April 2011 Region III News

APRIL IS FAIR HOUSING MONTH - "LIVE FREE"

HUD WORKS FOR YOU...

***HUD launches new HOME TA website - HOME funding recipients can find information about training and technical assistance resources, including the program's 20th anniversary conference, May 2-4 in Washington, DC, at webpage (http://www.hometa.info/).***New Affordable Rental Housing Partnership Page on HUD USER - This new section will assist public sector housing agencies, individuals working at the state and local levels, and federal agency staff at
the regional and local levels to form or enhance collaborative partnerships. Visit online (http://www.huduser.org/portal/rental_hsg/home.html).***Comments due April 18 on HUD's proposed changes to regulations about reporting problems with manufactured homes, including imminent safety hazards and violations of the HUD Code. See Federal Register, 2/15/11, or http://www.regulations.gov. Contact HUD's Office of Manufactured Housing Programs, 202-708-6401.***HUD requests input on reviewing regulations - Comments due May 2 regarding HUD's development of a plan for analyzing HUD regulations and identifying specific regulations that may be outdated, ineffective, or excessively burdensome. See Federal Register, 3/2/11 or http://www.regulations.gov. Contact Camille E. Acevedo, HUD, 202-708-1793.***Comments due May 3 on the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program interim rule. See Federal Register, 3/4/11, or http://www.regulations.gov/. Potential applicants should contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or a NeighborWorks National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program site. Visit online or call HUD's housing counseling office, 1-800-569-4287.***HUD awards Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) $19M Section 4 Capacity Building grant - to help nonprofits lead affordable housing and economic development efforts in low-income communities. LISC will make sub-grants to nonprofits through its 30 community affiliates, 4 in Region III (Richmond, DC, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). See website (http://www.lisc.org/content/article/detail/19210)***

$$$ ...HUD'S GOT NOFA$ ...$$$

***Self Help Opportunities Program (SHOP) - applications due April 18 - see online... Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly - applications due June 1 - see online.***

FHA LEADS THE WAY...

***President Obama has named HUD's Bob Ryan, currently Deputy Assistant Secretary for Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs, as HUD's Acting Assistant Secretary for Housing and FHA Commissioner.***Engram Lloyd,
National Homeownership Center (HOC) Director announces the selection of Julie Shaffer as the new Philadelphia HOC Director.***See more Philadelphia HOC news at HUD's website.***New FHA Mortgagee Letter: 2011-15 discusses
the revision to procedures for partial payment of claims of Section 232 mortgages .....For all Mortgagee Letters, see online.***

THE BUZZ IN THE BIZ - BRIEF BRIEFS FROM HUD'S PARTNERS...

***Freddie Mac launches new channel to educate borrowers about the steps they need to avoid foreclosure: a
series of videos posted on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=487C6AE45A32F5A3).***Promising Eviction Prevention Practices - The National Alliance to End Homelessness releases three-part series highlighting the way some communities have curbed evictions from public housing authorities. See online (http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/solutions/solutions_focus_areas/families/evictionprevention).***The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) issues invitation to its annual conference April 13-16 in Washington, DC. See online (http://www.ncrc.org/get-involved/2011-annual-conference).***The Housing
Assistance Council (HAC) publishes new Fair Housing Analysis. HAC analyzes 91,000+ Fair Housing complaints in a
HUD dataset that includes violations from FY98 to FY08. The report includes advice from experienced rural Fair Housing providers. Rural Fair Housing Complaints and Enforcement is free at http://www.ruralhome.org or $5 for hard copy from Janice Clark, HAC, janice@ruralhome.org, 202-842-8600.***USDA Economic Research Service publishes online, interactive mapping tool that captures a broad range of demographic, economic, and agricultural data on rural areas across the United States. See the Atlas of Rural and Small Town America at website (http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/ruralatlas/)***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO LOOK INTO...

***Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Service announces funds available under the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) to support local Stand Down events in FY 2011, and tentatively FY 2012 and FY 2013. Non-competitive grants awarded first-come, first-served until funding exhausted. See online (http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=fjbSRa/0/2/0&WAISaction=retrieve).***USDA announces Grants to Connect Rural Communities to Broadband Service. Applications due May 3 - see online (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_commconnect.html).***Individual Development Account (IDA) funds available - Department of Health and Human Services' Assets for Independence Program funding IDAs and supportive services. Deadlines: March 31 and May 25. For details and to register for applicant webinars, see www.IDAresources.org or contact AFI Resource Center-info@IDAresources.org, 1-866-778-6037.***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO CHEER ABOUT...

***Region III receives 3 of the 17 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grants awarded by HUD on March 18. Jubilee Baltimore's Pedestal Gardens (Baltimore), Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority's Tidewater Gardens (Norfolk), and Mt. Vernon Manor, Inc.'s Mt. Vernon Manor Apartments (Philadelphia) are among the first recipients of Planning Grants through the new Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, promoting a comprehensive approach to transforming distressed areas into viable and sustainable neighborhoods.***

BRIEF BRIEFS FROM ROCKIN' RICHMOND...
(804) 822.4802 John E. Hall, Field Office Director www.hud.gov/virginia

***Virginia Fair Housing Office hosting Fair Housing Training April 6 in Richmond - Registration contact: FHRegistration@dpor.virginia.gov.***Virginia Supportive Housing and the Virginia Fair Housing Office announce a FREE Fair Housing seminar April 11 - to register contact Aisha Quarles at (804) 722-0490 or AQuarles@virginiasupportivehousing.org. Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell partnering to present Tri- Cities Fair Housing Seminar, April 12 in Petersburg. To register contact Jamie Sherry (804)520-9382, - sherryj@colonial-heights.com (Colonial Heights), Jonathan Brown (804)733-2313 - chiefplanner@petersburg-va.org (Petersburg) or Tevya W. Griffin at (804) 541-2220 - tevya7@gmail.com (Hopewell.)***HUD Richmond hosting "Fair Housing for Homeless Veterans" in Hampton April 14. Register at website. Remember to register for the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors annual conference (May 1-5 in Norfolk.) See online (http://www.virginiahousingcounselors.org/04.asp).***Celebrate Affordable Housing Awareness Week in Richmond April 25th-30th, 2011. Join 15 local non-profit housing organizations to help build and repair homes for your Richmond area neighbors in need. To volunteer, see website (http://www.handsonrva.org/HOC_special_events).***Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference's Neighborhood Project of the Year, the Hurt Park neighborhood, brings 5 nonprofit and government agencies (Roanoke Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership. Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, Total Action Against Poverty, Rebuilding Together and Blue Ridge Housing Development) together to revitalize a neighborhood of 130 homes. See online (http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/270621).***Virginia Supportive Housing and The Petersburg Salvation Army Community Education Center offering "Money Matters" workshop April 12, 2011. For more information or to register contact 804-722-0490 or AQuarles@virginiasupportivehousing.org.*** 2011 Small Business "SUCCESS" Workshop Series "From Click to Commerce: Social Media Boosters That Can Work for YOUR Business" April 7 in Hampton - register at online (http://sbaapril72011.eventbrite.com), "Preparing & Positioning for Government
Contracts in 3 Easy Steps" April 12 in Hampton - register at online (http://sbaapril122011.eventbrite.com) and "Don't Think You Are Ready, Know You Are Ready!!!" April 16 in Woodford - register at online (http://beulahsuccess2011.eventbrite.com).***Virginia Association Housing & Community Development Officials (VAHCDO) hosting Annual Meeting and Scholarship Luncheon, May 11-13, Virginia Beach - details to be posted soon
at http://www.vahcdo.org/.***Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) announces appointment of Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority's Executive Director - Clarissa Johnson McAdoo to its Affordable
Housing Advisory Council (Advisory Council). Read more about Mrs. McAdoo at website (http://www.suffolkrha.org/mcadoo.php). USDA Rural Development Child Day Care Initiative Grant for equipment - applications accepted first come, first served until 5/1. Contact Barbara.Hodges@va.usda.gov. ***Partnership for Housing Affordability hosting "Affordable Housing Awareness Week," 4/25 - 4/30. Register to volunteer - see www.affordablehousingrichmond.com. EarthCraft Virginia awarded Green Building "Gold Medals" to 13 of Virginia's sustainable builders at its second annual EarthCraft Awards reception on March 24. See online (http://www.earthcraftvirginia.org/files/post-Press%20Release%202011%20Awards%20Reception.pdf). Capacity Building Organizational Development & Grantwriting Workshops - 4/28 & 4/29 in Blacksburg and July 12-13 in Fredericksburg - contact anne.davis@hud.gov.***

BRIEF BRIEFS FROM PHABULOUS PHILLY...
(215) 656-0500 Jane C.W. Vincent, Regional Administrator www.hud.gov/pennsylvania

***April is Fair Housing Month - to see an example of HUD's commitment to Fair Housing in action, click on this link
to learn how Robin Link suffered housing discrimination (http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/03/02/bucks-county-mother-battles-discrimination-against-child/).***The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is holding its 2011 Commonwealth Housing Forum May 5 and 6 in Harrisburg http://housingforum.phfa.org. Contact conference organizer Susan Shermer at sshermer@shermer-assoc.com.***The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has upgraded the housing search function on its web site. The enhanced search function provides links for consumers to find affordable housing options throughout Pennsylvania. Check out the new and improved Pennsylvania Affordable Apartment Locator (http://www.phfa.org/ephfa/pal_choice.aspx).***Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Team PA invites public and private economic development partners to meet and discuss the 2011-12 budget and participate in the process of developing the future of community development programs. The meetings will help DCED craft details of proposed new financing structures and competitive funding priorities for community development programs in the Commonwealth. Meetings to be held in all regions of the state from March 30 to April 7. See online (http://housingalliancepa.org/news/view.php?news_id=943).***The Self-Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania (SDHP) issues an invitation to the first Regional Housing Coordinators Housing Summit, April 6 at the Sheraton Harrisburg/Hershey - to register see online (http://housingalliancepa.org/var/eventfile/file/115-RHC%20Summit%20Brochure%20%202%2011%2011.pdf).***Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services Annual Conference - April 12 - Pre-Conference Institutes, April 13-14 Conference. See online (http://www.pccyfs.org/2011_Spring_Conf.html).***McKonly & Asbury's Spring Affordable Housing Seminar set for May 4. A. J. Johnson from A. J. Johnson Consulting Services, Inc. conduct a full day of training on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit compliance. See online (http://www.affordablehousinggurus.com/2011/02/save-the-date.html).***

BRIEF BRIEFS FROM WAY-TO-GO WILMINGTON...
(302) 573-6300 Diane Lello, Field Office Director www.hud.gov/delaware

***Homeless Council of Delaware Annual Meeting, April 5 in Dover - contact Susan Starrett, ED   sstarrett@hpcdelaware.org. Department of Veterans Affairs Summit on Veterans Homelessness, April 5 in Dover - contact Mary E. Pearce at 302- 994-2511, ext. 4032.***Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity John Trasvina and Region III Administrator Jane Vincent to be guest speakers at the 18th Annual Fair Housing Conference "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: A Call to All." in Dover on April 6. See online (http://shop.delaware.gov/product_info.php?products_id=885)***It's time to reserve your place at Delaware
Housing Coalition's (DHC) "A Day for Housing", May 10 - Register at http://www.housingforall.org/.***Delaware
State Housing Authority hosts Homebuyer Fair, May 14 in Newark - See online (http://www.destatehousing.com/NewsAndEvents/money_school.html).***

BRIEF BRIEFS FROM BOOMIN' BALTIMORE...
(410) 962-2520 Carol B. Payne, Field Office Director www.hud.gov/Maryland

***The Baltimore Field Office warmly welcomes Carol Payne as its permanent Field Office Director! Carol has been with the Baltimore Office for a number of years, and her permanent leadership position leadership is sure to continue and enhance Baltimore's stellar reputation as a customer-focused HUD Office.***Fair Housing Month - On April 1,
HUD Baltimore Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is hosting a roundtable discussion on barriers to Fair Housing.  Invited guests include developers, property management companies, housing advocates, civil rights organizations, multiethnic groups and civil servants representing all aspects of housing planning, production and management. The event is designed to facilitate a meaningful discussion of objectives and concerns about Fair Housing in a neutral, non-adversarial environment. Contact Debra.McGhee@hud.gov for more information.***Antero Pietela, former Baltimore Sunpaper reporter and author of Not In My Neighborhood, will speak as part of HUD Baltimore's Fair Housing Month on April 27. Don't miss this chance to hear a riveting historical perspective on the current state of Baltimore's still-segregated communities. Contact Debra.McGhee@hud.gov for more information.***On March 15, Baltimore Field Office Director Carol Payne convened an interagency meeting with HUD Headquarters' Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, Office of the Baltimore Mayor, Baltimore City's Health Department leadership and Baltimore Housing Commissioner and staff to provide technical assistance to support Baltimore City's Lead Program and identify new funding opportunities. For more information about this interagency partnership, contact Carol.B.Payne@hud.gov or 410-962-2520***

BRIEF BRIEFS FROM CHARGIN' CHARLESTON...
(304) 347-7000 Peter C. Minter, Field Office Director www.hud.gov/WestVirginia

***Fair Housing Month Events - Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center, Charleston "Fair Housing - Rights and Responsibilities," April 11...Columbia Gas Building, Charleston "Technical Requirements of the Fair Housing Act," April 11...Comfort Inn, Aikens Center, Martinsburg "Technical Requirements of the Fair Housing Act and Fair Housing-
Rights and Responsibilities," April 12 - Contact: www.wvfairhousing.org for more information and times.***Slam Dunk 2011 - Women's Edition - April 1. Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity in Franklin partnering with the WV Blazers for 2011 Slam Dunk-Women's Edition at Greenbrier East High School. See www.almostheavenhabitat.org or contact Michelle Connor, Executive Director, at 304-358-7642.***HUD Charleston Field Office Director Peter Minter to speak at Local Government Leadership Academy, April 9, Woodburn Hall, Downtown WVU Campus, Morgantown - see online (http://ipa.wvu.edu/r/download/87057).***West Virginia Association of Housing Agencies 2011 Spring Conference, April 11-13, Parkersburg, WV - contact: DJ Morris at pha@parkersburghousingauthority.com. Change, Inc. hosting Affordable Housing and Personal Finance Seminar, April 19 at West Liberty University - Highlands Center - To register send email to affordablehousingseminar@changeinc.org.***Family Leadership First 17th Annual Families Conference, "Growing Leaders for Today and Tomorrow," April 8-10, Canaan Valley Resort, Davis - contact Vanessa VanGilder at vkvanglider@yahoo.com Or see online (http://www.familyleadershipfirstwv.org/conference%202010%20.php). ***Kanawha Communities That Care Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership, April 27, South Charleston Public Library, South Charleston - contact Patty Deutsch at 304-722-8070.***

BRIEF BRIEFS FROM POWERHOUSE PITTSBURGH...
(412) 644-6428 Cheryle E. Campbell, Field Office Director www.hud.gov/pennsylvania

***Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Team PA invites public and private economic development partners to meet and discuss the 2011-12 budget and participate in the process of developing the
future of community development programs. The meetings will help DCED craft details of proposed new financing structures and competitive funding priorities for community development programs in the Commonwealth. Meetings
to be held in all regions of the state from March 30 to April 7. See online (http://housingalliancepa.org/news/view.php?news_id=943).***Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG) partnering with the Urban Land Institute for a Community Development Summit, May 25, in Pittsburgh - See www.pcrg.org. (This is a regional event, not Pittsburgh specific.)***

BRIEF BRIEFS FROM DYNAMIC D.C....
(202) 275-9200 Marvin W. Turner, Field Office Director www.hud.gov/districtofcolumbia

***The HUD- DC Field Office welcomes new leaders for vital community partner agencies - Eric C. Brown, is the new acting Director of the Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development (see online http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/government/agencyindex/HCD/index.asp,) and Jerry Robinson is the new Acting Executive Director of the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County Maryland website (http://www.hocmc.org/About_HOC/AED.asp).***The Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) soliciting applications for sponsorship of Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Alexandria, Arlington and surrounding communities of northern Virginia. For questions contact Patrice M. Dempsey, at 804- 771-2197 ext 23,
or pdempsey@cns.gov. Applications due May 2 - download at website (http://www.seniorcorps.gov/pdf/Grant_Application_2005_Conformed_to_eGrants_FINAL.pdf)***Affordable Housing
in NOVA: Diverse communities celebrate collaborative results. See Housing Virginia's e-newsletter "Start Here" at website (http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs045/1102712869256/archive/1104954828512.html).***

A message about the bigger, broader, better HUDLines: We welcome your feedback and invite you to share your news with editor Anne Davis at anne.davis@hud.gov. If you know anyone who might like this news, please feel free
to share it with them and let them know they can subscribe by emailing Anne Davis, or by sending a message to REGION-III-NEWS-L@hudlist.hud.gov.

We hope that you will want to continue receiving information from HUD. We safeguard our lists and do not rent, sell, or permit the use of our lists by others, at any time, for any reason. If you don't want to receive future issues of Region III HUDLines, delete yourself by replying to this e-transmission with the message "Signoff REGION-III-NEWS-L" in the body of your reply message.