2000 Best Practice Awards

2000-997 Citizens for Affordable Homes, Inc. (CAHI)

Citizens for Affordable Homes, Inc. (CAHI), is a non-profit housing development organization which was started in March 1993. In June 1998 they were approved for HUD’s direct sale program. They are utilizing another non-profit program (Rite of Passage) to rehabilitate the homes that they purchase.

2000-516 Ely Home Grown Jobs Initiative

The program is designed to assist entrepreneurs in the area to develop their businesses and markets so that they can generate jobs and revenue within the community. The Home Grown Jobs program capitalizes on the resources already available in the community, including its entrepreneurial spirit and talented workforce to help diversify the economy with new industries that can be marketed outside of the area.

2000-2353 Reno Housing Authority DERS Report

Each year the Office of Public and Indian Housing awards Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP) funding in the form of grants to Public Housing Authorities (PHA), Indian Housing Authorities, Tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities, and other eligible groups. In turn, HUD requires recipients of PHDEP funds to report the performance of approved activities for each grant on a semi-annual basis. This semi-annual performance report must be submitted electronically via the Internet-based Drug Elimination Reporting Subsystem (DERS). Grantees communicate to HUD their PHDEP-related programming as well as the results of their programming through their semi-annual DERS report.

2000-1202 Truckee Meadow Fair Housing

By the simple action of sending an informational letter to builders and owners who are planning to construct multi-family dwellings, Truckee Meadows Fair Housing ensures the information on the accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Act reaches them before construction actually begins. The letter includes a brief summary of the seven design elements in the Accessibility Guidelines, a list of available resources such as HUD’s Fair Housing Act Design Manual, and an offer to provide assistance with any fair housing issues. This simple outreach activity not only provides an excellent reminder to local builders and developers of their responsibilities, but also affords documentation for future enforcement actions that might result if it is determined that local multifamily properties were subsequently built are not accessible to persons with disabilities.

2000-527 United Way Community Computer Services Network

The United Way of Northern Nevada has developed an online suite of comprehensive human services resources and tools known as Community Computer Services Network (CCSN) . The purpose of the Network is provide a "One-Stop" referral and case management tools for area service providers. he human services resource directory portion of the project now contains over 1,300 individual services in Northern Nevada and the western side of Lake Tahoe (in California). Available tools include Human Service Forums (bulletin board-style communication forums for providers and other groups) and community calendaring. CCSN’s newest tool is called the Online Support Assistant, a secured software module that allows multiple case managers to collaboratively provide services to shared clients. This module integrates with the other established modules on the site, including, the human services resource directory. The tools is designed to provide a seamless delivery of critical supportive services throughout Northern Nevada and portions of California. The components of the project will improve delivery response and expand the range of service choices offered to clients.

2000-526 Rural One-Stop Continuum of Care

Since 1985, Friends In Service Helping (FISH) have built an effective "One-Stop" service network for homeless persons and families in rural Nevada. In part, the programs operated by FISH have grow out of necessity due to the lack of providers serving the homeless in rural areas. FISH has also demonstrated considerable foresight and leadership in designing service programs that move homeless persons to self sufficiency. FISH began operations in 1985of a 32 bed emergency homeless shelter for men, women, and families. It is the only temporary and emergency shelter program in rural Nevada. FISH’s Homeless Shelter makes housing available for numerous community churches, schools, law enforcement agencies, and mental health patients. The terms of admission is statement of need. No fees are charges. Donations are accepted by not required. A full time manager lives in the house Service include bedrooms for families, laundry, kitchen, and transportation to work or service agencies. In 1990, services were expanded to include interim or transitional housing when abandon housing at the Stewart Indian School were made available to FISH by the State of Nevada. FISH renovated two duplexes, which it rent from the State for a nominal cost. In 1995 FISH took over an additional 4 single family units from the Nevada Rural Mental Health Program that were initially acquired through an Emergency Shelter grant from HUD. The buildings requires a complete renovation. By taking over these properties, FISH continues service under the HUD grant and saved Mental Health a significant grant payback. The 8 interim housing units acquired by FISH are used as part of a comprehensive program to move persons from emergency to permanent housing. Applications for the interim housing give preference to families with children. Families may contract for the interim housing for up to 24 months. The application includes a plan, prepared by the individual, for becoming self sufficient. Applications are review by a committee comprised of the Executive Director, the shelter manager, a mental health specialist, and the human service supervisor. When the committee feels that the client is a good risk, a performance contract is prepared and signed. The performance contract may include requirements to clear up credit problems, complete educational objectives, or undergo counseling. A case worker is assigned to work with the family through the period of the contract. Families accepted into the program receive real benefits. Through partnership, FISH makes available community volunteer professionals. The service provided to families in interim housing include access to free medical clinic and dental services, transportation through the local paratransit operator or FISH, free meals in the dining room, food grant from the food bank, family/mental health counseling, free furnishing for their homes, clothing, tuition and test fees for GED and ESL programs, and tax assistance. The cost of the interim housing does not increase during the period to permit families accumulate assets for eventual transition to permanent housing. The transition to permanent housing is further aided by a partnership with Citizens for Affordable Housing, which provided homeownership counseling and assistance programs. FISH’s goal is that each family discover the rewards for working harder and smarter.

2000-524 Lockwood Residents Empowerment and Housing Preservation Project

The Internal Revenue seized the assets of A.G.E. Corporation Inc., a holding company for the Lockwood Mobile Home Park. The majority of the residents at the Lockwood Mobile Home park are senior citizens and/or low- to moderate-income households whose stability has been made possible by the park’s affordable space rents. After the seizure of the Lockwood Mobile Home Park the residents contacted HUD for assistance in preserving the affordable housing. In response, the residents of the Lockwood Mobile Home Park received community support and technical assistance from a variety of sources. The mobilization of the residents led to the formation of the Lockwood Community Corporation (LCC) – an incorporated Nevada nonprofit organization. The LCC Board of Directors, with the assistance of federal HUD staff, is seeking to acquire the Lockwood Mobile Home Park from the government for a negotiated price. Storey County has endorsed the LCC's proposal to purchase the park and is facilitating access to low interest loans and grants.

2000-114 Training Center Basic Home Repair Classes

Reno Housing Authority has partnered with the local community college to allow five FSS Program first-time homebuyers free tuition for a basic home repair evening course in exchange for free use of RHA's existing training center. Designed for ongoing training of maintenance staff, RHA's center has a full bathroom, a kitchen wall, open electrical wiring wall, drywall repair wall, and heating/ ventilation/ air conditioning (HVAC) area. It has open space for tables and chairs and training aids such as an overhead projector. Thus, it is the perfect facility for the Basic Home Repair classes offered to the community by Truckee Meadows Community College of the University System of Nevada. The college uses general contractors as teachers for the one-credit, eight-week evening course which teaches basics such as how to repair faucets, unplug a toilet or replace the seal, and fix holes in drywall. It also covers what jobs require the services of a professional.

2000-515 Great Basin Economic Development District

The Great Basin Development Association, Inc. was developed to coordinate the regional economic development activities of the four rural counties in north/north-central Nevada (Eureka, Humboldt, Lander and White Pine). These areas have suffered serious economic decline because their economies were fueled by a volatile mining industry. The formation was accomplished using inter-local agreements between the various county governments to undertake economic development/diversification activities on a regional basis that would assists the counties in developing more stable economies.

2000-517 Rural Nevada Continuum of Care

The year long initiative has resulted in the first ever Continuum of Care Network for all of rural Nevada. With the assistance of HUD's Community Builders, various service provides within the State organized to create a interdisciplinary social network to improve access to service in remote areas of the State.

2000-518 Silver State Fair Housing Initiative

This initiative fills a significant void in rural communities by providing essential fair housing education and enforcement services that have not previously been available to persons in Nevada’s rural and pioneer counties (all counties in Nevada except Clark and Washoe Counties.) To bridge this significant gap, HUD’s Community Builders have facilitated a partnership with the USDA and the Truckee Meadows Fair Housing Training to USDA staff. The USDA in turn provides increased fair housing services and information to rural communities.

2000-519 TE-MOAK Economic Partnership

New Dialysis clinic to be constructed in partnership with a for-profit healthcare company. As tribal members gain experience and training regarding dialysis treatment, tribef will take over operations.

2000-521 Rural Nevada Network Partnership

The Rural Nevada Network is a partnership of more that 20 Federal, State, and nonprofit agencies and the University of Nevada. The primary focus of the Network is on improving the effectiveness of agency interactions with rural communities and building the capacity of rural communities. The Rural Nevada Network grew from two initiatives: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Rural Economic Forums, initiated to assist rural communities develop strategies, identify resources, and develop plans to respond to severe economic downturns, and, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Focus on the Community initiative designed to assist communities conduct Community Assessments and develop Action Plans based on local visions. The Rural Nevada Network provides a process for coordinated and comprehensive planning among the agencies serving rural Nevada. The Network meets on a quarterly basis at locations throughout rural Nevada.

2000-522 Lake Tahoe Affordable Housing Collaborative

The Lake Tahoe Affordable Housing Collaborative is a bi-State initiative to address the chronic short supply of affordable housing in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The initiative involves the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, State agencies from California and Nevada, various Federal agencies, 5 County jurisdictions, multiple municipal jurisdictions around the Lake, private businesses, and over 20 non-profits organizations and housing providers/developers. A collaborative was formed assisted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to undertake a multifaceted strategy to develop affordable housing. The strategy entails two key components: First the collaborative seeks to create a community-based non-profit organization, such as a Community Housing Development Organization, to advocate strategies to minimize barriers to developing affordable housing at Lake Tahoe and to develop appropriate gap-financing tools and resources to develop affordable housing. Second, the collaborative seeks to demonstrate workable models for developing affordable housing at Lake Tahoe.

2000-523 Nevada Native American Roundtable Partnership

The Roundtable initiative was initiated to improve service delivery to Native American communities. The Native American Roundtables accomplish this by:

1. providing a forum for sharing information on program and services benefiting Native Americans,
2. improving coordination and resource targeting among Federal, State, and non-profit stakeholders,
3. increasing sensitivity to Native American issues and needs
4. providing a "One-Stop" shop approach to access to information on Federal and State programs.

The Native American Roundtable includes representatives from numerous Federal, State, and nonprofit agencies. The format for the Roundtables includes:

1. Individual agency presentations on Native American programs, activities, and policy issues;
2. Native American cultural sensitivity training;
3. Issue specific workshops on Housing, Economic Development, Environmental, and Community Facilities.

2000-500 HUD Storefront Directory of Affordable Housing

HUD’s Community Storefronts serve as a "One-Stop" clearing houses for community-based housing and service information. Carrying out this function requires staff to develop targeted information products responsive to local needs. One of the significant products developed by HUD's RENO STOREFRONT is a comprehensive Northern Nevada Directory of affordable housing properties. This comprehensive directory provides up-to-date information on all types of housing. The directory offers HUD's customers a complete single source to those in need of affordable housing. This directory includes a list of all affordable rental properties in Northern Nevada, location maps, units sizes and configuration, rental information, and a list of amenities and local services, including schools and hospitals, and proximity to bus lines. This information is updated quarterly and posted on the local office internet page.

Content Archived: April 20, 2011