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

Bi-Monthly Newsletter
December 2012

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

With the holiday season upon us, this is a special time of celebration with loved ones, family, and friends.

This is also a time that inspires us to reflect on what we have accomplished together. Your work - and HUD's work together - has never been more important than it is now. Thank you for your support and the countless hours you've dedicated to ensuring that every American family has access to decent, safe, and affordable housing. It is not just part of HUD's mission - it is the core of our mission

We look forward to working with you in coming year. Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year from HUD - Region VII.

Sincerely,

Terri Porter

News & Events from around the Region

HUD in Kansas

"Rebuilding Quindaro Blvd." - Ribbon Cutting/Open House

December 5, 2012 - The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas (Unified Government) held a ribbon cutting/open house ceremony to showcase their "Rebuilding Quindaro Blvd." project. The development is funded with State and local Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP3) grants. HUD awarded grants to 270 states and selected local governments to mitigate the negative impact of the nation's economic decline and housing market collapse and to stabilize and revitalize communities/areas hit the hardest. The Unified Government identified 10th-27th streets along Quindaro as the most blighted area caused by foreclosed, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties.

PAR Development, LLC, was selected through an RFP process to develop new homes, and to acquire and rehab existing property. In addition, most of the construction workers were at-risk teens earning their GED and learning a trade at the same time through the Youth Build program sponsored by the United Way of Wyandotte County.

For more information, including income guidelines, contact the developer at (913) 573-5116 or the Unified Government at (913) 573-5100. Each property will also have contact information on yard signage.

Heart of America Stand Down

On Friday, November 2, 2012 Management Analyst Bob McCormack and Management Analyst Enrique Shaw volunteered for the Heart of America Stand Down in Kansas City, Kansas, by providing important information on HUD-VASH and other HUD programs for homeless veterans in the metro region. In all, over 400 homeless veterans and family members benefited from the stand down. Services provided included food, shelter, clothing, health screening, massages, and counseling.

In addition, HUD Region VII truly showed their heartfelt compassion by donating nearly five large boxes of gently-worn clothing and hygienic supplies as part of the huge clothing drive. With the opportunity to strengthen the community and directly impact the lives of veterans, Region VII volunteers plan to continue their unselfish support of the homeless with a shoe drive in the near future.

Upcoming Events in Kansas

January 7-11, 2013 - HUD's Green Academy training will be held in Kansas City, KS at the Kansas City HUD Field Office, Gateway Tower II, 400 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS - Second Floor Training Room. HUD's Green Academy is a pilot initiative that offers green building training to HUD grantees and other affordable housing organizations. Sign up today. Space is limited. Visit here to Register (www.sustainable-performance.org/HUDGreenAcad)

HUD in Iowa

Central Iowa Shelter and Services Grand Opening

On September 21, 2012, Des Moines Field Office Staff participated in the grand opening of Central Iowa Shelter and Services new facility. The 43,000 square-foot building, located in Des Moines, houses 150 emergency beds, 38 Section 8 efficiency apartments, and 19 apartments for veterans. The facility also includes a computer lab, food pantry, clothing closet, large dayroom, commercial kitchen, healthcare clinic, and an open backyard area.

Central Iowa Shelter and Services serves almost 1,500 people throughout the year. Of those served approximately one-third are women, one-third are victims of domestic violence, and on-third suffer from mental illness. Two-thirds of total clients served have substance abuse problems. Participants receive case management services which include education and job search assistance.

The new shelter took nearly a decade to become a reality and required collaboration from many groups. Through donations and funding from state and federal and other grants, construction for the nearly $15 million shelter started in July 2011. Of the federal funding received, $3.5 million was acquired through the approved sale of Public Housing units.

Opening Doors Awards Ceremony

On November 14, 2012, Des Moines Field Office Management Analyst Julie Sleeper participated in the Opening Doors Awards Ceremony. Opening Doors is an opportunity for the community to celebrate the achievements of those experiencing homelessness in the Des Moines metro area. With nearly 150 people in attendance, this year was the largest event in Opening Doors' three-year history.

Opening Doors is central to the efforts of the Polk County Housing Continuum. Awards were presented to six deserving individuals who have overcome barriers in areas such as education, employment/income, housing, and positive community engagement. Mrs. Sleeper was a member of the Opening Doors event planning committee and also served on the awards selection committee.

Congratulations to all for a successful event!.

Upcoming Events in Iowa

February 11-15, 2013 - HUD's Green Academy training will be held in Des Moines, IA at the HUD Field Office, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA. HUD's Green Academy is a pilot initiative that offers green building training to HUD grantees and other affordable housing organizations. Sign up today. Space is limited. Visit here to Register (www.sustainable-performance.org/HUDGreenAcad)

HUD in Eastern Missouri

AHEPA 53 Phase IV

Newest South St. Louis County housing project serves low-income seniors

On Saturday, November 3, 2012, AHEPA 53 Phase IV, held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its newly completed 36-unit, Section 202 project located in South St. Louis Count. A Capital Advance of $4,995,600 was utilized to construct the 36 unit elderly and low-income housing.

This is the fourth complex AHEPA 53 has built in South St. Louis County. They have a total of 256 elderly low income housing units in their portfolio, in St. Louis.

2012 HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS CONFERENCE

On Thursday, November 15, 2012 on behalf of the Regional Administrator, St. Louis Field Office Director, James Heard spoke at the 2012 Homelessness Awareness Conference in Jefferson, MO. The conference was sponsored by the Missouri Governor's Committee to End Homelessness (GCEH). The role of the Governor's Committee to end Homelessness aligns with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (Interagency Council/ USICH) strategy. While the Interagency Council brings federal agencies to the table, the GECH brings together Continuums of Care across the State, and more importantly, engages many stakeholder groups to collaborate and coordinate efforts to prevent and end homeless-ness in Missouri.

Two of the major goals of the USICH and the "Opening Doors" strategy are to address youth homelessness and to end homelessness among veterans by 2015, issues that were in the forefront of the conference. Formerly homeless youth and individuals, who are currently participating in transitional housing programs, shared stories about their experiences with homelessness. Heard indicated that their stories were moving and inspirational and a true testimony of how HUD's Supportive Housing Programs are assisting homeless persons in the transition from the streets and shelters to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

HUD in Western Missouri

Upcoming Events in Western Missouri

February 7-9, 2013 - 12th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference - Building Safe, Healthy, Equitable and Prosperous Communities Conference Brochure (www.newpartners.org/wp2013/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/NPSG13-Midwestern-Conf-Brochure.pdf)
Conference Website & Registration (www.newpartners.org/)

HUD in Nebraska

Siena/Francis House Permanent Supportive Housing Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

October 26, 2012 - A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to open the Sienna/Francis House permanent supportive housing (SHP) project. The project includes two facilities; each facility consists of 24 efficiency apartments that will house homeless individuals with a disabling condition. The new apartment facilities, constructed along 18th Street, are located directly west of the existing single men's shelters and the transitional housing that the agency also provides. Residents will also receive supportive services in the soon-to-be completed Community Services Facility. Since the opening 29 tenants have moved into their new apartments and are receiving case management as well as other services. Funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) included $640,000 in Supportive Housing Program (SHP) capital funds and $113,000 in SHP for services and operations for a period of 2 years. Total project cost totaled $7.2 million.

2012 Heartland Latino Leadership Conference

The 2012 Heart-land Latino Leadership Conference was held on November 8-9, 2012 at the Hilton Omaha in Omaha, NE. The Heartland Latino Leadership Conference is recognized for being a catalyst for positive change, a vital supporter of business, government, and individual success and an organization that empowers individuals and organizations to seek, develop and sustain a balanced leadership.

During the two-day conference, HUD staff John Thorston, Single Family Housing Representative and Shila Hernandez, FHEO Investigation Specialist from the Omaha Field Office, provided HUD information to conference participants from an available booth set up at the hotel. Approximately 350- 400 participants attended the event.

Omaha HUD Multifamily Program Center and Office of Counsel Team Up

In November, Omaha's Multifamily Program Center and Office of Counsel worked together on loans for three affordable housing projects.

Meridian Gardens Assisted Living

HUD closed a loan in the amount of $9,241,000 in coordination with the Office of Healthcare Programs for Meridian Gardens Assisted Living in Columbus, Nebraska. The loan is insured under HUD's Section 232/223 (f) mortgage insurance program. The project has 117 total beds for assisted living and memory care. Located at 4515 38th Street, the facility includes 29 resident units, on the first floor, and 32 resident units on the second floor. Recent additions to the building include an additional 23 units, of which 16 are located in a secure memory care wing. The building also includes a dining room, sensory room, and resident lounge. The units range in size from 266 sq. feet up to 1,010 sq. feet. Services include: daily meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, scheduled activities, and social services.

Orpheum Tower Apartments

HUD refinanced a loan for Orpheum Tower Apartments for $9,539,000.00, under the Section 223(f) mortgage insurance program. The loan allowed for updates and repairs to the building. Centered in the heart of downtown Omaha, The Orpheum Tower Apartments are located at 405 South 16th Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 16 story building consists of 132 living units, ranging from 465 sq. feet, up to 1,075 sq. feet. With over 20 floor plans to choose from, residents can enjoy a variety of amenities.

The Bank

HUD closed a loan in the amount of $9,390,400 with The Bank Apartments. Now insured under HUD's Section 223(f) mortgage insurance program, The Bank Apartment's future in Omaha appears durable. Located in the center of the downtown business district at 206 S. 19th Street, The Bank Apartments feature 106 living units. Laden with 1930's Art-Deco styling, residents can also enjoy the Bank's many amenities.

January 29-20, 2013 - 2013 Housing Innovation Marketplace - The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) will host its annual affordable housing conference at the Omaha Marriott HotelLocated at 10220 Regency Circle. The purpose of the conference is to create a dynamic environment where new financial resources and the latest technologies will come together to stimulate affordable housing development in Nebraska.

Register Here (https://secure.nifa.org/events/register/index.html?ci=1142&steps) by January 7, 2012 for discounted rates and to be entered for a drawing.

WHAT'S NEW

HUD Announces the Launch of the OneCPD Resource Library - The OneCPD Resource Library and the redesign of the OneCPD Resource Exchange (http://onecpd.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=87d7c8afc03ba69ee70d865b9&id=afa0771626&e=9e40bb5ad3) are now live. CPD grantees and partners can now go to the OneCPD Resource Exchange to search for resources across all CPD programs. The library contains resources from the NSP Resource Exchange (hudnsphelp.info), Homelessness Resource Exchange (hudhre.info), HOMETA.info, HUD.gov, Comcon.org, and other sources.

New Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Posted (www.hudhre.info/index.cfm?do=search&refererType=advancedFaqSrc&searchtype=2
&cv=t4&faqTopicID=449%5EEmergency+Solutions+Grants+%28ESG%29+Program)

2012 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Release - Region VII - Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

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.

2012 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count - HUD encourages communities to use Serve.gov (http://t.co/hYsADUCZ) as a tool for recruiting volunteers.

Latest FY2012 CoC Program Competition broadcasts and presentation slides are now available (www.onecpd.info/resource/2723/fy2012-budget-implications-for-coc-program-competition-webcast/)

From Our Federal Partners

USDA Seeks Applications for Funding to Revitalize Rural Rental Housing (http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-62f336)

My Green Apps (www.epa.gov/mygreenapps/): Over 100 environmental apps for you

USDA Grants Support Sustainable Bioenergy Production (http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-622a20)

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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