HUD AWARDS MORE THAN $2.5 MILLION TO DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NONPROFIT TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Funding benefits low- and moderate-income families and persons in rural areas

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded today $2,534,974 to the Housing Assistance Council (HAC), headquartered in Washington, D.C., to support its work in assisting non-profit organizations build affordable housing in rural areas throughout the U.S. The competitive grant is part of $4.7 million awarded to four organizations in the country.

HAC will make capacity building grants to support rural non-profit organizations, providing development capital for affordable housing opportunities. Much of its site training and technical assistance work is carried out by four field offices in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Kansas City and Sacramento.

HUD's Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program supports national nonprofit organizations with expertise in rural housing and community development. In addition, this program enhances the capacity and ability of local governments, Indian tribes, housing development organizations, rural Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) to carry out community development and affordable housing activities that benefit low- and moderate-income families and persons in rural areas.

During the economic crisis, the need for affordable housing has only increased. The success of federal, state and local efforts to stabilize their housing markets relies on the capacity of local governments, Indian tribes, housing development organizations, CDCs, and rural CHDOs to develop and implement effective housing and community development plans. Rural communities have unique challenges in meeting these needs. The funding provided through this program is intended to help these communities, Indian tribes and nonprofit development organizations to develop the skills and technical capabilities necessary to undertake effective community development activities.

Through the Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program, it is the Department's intent to fund a mix of applicants with demonstrated skills to carry out the eligible activities related to affordable housing and community development.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.