office and the St. Louis finance office. St. Louis would be the contact for loan servicing. HAC will provide updates at www.ruralhome.org.

CR WILL EXTEND AREA ELIGIBILITY FOR USDA RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS. H.J.Res. 59, the continuing resolution passed by the House on September 20, would extend grandfathering of currently eligible places for as long as the CR lasts. At press time the Senate had not yet voted on the CR, but the language allowing for the extension is not in dispute, so it is expected to be included in any final version.

ASSISTED LIVING CONVERSION FUNDS OFFERED. Nonprofit owners of several types of HUD-assisted properties, including Section 515 developments with Section 8, can apply by November 18 for grants to convert to assisted living facilities or service enriched housing. Contact Katina Washington, HUD, 202-708-3000.

USDA RD TO REVIEW ONLINE HOMEBUYER COUNSELING PROGRAMS. Currently one online education provider is approved by USDA for use by first-time homebuyers receiving Section 502 direct loans. (Courses can also be taken in classrooms, by phone, or by self-study.) RD invites other providers of online courses to apply by October 23 for approval. Contact Shantelle Gordon, RD, 202-205-9567.

AGENCIES PROPOSE ALIGNING DEFINITIONS OF QUALIFIED MORTGAGES. HUD and other federal agencies jointly responsible for implementing the credit risk retention requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act suggest defining “qualified residential mortgages” the same way as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau defines “qualified mortgages.” In 2011 (see HAC News, 6/8/11) the agencies suggested a QRM definition that would have favored homebuyers with 20% downpayments. The new proposal would make other regulatory changes as well. Comments are due October 30. Contact Michael P. Nixon, HUD, 202-402-5216 or Mike Feinberg, HAC, 202-842-8600.

CFPB AMENDS SOME MORTGAGE REGULATIONS INCLUDING RURAL AND UNDERSERVED EXEMPTION. On October 1 a final rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will be published in the Federal Register making some changes to a proposed rule published in June (see HAC News, 7/3/13).

NONMETRO POVERTY INCREASED IN 2012 WHILE NATIONAL RATE REMAINED THE SAME. A HAC analysis of new Census Bureau data shows the official poverty rate in nonmetropolitan areas was 17.7%, up from 17.0% in 2011 and nearly 3 percentage points higher than the national level. Overall, 8.5 million nonmetro residents had incomes below the poverty line in 2012, a statistically significant increase of more than 400,000 persons from the 2011 level. Details are published by HAC and the Daily Yonder.

LOW-POWER FM RADIO OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED IN OCTOBER. The Federal Communications Commission offers a rare opportunity for nonprofits, tribes, and local governments to apply between October 15 and October 29 for licenses for non-commercial low-power FM radio stations. FCC will hold a webinar for potential applicants on October 3. Contact FCC staff, 202-418-2700.

HUD OFFERS WEBSITE AND EMAIL LIST FOR NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING STUDY. A congressionally mandated study of the housing needs of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians is underway and the final report is expected in December 2014. Survey instruments and other information are posted at https://www.huduser.org/portal/native_american_assessment/home.html, where one can also sign up for email updates.

HAC REPORT DESCRIBES COLONIAS. Housing in the Border Coloniasdetails the social, economic, and housing characteristics of the colonias region on the U.S. side of the U.S.-Mexico border. Most residents are of Mexican heritage. Poor housing conditions are common in the colonias with an old, deteriorating housing stock, combined with newer units that do not meet building codes. To order a printed copy, contact Dan Stern, HAC, 202-842-8600.

BETWEEN 2000 AND 2010, MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF U.S. COUNTIES LOST POPULATION. HOW HAS YOUR COMMUNITY CHANGED? Find out at HAC’s Rural Data Portal, www.ruraldataportal.org.

Hunger and Housing in Rural America: Intersecting Challenges and Solutions

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The Summer 2013 special edition issue of Rural Voices focuses on Hunger and Housing in Rural America. With housing affordability an increasing challenge, and hunger a more pronounced issue, how are rural communities combatting these issues?

View from Washington

Supporting Rural America’s Housing and Nutrition Needs
by Under Secretary Kevin Concannon, USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services
The USDA offers programs that support rural communities to address their housing and food security needs.

FEATURES

Rural Hunger and Housing: Challenges and Opportunities
by Lorette Picciano, Rural Coalition/Coalición Rural
Rural America faces challenges and opportunities in housing and food security.

Building Homes and Feeding the Hungry in Rural Pennsylvania
by Kate Thompson, Fayette County Community Action Agency
Community action programs can play an important role in addressing both housing and food security needs in rural America.

Farmworker Housing: Implications for Food Security and Food Safety
by Sara A. Quandt and Thomas A. Arcury, Wake Forest School of Medicine
Although they help feed America, farmworkers often face substandard conditions and food insecurity at their own tables.

Growing Food and Housing Security in South Dakota’s Native American Reservations
by Lauren Haas Finkelstein, Running Strong for American Indian Youth
South Dakota’s Native American community is fighting hunger and substandard housing to protect their children and future leaders.

Food Justice in the Rural Southeast
by John Zippert, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund
Southern farmers are forming cooperatives and coalitions to secure food and housing justice while overcoming a history of discriminatory land and farm policies.

Developing Leadership to Address Health & Hunger
Interview with Starry Krueger, Rural Development Leadership Network
Rural Voices recently interviewed Starry Krueger of the Rural Development Leadership Network, about a new leadership development program in Mississippi.

MAPS & VIGNETTES

Hunger & Poverty in Rural America (jpg)
MAP – Many rural communities struggle to access enough nutritious food for their families.

Addressing Child Hunger in Rural New Mexico
Share Our Strength

What are Rural Food Deserts?
Map

Infographics

Add your Response

Rural Voices would like to hear what you have to say about one, or all, of these issues. Please feel free to comment on this story at the Rural Affordable Housing Group on LinkedIn, or on our Facebook page.

HAC News: July 17, 2013

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July 17, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 14

• Cordray confirmed as CFPB director • DeMarco faces litigation over National Housing Trust Fund • Senate Farm Bill includes rural housing definition extension, House does not • Border Community Capital Initiative funding offered • HUD proposes new Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule • OMB issues 2013 Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement • CFPB updates list of rural or underserved counties for 2014 • Origination fees increased for Section 502 refinance pilot • HUD data shows decline in public housing, increases in vouchers and tax credits • Two HUD studies find discrimination continues • 2013 Kids Count data show higher ratings for education, health, and poverty • Op-ed describes sequestration’s impacts on Pine Ridge • Bipartisan Policy Center Housing Commission to hold regional forums • Register now for training on seniors and veterans housing


July 17, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 14

CORDRAY CONFIRMED AS CFPB DIRECTOR. After resolution of a partisan stand-off, on July 16 the Senate confirmed Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

DEMARCO FACES LITIGATION OVER NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND. The National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Right to the City Alliance, and several individuals filed suit on July 9 against Ed DeMarco, acting head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, claiming he has violated the law by not requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to finance the trust fund created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

SENATE FARM BILL INCLUDES RURAL HOUSING DEFINITION EXTENSION, HOUSE DOES NOT. All places currently eligible for USDA housing funds would remain eligible until the 2020 Census – so long as their populations remain below 35,000 – under Section 6202 of S. 954, passed by the Senate on June 10. H.R. 2642, passed by the House on July 11, is silent on the subject. A National Rural Housing Coalition petition is available online.

BORDER COMMUNITY CAPITAL INITIATIVE FUNDING OFFERED. Local nonprofits and tribes can apply by August 26 for funds to provide affordable housing, small business and community facilities to benefit colonias residents. Contact HUD’s Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development, 877-787-2526.

HUD PROPOSES NEW AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING RULE. Comments will be due 60 days after Federal Register publication on July 19. Changes include HUD data, clarification of the AFFH process’s goals, and a new mechanism for HUD review and oversight. Contact Camille Acevedo, HUD, 202-708-1793.

OMB ISSUES 2013 CIRCULAR A-133 COMPLIANCE SUPPLEMENT. Comments are due October 31 on the annual supplement to this circular, which governs audits of states, nonprofits, and local organizations receiving federal funds. For more information contact a funding agency.

CFPB UPDATES LIST OF RURAL OR UNDERSERVED COUNTIES FOR 2014. The list is used for several different regulations. Some counties have been added and about 50 have been removed. Contact CFPB, 202-435-7700.

ORIGINATION FEES INCREASED FOR SECTION 502 REFINANCE PILOT. Administrative Notice 4720 (July 16, 2013) allows fees at 2% of the loan amount or $3,000, whichever is less, rather than the 1% previously permitted. Contact an RD office or Kristina Zehr, RD, 309-452-0830 ext. 111.

HUD DATA SHOWS DECLINE IN PUBLIC HOUSING, INCREASES IN VOUCHERS AND TAX CREDITS. HUD recently released its Picture of Subsidized Households data for 2009 through 2012. A National Low Income Housing Coalition analysis found that since 2009 the average median income of households living in subsidized housing has dropped. The number of public housing units fell nationwide, while the numbers of housing choice vouchers and Low Income Housing Tax Credit units increased. Voucher recipients and public housing residents had similar economic situations, but heads of voucher households were more likely to be single mothers and less likely to be elderly.

TWO HUD STUDIES FIND DISCRIMINATION CONTINUES. Housing Discrimination Against Racial and Ethnic Minorities 2012 reports that in paired tests conducted in metro areas, minorities were shown fewer homes or apartments than whites. An Estimate of Housing Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples reports on the first study of its kind, also using paired testing in metro areas. Same-sex couples received significantly fewer responses to e-mail inquiries about advertised units than heterosexual couples.

2013 KIDS COUNT DATA SHOW HIGHER RATINGS FOR EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND POVERTY. Tracking 16 indicators of child well-being, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2013 Kids Count Data Book reports that education and health continue to make gains although poverty rates are growing, as are disparities by income and family structure.

OP-ED DESCRIBES SEQUESTRATION’S IMPACTS ON PINE RIDGE. Former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan wrote in the New York Times on July 10 that funding cuts are reducing the already inadequate resources for housing, health care, and education on the reservation, and recommended tribes be exempt from sequestration.

BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION TO HOLD REGIONAL FORUMS. Free and open to the public, the events on August 13 in Dallas, August 22 in Ketcham, ID, and August 27 in Columbus, OH will feature panels discussing issues including the state of the housing market, affordable rental housing, rural housing, and reform of the U.S mortgage system. Register online at https://bipartisanpolicy.org/events/upcoming.

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING ON SENIORS AND VETERANS HOUSING. HAC will host “Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development, and Services” in Council Bluffs, IA on August 28-29. Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) will speak on August 28. Visit HAC’s website, www.ruralhome.org.

USDA Multi-Family Fair Housing Occupancy Report FY 2012

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USDA’s annual occupancy survey shows 2,135 fewer units and 1,254 fewer occupied units (households) in Section 515 and 514/516 properties in 2012 than 2011. There are 1,243 more households receiving Section 521 Rental Assistance and 931 fewer with rental aid from other sources. The number of cost burdened households dropped by 1,562.

Aging in Place Webinar

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To have an event posted on our calendar*, please e-mail Dan Stern. Or send event description or brochure to:

Housing Assistance Council
Attn: Dan Stern
1025 Vermont Avenue, NW
Suite 606
Washington, DC 20005

Or fax to (202) 347-3441
Attn: Dan Stern

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*Calendar Posting Guidelines:

HAC’s calendar posts announcements about periodic conferences, training sessions, audioconferences, and the like. Topics must be relevant to professionals in the rural housing and community development arena. HAC reserves the right to accept or decline any request to post an item. We do not include sessions provided by entities (for-profit or nonprofit) that offer numerous regularly scheduled training events; links to such entities are provided below.

Community Connections
IPED
HUD Calendar
NeighborWorks
Novogradac and Compan

Back to Trainings

Save the Date

Aging in Place Home Repair for Rural Seniors Webinar

Date: June 19, 2013
Time: 3:00 – 4:15 PM Eastern

Topics will include the USDA Section 504 grant program and leveraging weatherization dollars for senior home repair.
For information, contact Janice Clark at Janice@ruralhome.org.

Tag Archive for: Rural Housing

HAC News: January 8, 2014

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January 8, 2014
Vol. 43, No. 1

• “War on poverty” declared 50 years ago • Congress facing budget deadline • 2015 budget likely to be late • Senate committee approves NAHASDA reauthorization • Watt sworn in at FHFA • USDA proposes nondiscrimination changes • Final rule provides exemptions from appraisals for high-cost mortgages • CFPB issues final rule on mortgage disclosures • CFPB seeks help improving closings • Conducting Homeless Counts on Native American Lands: A Toolkit – Webinar


January 8, 2014
Vol. 43, No. 1

“WAR ON POVERTY” DECLARED 50 YEARS AGO. In his first State of the Union address on January 8, 1964, just seven weeks after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, President Lyndon Johnson announced: “This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America. I urge this Congress and all Americans to join with me in that effort. It will not be a short or easy struggle, no single weapon or strategy will suffice, but we shall not rest until that war is won. . . . Poverty is a national problem, requiring improved national organization and support. But this attack, to be effective, must also be organized at the State and the local level. . . . For the war against poverty will not be won here in Washington. It must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House.” HAC is honored to work with the rural housers who continue to strive towards this goal.

CONGRESS FACING BUDGET DEADLINE. Congress is back in session this week after the holidays. House and Senate appropriators are working to reach agreement on and pass a final 2014 omnibus spending bill before January 15, when the current stopgap continuing resolution expires. Another short-term CR could be needed to avoid a second government shutdown while negotiations continue. Details of the omnibus package are not expected to be revealed until shortly before consideration by the full House and Senate. The overall budget cap for FY14 is $1.012 trillion. Both houses have decided, but have not made public, how that total will be divided among federal agencies. Also yet to be decided is an extension of the federal government’s borrowing authority, which expires February 7. That may be the next showdown.

2015 BUDGET LIKELY TO BE LATE. The Administration’s request for FY15 spending may not be released until a month or so after its due date in early February. The compromise budget agreement completed in December (H.J. Res. 59) set a 2015 overall budget of $1.014 trillion.

SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES NAHASDA REAUTHORIZATION. On December 18, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved S. 1352, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2013. A companion bill has not yet been introduced in the House.

WATT SWORN IN AT FHFA. Former Representative Mel Watt (D-NC) was sworn in on January 6 as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank system. FHFA may now move forward on some stalled initiatives. Particularly important for rural areas would be adoption of regulations implementing a provision of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 that imposes on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac a “duty to serve” three specific underserved markets – rural areas, affordable housing preservation, and manufactured housing. Watt could also require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to begin contributing funds to the National Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund.

USDA PROPOSES NONDISCRIMINATION CHANGES. Comments are due January 27 on a proposed regulation on nondiscrimination in USDA programs and activities. Changes would require collection of data voluntarily provided by participants (already collected by RD), mandate use of alternative dispute resolution services, and add protection against discrimination based on political beliefs and gender identity. Contact Anna Stroman, USDA, 202-205-5953.

FINAL RULE PROVIDES EXEMPTIONS FROM APPRAISALS FOR HIGH-COST MORTGAGES. A regulation issued by the agencies that oversee mortgage lenders exempts streamlined refinances and transactions of $25,000 or less from a provision requiring appraisals for higher-risk mortgages. Loans on manufactured homes will be exempt until July 18, 2015 and then will vary depending on circumstances. Contact Robert L. Parson, OCC, 202-649-6423.

CFPB ISSUES FINAL RULE ON MORTGAGE DISCLOSURES. The Consumer Financial Protection Board has established new disclosure requirements and forms for most consumer mortgage transactions, effective August 1, 2015. The rule also provides guidance on compliance and includes copies of forms in English and Spanish. Contact CFPB’s Office of Regulations, 202-435-7700.

CFPB SEEKS HELP IMPROVING CLOSINGS. Comments, including answers to specific questions, can be submitted by February 7 on key consumer “pain points” associated with mortgage closings and ways to address them through market innovations and technology. Contact Monica Jackson, CFPB, 202-435-7275. [tdborder][/tdborder]

CONDUCTING HOMELESS COUNTS ON NATIVE AMERICAN LANDS: A TOOLKIT
Webinar, February 19, 2014, 2:00 pm (EST)
Presented by HAC, this webinar highlights strategies for Native American communities to conduct homeless counts on their lands. Topics include outreach, engagement, survey planning and implementation, and funding.

HAC News: December 18, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

December 18, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 24

• Congress completes budget deal, with appropriations up next • New Rural Housing Service Administrator named • Senate confirms Watt for FHFA • USDA receives RA funds • Sec. 502 guarantee regulations proposed • Guidance updated on refinancing with Section 502 guaranteed loans • Deadline extended to submit homebuyer education packages to USDA • HUD releases FY14 income limits • Manufactured home standards revised • Harvard reports record levels of renter affordability problems • Report finds little improvement in farmworker conditions • Census tool maps data at local level • Rental Assistance funding explained in new HAC publication


December 18, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 24

CONGRESS COMPLETES BUDGET DEAL, WITH APPROPRIATIONS UP NEXT. On December 12 by a 332-94 vote the House approved H.J. Res. 59, a bipartisan agreement setting an overall budget framework, and the Senate passed it 64-36 on December 18. The agreement averts deep cuts under sequestration and sets top-line budget levels for fiscal 2014 and 2015. Spending levels for individual programs have yet to be established. Before the current continuing resolution expires January 15, appropriators must use the new template to craft their final 2014 bills. The Agriculture and Transportation-HUD bills could be included in an omnibus wrap-up law. Other more contentious appropriations measures, such as the Labor-HHS bill, will likely end up in a year-long continuing resolution for 2014.

NEW RURAL HOUSING SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR NAMED. Tony Hernandez started work December 16 as the new head of USDA’s Rural Housing Service. Most recently Director of the Division of Local Government for the State of Colorado, Hernandez also worked for Fannie Mae as Director of the Colorado Community Business Center, was a HUD Regional Administrator during the Clinton years, and served in the Colorado legislature. He is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, the University of Denver School of Social Work, and Colorado State University.

SENATE CONFIRMS WATT FOR FHFA. Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) was confirmed on December 10 to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank system.

USDA RECEIVES RA FUNDS. USDA now has funds it expects will be sufficient to continue to fund and renew any expiring RA agreements through January. The agency will waive late fees for borrowers who may have been charged for late December mortgage payments. See HAC News, 12/4/13.

SEC. 502 GUARANTEE REGULATIONS PROPOSED. Comments are due January 8 on an interim final rule intended to make the program easier to use. The rule is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2014. Contact Debra Terrell, RD, 202-720-1452.

GUIDANCE UPDATED ON REFINANCING WITH SECTION 502 GUARANTEED LOANS. USDA RD Administrative Notice 4738 provides updated instructions, including new eligibility requirements, for refinancing Section 502 direct or guaranteed loans with guaranteed loans. Contact an RD office.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SUBMIT HOMEBUYER EDUCATION PACKAGES TO USDA. Online counseling programs may now be sent to RD by December 31 to be considered for use by first-time homebuyers receiving Section 502 direct loans. (See HAC News, 9/25/13.) Contact Shantelle Gordon, RD, 202-205-9567.

HUD RELEASES FY14 INCOME LIMITS. The figures for each county and metropolitan area are used to determine eligibility for a number of programs.

MANUFACTURED HOME STANDARDS REVISED. HUD’s final rule amends a variety of provisions of the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. It does not include provisions on energy efficiency or maximum formaldehyde emissions standards for flooring. Contact Henry S. Czauski, HUD, 202-708-6409.

HARVARD REPORTS RECORD LEVELS OF RENTER AFFORDABILITY PROBLEMS. America’s Rental Housing: Evolving Markets and Needs, released by the Joint Center for Housing Studies, states that erosion in renter incomes has pushed the number of cost-burdened households to record levels, and aid has not kept pace. Among the striking findings: from 2001 to 2011 nonmetro areas permanently lost 8.1% of their rental units, compared to losses of 5.7% in central cities and 4.7% in suburbs.

REPORT FINDS LITTLE IMPROVEMENT IN FARMWORKER CONDITIONS. The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act of 1983 was intended to improve working and living conditions for farmworkers in the U.S. According to Unfinished Harvest: The Agricultural Worker Protection Act at 30, published by Farmworker Justice, “Overwhelmingly, farmworker advocates agree that AWPA has not resulted in a demonstrable improvement in farmworker conditions. . . . [Along with other problems,] farmworkers still typically live in over-crowded and substandard housing, rarely visited by government inspectors.” The report recommends improvements in the law and in enforcement.

CENSUS TOOL MAPS DATA AT LOCAL LEVEL. The new Census Explorer uses updated statistics from the 2008-2012 American Community Survey. It allows users to map out social, economic, and housing characteristics for a state, county, or census tract and to see how they have changed since the 1990 and 2000 censuses.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING EXPLAINED IN NEW HAC PUBLICATION. “As Overall Program Funding for USDA Rural Development Shrinks, the Need for Rental Assistance has Grown” briefly covers the recent history of RA funding increases and makes projections for FY14.

HAC News: December 4, 2013

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December 4, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 23

• Budget conference committee may develop two-year plan • USDA expects to have RA funds soon • RA shortfall later in FY14 will be bigger than last year’s • Continuum of Care funds offered • HUD opens new student design and planning competition • Difficult Development Areas announced for 2014 • VA proposes regulations for Home Improvements and Structural Alterations program • HUD finds continued decline in homelessness • Regulators adopt revised CRA questions and answers • Online mapping tool shows race and ethnicity in U.S. places • Rural seniors’ housing covered in Rural Voices magazine


December 4, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 23

BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MAY DEVELOP TWO-YEAR PLAN. While the federal government operates under a continuing resolution through January 15, a House-Senate budget conference committee is to report out an overall budget template by December 13. Then the appropriations committees will produce agency bills, an omnibus spending bill, or a CR for the remainder of FY14. Also looming is another round of sequester cuts. Congressional Quarterly and Politico report that the conference committee is focusing on a limited plan to finish 2014 and cover all of 2015. It would include some relief from the sequester, a two-year discretionary spending template for appropriators, and possible fee-based revenue increases.

USDA EXPECTS TO HAVE RA FUNDS SOON. Some confusion occurred in November when USDA RD informed field staff that it had used up its Rental Assistance funding under the CR. In FY13, USDA used 22% of the $837 million annual RA appropriation between October 1 and January 15, so OMB released the same amount this year. In FY14, however, because FY13 September contracts were renewed after October 1 and some long-term contracts also needed to be renewed, USDA expects to need 52% of $837 million by January 15. OMB has the authority to release the full 52% during the term of the CR and is expected to approve USDA’s request to do so. When the funding becomes available, contracts that expired but were on hold awaiting funds will be renewed and paid retroactively.

RA SHORTFALL LATER IN FY14 WILL BE BIGGER THAN LAST YEAR’S. USDA faces increased demand for Section 521 Rental Assistance funds this year for three reasons, possibly four. First, contracts for about 15,000 units were held over from September and renewed using FY14 funds. Second, about 26,000 long-term RA contracts will expire this year and must be renewed for one-year terms. Contracts covering a total of 39,382 units, created over two decades ago for terms of 20 years or longer, had enough funding to last far beyond their original terms. HAC calculates that $105 million will be needed to renew the additional 26,000 units in 2014 and eventually a total of $160.4 million will be needed for all 39,382. Third, if RA funding for the rest of the fiscal year continues at the same level as FY13, it will again fall short by another approximately 15,000 units. A final possible threat will come if sequestration is not changed for 2014; USDA would have to cut some of its spending, and there are not yet any indications where those cuts might take place. More background is provided in a new Rural Research Note from HAC, “As Overall Program Funding for USDA/Rural Development Shrinks, the Need for Rental Assistance is Growing.” Additional papers and updates will be posted at https://ruralhome.org as available.

CONTINUUM OF CARE FUNDS OFFERED. Applications must be submitted through e-snaps by February 3. Con-tact a HUD field office or submit a question through the OneCPD website.

HUD OPENS NEW STUDENT DESIGN AND PLANNING COMPETITION. Teams of graduate students will develop plans for a site owned by a PHA, including architectural designs, neighborhood planning, and financial plans. Teams may begin registering now. Contact Claire Desjardins, HUD, 202-402-5945.

DIFFICULT DEVELOPMENT AREAS ANNOUNCED FOR 2014. Lists of DDAs and Qualified Census Tracts (the April 20, 2012 QCT designations remain in effect) are posted at https://www.huduser.org/datasets/qct.html. Contact Michael K. Hollar, HUD, 202-402-5878.

VA PROPOSES REGULATIONS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS PROGRAM. HISA funds necessary home improvements and alterations for disabled veterans. Comments are due January 21. Contact Shayla Mitchell, VA, 202-461-0366.

HUD FINDS CONTINUED DECLINE IN HOMELESSNESS. Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness, Part 1 of HUD’s 2013 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, reports a reduction of 3.8% since 2012 and 6.1% since 2010. Data are aggregated by state and by Continuum of Care.

REGULATORS ADOPT REVISED CRA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. The federal agencies that regulate lenders subject to the Community Reinvestment Act made some changes in the interpretive questions and answers that were proposed in March (see HAC News, 3/21/13).

ONLINE MAPPING TOOL SHOWS RACE AND ETHNICITY IN U.S. PLACES. Using 2010 Census data, the Racial Dot Map, provided by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, provides color-coded dots for each person in each census block, showing population density and integration/segregation.

RURAL SENIORS’ HOUSING COVERED IN RURAL VOICES MAGAZINE. The fall issue of HAC’s quarterly magazine is titled “Filling the Gaps: Creating Housing Options for Seniors in Rural Communities.” One print subscription per organization is free from Dan Stern, HAC 202-842-8600.

Filling the Gaps Creating Housing Options for Seniors in Rural Communities

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The Fall 2013 edition issue of Rural Voices focuses on housing for seniors in rural America. As America ages, the challenge of housing its low- and moderate-income senior population becomes an increasingly pressing issue. Rural communities face additional challenges in providing much needed services to a spread out population.

View from Washington

Q&A with Senator Kit Bond
Senator Kit Bond discusses his work with the BiPartisan Policy Center’s Housing Commission and its recommendations for housing older Americans

FEATURES

The Seniors are Coming! Oh Wait, They’re Here

by Dr. E. Hellen Berry,
The effects of an aging population are already being felt in rural America and will continue over the next two decades

Declining Funds in the Section 202 Program

by Alayna Waldrum, LeadingAge
Community action programs can play an important role in addressing both housing and food security needs in rural America.

Minor Repairs Create Major Improvements for Tribal Elder Homes

by Rick Tewa, Pueblo de Cochiti Housing Authority
Housing repair and rehabilitation can be critical for seniors who desire to remain in their home, but physical impairments and fixed budgets can often make these repairs impossible to perform without assistance

Seniors Look to Resident-Owned Manufactured Communities

by Chelsea Catto, Casa of Oregon
Across the country, innovative manufactured housing options are serving seniors who want to age in place in a strong and supportive community

Providing Successful Transportation Options for Seniors in Rural Communities

by Debbie Dauenhauer, Southern Nevada Transit Coalition
The Southern Nevada Transit Coalition’s Silver Riders Program has taken on the task of mitigating transportation challenges for seniors in rural Nevada

MAPS

thumb_aging-rural-america-mapAn Aging Rural America (jpg)
MAP – A Demographic Portrait of Seniors in Rural America

Infographics

Add your Response

Rural Voices would like to hear what you have to say about one, or all, of these issues. Please feel free to comment on this story below, at the Rural Affordable Housing Group on LinkedIn, or on our Facebook page.

HAC News: November 13, 2013

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November 13, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 22

• November is Native American Heritage Month • November 16-24 is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week • Fewer rural jobs, more poverty, and declining population, research shows • RD changes multifamily transfer process • HUD considers risk sharing initiative for small multifamily properties • FEMA issues final rule on assistance for housing damage • Housing counseling comment period extended • USDA used most Section 502 funds, but not Section 504 loans, in FY13 • USDA encourages local partnerships to address veteran homelessness • HUD and DOT launch site on housing and transportation costs • Sequestration’s impact on government activities, including housing, described • Research from sources including HAC covers veterans housing issues • Record share of young adults living at home • HAC reports on farmworker housing


November 13, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 22

NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. President Obama’s proclamation also designates November 29 as Native American Heritage Day. A USDA press release highlights support for Native Americans.

NOVEMBER 16-24 IS NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK. Information, planned events, and ideas are available from the National Coalition for the Homeless.

FEWER RURAL JOBS, MORE POVERTY, AND DECLINING POPULATION, RESEARCH SHOWS. The USDA Econom-ic Research Service’s annual “Rural America at a Glance” report says rural unemployment is declining, but – with exceptions in some areas – the change is due to declining populations rather than job creation. An article in the online rural news source the Daily Yonder summarizes ERS’s findings. A separate Daily Yonder analysis of unemploy-ment data in August 2012 and August 2013 includes an interactive map with figures for every county in the U.S.

RD CHANGES MULTIFAMILY TRANSFER PROCESS. An Unnumbered Letter dated September 30, 2013 focuses on determining the financial feasibility of a transfer or preservation transaction, including reducing Rental Assistance. Contact RD State Office preservation staff.

HUD CONSIDERS RISK SHARING INITIATIVE FOR SMALL MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES. Comments are due January 3 on a proposal for mission-driven lenders, including CDFIs, to originate, underwrite, and service loans with HUD mortgage insurance for refinancing or rehab of small properties. Lenders would assume 50% of the risk on each loan. Contact Lynn Wehrli, HUD, 202-402-5210.

FEMA ISSUES FINAL RULE ON ASSISTANCE FOR HOUSING DAMAGE. Revisions to FEMA’s repair, replacement, and housing construction assistance regulations are intended to clarify the eligibility criteria for assistance and to implement legislative changes. Contact John Carleton, FEMA, 202-212-1000.

HOUSING COUNSELING COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED. Comments are now due December 12 on changes to HUD’s housing counseling program regulations, published September 13 (see HAC News, 9/11/13). Contact Ruth Román, HUD, 202-708-0317.

USDA USED MOST SECTION 502 FUNDS, BUT NOT SECTION 504 LOANS, IN FY13. Despite USDA’s success-ful efforts to attract borrowers near the end of the year (see HAC News, 8/1/13 and 8/28/13), HAC estimates that USDA used only 53% of its Section 504 home repair loan funds in FY13. Section 504 grant funds were fully used, and Section 502 direct and guaranteed loans were almost entirely obligated. HAC’s final USDA obligations reports for the year are posted online.

USDA ENCOURAGES LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS VETERAN HOMELESSNESS. An Unnumbered Letter dated November 8, 2013 suggests that RD field staff inform local organizations about RD housing programs.

HUD AND DOT LAUNCH SITE ON HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION COSTS. The Location Affordability Portal is intended to provide consumers, researchers, and policymakers with data and resources on combined housing and transportation costs for all parts of the U.S. including remote rural areas.

SEQUESTRATION’S IMPACT ON GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING HOUSING, DESCRIBED. Faces of Austerity: How Budget Cuts Have Made Us Sicker, Poorer, and Less Secure, published by NDD United, compiles data, quotes, and individual stories. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has updated its data on use of HUD vouchers, including the number of vouchers that will be lost in each state if sequestration continues in FY14.

RESEARCH FROM SOURCES INCLUDING HAC COVERS VETERANS HOUSING ISSUES. “Housing Our Heroes: Veterans in Rural America,” a HAC research brief, summarizes data on demographics, housing conditions, and homelessness. USDA’s Economic Research Service provides demographic and economic data in “Rural Veterans at a Glance.” (ERS uses data for nonmetro areas, while HAC uses a definition of rural based on census tracts.) Housing Instability Among Our Nation’s Veterans, a National Low Income Housing Coalition report, examines housing issues for veterans nationwide. “Rental Assistance Helps More Than 300,000 Veterans Afford Homes, But Large Unmet Needs Remain,” from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, also covers the topic on a national basis.

RECORD SHARE OF YOUNG ADULTS LIVING AT HOME. More than one-third of Millennials aged 18-31 are living with their parents, according to A Rising Share of Young Adults Live in Their Parents’ Home, published by the Pew Research Center. A Forbes analysis of the report suggests that federal policies favoring homeownership led to high housing prices that young adults cannot afford.

HAC REPORTS ON FARMWORKER HOUSING. Housing Conditions for Rural Farmworkers explains character-istics of farmworker housing and obstacles to its improvement.

HAC News: September 25, 2013

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September 25, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 19

• National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated September 15-October 15 • Shutdown possible? • CR will extend area eligibility for USDA rural housing programs • Assisted Living Conversion funds offered • USDA RD to review online homebuyer counseling programs • Agencies propose aligning definitions of qualified mortgages • CFPB amends some mortgage regulations including rural and underserved exemption • Nonmetro poverty increased in 2012 while national rate remained the same • Low-power FM radio opportunities offered in October • HUD offers website and email list for Native American housing study • HAC report describes colonias • Between 2000 and 2010, more than one-third of U.S. counties lost population. How has your community changed?


September 25, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 19

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATED SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15. President Obama’s proclamation is posted online.

SHUTDOWN POSSIBLE? Congress this week continues to debate passage of a continuing resolution to begin FY 2014 on October 1. “Non-essential” federal functions could be shut down if no agreement is reached. On September 17 OMB sent a memo to federal agencies telling them to plan for a shutdown. At press time, neither USDA nor HUD has issued guidelines for shutting down. When a possible shutdown loomed in 2011, USDA Rural Development’s contingency plan said no new loans or guarantees would be made without an appropriation, and all offices would close except for the Washington, D.C. national office and the St. Louis finance office. St. Louis would be the contact for loan servicing. HAC will provide updates at www.ruralhome.org.

CR WILL EXTEND AREA ELIGIBILITY FOR USDA RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS. H.J.Res. 59, the continuing resolution passed by the House on September 20, would extend grandfathering of currently eligible places for as long as the CR lasts. At press time the Senate had not yet voted on the CR, but the language allowing for the extension is not in dispute, so it is expected to be included in any final version.

ASSISTED LIVING CONVERSION FUNDS OFFERED. Nonprofit owners of several types of HUD-assisted properties, including Section 515 developments with Section 8, can apply by November 18 for grants to convert to assisted living facilities or service enriched housing. Contact Katina Washington, HUD, 202-708-3000.

USDA RD TO REVIEW ONLINE HOMEBUYER COUNSELING PROGRAMS. Currently one online education provider is approved by USDA for use by first-time homebuyers receiving Section 502 direct loans. (Courses can also be taken in classrooms, by phone, or by self-study.) RD invites other providers of online courses to apply by October 23 for approval. Contact Shantelle Gordon, RD, 202-205-9567.

AGENCIES PROPOSE ALIGNING DEFINITIONS OF QUALIFIED MORTGAGES. HUD and other federal agencies jointly responsible for implementing the credit risk retention requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act suggest defining “qualified residential mortgages” the same way as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau defines “qualified mortgages.” In 2011 (see HAC News, 6/8/11) the agencies suggested a QRM definition that would have favored homebuyers with 20% downpayments. The new proposal would make other regulatory changes as well. Comments are due October 30. Contact Michael P. Nixon, HUD, 202-402-5216 or Mike Feinberg, HAC, 202-842-8600.

CFPB AMENDS SOME MORTGAGE REGULATIONS INCLUDING RURAL AND UNDERSERVED EXEMPTION. On October 1 a final rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will be published in the Federal Register making some changes to a proposed rule published in June (see HAC News, 7/3/13).

NONMETRO POVERTY INCREASED IN 2012 WHILE NATIONAL RATE REMAINED THE SAME. A HAC analysis of new Census Bureau data shows the official poverty rate in nonmetropolitan areas was 17.7%, up from 17.0% in 2011 and nearly 3 percentage points higher than the national level. Overall, 8.5 million nonmetro residents had incomes below the poverty line in 2012, a statistically significant increase of more than 400,000 persons from the 2011 level. Details are published by HAC and the Daily Yonder.

LOW-POWER FM RADIO OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED IN OCTOBER. The Federal Communications Commission offers a rare opportunity for nonprofits, tribes, and local governments to apply between October 15 and October 29 for licenses for non-commercial low-power FM radio stations. FCC will hold a webinar for potential applicants on October 3. Contact FCC staff, 202-418-2700.

HUD OFFERS WEBSITE AND EMAIL LIST FOR NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING STUDY. A congressionally mandated study of the housing needs of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians is underway and the final report is expected in December 2014. Survey instruments and other information are posted at https://www.huduser.org/portal/native_american_assessment/home.html, where one can also sign up for email updates.

HAC REPORT DESCRIBES COLONIAS. Housing in the Border Coloniasdetails the social, economic, and housing characteristics of the colonias region on the U.S. side of the U.S.-Mexico border. Most residents are of Mexican heritage. Poor housing conditions are common in the colonias with an old, deteriorating housing stock, combined with newer units that do not meet building codes. To order a printed copy, contact Dan Stern, HAC, 202-842-8600.

BETWEEN 2000 AND 2010, MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF U.S. COUNTIES LOST POPULATION. HOW HAS YOUR COMMUNITY CHANGED? Find out at HAC’s Rural Data Portal, www.ruraldataportal.org.

Hunger and Housing in Rural America: Intersecting Challenges and Solutions

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The Summer 2013 special edition issue of Rural Voices focuses on Hunger and Housing in Rural America. With housing affordability an increasing challenge, and hunger a more pronounced issue, how are rural communities combatting these issues?

View from Washington

Supporting Rural America’s Housing and Nutrition Needs
by Under Secretary Kevin Concannon, USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services
The USDA offers programs that support rural communities to address their housing and food security needs.

FEATURES

Rural Hunger and Housing: Challenges and Opportunities
by Lorette Picciano, Rural Coalition/Coalición Rural
Rural America faces challenges and opportunities in housing and food security.

Building Homes and Feeding the Hungry in Rural Pennsylvania
by Kate Thompson, Fayette County Community Action Agency
Community action programs can play an important role in addressing both housing and food security needs in rural America.

Farmworker Housing: Implications for Food Security and Food Safety
by Sara A. Quandt and Thomas A. Arcury, Wake Forest School of Medicine
Although they help feed America, farmworkers often face substandard conditions and food insecurity at their own tables.

Growing Food and Housing Security in South Dakota’s Native American Reservations
by Lauren Haas Finkelstein, Running Strong for American Indian Youth
South Dakota’s Native American community is fighting hunger and substandard housing to protect their children and future leaders.

Food Justice in the Rural Southeast
by John Zippert, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund
Southern farmers are forming cooperatives and coalitions to secure food and housing justice while overcoming a history of discriminatory land and farm policies.

Developing Leadership to Address Health & Hunger
Interview with Starry Krueger, Rural Development Leadership Network
Rural Voices recently interviewed Starry Krueger of the Rural Development Leadership Network, about a new leadership development program in Mississippi.

MAPS & VIGNETTES

Hunger & Poverty in Rural America (jpg)
MAP – Many rural communities struggle to access enough nutritious food for their families.

Addressing Child Hunger in Rural New Mexico
Share Our Strength

What are Rural Food Deserts?
Map

Infographics

Add your Response

Rural Voices would like to hear what you have to say about one, or all, of these issues. Please feel free to comment on this story at the Rural Affordable Housing Group on LinkedIn, or on our Facebook page.

HAC News: July 17, 2013

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HAC News Formats. pdf

July 17, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 14

• Cordray confirmed as CFPB director • DeMarco faces litigation over National Housing Trust Fund • Senate Farm Bill includes rural housing definition extension, House does not • Border Community Capital Initiative funding offered • HUD proposes new Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule • OMB issues 2013 Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement • CFPB updates list of rural or underserved counties for 2014 • Origination fees increased for Section 502 refinance pilot • HUD data shows decline in public housing, increases in vouchers and tax credits • Two HUD studies find discrimination continues • 2013 Kids Count data show higher ratings for education, health, and poverty • Op-ed describes sequestration’s impacts on Pine Ridge • Bipartisan Policy Center Housing Commission to hold regional forums • Register now for training on seniors and veterans housing


July 17, 2013
Vol. 42, No. 14

CORDRAY CONFIRMED AS CFPB DIRECTOR. After resolution of a partisan stand-off, on July 16 the Senate confirmed Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

DEMARCO FACES LITIGATION OVER NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND. The National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Right to the City Alliance, and several individuals filed suit on July 9 against Ed DeMarco, acting head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, claiming he has violated the law by not requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to finance the trust fund created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

SENATE FARM BILL INCLUDES RURAL HOUSING DEFINITION EXTENSION, HOUSE DOES NOT. All places currently eligible for USDA housing funds would remain eligible until the 2020 Census – so long as their populations remain below 35,000 – under Section 6202 of S. 954, passed by the Senate on June 10. H.R. 2642, passed by the House on July 11, is silent on the subject. A National Rural Housing Coalition petition is available online.

BORDER COMMUNITY CAPITAL INITIATIVE FUNDING OFFERED. Local nonprofits and tribes can apply by August 26 for funds to provide affordable housing, small business and community facilities to benefit colonias residents. Contact HUD’s Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development, 877-787-2526.

HUD PROPOSES NEW AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING RULE. Comments will be due 60 days after Federal Register publication on July 19. Changes include HUD data, clarification of the AFFH process’s goals, and a new mechanism for HUD review and oversight. Contact Camille Acevedo, HUD, 202-708-1793.

OMB ISSUES 2013 CIRCULAR A-133 COMPLIANCE SUPPLEMENT. Comments are due October 31 on the annual supplement to this circular, which governs audits of states, nonprofits, and local organizations receiving federal funds. For more information contact a funding agency.

CFPB UPDATES LIST OF RURAL OR UNDERSERVED COUNTIES FOR 2014. The list is used for several different regulations. Some counties have been added and about 50 have been removed. Contact CFPB, 202-435-7700.

ORIGINATION FEES INCREASED FOR SECTION 502 REFINANCE PILOT. Administrative Notice 4720 (July 16, 2013) allows fees at 2% of the loan amount or $3,000, whichever is less, rather than the 1% previously permitted. Contact an RD office or Kristina Zehr, RD, 309-452-0830 ext. 111.

HUD DATA SHOWS DECLINE IN PUBLIC HOUSING, INCREASES IN VOUCHERS AND TAX CREDITS. HUD recently released its Picture of Subsidized Households data for 2009 through 2012. A National Low Income Housing Coalition analysis found that since 2009 the average median income of households living in subsidized housing has dropped. The number of public housing units fell nationwide, while the numbers of housing choice vouchers and Low Income Housing Tax Credit units increased. Voucher recipients and public housing residents had similar economic situations, but heads of voucher households were more likely to be single mothers and less likely to be elderly.

TWO HUD STUDIES FIND DISCRIMINATION CONTINUES. Housing Discrimination Against Racial and Ethnic Minorities 2012 reports that in paired tests conducted in metro areas, minorities were shown fewer homes or apartments than whites. An Estimate of Housing Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples reports on the first study of its kind, also using paired testing in metro areas. Same-sex couples received significantly fewer responses to e-mail inquiries about advertised units than heterosexual couples.

2013 KIDS COUNT DATA SHOW HIGHER RATINGS FOR EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND POVERTY. Tracking 16 indicators of child well-being, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2013 Kids Count Data Book reports that education and health continue to make gains although poverty rates are growing, as are disparities by income and family structure.

OP-ED DESCRIBES SEQUESTRATION’S IMPACTS ON PINE RIDGE. Former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan wrote in the New York Times on July 10 that funding cuts are reducing the already inadequate resources for housing, health care, and education on the reservation, and recommended tribes be exempt from sequestration.

BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION TO HOLD REGIONAL FORUMS. Free and open to the public, the events on August 13 in Dallas, August 22 in Ketcham, ID, and August 27 in Columbus, OH will feature panels discussing issues including the state of the housing market, affordable rental housing, rural housing, and reform of the U.S mortgage system. Register online at https://bipartisanpolicy.org/events/upcoming.

REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING ON SENIORS AND VETERANS HOUSING. HAC will host “Housing Seniors and Veterans in Rural America: Preservation, Development, and Services” in Council Bluffs, IA on August 28-29. Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) will speak on August 28. Visit HAC’s website, www.ruralhome.org.

USDA Multi-Family Fair Housing Occupancy Report FY 2012

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USDA’s annual occupancy survey shows 2,135 fewer units and 1,254 fewer occupied units (households) in Section 515 and 514/516 properties in 2012 than 2011. There are 1,243 more households receiving Section 521 Rental Assistance and 931 fewer with rental aid from other sources. The number of cost burdened households dropped by 1,562.

Aging in Place Webinar

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To have an event posted on our calendar*, please e-mail Dan Stern. Or send event description or brochure to:

Housing Assistance Council
Attn: Dan Stern
1025 Vermont Avenue, NW
Suite 606
Washington, DC 20005

Or fax to (202) 347-3441
Attn: Dan Stern

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*Calendar Posting Guidelines:

HAC’s calendar posts announcements about periodic conferences, training sessions, audioconferences, and the like. Topics must be relevant to professionals in the rural housing and community development arena. HAC reserves the right to accept or decline any request to post an item. We do not include sessions provided by entities (for-profit or nonprofit) that offer numerous regularly scheduled training events; links to such entities are provided below.

Community Connections
IPED
HUD Calendar
NeighborWorks
Novogradac and Compan

Back to Trainings

Save the Date

Aging in Place Home Repair for Rural Seniors Webinar

Date: June 19, 2013
Time: 3:00 – 4:15 PM Eastern

Topics will include the USDA Section 504 grant program and leveraging weatherization dollars for senior home repair.
For information, contact Janice Clark at Janice@ruralhome.org.

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