2000 Best Practice Awards

2191 Elkhorn Valley Community Development Corporation

The Elkhorn Valley Community Development Corporation was formed in 1994 to help low-to-moderate income persons become homeowners. To date they have developed 84 units of affordable housing. The 84 units have generated more than $5.2 million in valued real estate, $4.3 in mortgage loans and $285,000 in homebuyer’s equity.

1033 Homeownership Program

In the last year 12 residents at Crestview Village completed Home Ownership classes and qualified to purchase a home. This encouraged several other residents to seek Home Ownership classes and to date, a total of 25 former residents have qualified for and purchased their own home. By the end of the classes, participants will understand the role of a financial institution, understand basic features, i.e. how to use checking, credit and savings accounts. They learn their role/responsibility in maintaining an account satisfactorily and become familiar with commonly used financial terms. Upon completion of these classes, the workshops are followed by a graduation.

2555 Youth As Resources

Youth employment program for people ages 9-21. Public Housing youth learn job skills under the direction of a family/Youth Advocate to promote employment opportunities, job skills, and commitment to community. Youth are matched with jobs in landscaping, office, child care, and senior services. They "Learn to Serve" as community volunteers as well as receive a stipend for their work valued at $5/hour.

2972 Joslyn Castle Institute for Sustainable Communities (JCI)

This nomination is for an organization that has developed a comprehensive approach to urban sustainability. Joslyn Castle Institute for Sustainable Communities is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation formed in July of 1996 to promote sustainable design and development through public dialogue, educational programs, model projects and the transfer of best practices.

A community leader in sustainable education, JCI's programs provide information on best practices and a forum for dialogue on such topics as smart growth, green building, and the interweaving of nature into the urban environment. JCI also serves as a design center, working on a project-by-project basis to provide learning opportunities for and specific examples of sustainable community development. This approach enables communities to become self-sufficient in developing and perpetuating their own sustainable practices.

The Institute has developed a strategy combining sustainability education with a visioning process that involves public participation. It begins with an evaluation of existing conditions, followed by identification of issues (both short term needs and long term considerations) and a review of best practices. The process also includes an examination of the interactions between each element of the project and the resulting selection of relevant and appropriate solutions (ensuring that none are working at cross purposes, that unnecessary duplication is eliminated, and that each element of the planned development is supported by the others). Community participants are involved in every phase of the process, which is critical not only in gathering of information but also to the educational aspects of the project by which the transfer of knowledge takes place. Projects are intended to show the potential of sustainable design and development to improve the living environment and to bring human and natural systems into balance.

Sustainability objectives vary at different scales, as illustrated in the following three examples. In each project, a number of factors are examined in order to integrate economic interests with environmental, socio-cultural considerations, and the influence of technology within a policy framework. A further objective is to examine interconnections and interdependencies among projects at different scales. The following are examples of sustainable practices at different scales:

1. The primary objectives of green building are to provide a healthy environment for building occupants and to minimize the impact of construction on the natural environment. This is achieved through the specification of non-toxic, locally produced materials and materials with recycled content, through the reuse of buildings in part or in whole, through recycling of construction and demolition waste. The design of buildings and choice of materials can also affect energy use over time, significantly reducing the cost of building operations. Energy efficient design and the use of renewable energy also help prevent pollution at the source and provide healthier environments. An integrated approach to building designs required to optimize the use of resources and minimize waste. The Institute, together with partners, consultants and over 50 volunteers, completed a study for The Pullman Project, An Investigation into the Development of a Green Building in Omaha, Nebraska, May 1999 with recommendations for the renovation of an historic building in the inner-city according to green building principles. The 25,000 s.f. brick building can accommodate affordable housing on three floors, commercial and office tenants on the street level, and a community facility, recycling center, and mechanical equipment on the lower level. This example focuses on investment in the inner-city, rehabilitation of an existing building, preservation of the historic district, climate responsive design to conserve energy and provide healthier indoor environments, and efficient use of resources through the specification of recycled content and non-toxic materials as well as recycling of construction and demolition waste. The project was funded by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Sustainable Development Challenge Grant.
   
   
2. In a project at the neighborhood scale, the Institute is emphasizing the formation of a residential, mixed-use district with access to basic urban services (i.e. grocery store, drug store, etc.), including pedestrian-oriented commercial infill, greenspace and linkages to surrounding areas and urban amenities. The project is also emphasizing the creation of job opportunities for local residents and the strengthening of a community-based local economy. The potential for the placement of an elementary school in the area will also provide an essential ingredient for the establishment of a sustainable downtown neighborhood. The project will provide an opportunity for partners as well as the community to form a shared vision that will spur development and collaboration. The urban scale of the project provides an excellent opportunity to address interrelated issues. For example, the financial investment to renovate the historic DrakeCourt apartment complex will be reinforced by improving its urban context and the creation and the creation of permanent job opportunities. Another example would be extending green building concepts to multi-building situations. In this case, not only could green building concepts be incorporated in the Drake Court apartment complex, but zoning for solar access necessary to assure the lasting benefit of passive solar design could be addressed in the 15-block project area. The project will demonstrate the interconnectedness of many environmental, technological, public policy, economic and social factors. Environmental/ecological factors such as topographical features, preservation of critical vegetation, the availability of gardens, green spaces and access to clean air and water are affected by decisions involving technology, such as green building design that responds to climate and uses renewable energy sources. Design and technological factors are driven by public policy considerations, including zoning and building codes, while other policies such as incentives for infill and mixed-use development in existing neighborhoods affect economic development, the enhancement of the city center, and the potential for job creation. All of the considerations mentioned above contribute to social and community well-being provided a cleaner, safer living environment with affordable housing, a diversity in housing types and employment opportunities which in turn supports cultural diversity, creativity, and a sense of community. This project, which is still in progress, is funded by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority.
   
   
3. In a regional planning process, issues of land use and transportation, preservation of farmland and protection of natural habitats come to the forefront. The Institute has done extensive analysis of land use for Saunders County, an area experiencing pressures of urbanization from both Lincoln and Omaha. This analysis, utilizing geological, hydrological and topographical maps, provides a profile of the land. Steep slopes, impermeable soils, prime agricultural land, areas prone to flood, high water tables and locations of aquifer recharge are mapped to provide insight into the conditions of the land. Mapping these individual components onto transparent overlays reveal locations which are best suited for development, those areas which should remain as farmland, and those best left as natural habitats. This project coincided with a comprehensive planning process involving public participation. As planners and residents learn about the characteristics of the land in Saunders County, they are able to make more informed decisions, designating areas for development and at the same time preserving their way of life. This project, which is still in progress, funded by the Nebraska Department of economic Development.

Each project addresses a different set of issues that together provide a framework for sustainable community development. Although each project is unique, the principles and practices involved may be transferred to other places. The Institute facilitates this transfer internationally through the United Nations Center for Human Settlements Best Practices Program. As a partner in this program, the Institute promotes sustainable development in architecture and urban design. However, together with diverse global partners addressing different aspects of sustainability, such as mainstreaming gender and combating social exclusion, natural and man-made disasters, responsiveness to the ideas and needs of youth, and efficient, accountable and transparent governance, we are compiling a database for improving the living environment.

Joslyn Castle Institute is located in the historic home of Sara and George Joslyn, a prominent family in Omaha's past, also responsible for the construction of the Joslyn Art Museum. The Institute is assuming increasing responsibility from the State of Nebraska, the owner, for the property management and restoration. The preservation of this historic property is consistent with the Institute's mission, in that, preservation makes efficient use of resources and strengthens community by providing a sense of continuity. The buildings and landscape also set an example of what is possible through quality design and construction. While the buildings and landscape will remain accessible to the public, they also provide a place for educational programs and dialogue on sustainable community development.

2490 Raise-the- Roof-2000

Raise the Roof - 2000 featured partnerships between the Scotts Bluff County Housing Authority, private businesses- Premier Building Systems and Econosense Solutions, local banks, residents and state-wide funding resources. HUD's strategic goals of increasing affordable housing and homeownership, promoting jobs and economic opportunity and empowering people and communities were all accomplished with Raise the Roof - 2000!

Public Housing residents worked over 450 hours in the completion of the home. The pilot project serves as a model that could be easily replicated throughout the United States. Within 48 hours, a 1300 square foot, four bedroom home was erected on a pre-poured slab foundation. Construction during the dead of winter - completed within 48 hours, total house finished from start to completion in 32 days! The use of a newly developed construction materials and techniques utilizing a 4" foam insulation sandwiched between wood fiber construction which offer R-39 in walls and ceilings as well a quick, sturdy construction was featured. Marketing, Open Houses, partnerships with public, private, and non-profit organization/business netted the signed purchase agreement within two months of start of construction to a young family!

The American Dream can come true - with vision, cooperation, and collaboration. Raise the Roof-2000 could be accomplished in your neighborhood! The community loves the product - a home easily duplicated, affordable and efficient! Public housing residents are proud of their sills and accomplishments and ready to start on more homes. Raise the Roof- 2000 serves as a model for the Scotts Bluff County Housing Authority's future CDBG grant applications in affordable rental and homeownership projects and for other housing organizations around the United States.

1708 Family Housing Advisory Services Homeownership Plan

In the last sixteen months, Family Housing Advisory Services Homeowner Program, a HUD Certified Counseling program, has provided homebuyer education and counseling to over 300 low to moderate income households residing in both Southeastern Iowa and the Greater Omaha Metropolitan area. These households have an average income, which is less than 80% of the median income for their community and yet through the hard work of the households and the ongoing education and support of the FHAS Homeowners Program, 112 families have achieved the goal of homeownership. In addition, during the same time frame, approximately 60 more families, receiving education and training, achieved homeownership through the collaborative partnership with nonprofit developers (HANDS, Holy Name, South Omaha Affordable Housing, New Community Development, and Omaha Economic Development), the City of Omaha and the nonprofit loan pool organization, Omaha 100.

1597 Housing and Neighborhood Developers (HANDS)

Residents of northeast Omaha experience the city 5 lowest. student achievement. the lowest housing values, the highest unemployment rate and highest percentages of deteriorated rental housing. HANDS seeks to restore northeast Omaha as an attractive and desirable place in which to live, work., and raise a family.

1072 Nebraska Investment Finance Authority - Super Targeted Mortgage Program

The Super Targeted Mortgage program is a program whereby NIFA makes very low-interest money available (as low as 2.99%) to selected communities for home loans. The funds are used to provide additional homeownership financial incentives to help the communities increase the supply of affordable housing through new single-family construction and substantial rehabilitation of the existing housing stock. The effort improves the development of viable neighborhoods in rural communities. The program is specifically designed to increase the ability of low- and moderate-income households to afford modestly designed, newly constructed units; to provide an incentive to households to purchase rehabilitated units; and to increase the likelihood of such households to afford the rehabilitation of existing residences. Funds reserved for a community are targeted to benefit households with incomes at or below 80% of area median income. NIFA was able to refinance some prior year bond issues at a lower rate and coupled with creative structuring techniques in current single family bond issues was able to make the low-interest mortgage financing available

2632 Lincoln Housing Authority Lease-to-Own Program

The Lincoln Housing Authority Lease-to-Own Program has used its own housing authority funds to construct six (6) houses in the last six years. The homes are built in cooperation with the Lincoln Public Schools construction classes from Northeast High School. The Housing Authority does procurement for a general contractor and the contract subcontracts for the licensed plumbing and electrical work. The contractor works with the school system and the rest of the work is completed under the guidance of the school instructor, contractor and Al Andrews who oversees the program for the Housing Authority. The program adds to the available affordable housing stock in Lincoln, revitalizing the deterioration of neighborhoods and aids low-income citizens gain assets by helping them to become a homeowner.

924 REACH - Readiness, Education, Awareness Collaborative for Homebuyers & Homeowners

The mission of REACH is to remove the barriers of homeownership through a statewide education delivery system, enhancing the success of homebuyers in achieving and maintaining homeownership. reach networks with interested experts in the fields of financing, housing and community development, insurance, and real estate to assure that quality, effective homebuyer and homeowenrship education is available across the state of Nebraska. REACH is striving to provide quality homebuyer education, increase homeownership and strengthen the investment of homeownership in Nebraska.

The beneficiaries are the persons who are able to achieve homeownership as well as the lenders who benefit from a increased assurance of lending to a homebuyer that has participated in homeownership education. REACH goals are to:

• develop a network throughout the state to act as liaisons to counseling providers to ensure that homeownership education is available to potential homebuyers statewide;
• provide a continuum of homeownership education including pre- and post-homeownership counseling, budget counseling, homebuyer workshops and foreclosure prevention;
• provide train-the-trainer sessions to counselors statewide;
• provide information to lenders and potential homebuyers regarding source of homebuyer education and mortgage financing through an 800-number; measure the effectiveness of education through a baseline, monitoring and tracking system;
• provide a source of funding to increase the capacity of counseling agencies to more effectively address customer needs;
• coordinate the implementation of innovative projects that serve special needs populations.

921 New Creations Transitional Housing Program

Background, beginning in 1995: Rev. Jeremiah McGhee--pastor of the Mount Siani Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska--began looking for a way to provide housing for the homeless individuals and families he kept encountering in the North Omaha Enterprise Community area. ‘As we did our work, we continued to meet individuals who were unemployed, who lacked an adequate education and who were, in many instances, chronically addicted to alcohol and drugs. In addition, and to further complicate things, many were homeless. So we set out to help these people, to help them find work and treatment and in the end, decent, affordable housing for themselves and their families ."

Jeremiah McGhee: In his pursuit of funding for his project, Pastor McGhee met with City Planning officials involved with the recently formed Omaha Area Continuum of Care, a consortium of agencies providing housing and supportive services to homeless individuals and families living (primarily) within Omaha’s Enterprise Community. Out of these meetings evolved a partnership, and a strategy. Partnership Siena/Francis House is a highly regarded emergency shelter whose long time director, Paul Koch, has a well-established and close working relationship with City Planning officials. Because of this relationship, and because Pastor McGhee was attempting to address a very real gap in this community’s Continuum of Care, City Planning officials proposed that Siena/Francis House become the sponsor for what Pastor McGhee already was calling "the New Creations Transitional Housing Program." The City would then submit an application to HUD, with Siena/Francis House (a 501 [c] [3] non-profit corporation) as sponsor, for a Supportive Housing Program (SHP) grant which, if funded, would permit New Creations to become a reality. This grant was submitted in June of 1996 and was awarded later that year, permitting New Creations to open its doors in July of ‘97.

Strategy early in this process: As Pastor McGhee was searching for housing and well before he met with City Planning officials, he discovered in a run-down neighborhood an apartment complex with acceptable rents but, for the most part, with units in only poor to moderate condition. Pastor McGhee began utilizing this complex for housing (renting two to three units at a time) and in the process, cultivated a relationship with the owner. Soon, the owner, Colonial Hotels, Inc., a company interested in selling the complex, recognized and apparently appreciated the value to the community of a transitional housing facility for chronically addicted homeless persons. The strategy, written into the SHP grant submitted by the City, was to lease the apartment complex from Colonial Hotels, Inc., and there provide chemical dependency counseling, case management and, through other channels, job training and job placement opportunities.

In November 1996, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved an SHP grant in the amount of $348,886 for the Siena/Francis House/New Creations project. (A subsequent SHP grant provided an additional $131,212 in 1997.) Recognizing the need for long-term transitional housing in the North Omaha Enterprise Community area, City Planning developed a plan whereby the apartment complex (now leased) would be purchased, renovated, and operated as transitional housing for many years to come. This step involved the development of a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit project. City Planning staff then worked with local HUD officials to revise the 1996 and 1997 SHP grants so that leasing funds could be used to help acquire the apartment complex. However, as the "tax credit" project moved forward, and despite the fact that SHP funds now were available for the purchase of the apartment complex, it became evident that the City of Omaha would need to be involved financially if the project were to succeed. The final step in this process then, was the City of Omaha’s decision to contribute over $217,000 in Home Investment Partnerships Program funds for the purchase and renovation of the apartment complex. By this strategy, several desirable ends were served.

• First, twenty-eight units of transitional housing were made available (and will remain available for many years to come) for the purpose of helping homeless individuals transition to a life of greater self-sufficiency.
• Second, this process, this transition (from homelessness to permanent housing), now could be aided by the fact that each unit, once rehabilitated, offered a comfortable, attractive place to live, a place wherein the resident could take pride (perhaps for the first time) in his or her living situation.
• And third, the entire complex, once rehabilitated, upgraded the neighborhood so that what was becoming, increasingly, a pocket of criminal activity was now a residential complex contributing to the health and safety of the community.

Program: "While enrolled in New Creations, clients are required to maintain their own personal recovery program which includes attending peer group meetings, individual and group therapy, and steady employment." Jeremiah McGhee While New Creations exists to help homeless individuals and families make the difficult transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing, its particular focus is on those homeless individuals who have a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. Prior to New Creations, the Omaha area lacked a transitional housing facility devoted to this sub-population of the homeless. In order to enter New Creations, the client must complete a recovery program in a short-term substance abuse program and have 90 days of sobriety. In addition, the client must be employed or actively seeking employment. To remain, the client must attend peer group meetings, individual and group therapy sessions, and remain employed. For its part, New Creations provides a "therapeutic community", anchored to chemical dependency counseling and case management, wherein single individuals and individuals reunited with their families maintain their sobriety and continue their progress toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing. The supportive services the project participants receive. Supportive service needs are determined through a specifically detailed intake form, filled out before entry into the program. Through a case workers assessment, individuals who apply for entry into New Creations Transitional Housing Program are asked specific questions regarding educational level, job skills, sobriety, etc. Criteria for entry into the program includes 90 days of sobriety or recent completion of a substance abuse recovery program, employment, and completion of the intake process. In collaboration with the New Creations Transitional Housing Program resident, the caseworker will set goals regarding job training, education, income, and personal growth. Each individual’s goals are tracked throughout weekly target sessions with peer support groups and/or the individual resident’s caseworker. Under the direction of a Chemical Dependency Recovery Program Director (M.S., L.P.C., C.A.D.A.C.), this program takes a holistic approach to help each person achieve his or her full potential. In accordance with each individual’s commitment to his or her program of recovery, the following services are offered:

• assessment - individualized needs determined from responses to intake forms and caseworker’s interview.
• orientation - familiarize residents with program benefits, requirements, and expected outcomes.
• individual therapy - daily to weekly counseling provided by a licensed chemical dependency director.
• group therapy sessions - regular support meetings with peers under the supervision of a licensed program director.
• substance abuse counseling - weekly sessions focusing on fixing the symptoms and moving the mind-set forward, conducted by a licensed chemical dependency counselor.
• evaluation and follow-up - provided through active alumni groups, monthly group meetings will facilitate after-care and case management.

In addition to the services listed above, residents have access to services currently offered at the Siena/Francis House. These services include job preparation and training, job mentoring, transportation services, and medical services. Other services provided to residents through programs offered by the Omaha Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless include, among others,

1. domestic abuse counseling by the YWCA,
2. chemical and drug dependency counseling by Catholic Charities of Omaha,
3. mental health assessment and treatment by Community Alliance, Inc.,
4. health care services by the Charles Drew Health Clinic,
5. dispute resolution counseling, transitional housing readiness and child care by the Salvation Army,
6. family counseling and other services by Family Service, and
7. independent living opportunities by the Stephen Center. Job training and placement is a collaborative effort involving
   • major employers including Airlite Plastic, Lozier Corporation, Manpower, Inc., Dean’s Painting and Contracting, and Grieb construction, among others,
   • state agencies including the Nebraska Job Service, Job Training of Greater Omaha, and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and
   • Omaha Public Schools and Metropolitan Community College.

Omaha’s Continuum of Care lacks sufficient transitional housing for those individuals who have completed a short-term recovery program. These individuals require transitional housing that is supplemented with treatment, follow-up, and support services designed specifically for them. The goal of the New Creations Transitional Housing Program is to provide a therapeutic community for these individuals with emphasis on a peer based support group and individualized counseling, all under the direction of a licensed chemical dependency director. For a population in desperate need of stability, this program provides the long-term treatment, follow-up and support services needed in order to establish the necessary skills and confidence to live independently. While New Creations exists to help homeless individuals and families make the difficult transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing, its particular focus is on those homeless individuals who have a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. Prior to New Creations, the Omaha area lacked a transitional housing facility devoted to this sub-population of the homeless.

918 City of Lincoln Fair Housing Listening Sessions

Through an RFP process, the city contracted with Leroy & Anne stokes to facilitate three community listening sessions regarding fair housing issues in the City of Lincoln, Nebraska. An advisory committee was formed to guide the process, offer suggestions and to help spread the word throughout the City about the upcoming sessions. The advisory committee met three times. The facilitators worked with the advisory committee to publicize the sessions and to draft the agenda/format for the sessions. Sessions were advertised through newspaper articles, radio, notices to churches, barber shops, local businesses and schools. The three sessions were well-attended with an average of 25 persons/session. Care was taken to create a comfortable, safe environment where sensitive issues could be discussed in confidence without fear of repercussion. The facilitators presented the findings from the sessions with the City, the Lincoln Board of Realtors and Citizens Against racism and Discrimination.

690 Grant Housing Authority

This Grant Housing Authority (GHA) successfully obtained $20,000 in keno funds to assist with the modernization of public housing units. The GHA has used the money to provide additional funds for window replacement. The window replacement was an original work item in CIAP grant 1999 and was not a large enough grant to cover the entire cost of window replacement. The remaining funds were used to begin the vinyl siding of the units.

588 Kings Gate Senior Community Center

The Kings Gate Senior Community Center is located in the clubhouse of the Kings Gate Senior Apartments in Omaha, NE. Kings Gate Senior Apartments is composed of 180 independent living units to be marketed to elderly lower income residents. Residents must be 62 years of age or older and meet income qualification guidelines. 100% of the units are income restricted to 60% of median income. The community center is staffed by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA).

The Center offers support services and coordinates programs for the residents, such as "meals on wheels", information seminars, activities, and sponsor field trips. In addition to ENOA, Creighton University agreed to maintain a geriatric health care clinic five days a week. The clinic is staffed by nurses with doctors available on an as needed basis. These services are available to the residents at either no cost or a very nominal one. The developers of Kings Gate donated the space for the two organizations. The Community Center also received a $234,000 Grant from the Nebraska Department of Education, in conjunction with Pinewood Elementary School, to establish a computer center. The money will be used to purchase computers, software and supplies. The students from Pinewood Elementary will teach the senior residents to use computers and the senior residents will teach history to the students.

11 Chadron YouthBuild

Chadron YouthBuild is a comprehensive youth and community development program. Youthbuild simultaneously addresses several core issues facing communities - education, housing, jobs and leadership development. It is a community service program, in which young people build affordable housing for low- to moderate-income persons. It is an alternative school, in which participants spend 50 percent of their program time pursuing academic goals, which may include vocational and remedial education, study toward general equivalency diploma, and preparation for higher education. It is a job training and apprenticeship program, in which young people receive on-site training in construction skills during 50 percent of their time in the program from qualified instructors, and then are placed in construction-related jobs or apprenticeships. It is a leadership development program in which young people share in the governance of their own program and participate actively in community affairs, learning the values and lifelong commitment needed by effective and ethical community leaders. It is a youth development program in which young people participate in personal counseling, peer support groups, and life-planning processes. Leadership development assists students in healing from past hurts, overcoming negative habits and attitudes, and pursuing achievable goals that will establish a productive life to help them sustain themselves and their families. It is a long-term 'mini-community' which young people make new friends committed to positive lifestyle. Sometimes they pursue cultural and recreational activities together and can continue to participate through follow-up services and a graduate program. It is a community development program, in which community organizations obtain resources to tackle several key community issues at once. strengthening their capacity to build and manage housing for the future and take responsibility for their communities and neighborhoods. It is not accurate to define YouthBuild as any of its particular parts. It must be understood as a comprehensive whole. It fits in many places, and overlaps with other efforts to tackle poverty and engage low-income young people as productive members and potential leaders in a democratic society.

2828 Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission Public Forums

Every year for the past ten years the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission has conducted public forums before its regular meetings at various communities across the state. Sites are selected to alternate across the state. The meetings provide a forum for citizens to discuss local civil rights issues and to hear an update on Commission activities and initiatives and to receive information about civil rights laws.

943 Nebraska Association of Community Housing Development Organizations

The need for a coalition of non-profit housing developers was determined in about 1995 by a group of state-designated CHDOs. The CHDOs worked with staff from the Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development to identify their needs based on their goals of developing affordable housing and to create networks to increase the capacity of the CHDO housing production system. The organization established peer mentor relationships and regular meetings as a forum for CHDOs to share their experiences and receive training in non-profit management and housing development.

The Nebraska Association of CHDOs (Community Housing Development Organizations) - NAC is an alliance of representatives of chdOs (designated by the State of Nebraska, City of Lincoln and/or City of Omaha) and housing partners working to increase the availability of quality, affordable housing in Nebraska. NAC was formed to assist CHdOs in the development of affordable housing by providing the following array of services and technical assistance:

1. technical assistance in project development, packaging and implementation, strategic planning and board development training and affirmative marketing planning;
2. coordinate training and identify resources to develop quality, affordable housing;
3. library of resources used for housing development including documents used for property management and marketing.

NAC works closely with the participating jurisdictions in Nebraska to see that the capacity building and training needs of CHDOs are met. Since 1996, the group has held annual strategic planning retreats to identify training need, to develop a strategy to build the capacity of their members and to develop a system of assessing its member non-profits and helping them to reach accepted standards of excellence. This unique organization has worked actively with the Omaha HUD Field Office and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to ensure that services available through technical assistance intermediaries responds to the needs of their CHDO members. NAC is represented on the boards of the Nebraska commission on Housing & Homelessness, Housing Excellence Coalition and the Nebraska Rural Development Commission. NAC is an active partner in several state housing initiatives including REACH (readiness education awareness collaborative for homeowners & homebuyers) - NAC is the rural coordinator for homebuyer education in Nebraska; HOYO (Home of Your Own) - a coalition of housing resource providers working to increase homeownership opportunities for persons with disabilities and to make it possible for persons with a disability to remain in their homes: the Nebraska Community Foundation; and the Straw Bale Association of Nebraska, the association works to provide information, assistance and resources to promote and develop straw-bale construction and the use of alternative building materials.

Content Archived: April 20, 2011