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Executive Summary Working with a HUD consultant, NOAH formed collaborations with city and local organizations. As a result of these grassroots partnerships, the organization was able to successfully change state law to allow 50-year leases (previously only five years) on state property and to allow the construction of much-needed Section 811 properties. NOAH improved the collaborative process through which the private sector, the city of Norman, and other nonprofit housing organizations could build over 200 units of affordable housing for the elderly, chronically mentally ill, and other people in need. By building such a large number of units, NOAH also achieved large economies of scale in purchasing materials in bulk and building in large volume. NOAH took steps to gain acceptance of low-income housing in the community. It emphasized higher-quality facilities by increasing maintenance on the properties and brought the maintenance processes in-house to ensure greater accountability. Both landlords and tenants attended training sessions in order to more fully understand their responsibilities as members of the community. NOAHs development plan has fostered a win-win situation for all parties involved. Low-income residents will benefit from the new housing opportunities, the community can look forward to experiencing stable, long-term economic development, and the local government will benefit from an increased property and sales tax base, while real estate professionals can enjoy increasing their business with the new home sales. The success of the program has resulted in several featured articles by local and state newspapers. Commenting on the success of NOAHs plan, Kay Absher stated, "the key to our success has been not taking No for an answer."
Content Archived: April 20, 2011
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