October 2012 Region III HUDLine News
Serving Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
A Message from the Regional Administrator
Homeless people are often treated as if they are invisible. This is why the "Homeless Has a Name" Film Festival in Philadelphia was so powerful. Held on Oct. 16 at the Painted Bride Art Center, "Homeless Has a Name" was designed not only to raise awareness through the stories and struggles of those who are homeless, but to provide these individuals and families with a voice.
We'd like to thank Depaul USA, Project H.O.M.E., the Bethesda Project and One Step Away-four nonprofits whose common mission is to help those who are homeless-for organizing such an inspiring and thought provoking evening. It was inspiring to play a role in the discussion that evening through a panel moderated by NBC10's Lu Ann Cahn and including Dr. Dennis Culhane, a University of Pennsylvania professor who is among the nation's leading researchers on homelessness; Ned Eckhardt from Rowan University and author of Documentary Filmmakers Handbook; Teresa Araco Rodgers, philanthropist and Benjamin Mitchell, a certified peer specialist who had personally experienced homelessness.
As I entered the Painted Bride, I met Maureen Isenberg-Burling, a long-time volunteer with the Bethesda Project (pictured at right). Maureen spoke of her own experiences and the stories she had heard during her many years of helping those who are homeless. I could sense her intense pride when she told me that her youngest son had decided to redirect his career as a television news anchor, and had followed her passion and is now working for the Bethesda Project.
One of the eight films, Fighter, featured Nichel Greer, a former resident of Depaul House. In the film he said, "The humiliation that's associated with being homeless can't be described... just being out in the streets and not having anywhere to lay your head at night." Nichel share his story of how individuals at Depaul helped him get back on track. He is now housed and employed as a Community Access Specialist and is helping other people leave homelessness. In summing up his story, Nichel said, "I don't think it's fair for people to think that everyone who is homeless has a substance abuse problem or a mental health problem. It doesn't discriminate, it affects everybody."
One of my fellow panelists, Ben Mitchell, now a certified peer specialist at Horizon House, had been homelessness since the age of 15 as a result of drugs, crime and incarceration. During the discussion that evening, Ben shared advice for those who are living on the streets and for those who want to help. "Be authentic," he said. "Be transparent, be honest, and treat people with respect. Meet them where they're at, not where you want them to be." He offered encouragement through his own empowerment from the support he said he received from so many committed people from different agencies.
Nikki Heyman, who won first place for her feature film entitled Living Room, provided an intimate portrait of three homeless families in Ohio who struggled to provide for their children while copping with their sense of parenting guilt. In her video acceptance of the award, Heyman spoke of the challenge she faced as she returned to her classes at Oberlin College. "We're quick to judge," she said. "And, we have stereotypes and schemas. I will never be as quick to judge or as accepting of stereotypes again."
As an attendee that evening, Broderick felt compelled to tell his own story (pictured at right). "I'm just so worried. I don't ever want to be homeless again. I'm 43 years old and I'm too tired to keep starting over," he said as he took the microphone in hand. I learned later from a website post that Broderick's story is similar to those of many other residents at Depaul House. He made mistakes in the past and has been in circumstances which left him with few choices, but that through the support he has received, he has made a lot of progress and is now focusing on his future.
We commend all involved that special evening for working to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions about being homeless. Depaul USA's executive director Chuck Levesque said it best, "The artists, filmmakers and stars of the films bravely shared their stories and lives with us. We owe it to them to listen. And, we owe it to ourselves and our community to act to end this crisis."
There are many others who area convening throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to bring a voice to those who are homeless and to do more to end this crisis. In the past thirty days alone, there have been many focusing on this important issue.
Late September, hundreds gathered to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Sarah's House, one of seven shelters in the United States supported by the U.S. Army. On the edge of Fort George G. Meade Army Base in Maryland, Sarah's House houses up to 125 people daily in combination of our emergency shelter and transitional housing.
With Pathways to Housing as the event host, I witnessed the inroads made throughout the inaugural year of the 100,000 Homes Campaign In Philadelphia-one of 124 communities across the country that have committed to ending homelessness..
I served alongside members of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Columbia/Montour Homeless Task Force and Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania as they hosted "Creating a Local Vision for Addressing Rural Homelessness: Learning from Others, Defining for Ourselves" a forum at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA. The event traced thirty years of helping the homelessness, initially through shelters to today's proven model of Homelessness Prevention, Housing-First, Supported Housing and Rapid Re-Housing.
According to the People's Emergency Center (PEC), more than 5,000 students are reported homeless annually in Philadelphia's School district-and only 40 percent of those children who experience homelessness graduate from high school. Those are powerful numbers, and I applaud PEC , the Children's Work Group and Temple University's School of Social Work for convening "Students Without a Home," a summit to bring together those who work with at-risk youth through community and faith-based groups, afterschool programs and child welfare agencies.
I am proud to say there are many who have a great deal of passion around ending homelessness. I am proud to work for an administration and a Secretary who believes every person has a story and a name. Help us help each one have a voice.
Jane C.W. Vincent, Region III Regional Administrator
NEWS YOU CAN USE
The September issue of HUD's Policy Development and Research e-magazine, The Edge discussed the Housing Scorecard for September 2012, which shows that rising home values have brought homeowner equity to its highest level since the third quarter of 2008, helping to lift 1.3 million families out of a negative equity position. Since the end of 2011, home equity has grown by 13.5 percent, totaling $863 billion, and the number of underwater borrowers has declined by 11 percent.
Nov. 30 - Applications are due for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and HUD Secretary's 2013 Housing and Community Design Awards program. For criteria and instructions for submissions, go here: (www.aia.org/practicing/awards/AIAS075324). Questions may be directed to AIA at (202) 626-7586 or via email at honorsawards@aia.org.
The Department of Labor is challenging developers, students and anyone else with a little tech savvy and creativity to enter the Workplace Safety and Health Challenge. Contestants are being asked to design tools that demonstrate the importance of recognizing and preventing workplace hazards by helping young people understand their rights in the workplace. The deadline is Nov. 30. Successful proposals could take many different forms, such as interactive and informative games, a smart phone app, social or professional networks, or data visualization. Read the News Release: (www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/osha/OSHA20122060.htm) View the Video: (www.youtube.com/watch?v=USkMa4Evv7U&feature=player_embedded)
The International Economic Development Council: (www.iedconline.org/) is offering free "Economic Recovery in Disaster Impacted Communities" : (www.iedconline.org/?p=Disaster_Recovery_Webinars) webinars. Based on real pre-disaster planning and post-disaster experiences, each seminar will equip communities to plan and sustain economic recovery in the wake of disaster. Seminars are scheduled Nov. 28 and Dec. 5.
HUD FEDERAL REGISTER RULES, PROPOSED RULES & NOTICES
Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB Collection of Information From HUD Lead Hazard Control Grantees To Support a Review of the Federal Dust-lead Standards: (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/10/16/2012-25406/notice-of-submission-of-proposed-information-
collection-to-omb-collection-of-information-from-hud)
Privacy Act of 1974; Home Equity Reverse Mortgage Information Technology (HERMIT)-Notice of Modification to, and Deletion of HUD/HS-10, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage System: (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/10/10/2012-24927/privacy-act-of-1974-home-equity-reverse-mortgage-
information-technology-hermit-notice-of)
Final Fair Market Rents for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program Fiscal Year 2013: (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/10/05/2012-24618/final-fair-market-rents-for-the-housing-choice-voucher-
program-and-moderate-rehabilitation-single)
Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing: Continuum of Care Program: Extension of Public Comment Period: (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/09/28/2012-23898/homeless-emergency-assistance-and-rapid-transition-to-housing-
continuum-of-care-program-extension-of)
Rental Assistance Demonstration: Processing of Conversion Requests Submitted Under the Partial Rental Assistance Demonstration Notice: (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/09/28/2012-23910/rental-assistance-demonstration-processing-of-conversion-
requests-submitted-under-the-partial-rental)
Statutorily Mandated Designation of Difficult Development Areas for 2013:
(https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/09/28/2012-23900/statutorily-mandated-designation-of-difficult-development-areas-for-2013)
For additional information, visit the HUD Federal Registers page at hud.gov.
AROUND THE REGION
DELAWARE
Secretary Donovan Delivers Keynote at Governor's Conference on Housing
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan delivered keynote remarks to more than 400 housing professionals at the 2012 Governor's Conference on Housing hosted by the Delaware State Housing Authority on Oct. 11 in Dover. He discussed programs and initiatives implemented by the Obama Administration to help responsible homeowners in the state and struggling communities across the country hit hardest by the housing crisis. Secretary Donovan's keynote underscored the Obama Administration's efforts to build upon housing market momentum using tools provided under the landmark mortgage servicing settlement, including relief for thousands of homeowners in the region and across the country. Since President Obama modified the Home Affordable Refinancing Program in November of last year, the number of Delawareans that have applied for mortgage refinancing has increased by 83 percent.
U.S. Senator Tom Carper, former Delaware State Housing Authority Director Susan Frank, Region III Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent, Secretary Shaun Donovan, former DSHA Director Saundra Ross Johnson and U.S. Congressman John Carney are pictured at the event.
Marydale Retirement Community "Winterized"
Residents of the Marydale Retirement Community, a Section 202/8 complex located in Newark can anticipate a warmer winter thanks to the Delaware Winterization Assistance Program (DE WAP). The 105 apartments, owned by The Catholic Ministry to the Elderly, Inc. and managed by Catholic Charities, were weatherized using air sealing methods to keep out the outside air and adding insulation to the attic. The typical home saw a 35% reduction in the amount of air leaking to the outside after more than 35 tons of insulation blown into their attics and windows and doors were sealed. Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Neighborhood House Inc., Community Services Corporation and Eastwind Enterprises joined together to retrofit and weatherize the homes. Many tenants are already reporting increased comfort and undoubtedly, will benefit from lower energy bills this winter. Inquiries for DE WAP should be directed to Jack Sol-Church at NHI by calling (302) 483-1181.
A Hand-Up for Homebuyers
On a sunny September day in Camden, HUD Deputy Secretary Maurice Jones got to see the fruits of the blood, sweat, tears and smiles of soon- to- be homeowner Mark Harris. Mr. Harris is proud of his home in Harmony Hills, a community of 31 single family lots that sit behind the local car dealership where he works. He and other families in this community commit to a year-long construction process where they spend up to 30 hours a week building their homes and helping others, investing more than $32,000 in sweat equity until the home is completed. Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC): (www.milfordhousing.com/) proudly offers the Self-Help Housing Program: (www.milfordhousing.com/SelfHelpHO.html) in the Harmony Hills neighborhood that gives families, like the Harris family, who might otherwise not be eligible to own a home through the more traditional home buying process the opportunity to own a home. Offering a "hand-up, not a hand-out" is the motto of the program that takes potential homebuyers from program orientation through construction, followed by a year of post-homeownership counseling. The MHDC staff provides eligibility determination, loan packaging and processing, pre-construction training, construction training course, onsite construction guidance skill training and post-homeownership counseling.
HUD is a proud partner in MHDC's Self-Help Program Housing program that provides affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households in Southern Delaware. Through the Delaware State Housing Authority, HUD has provided HOME program funds for these developments. The monies were used to provide gap financing to increase the affordability of the homes. In the Harmony Hill subdivision, MHDC was awarded a Self Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) through the Housing Assistance Council, a national recipient of HUD's "Sweat Equity" grant.
Upcoming Events
- Oct. 31 - Homeless Service Provider Network Training on SNAP and ASSIST from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Community Service Building, 100 W. 10th Street, Room 105 in Wilmington, DE. For more information and to register, contact the Homeless Planning Council of Delaware by calling (302) 654-0126.
- Nov. 1 -Intro to Homeownership from 6 - 8 p.m. at YWCA Delaware, 153 East Chestnut Hill Road, Suite 102, Newark, DE. To register, please call (302) 224-4060, ext. 200 or email dfeainfo@ywca.org.
- Nov. 3 - First-time Home Buyer Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hockessin Community Center, 1304 Old Lancaster Pike, 2nd Floor, Hockessin, DE. For more information, please contact Shenise Ferrell at (302) 239-2363 or email sferrell.hockessincc@verizon.net.
- Nov. 10 - Homebuyer Education from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at YWCA Delaware, 153 East Chestnut Hill Road, Suite 102, Newark, DE. To register, please call (302) 224-4060, ext. 200 or email dfeainfo@ywcade.org.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Annual College & Career Fair Attracts Over 1,900 Students
Congresswoman Donna Edwards hosted her fourth, and possibly her largest, Annual College and Career Fair on Oct. 13 at the Prince George's County Sports and Learning Complex. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development joined 180 colleges, universities, government agencies, military academies, associations, nonprofits, businesses and unions to assist high school students with their admissions to college, scholarships and internships. "As an office, I believe this is the first time we have participated in this particular college and career fair," stated Washington D.C. Field Office Director Marvin Turner. "I was impressed with the quality and character of students that came to our table to discuss internships in public service. These are the students that will transform the way we do business in the future." Turner noted the extraordinary support from the Office of the Chief Human Capitol Officer's Angela Proctor. "Her empathy, responsiveness and excellence were what exactly what was needed for the families that attended," he said. Marvin Turner and Angela Proctor were thanked by Congresswoman Donna Edwards (left to right) for their participation in the well attended career fair.
"Working Together" Subject of Community Forums Series
Fairfax County will hold a series of community forums, Working Together to Make a Measurable Difference, for members of the community representing nonprofit and community-based organizations, businesses, faith-based organizations and houses of worship, public schools and higher education institutions, and human services boards, authorities, and commissions. Presented throughout the county, the series will contain a wide range of topics from affordable housing to economic self sufficiency, while building awareness of how the county delivers its programs and services in collaboration with its nonprofit partners, the business and faith communities. Organizations involved in service delivery are encouraged to atted. Information gathered from these sessions could play an important role in shaping recommendations for housing and human services for the FY2014 budget.
Meeting Locations and Times:
- Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. - 12 Noon, South County Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria
- Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. - 12 Noon, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean
To register, go here: (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/Registration.aspx?groupID=50). Space is limited; please register for only one session.
Congratulations!
Archstone First+M has been selected as the winning property for Delta Associates' 16th Annual Apartment and Condominium Industry Awards for Excellence in the category of Best District of Columbia Apartment Community 2012. HUD proudly played a role in the development of the property in the NoMa District at 1st and M NE.
On Sept. 26, the Capital District Field Office hosted Accenture, CNN and other building neighbors to share information on the National Mortgage Settlement, the Independent Foreclosure Review and the many tools available to prevent homeowners from losing their homes to foreclosure.
Upcoming Events
Greater Washington Urban League, First Time Homebuyer's Seminars, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Nov. 17 - Spauldings Library, 5811 Old Silver Hill Road, District Heights, MD. Call (301) 817-3750.
- Dec. 15 - New Carrollton Library, 7414 Riverdale Road, New Carrollton, MD. Call (301) 459-6900.
Greater Washington Urban League, Financial Literacy Seminars, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Pepco Community Room, 2901 14th Street, Washington, DC.
- Nov. 15 - Pepco Community Room, 2901 14th Street, Washington, DC.
- Dec. 13 - Pepco Community Room, 2901 14th Street, Washington, DC.
For more information, contact Tracey Johnson by calling (202) 8200 or email traceyjohnson@gwul.org. To register online, visit www.gwul.org.
MARYLAND
Baltimore Housing Stamps Out Urban Decay with "Vacants to Value"
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore Housing Commissioner Paul T. Graziano joined elected officials, community leaders and residents to raze a large multi-family building in the northeast edge of the Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello (CHM) neighborhood. The towering structure had been an omnipresent monument of urban decay that plagued residents for years. Through Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's "Vacants to Value" Initiative, Baltimore City is launching targeted code enforcement efforts in a portion of this community to ensure that blighted, vacant buildings are rehabilitated, sold or demolished more quickly. These blight elimination efforts will improve the quality of life, security and safety for the surrounding neighborhood.
The City has taken title to 33 properties, and the transfer of title for the other 46 properties is currently underway. The elimination of these blighted properties will greatly enhance the neighborhood for its residents. Launched in Nov. 2010, Mayor Rawlings-Blake's Vacants to Value (V2V) initiative seeks to encourage reinvestment in neighborhoods impacted by blighted properties. For information, contact www.baltimorehousing.org or call (410) 396-3232. To see a slideshow of redeveloped properties, go here: (www.baltimorehousing.org/slideshows/vtov.asp).
DHCD/Fannie Mae Partnership for Conventional Mortgages Announced
The Maryland Mortgage Program is reentering the conventional mortgage market, providing a new option for homebuyers looking to take advantage of the low rates and significant down-payment and settlement cost assistance of the state's flagship homeownership program. The state is partnering with Fannie Mae to create a great alternative for borrowers with higher credit. For many of these borrowers, there can be substantial savings according to Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Raymond Skinner. DHCD conventional loans are made possible by Fannie Mae's HFA Preferred program, but will have many of the same features as other Maryland Mortgage Program loans. Visit DHCD's website at www.Mdhousing.org to learn more.
Maryland Governor's Conference Attracts 800 Housing Professionals
The annual Governor's Housing Conference, the largest and most comprehensive affordable housing forum in the state, attracted 800 housing advocates, community development leaders, housing authorities, homebuilders, developers, lenders and legislators to Baltimore on Oct. 16. This year's theme, "Restoring Communities Across Maryland: Creating Jobs...Expanding Housing Choice," provided the framework for the four tracks-strengthening vibrant communities; homeownership; rental housing financing and advancing green initiatives through sustainable housing and communities.
Maryland Field Officer Director Carol Payne (pictured) moderated the sustainable panel that included Salin Geevarghese, senior advisor with HUD's Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, on loan from the Annie E. Casey Foundation; Michael B. Kelly, general counsel for the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, HUD's national sustainable communities grantee from Baltimore and the 5th largest grant recipient in the country; and Tiffany L. Smith, Chief of Staff, Howard County Housing. The discussion focused on housing and jobs, transportation resources, housing affordability, energy savings and safe, decent and affordable housing and how it relates to the goal of HUD's sustainability grants-to afford a sophisticated regional planning opportunity to "guide state, metropolitan and local investments in land use, transportation and housing in the state."
PENNSYLVANIA - EASTERN REGION
Levittown Stand Down
In times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover were removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. Today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. The hand up philosophy of Stand Down is carried out through the work of hundreds of volunteers and organizations throughout the nation.
The Philadelphia Veterans Stand Down 2012 Event held in Levittown, picked of hundreds of veterans from the armed forces across the City of Philadelphia and provided them with food, clothing, medical, legal, job counseling, mental health assistance and referral. In the evenings, some veterans accompanied by their dependents, enjoyed live bands and entertainment. For some veterans, it was the first time in a year that they had a place to sleep, received three meals and shelter in two consecutive days.
Inclement weather did not deter HUD Staff from once again returning to support those who sacrificed so much in fighting for their country. Partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other nonprofit agencies, HUD Staff provided guidance, comfort and housing information to those seeking shelter, affordable housing and hope for a stable lifestyle. Region III Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent toured the facility and met with staff to personally ascertain the greatest concerns and questions posed to staff. It was evident that the challenge remains to eliminate homelessness and to find the necessary assistance to help our veterans. HUD staffers, including Fair Housing's Craig Strohman and Stand Down Coordinator David Marable, took the opportunity to brainstorm with the Regional Administrator as to how the City of Philadelphia could be more inclusive in focusing needed social services to address the issue. Tamie Contois, Chris Blesi, Damien Allen, Tyesha Jackson-Robinson, Laura McAllister, Michelle Steel, Scott T. Willson and longtime volunteer David McCarraher also volunteered to support the initiative.
Nonprofit Developer Awarded Grant to Upgrade 166 Affordable Housing Units
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, through its Energy Innovation Fund, awarded the Columbus Property Management and Development, Inc. a $3 million grant to bring energy innovation and cost savings to affordable housing residents in North, West, South and Northeast Philadelphia. The grant was announced on Sept.12 at a special event in Philadelphia.
Pictured from left to right: Katherine Gajewski, Director of the Mayor's Office of Sustainability; Jane Vincent, HUD's Regional Administrator for the mid-Atlantic region; Dr. Donald Schwarz, Health Commissioner and Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity for the City of Philadelphia; Cynthia Gardstein, Senior Vice President of Steven Winter Associates; Chris Herrmann, Director of Syndication at Enterprise Community Investment, Inc., and Holly Glauser, Director of Development at Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
PENNSYLVANIA - WESTERN REGION
Putting the Pieces of the Affordable Housing Puzzle Together
At the 2012 Professional Affordable Housing Management Association (PAHMA) Conference in Seven Springs on Oct. 17, HUD Pittsburgh Field Office Director Jane Miller led a panel of experts including Holly Glauser, Director of Development, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and Michelle Kitchen, Director of Government Affairs, National Affordable Housing Management Association to discuss innovative solutions to the challenges of managing today's affordable housing. For the first time, the conference also offered real estate professionals the opportunity to gain seven hours of continuing education credits with two half-day sessions on "What the Future Brings" from HUD presented by Mary Ross. Attendees not only gained tips on how to make Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) compliance easier, but were also introduced to new checklists and processes to help streamline management and reporting. Participants also learned about the new changes to management requirements as far as Occupancy and Section 504 and clarifications surrounding reasonable accommodations and modifications from HUD and the Department of Justice.
Mercer County Strikes Gold!
Community Action Partnership of Mercer County (CAPMC) had much to celebrate on Sept. 28 as they dedicated the Hempfield South Apartments. Designed for seniors, the 25-unit affordable housing property is CAPMC's first LEED Gold Certified 202 Development and their first 202 Development with LEED Gold Certification in the Pittsburgh HUD Field Office. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was among the supporters recognized during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for HUD's contributions to this project; a capital advance of $3,913,000 and Project Rental Assistance Contract of $91,700. CAPMC has a history of being a strong community partner. In addition to development, they provide housing counseling, special needs housing, single family rental housing as well as senior housing.
Pittsburgh Field Office Helps HUD "CAN" Hunger
Pittsburgh Team Leader Pam Whitelock, an intern in Human Capital Field Support, coordinated and creatively encouraged full engagement of the Pittsburgh Field Office staff during the Feds Feed Families campaign. Through her efforts and the combined contributions of all staff, the Pittsburgh Field Office led Region III in food collections exceeding their original office weight goal, with 428 pounds of product donations-195% of the office goal.
Roundtable Focuses on Difficulties of Refinancing Borrowers in Today's Environment
On Sept. 18, Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) President Ted Tozar held a listening and feedback session with mortgage bankers and brokers from Pennsylvania and West Virginia at the Federal Home Loan Bank in Pittsburgh. Ginnie Mae administers the mortgage-backed securities program and oversees enterprise-wide risk management initiatives including capital market activity. Discussions centered on institutional capacity to deal with new regulations and compliance concerns, customer impediments to refinancing, use of FICO scores, the appraisal process and subordinate financing and underwriting. "We do care in Washington," Tozar noted in his remarks. "And, we want you to be successful." Attendees discussed ways to ultimately assist homeowners by making financing available and the financial institutions actively involved in the process could still prosper and move forward with confidence.
Pittsburgh Green House Open Hours
The Pittsburgh Green House, a project of ACTION-Housing, Inc., is a 110-year-old home that has been renovated as a weatherization training and educational facility where contractors and the general public can learn about residential energy and water savings and making homes healthier. Visitors can browse the resource center for information on do-it-yourself projects, contractors, and retrofit financing; engage in interactive educational activities; discover useful facts on informational signage throughout the building; and interact with our knowledgeable staff. The house is open for tours from 4 - 7 p.m. each Wednesday or by appointment. For information or to schedule an appointment email pgh@actionhousing.org or call (412) 362-4744.
Upcoming Events
- Nov. 1, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. or Nov. 3, 9 - 10 a.m., Green Cleaning Essentials with Nicole Carlin of Carlin Home Services, Pittsburgh Green House, 308 N. Sheridan Ave. (map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/308+N+Sheridan+Ave/@40.4633933,-79.9219745,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8834f27662c7123d:0x2e125c6ecec94762?hl=en) What's good for you, your wallet, and the earth? Green cleaning, of course! REGISTER HERE: (www.actionhousing.org/index.php/sustainability) for the free class.
- Nov. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Natural Flood Protection Workshop, St. Juan Dieo Parish, Sharpsburg. Learn strategies to reduce flooding and provide community benefits including green space, recreation and economic vitality. Open house for public comment following, 7 to 9 p.m. Registration required for the training, email lh-segedy@americanrivers.org or call (412) 727-6130.
- Nov. 12 & 13 - Boom & Bust Symposium: Impact of Energy Extraction on Local Communities, Duquesne University Power Center, Pittsburgh. The Conference is sponsored by The Penn State Center, Pittsburgh and Duquesne Universities in partnership with Local Government Academy and Washington & Jefferson College. Go here to register: (https://quikpayasp.com/duq/commerce_manager/payer.do?orderType=Duq_Univ_Research&utm_source=Academy+Notes+-+September+2012&utm_campaign=Academy+Notes+%7E+September+2012&utm_medium=email).
- Nov. 14, Noon - 1 p.m., Local Government Academy Free Webinar: Learning to use 3 Rivers Wet Weather's Municipal Data Support Tool. Go here to register online: (http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0039-0003-B4A8C95119654A1F8E3445BB003762B7&utm_source=Advocates+Update+%7E+October+2012&utm_campaign=
Advocates+Update+October+2012&utm_medium=email).
- Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Working with Community-Based Organizations: An Overview of their Structure, Roles & Responsibilities, Community College of Allegheny County, Allegheny Campus, Byers Hall. Discussion will help local elected and appointed officials better understand the structure, roles and responsibilities of community-based non-profit organizations and how they can all work more effectively together. Registration is free; please bring a brown bag lunch. Go here to register: (https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0039-0003-AC2DD007E0B44A3B83A7A8A8E5CE400B&utm_source=
Academy+Notes+-+September+2012&utm_campaign=Academy+Notes+%7E+September+2012&utm_medium=email).
VIRGINIA
Hampton Housing Partners Host Refinance Roundtable
The City of Hampton, Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) hosted a refinance roundtable to discuss the challenges and tools available to Virginia homeowners facing foreclosure or who want to refinance the mortgages on their homes. Nearly 40 homeowners, financial services representatives, housing and foreclosure prevention counselors attended the hour-long session. "Those attending walked away with a better understanding of the overall mortgage problem," according to HRHA's Aaron Carter. "And, that economic recovery is a direct reflection of the housing market's recovery. We encourage families facing foreclosure or having trouble paying their mortgage to visit a HUD-approved housing counselor."
For information about resources available to homeowners, visit these online resources:
- Making Home Affordable: (www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/pages/default.aspx) helps families facing foreclosure or needing mortgage payment assistance.
- National Mortgage Settlement: (www.nationalmortgagesettlement.com/) can assist families who may be eligible for help through the settlement.
- HUD can assist by helping to locate a HUD-approved housing counselor.
- Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority: (www.hrha.org/) can work with homeowners to schedule an appointment with a local HUD-certified housing counselor about foreclosure prevention options, money management or your home mortgage lending needs.
HUD's Virginia Field Office Director Carrie Schmidt joined HUD's National Homeownership Center Director Engram Lloyd, Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting and Region III Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent (left to right) for the Sept. 21 event.
Kennerly Introduces HUD's New Office of Housing Counseling
Emelda Kennerly, Division Director for the Office of Outreach & Capacity Building in HUD's new Office of Housing Counseling, talked with housing counselors at the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors Fall Conference on Sept. 24. Ms. Kennerly discussed the Office's development and the potential benefits it will bring to HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies and to individual counselors.
Congratulations!
The Hampton Roads Community Foundation: (www.hamptonroadscf.org/about/pr/gosnold.html) was recognized on Sept. 10 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Council on Foundations, as one of 10 recipients of the first annual Secretary's Award for Community Foundations: (www.cof.org/files/Bamboo/whoweserve/community/documents/SecretaryAwardforCommunityFoundations2012.pdf). The award honors community foundations for their innovative public-philanthropic collaborations designed to address housing and community development challenges.
City of Hampton Manager Mary Bunting was among 13 people honored as Local Innovation Champions of Change: (www.whitehouse.gov/champions/local-innovation) during a White House ceremony Sept. 25. Read the news story here: (www.dailypress.com/news/hampton/dp-nws-bunting-white-house-award-20120926,0,4366901.story).
The City of Roanoke received Smart Growth America's: (www.smartgrowthamerica.org/) recognition of the "robust revitalization" that has brought their downtown: (www.smartgrowthamerica.org/2012/08/16/dont-call-it-a-comeback-the-rebirth-of-downtown-roanoke-va/) back to life.
Pathways-VA: (www.pathways-va.org/) in Petersburg received a $1.1 million Youthbuild grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to help out-of-school youth earn high school or General Educational Development diplomas while learning critical occupational skills in construction, health care, information technology and other fields. Read the press release here: (www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ETA20121782.htm).
Upcoming Events
- Nov. 10 - "Empower Yourself Against Default" workshop conducted by Neighborhood Housing Services of Richmond: (www.nhsofr.org/). For additional information or to register call (804) 329-2500.
- Nov. 14-16 - 2012 Governor's Housing Conference in Roanoke will include in-depth sessions for advanced, seasoned professionals, as well as policy-focused sessions that address the goals and outcomes of the Governor's Housing Policy. New this year, the conference will feature a special section of "snaps," 40-minute sessions that link experts to practitioners on specific community development topics. More information here: (www.vagovernorshousingconference.com/).
- Nov. 30 - Applications are due for Virginia Enterprise Initiative (VEI) Planning Grants. For more information, contact Alfred Arzuaga at (804) 371-7066 or Alfred.Arzuaga@dhcd.virginia.gov, or visit the VEI webpage.
- Jan. 24, 2013 - Point-in-Time count of homeless persons in most of Virginia.* There are a few more required HUD data elements this year; see this link for details. For more information please contact the Continuum of Care lead agency in your community, or contact Matt Leslie: (matt.leslie@dhcd.virginia.gov) at Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). *Northern Virginia Continuums of Care will coordinate Point-in-Time with the Washington, DC Continuum of Care on Jan. 30, 2013.
WEST VIRGINIA
Volunteers Create Better "View" for Vista View Apartments
On October 12, Michael Torreyson, a supervisory project manager with HUD's Charleston Multifamily Program Center, organized a trash clean-up at the foothills of HUD's largest assisted property in West Virginia, the Vista View Apartments. Fifteen volunteers, including the property's manager, maintenance team and residents and six volunteers from the West Virginia Housing Development, cleared over 30 years worth of trash from a 100-yard section of the adjacent roadway to the 333 unit family-oriented complex in Charleston, WV. When all was said and done, Michael (pictured far right) and the volunteers collected 55 large bags of garbage. "It was heartbreaking to think of the number of kids that had to walk back and forth past this mountain of trash each day," noted Torreyson. "It undoubtedly affected their view of their home. Thanks to all involved, the entry to Vista View is no longer an eyesore."
AMERICORP Members Needed!
Spend a year serving your community. Full-time members earn $5,550 in educational awards and $12,100 annual living allowance, plus medical and childcare benefits. For more information, please contact Johnette Jasper, KISRA Americorp Coordinator, 131 Perkins Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064 or call (877) 345-4772.
Individual Assistance Expanded for June 29 Derecho Relief
Sixteen additional West Virginia counties will receive individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the June 29 derecho and subsequent storms caused widespread power outages, downed power lines and felled trees across the state, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced on Oct. 21. Last week, Tomblin asked FEMA to amend its previous federal declaration from September, which initially included only four counties: Kanawha, Nicholas, Raleigh and Fayette. Individuals and businesses in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Greenbrier, Jackson, Lincoln, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Pocahontas, Roane, Tyler, Webster and Wood counties are now eligible for individual assistance from FEMA, according to a press release from Tomblin's office. Tomblin had requested additional assistance for individuals in four other counties, but they are not included in the latest disaster declaration. They are: Putnam, Harrison, Randolph and Wetzel counties. West Virginians needing assistance in the counties that will receive individual assistance are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 1.800.621.FEMA or by visiting www.fema.gov/.
Upcoming Events
- Nov. 1 - Basic Grant Writing Training in Charleston, WV. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, West Virginia Field Office. For more information contact Evie Young-Williams at Evelyn.Young@hud.gov.
- Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - KIRSRA Health and Nutrition Community Fair. For information, call (304) 768-8929 or email kisrainfo@kisra.org.
- Nov. 7 - West Virginia Improvement Clinic, Stonewall Resort, Roanoke, WV. HEARTH Training delivered by the National Alliance to End Homelessness. For more information, call (304) 269-8600.
- Nov. 8 & 9 - Violence and Prevention Conference, Charleston Marriott. For information, please call Michele O'Bryan, (302) 356-4464 or Teri Kincaid, (304) 356-4772.
OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
- Ongoing - The U.S. Department of Labor is accepting applications for "Stand Down": (www.dol.gov/vets/grants/main.htm) grants that will provide an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans with opportunities to reintegrate into society. The grants are being awarded under the department's Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program: (www.dol.gov/vets/grants/hvrp.htm).
- Ongoing - Applications are being accepted for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program grants to create regional economic development plans designed to stimulate and guide the economic development efforts of a community or region.
- Ongoing - Wells Fargo Homeownership: (https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/wfhf/homeownership_guideline) grant program to help local nonprofit housing organizations create sustainable homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income people.
- Oct. 30 - Applications are due for the LeadingAge Offers Grants for Housing/Services Projects for Low-Income Elderly: (www.philanthropynewsdigest.org/). Grants of up to $25,000 are available to LeadingAge member organizations for projects designed to address the importance of bringing housing and services together to meet the needs of lower-income elderly.
- Nov. 5 - Applications are due for US Department of Agriculture grants to support development of domestic and migrant farm labor housing: (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/09/06/2012-21885/request-for-proposals-rfp-farm-labor-housing-technical-assistance-grants) projects.
- Nov. 5 - Applications are due for the Tribeca Film Institute Tribeca All Access: (www.tribecafilminstitute.org/filmmakers/taa/rules/) grants for filmmakers from underrepresented communities.
- Nov. 14 - Applications are due for the US Environmental Protection Agency grants for technical assistance to communities on brownfields: (www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=202060) issues.
- Dec. 1 - Applications are due for the Walmart Foundation Local Giving Program: (http://foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/local-giving).
- Dec. 11 - Applications are due for The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor's "Pay for Success" pilot grants: (www.doleta.gov/grants/pdf/pfs_sga_dfa_py_11_13.pdf).
- Dec. 20 - Applications are due for Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship program: (http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/rmhc-u-s-scholarships/).
- Dec. 31 - Applications are due for the US Department of Agriculture Notice of Funding Availability: (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/02/06/2012-2539/notice-of-funding-availability-nofa-for-loan-guarantees-under-the-guaranteed-rural-rental-housing) for guaranteed loans under Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing for FY 2012.
- Jan. 25, 2013 - Applications are due for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families Assets for Independence: (www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/foa/view/HHS-2011-ACF-OCS-EI-0137) program.
Region III Field Office Contact Information
Jane C.W. Vincent, Region III Regional Administrator
HUD Capital District
Marvin W. Turner, Field Office Director
(202) 275-9200, hud.gov/districtofcolumbia
HUD Delaware
Maria L. Bynum, Field Office Director
(302) 573-6300, hud.gov/delaware
HUD Maryland
Carol B. Payne, Field Office Director
(410) 962-2520, hud.gov/maryland
HUD Eastern Pennsylvania
Richard Ott, Deputy Regional Administrator
(215) 656-0500, hud.gov/pennsylvania
HUD Western Pennsylvania
Jane Miller, Field Office Director
(412) 644-6428, hud.gov/pennsylvania
HUD Virginia
Carrie S. Schmidt, Field Office Director
(804) 822-4804, hud.gov/virginia
HUD West Virginia
Peter C. Minter, Field Office Director
(302) 347-7000, hud.gov/westvirginia
Region III HUDLine News
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