FHA 80th Anniversary major milestone in North Carolina

Photo (L-R): Barbara Harris (Neighborhood Development Director), Sharon Hightower (City Council member), Von Patrick (Planning Department), Marikay Abuzuaiter (City Council member), B. Lamont Taylor (Neighborhood Development Department), Willie C. Taylor (HUD SE Deputy Regional Administrator), Rhonda Enoch (Neighborhood Development Department).

The City of Greensboro and HUD's Greensboro Field Office, partnered with the Greensboro Housing Coalition to celebrate the many successes of HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in the city as well as throughout North Carolina in celebration of FHA's 80th anniversary. HUD Southeast Deputy Regional Administrator Willie C. Taylor addressed City of Greensboro leaders as well the HUD Greensboro Field Office staff.

"Today, many people know the Federal Housing Administration or "FHA" in its role as a source of affordable credit for first time homebuyers - but, after 80 years of serving the American people, it is so much more", said Taylor. "Here, in the State of North Carolina, there were over 830,000 homeowners totaling well over $80 billion in mortgage loans in the last 80 years that had the door to homeownership opened to them thanks to FHA and HUD."

Taylor added, "Currently, over 230,000 FHA mortgages are active totaling over $30 billion in mortgage amounts. Since 1934 FHA has also insured more than 50 thousand multifamily loans - creating 4.8 million units of housing. This is truly a remarkable day; a day that should not be forgotten. It is a day where we have all come together to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of FHA."

Ms. Barbara Harris, Director of Neighborhood Development, City of Greensboro applauded the accomplishments of FHA. Natashia Long was overwhelmed with emotion as she shared her experience as a single mom and school teacher struggling to become an independent homeowner; we were all moved by her comments and expression of appreciation for FHA. Round of applauds were given to her and recent homeowners Mr. and Mrs. Bell. William Snelling, HUD FHA Representative, South Carolina talked about the work being done in North Carolina to support single family homeownership.

Dottie Troxler, HUD Multifamily Housing Hub Director moderated two Multifamily Housing projects: regarding the Trinity Garden Apartments along with Board Chair Dr. David Carmon and Lucinda Williams, SVP of Affordable Housing Division/Multifamily Select, Inc. Additionally, a power point presentation concerning the renovation of the Southeastern Building with Developer Barry Siegal was also presented.

Bhavna Patel, HUD Multifamily Asset Management Director and Hiram Roman-Cinton, HUD Public Housing assisted Mr. James Cox of the Greensboro Housing Authority in making an excellent RAD demonstration. Kevin Green, President Elect 2015 of the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association also spoke about the many accomplishments of FHA in the world of realtors.

On behalf of Mayor Nancy Vaughan, Councilmember Marikay Abuzuaiter provided the congratulatory closing remarks.

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