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

Bi-Monthly Newsletter
June 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

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

A Message from the Regional Administrator

Each year, HUD celebrates Homeownership Month during the month of June. Homeownership Month is a time to reaffirm the important role that "home" plays for families. Homeownership has historically served as a vehicle for Americans to build equity, start businesses, put kids through college and retire with comfort and dignity. Sadly, too many families may not realize "the American Dream" of owning a home. In many cases, borrowers with less than perfect credit still struggle to get a mortgage to purchase a home.

Since 1930, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has made considerable contributions to the nation's housing needs. This summer, FHA will celebrate its 80th birthday. With the release of Access Blueprint, FHA has outlined specific steps to expand access to mortgage credit for underserved borrowers. It includes an initiative called Homeowners Armed with Knowledge (HAWK) - a four-year pilot program that allows first time homebuyers who commit to counseling to qualify for reduced premiums on their loans. HAWK provides an opportunity for new home buyers to be more knowledgeable about being homeowners, and potentially save money over the life of their loan. FHA is also working with lenders to revise quality assurance policies to ensure that loans are originated in accordance with the guidelines.

HUD is working hard to assist responsible families, from all backgrounds, in making their dream of homeownership a reality. I want to thank you for your hard work, determination, and partnership to help increase opportunities for families to buy a home and to preserve the dream for generations to come.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Tidwell

HUD NEWS

NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY and NEW RESIDENTIAL SALES

Each month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau jointly announce the new residential construction statistics and sales of new single family houses. Read the most current new residential construction data available at http://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/. For the most current monthly report for sales of new single family homes, please visit http://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/.

Housing Scorecard

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury produce a monthly scorecard on the health of the nation's housing market. The scorecard incorporates key housing market indicators and highlights the impact of the Administration's unprecedented housing recovery efforts, including assistance to homeowners through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). Find monthly scorecards at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/initiatives/Housing_Scorecard.

HUD AWARDS $40 MILLION IN HOUSING COUNSELING GRANTS
Over $246,000 awarded to support counseling agencies in Region VII

On May 22, 2014, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded more than $40 million in grants to hundreds of national, regional, and local organizations to help families and individuals with their housing needs and to prevent future foreclosures. HUD's housing counseling grants, and the additional funding they help to leverage, will assist more than 1.5 million households find housing, make more informed housing choices, or keep their current homes. Read more at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2014/HUDNo_14-053

HUD PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR 41 LOCAL HOMELESS PROGRAMS ACROSS REGION VII
Local communities rethinking traditional approaches to confronting homelessness

June 19, 2014 - HUD announced nearly $5 million in grants to renew support for 41 local homeless housing and service programs across the Region VII. Provided through HUD's Continuum of Care Program, the funding will ensure these local projects remain operating in the coming year, providing critically needed housing and support services to those persons and families experiencing homelessness. Read more at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2014/HUDNo_14-077

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES MAYORS CHALLENGE TO END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

On June 4, 2014, First Lady Michelle Obama, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the creation of the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness during an event at the White House. More than 75 mayors and county and state officials across the country pledged they are committed to ending veterans homelessness in their communities by 2015 using the power of federal, local, and non-profit resources. We are pleased to announce the following Mayors in Region VII who have committed to the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.

1. Mayor T.M. Franklin Cownie - Des Moines, IA
2. Mayor Michael Seibert - Joplin, MO
3. Mayor Sly James - Kansas City, MO
4. Mayor Francis Slay - St. Louis, MO

NATION'S PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES JOIN HUD'S FATHER'S DAY INITIATIVE
Events in Region VII bring fathers and their children closer together

For the fourth consecutive year, Father's Day attracted hundreds of communities across the country to participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Reconnecting Families and Dad's Program hosting free events to support dads living in public housing to stay connected with their children. This year, over 400 local public housing agencies hosted events throughout the month to celebrate fatherhood and family. Read more about events held throughout Region VII.

Muscatine, Iowa

Riding a bike is fun, good exercise and a great way to spend time with your family and friends. On June 7, 2014, dads (and moms) from the Sunset Park Apartment Complex joined their children for Muscatine Pilot Club's first bike safety program.

The Pilot Club teamed up with an officer from the city's Police Dept. and a local bicycle shop to present the bike safety program specifically for Sunset Park children. Three stations were setup in a parking lot at the Muscatine Soccer Complex where the children learned about bike safety, bike maintenance, and brain injury awareness.

After completing the three stations, each child received a free helmet from the club.

On July 16, 2014, the Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency also held a Lunch with Dad event at the Sunset Park Apartments.

Winfield, KS

Fathers in Winfield, KS planned a camp out and pitched tents under some pine trees on the property. They cooked hamburgers, hotdogs, and s'mores over a couple of donated fire pits. The Winfield Fire Department joined in to provide instructions on emergency preparedness.

Nevada, MO

The Housing Authority of Nevada, MO sponsored a night at the ballpark with the Nevada Griffons (the city's minor league baseball team). A Med-Flight helicopter flew over the field and dropped the game ball to a resident father/child to throw out the first pitch. Names were drawn for father/son teams to compete in base-running between innings. The game was taped live and aired on a local radio station. During the broadcast the local announcer interviewed housing authority staff and shared statistics regarding HUD's Father's Day initiative.

Niobrara, NE

The Niobrara Housing Authority owns and manages one project which contains 18 affordable rental units. This year the "Donuts with Dad" event provided an opportunity for dads and their kids, not only to share a special treat, but to spend some time together playing board games.

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM AROUND THE REGION

HUD in Kansas

Upcoming Events
July 16-18, 2014 - Kansas Conference on Poverty - Topeka, KS - Conference information
at http://www.kacap.org/Resources/ConferenceonPoverty/

July 22-24, 2014 - CHDO Workshop: Understanding the 2013 HOME Final Rule - Kansas City, KS - Registration now available at https://www.onecpd.info/training-events/courses/chdo-workshop-understanding-the-2013-home-final-rule/496/

August 27-29, 2014 - Bringing Kansas Home - Kansas Housing Conference - Wichita, KS - Hyatt Regency - Registration now open at http://kshousingconference.org/

September 11-12, 2014 - Kansas NAHRO Maintenance Conference - Wichita, KS - More info at http://www.ksnahro.org/conference__training_information/2014_conferences

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City - Events at http://www.kc.frb.org/events/index.cfm?cat=Community%20Development

HUD in Iowa

Second Iowa Peer to Peer Homeless Symposium - Des Moines, IA

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Des Moines Field Office hosted the second annual two-day Iowa Peer to Peer Homeless Symposium during June 2014. The symposium was held at Meredith Hall at Drake University Campus and was attended by over 135 participants from across four states representing 23 counties and 34 communities.

The symposium agenda was developed through the collaboration of an 18 member planning committee representing HUD and other Federal, State and Local partners from across Iowa. The committee organized the agenda and speakers that encompassed nineteen different topics relating to homeless issues for both rural and urban settings. The overall goal of the symposium was to increase collaboration and synchronization between Federal, State, and Local Governments as well as community organizations toachieve targeted reductions in homelessness.

Des Moines Mayor T. M. Franklin Cownie, HUD Regional Administrator Jennifer Tidwell, and HUD Field Office Director Steve Eggleston welcomed participants to the City of Des Moines and thanked them for attending the symposium. Participants also heard from Jesse Vazzano, NationalDirector, HUD-VA Supportive Housing, U.S. Departmentof Veterans Affairs,through video conferencing technology.

Upcoming Events

September 3-5, 2014 - 2014 HousingIowa Conference - Des Moines, IA - Des Moines Marriot Downtown - Conference Details at http://www.ifameetings.com/

October 7-8, 2014 - Growing Sustainable Communities 7th Annual Conference - Dubuque, IA - Register NOW! at http://www.gscdubuque.com/programming.htm

2014 Iowa Community Action Association (ICCA) Training Conference - Des Moines, IA - West Des Moines Marriott - Conference information and Registration at http://www.iowacommunityaction.org/

HUD in Western Missouri

Heart of America Stand Down - Outstanding!

On June 6 -7, 2014, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and Kansas City, MO Mayor Sly James welcomed veterans from across the Kansas City metro area to the 21st Heart of America Stand Down held at the Scottish Rite Temple, in Kansas City, MO. Almost 100 private, non-profit, government, and faith-based organizations came together to provide resources in a safe, substance free environment to many veterans who are battling homelessness.

Veterans received medical and dental screenings, haircuts, educational and employment opportunities, housing and utility resources, clothing, assistance with substance abuse issues, legal issues, counseling, and enjoyed a barbeque lunch.

Thanks to Enrique Shaw and Keith Jones (also veterans) who organized the clothing drive for the Kansas City Regional Field Office. Kansas City Field Office and Financial Management Center staff generously donated clothing, shoes, and toiletries for the event.

Veterans who attended the Stand Down received the resources to prevent or help end the cycle of homelessness.

2013-2014 Greater Kansas City Hispanic Needs Assessment

On June 13, 2014 the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center hosted the public release of the 2013-2014 Greater Kansas City Hispanic Needs Assessment.

In 1988, the first Hispanic Needs Assessment was commissioned for the Greater Kansas City area. Twenty-five years later, the key initiative of the Latino Civic Engagement Collaborative (LCEC) was to update the current conditions, assets, and needs of the Latino population across metro Kansas City. The LCEC includes executives from many Latino-serving organizations in Kansas City, MO. Established in 2009, the group was formerly known as the Hispanic Civic Engagement Project and is committed to improving the quality of life for Latinos in Kansas City.

Find the 2013-2014 Greater Kansas City Hispanic Needs Assessment at http://www.westsidehousing.org/.

The Gardens of Jackson Creek

On May 1, 2014, Regional Administrator, Jennifer Tidwell attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Gardens of Jackson Creek a newly-constructed 113-unit Section 231 Elderly Housing project in Independence, MO. The Gardens of Jackson Creek is a perfect example of cutting-edge affordable housing for seniors who have reached retirement age and need affordable housing to make it on their pensions, small savings, or social security. The project is a prime example of the collaboration between federal and local government and the private sector to provide and sustain decent and safe affordable housing for the senior community.

Grand Opening - St. Michael's Veterans Center

June 30, 2014 - This is a place where homeless veterans can now call home.

This was the sentiment echoed throughout the grand opening ceremony of the St. Michael's Veterans Center in Kansas City, MO. The facility will provide permanent supportive housing for 58 formerly homeless Veterans, the first of its kind in the nation. Onsite services available to residents include case management, healthcare, vocational and educational programs, and independent living skills.

Kansas City, MO Mayor Sly James was one of a dozen guest speakers during the morning ceremony. "Veterans will now have the resources to make strides in their lives and reach the dreams they dream," said Mayor James. He added that as veterans return home, it is through the love and support of the community that "we can now take care of our veterans, as they also took care of us while they were gone. "

Regional Administrator, Jennifer Tidwell, expressed that the success of St. Michael's Veterans Center came through thestrong collaboration between the federal government, local government partners, and non-profit and private sectors. "With the strong commitment from Mayor Sly James, who is joining other mayors from across the country in the Challenge to End Veterans Homelessness," she said, "we can and will see the day when no veteran in Kansas City is without a place to live."

Phase II, of the St. Michael's Veterans Campus, will provide 59 more permanent housing units for homeless vets in Kansas City, MO. Ground breaking is scheduled for spring, 2015.

Upcoming Events

July 16-18, 2014 - Heartland Affordable Housing Management Association - 2014 Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO - Conference information at http://www.hahma.org/?page_id=901

September 18-19, 2014 - Missouri Commission on Human Rights and The National Community Reinvestment Coalition - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Public Agency Stakeholder Training - Kansas City, MO - FREE two-day training; Event details at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/affirmatively-furthering-fair-housing-public-agency-stakeholder-training-tickets-11869956359?aff=eorg

November 19-20 2014 - Homeless Awareness Conference presented by the Governor's Committee to End Homelessness - SAVE THE DATE- Hampton Inn in Columbia, Missouri.

HUD in Eastern Missouri

The Friendship House Opens in Farmington, Missouri

BJC Behavioral Health (BJCBH) is leading the nation in the integration of physical and mental health, and their Farmington, Missouri healthcare campus in the St. Louis suburbs is a primary example. The campus offers a full continuum of inpatient medical-surgical and intensive care, obstetrics, geriatric psychiatry and emergency services, along with a wide variety of outpatient services including a diabetes and wound care clinic, the Huckstep Heart and Lung Center, and now, a new apartment complex that brings health services to affordable housing.

The Friendship House, a new HUD 811 Housing project, is a partnership between the East Missouri Action Agency, who owns and manages the apartments, and BJCBH, who will provide services. The 14 single-occupancy units just opened and will provide safe and affordable housing for persons with mental illness and disabilities. The features of this complex include no-step universal design, a courtyard which creates socialization opportunities and a sense of community, and a new "Friends In Action" Clubhouse to be built in the future. Originally conceived in 2008, the Friendship House is another step in the long-term goal of an integrated healthcare campus. The project was awarded a capital advance of $2,004,400 through the 2010 811 grant competition, and HUD will also provide Project Rental Assistance with the current contract infusing $171,900 over the next three years.

St. Louis Field Office Director, James Heard, said "the St. Louis HUD office is pleased to have provided FHA (Federal Housing Administration) multifamily housing financing for the Friendship House in BJCBH's Farmington, Missouri healthcare campus. This development is an important community asset for Farmington, and an example of how public/private collaborations can successfully incorporate affordable housing for people with mental illness and disabilities into a thriving community."

The Friendship House held its grand opening on June 17 in Farmington, MO. The Farmington Chamber of Commerce sponsored the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and representatives from BJC Behavioral Health, Friends In Action Clubhouse, East Missouri Action Agency, Missouri Department of Mental Health, ND Consulting, AGM, Inc., the City of Farmington, Brockmiller Construction, and St. Louis HUD office staff attended the celebration.

Upcoming Events

July 16-18, 2014 - Heartland Affordable Housing Management Association - 2014 Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO - Conference information at http://www.hahma.org/?page_id=901

November 19-20, 2014 - Homeless Awareness Conference presented by the Governor's Committee to End Homelessness - SAVE THE DATE- Hampton Inn in Columbia, Missouri

September 17-19, 2014 - Missouri NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) 2014 Fall Conference - Joplin, MO, Holiday Inn - Register at http://www.monahro.com/

HUD in Nebraska

Urban-Rural Connections Workshop - Omaha

May 15-16, 2014 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in collaboration with the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation, hosted an Urban-Rural Connections Workshop at the Hilton near downtown Omaha as part of their sustainable communities partnership. NADO generally participates in the Sustainable Communities Learning Network to provide capacity building and technical assistance to HUD and EPA sustainable communities award recipients.l

HUD staff from Omaha and Kansas City (Reginald Robinson, Greg Cecil, and Rick Shaw) attended the "Strengthening Rural-Urban Connections to Support Competitive Regions" workshop with recipients of HUD Sustainable Communities grants and EPA technical assistance projects. The workshop included a collaborative and interactive session to discuss respective projects. Participants also toured the Omaha-Council Bluffs region to explore strategies and initiatives that would improve connections between urban and rural communities through economic development, food systems, workforce development, and other areas. Approximately 30 persons from various grantees across the country attended the 2-day workshop.

7th Anniversary Empowerment Network Conference

On May 16, 2014, Omaha Field Office Director Earl Redrick attended the 7th Anniversary Empowerment Network Conference at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton. The day-long event focused on the Transformation 2025 plan for North Omaha and offered multiple conference tracks including Solutions and Strategies to Close the Employment Gap, Safe Communities, Financial Empowerment, Preparing the Workforce for Tomorrow, and Career Advancement and Building Leadership Skills. Attendees listened to wide array of guest speakers all considered experts in their respective fields.

Chandler Pointe

On June 17, 2014, Chandler Pointe, formerly known as South Gate, proudly hosted a grand opening of their newly renovated apartments. The 40 year old property and its 200 units were completely renovated with a HUD 221(d)(4) FHA insured loan totaling over $10 million. The transaction preserves 145 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher units and 55 units under the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. With energy efficiency at the forefront of the renovation, the residents now have cost-saving energy star kitchen appliances and water heaters.

The event was well attended by project partners and several residents. Ted Seldin, Owner and CEO of Seldin Company, expressed his great gratitude to all of the HUD staff for their help and efforts in continuing the pursuit of affordable housing.

Upcoming Events

September 16-18, 2014 - Nebraska NAHRO Fall Conference - Norfolk, NE, Divots Conference Center - Save the Date - Check for open Registration date athttp://www.nenahro.org/Conferences.html

WHAT'S NEW

HUD Launches New eCon Planning Suite Resources - Guide to the Data Driven Toolkit in CPD Maps- https://www.onecpd.info/resource/3818/guide-to-the-data-driven-planning-toolkit-in-cpd-maps/; Citizen Participation and Consultation Toolkit - https://www.onecpd.info/consolidated-plan/econ-planning-suite-citizen-participation-and-consultation-toolkit/

FY 2014 HOME Homeownership Value Limits Effective January 1, 2014 - HOME Homeownership Value Limits-https://www.onecpd.info/resource/2312/home-maximum-purchase-price-after-rehab-value/

HOME Monthly Reports Now Posted - HOME Program Resource Page under "Home Reports" - https://www.onecpd.info/home/

HUD Releases New HOME Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - https://www.onecpd.info/resource/3318/home-faqs/

HUD Releases New Continuum of Care (CoC) Program FAQs - CoC Program FAQs - https://www.onecpd.info/coc/faqs/

HUD Publishes FY 2014 HOME Consortia List and Member Percentage Reports - FY 2014 HOME Consortia List- https://www.onecpd.info/resource/2407/current-federal-fiscal-year-home-consortia-list/; FY 2014 HOME Consortia Participating Members Percentage Report - https://www.onecpd.info/resource/2451/home-consortia-participating-members-percentage-report/

Rural Gateway and Economic Development Programs Resource Pages Now Available on the OneCPD Resource Exchange -Resource Library page - https://www.onecpd.info/manage-a-program/

HUD Publishes FY 2014 HOME Match Reductions - https://www.onecpd.info/resource/3833/fy-2014-home-match-reductions/

HUD Issues New Guidance on FY2012 and FY2013 HOME Appropriations Requirements - https://www.onecpd.info/resource/3835/notice-cpd-14-08-operating-guidance-implementing-2012-2013-home/

From our Federal Partners

The U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) Employment Toolkit - resources for employers and veterans focused on transitioning from military service, finding employment and supporting veteran employees -http://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/

Dept. of Labor - Prevailing Wage Seminars - Dates and locations at: http://www.dol.gov/whd/govcontracts/PrevailingWageConferences.htm

STAY CONNECTED

QUICK LINKS - Use our quick links directory to access HUD information from one location- http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/siteindex/quicklinks

FIND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES -http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/grants/fundsavail

QUICK RESOURCES

HUD Contacts Kansas - http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/kansas/offices

HUD Contacts in Iowa - http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/iowa/offices

HUD Contacts in Missouri - http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/missouri/offices

HUD Contacts in Nebraska - http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/nebraska

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

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