HUD Great Plains Region VII News
Serving Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri

Bi-Monthly Newsletter
February 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

A Message from the Regional Administrator | News & Events from around the Region | Kansas | Iowa | Missouri | Nebraska | What's New | Quick Resources | Stay Connected

A Message from the Regional Administrator

In the last days of January,volunteers around the nation participated in a national count of homeless persons and families as part of HUD's national Let's Make Everybody Count! campaign. At the same time, hundreds of volunteers in communities across Region VII were also doing their part to count and assist homeless individuals and families. A big THANK YOU to all who participated in the Point-in-time count.

Data gathered from the "Point in Time" counts will be used to effectively allocate funding to HUD's programs and grantees, as well as measure the nation's progress on Opening Doors - the federal plan to end homelessness. In June, the Obama Administration announced the nation's first comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness, titled Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness (www.usich.gov/OpeningDoors.html). The plan puts the country on a path to end veterans and chronic homelessness by 2015; and to ending homelessness among children, family, and youth by 2020.

The Obama Administration is dedicated to serving the homeless individuals and families and finding them homes, and HUD is proud to be leading the effort.

Sincerely, TerrI Porter

News & Events from around the Region

HUD in Kansas

Wyandotte Homeless Services Coalition 2013 Point-in-Time Count

On Thursday, January 31, the Wyandotte Homeless Services Coalition (WHSC) conducted its annual "Point-In-Time" count, surveying the demographics of the homeless in the community.

The Wilhelmina Gill Multiservice Center at 645 Nebraska in downtown Kansas City, Kansas was one the busiest survey sites in the area.

In a much appreciated show of teamwork and cooperation, Jennifer Kreitzer and Frank Piper from the V.A,, Chiquita Miller from the Kansas State Extension, Debra Watson and Deasiray Norris from the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Maria Reyes from Catholic Charities, Amy Thomas (Wyandotte Homeless Services Coalition Coordinator), and Agatha Gutierrez and Ashley Eis from HUD all volunteered substantial time in making the event a successful one. Tom Reynolds from Mt. Carmel/Willa Gill hosted the event and coordinated the volunteer efforts.

At the end of the cold January day, 40 surveys were completed to add to the total collected in the rest of the area served by the local Continuum of Care (the overall data is still being analyzed). Many thanks to Tom and all who volunteered!

HUD's Green Academy

The Kansas City Regional Office hosted HUD's Green Academy Training on January 7-11, 2013. Affordable Green Initiative is a new, pilot initiative to provide sustainability and green building tools and resources to HUD grantees and affordable housing organizations.

Participants received training, organizational accreditation, and/or technical assistance at no cost. Around 27 people attended the five day event. Those in attendance left complementary comments and reviews for the training. More Green Academy Trainings are expected to take place in Des Moines and St. Louis.

Kansas Regional Workforce Summit

February 19, 2013 - Kansas City Regional Office Senior Advisor to the Regional Administrator, Clifton Jones, and Management Analyst, Enrique Shaw represented HUD at the Kansas Regional Workforce Summit in Hays, Kansas. Greater Kansas City LISC and the Kansas Policy Network, in partnership with Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, Kansas Department of Agriculture, HUD, and USDA Rural Development, hosted the event.

Key local and regional leaders gathered to discuss economic development strategies and the role of affordable housing in attracting and retaining talented workers to Kansas communities. As a lead panel member, Jones provided information regarding available HUD programs that address some of these concerns. In addition, Jones participated in a question and answer session with audience members.

Upcoming Events in Kansas

April 15-17, 2013 - Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition - 14th Annual Summit on Homelessness & Housing, Pittsburg, KS. Click here (www.eventbrite.com/event/3395470945%23) to register online. Conference Information and Registration by Mail (http://kshomeless.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2013-Summit-on-Homelessness-and-Housing-Registration-form3.pdf).

April 23-25, 2013 - HUD Environmental Training - The HUD Region 7 Field Office is offering an upcoming training titled Foundation in HUD Environmental Review. Notice of registration and the agenda will be sent via the OneCPD Mailing List around March 15, 2013.

April 25, 2013 - Prevailing Wage Training - HUD and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour, will collaborate to present compliance requirements for HUD grantees, contractors, subcontractors, and others participating in federally-funded construction work that is subject to federal prevailing wage requirements. The event will be held from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, at the Kansas City Regional HUD Office, 400 State Ave., Kansas City, KS. Register here.

HUD in Iowa

Maple Grove Villas

On January 8, 2013, the Des Moines Multifamily Program Center closed a loan worth more than $11 million for Maple Grove Villas. Through refinancing, ownership of the complex was able to restructure their debt allowing for physical and financial viability in the future. Maple Grove Villas are two and three bedroom townhomes located in West Des Moines consisting of 240 pet friendly units. The complex offers a wide array of amenities including: fitness center, swimming pool, business center, garages, and access to high speed internet.

To qualify for residency at Maple Grove Villas, total household income must be below certain income guidelines, based on the number of people living in the townhome. For further information about this apartment complex, please visit: http://www.liveatmaplegrove.com/

HUD Green Academy - Pursuing Green Initiatives

On February 11-15, 2013 the Des Moines HUD Field Office hosted a week-long Green Academy. Participants (132) from across eight states attended the no-cost workshop at the Neal Smith Federal Building in Des Moines. They represented affordable housing organizations, public housing authorities, state/local governments, and nonprofit organizations. The workshop covered five different topics:

Course 1: Introduction to Green Building (http://sustainable-performance.org/HUDGreenAcad/Detail#course-1)
Course 2: Executive Decision Making (http://sustainable-performance.org/HUDGreenAcad/Detail#course-2)
Course 3: Best Practices for Building Operations and Maintenance (http://sustainable-performance.org/HUDGreenAcad/Detail#course-3)
Course 4: Financing Green Building (http://sustainable-performance.org/HUDGreenAcad/Detail#course-4)
Course 5: Energy Performance Contracting for Small PHAs (http://sustainable-performance.org/HUDGreenAcad/Detail#course-5)

Participants gained knowledge of ways to make housing more sustainable; reduce operating expenses while preserving water and energy; implement practical, low-cost measures to save energy & money; finance green and energy efficient improvements; and achieve healthier, safer and more efficient buildings.

While the focus was on HUD properties, the principles taught were applicable to any housing complex or home. The training provided relevant information for everyone, whether they were experienced in green initiatives or new to the process.

Des Moines Mayor, Franklin Cownie, and HUD Field Office Director, Steve Eggleston, both thanked participants for attending the workshop and welcomed them to the City of Des Moines.

HUD Green Academy workshops are sponsored by HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing, the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, and the Office of Multifamily Housing and Community Planning Division. Workshops are held at various locations across the country. For further information on the HUD Green Academy, please visit the following website: http://sustainable-performance.org/HUDGreenAcad/handouts

HUD in Eastern Missouri

Making Homelessness History in St. Louis

February 26, 2013 - During its "Making Homelessness History" event at the Missouri History Museum, the City announced and 18-month rapid rehousing initiative, known as the BEACH project, to end chronic homelessness. The BEACH (Beginning of the End: Abolishing Chronic Homelessness) project emerged as a systemic improvement in homeless engagement, assessment, case management and data management. Through the efforts of the St. Louis Field Office Director, James Heard, Community Planning and Development Director, Deeann Ducote, and Financial Analyst, Theresa Brundage, more than 60 social service and governmental organizations came together in support for the homelessness prevention efforts and the public/private partnerships established by the St. Louis HUD Field Office.

The innovative nature of the BEACH strategy has attracted national attention, including that of Philip Mangano, former National Homeless Policy Czar under both Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama. Antoinette Triplett, Homeless Services Program Manager for the City of St. Louis and homeless service providers say the BEACH project is unique because it will provide stable housing and wrap-around services to every chronically homeless person identified in the City of St. Louis during the January 30, 2013 homeless Point-in-Time count. Recent experiences in St. Louis with this comprehensive approach suggest that the BEACH project will lead to much higher rates of success in preventing future homelessness compared to traditional approaches.

The day-long event included the showing of relevant films and presentations by Mr. Mangano and local homeless service providers. Table displays lined the Museum's Grand Hall and providers were available to distribute information and answer questions about their respective organizations. A second event, a "Day of Engagement", was held on March 1, 2013 in the City Hall Rotunda.

Upcoming Events in Eastern Missouri

April 11, 2013 - The St. Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency 7th Annual Fair Housing Month - The event will be held at the St. Louis Gateway Classic Foundation, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, St. Louis, MO 63106. For more information contact Denise Bigham at (314) 622-3301.

HUD in Western Missouri

100,000 Homes Campaign - Point-in-time (PIT) Homeless Count

On January 31, 2013 Region VII HUD staff joined several volunteers at shelters, soup kitchens, and libraries to count the homeless in places where they congregate. The PIT count is a snapshot of the number of individuals and families in the most dire need.

The 100,000 Homes Campaign is a national movement of communities working together to find permanent homes for 100,000 of the country's most vulnerable homeless individuals and families by July of 2014.

Service providers in Kansas City were searching out individuals and families who have been on the streets the longest, in particular, those whose situations are the most unhealthy and unsafe. The goal is to house 100 individuals or families by June 30.

Upcoming Events in Western Missouri

March 6, 2013 - National Mortgage Settlement Update - The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City will host a forum on the National Mortgage Settlement from 8:00-11:00 a.m.at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO.

March 25-29, 2013, Community Development Academy, Excelsior Springs, MO - The Community Development Academy is an intensive, experiential, five-day course offered by the University of Missouri Extension Community Development Program. Click here for more information. Registration (http://muconf.missouri.edu/commdevelopmentacademy/)

HUD in Nebraska

Oak Valley Apartments

On January 31, 2013, Omaha's Multifamily Program Center and Office of Counsel closed a $1,488,000 loan for Oak Valley Apartments in Omaha, NE. The project is 100% subsidized and consists of fifty-one (51) units housed in a three-story mid-rise building with elevator access.

Initial improvements to Oak Valley were constructed, financed, and endorsed under Section 221(d)(4) of the National Housing Act in 1983. The mortgage note was subsequently refinanced in 2004 pursuant to Section 223(a)(7). The property also benefits from a project based Section 8 HAP Contract that covers 100% of the rental units.

Historically, Oak Valley Apartments has provided much needed affordable housing in the community. This transaction furthers the preservation of affordable housing in the City of Omaha.

Upcoming Events in Nebraska

April 12, 2013 - Prevailing Wage Training - HUD and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour, will collaborate to present compliance requirements for HUD grantees, contractors, subcontractors, and others participating in federally-funded construction work that is subject to federal prevailing wage requirements. The U.S. DOL, Wage and Hour, Kansas City will present information pertaining DOL investigations including calculation of back wages. The event will be held from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, at the Omaha Civic Center Building in Omaha. Register here.

April 23-24, 2013 - 2013 Civil Rights Conference in Lincoln, NE - the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights will hold the conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Tuesday 1:00-5:00 pm and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m., and will include various realtor, employment, and housing sessions. Conference topics will include affirmatively furthering Fair Housing, Housing Challenges Affecting Veterans Today, Legal Updates, and FMLA/ADA/Worker's Comp. and more. Conference Brochure and Information (http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/human/pdf/crc2013bro.pdf).

April 24-25, 2013 - City of Scottsbluff and the Scottsbluff County Housing Authority 2013 Civil Rights Conference -the conference will take place at the Gering Convention Center in Gering, NE. The two-day event will cover topics such as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, Landlord Tenant Rights, Housing for Veterans, and Legal updates. For more information contact Nancy Bentley, Executive Director, Scottsbluff Co. Housing Authority at (308) 632-0473 or at sbha@charterinternet.com.

WHAT'S NEW

Obama Administration Releases January Housing Scorecard - Read more on HUD's website.

Dates for NSP1 100% Expenditure Deadline and NSP3 50% Expenditure Deadline - Tables with Deadlines (https://www.onecpd.info/news/dates-for-nsp1-100-expenditure-deadline-and-nsp3-50-expenditure-deadline/)

HUD Launches Environmental Review Training Page - comprehensive information on the environmental review process - Click here (https://www.onecpd.info/learning-center/environmental-review-training/)

HUD LAUNCHES "INNOVATION OF THE DAY" - a new online platform that will collect and share innovative practices in affordable housing, community development, and urban planning from around the world. Share your innovations with us or search our database for emerging practices in your own community or from around the world at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/innovationoftheday

HUD Releases the HOME and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit - Find here (https://www.onecpd.info/resource/2803/home-and-the-lowincome-housing-tax-credit-guidebook/)

HUD AND CENSUS BUREAU EXPAND ACCESS TO DETAILED INFORMATION ON NATION'S HOUSING - Click here (http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t)

Update: Changes to Income Calculator for FY13 Income Limits for most HUD Program - More info here (https://www.onecpd.info/incomecalculator/).

HUD LAUNCHES FIRST FAIR HOUSING APP - Read more on HUD's website.

From Our Federal Partners

USDA Invests in Research to End Hunger and Address Food Security Challenges - More information (http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-6e567d)

HHS announces 27 Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns awards - Read more (www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/02/20130215a.html)

Small Business Administration - Dispelling Myths about the Affordable Care Act - More (http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USSBA-6d5580)

QUICK RESOURCES

QUICK LINKS - Use our quick links directory to access HUD information from one location Quick Links (http://search.usa.gov/search?affiliate=housingandurbandevelopment&query=quick+links)

CENSUS TRACTS (www.huduser.org/portal/pdredge/pdr_edge_research_042412.html): Find out which Census tracts are for Low Income Housing Tax Credits in 2013

FIND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES - Funds available

Stay Connected

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HUD Contacts in Kansas
HUD Contacts in Iowa
HUD Contacts in Missouri
HUD Contacts in Nebraska

We welcome your comments and feedback and invite you to share your stories and/or news with Agatha (Aggie) Gutierrez (Agatha.R.Gutierrez@hud.gov).

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