May 2010 HUDLines

HUD WORKS FOR YOU....

*** The 2010 CoC Registration Notice is posted on HUD's Homelessness Resource Exchange (HRE: http://www.hudhre.info/index.cfm) in the "Current Highlights" section and the CoC Registration is open in e-snaps!. *** HUD revises definitions of "abandoned" and "foreclosed" property to broaden eligibility for both Neighborhood Stabilization Programs....has also given some states more flexibility with NSP1 funds. See NSP Resource Exchange (http://www.hudnsphelp.info/) or contact Stanley Gimont, HUD, 202-708-3587*** Although not required, HUD requests notice from potential Sustainable Communities Grant applicants by May 14 if planning to apply-see website or contact HUD's NOFA Information Center, 800-HUD-8929 ***

FHA LEADS THE WAY....

*** New FHA Mortgagee Letters: 2010-11 announces Treasury Department's Supplemental Directive 10-03 that borrowers & servicers of qualified FHA-HAMP modified mortgages may be eligible for "Pay for Performance Success" Payments from Treasury....2010-12 discusses FHA's requirement that lender applicants submit application fees online via the Department of Treasury's pay.gov system at https://www.pay.gov/paygov ...2010-13 provides added guidance to Mortgagee Letter 2009-51, which advised of FHA's adoption of the Appraisal Update and/or Completion Report Form.... 2010-14 announces FHA will accept electronic signatures on 3rd party documents included in case binders for mortgage insurance endorsement.....2010-15 provides guidance to order FHA case numbers & selecting FHA Roster appraisers in FHA Connection. .... 2010-16 discusses centralized & streamlined mortgagee compliance process under one contractor.... For all Mortgagee Letters see HUD's website *** Free Webinars coming up: 5/5 - 2:00-4:00 EDT - "Administration of the HUD Housing Counseling Program" for HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies; 5/12 - Energy Efficient Mortgages; Register; 5/13 - 2:00 pm EDT - Loss Mitigation, Special Forbearance Type 1; 5/19 - FHA Refinance ; 5/27 - 203K & Streamlined K ***

HUD RICHMOND'S PARTNER IN THE HUDLIGHTS....

***HOUSING VIRGINIA is a broad based, statewide partnership of public and private organizations and individuals who believe that all Virginians should have access to high quality, affordable housing in suitable locations. Through education, outreach and promotion of a positive image of affordable housing, Housing Virginia is a strong support for local & regional housing networks to educate, communicate and advocate for affordable housing. Housing Virginia has partnered with Virginia Tech to develop a "Housing Affordability Index" to help communities better understand their housing landscapes. See Housing Virginia's website at http://www.housingvirginia.org/ and join their newsletter mailing list. ***

BRIEF BRIEFS....

*** Don't miss this - Registration closes 5/6 for FREE "Agency Development and Grantwriting Basics" Workshop to be held in Wytheville May 10 & 11- Contact anne.davis@hud.gov *** Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program Workshop 5/6 at Virginia Housing Center (VHDA) in Glen Allen - contact Ramona Chapman at VA Dept. of Housing and Community Development - Ramona.Chapman@dhcd.virginia.gov, 804-371-7167 *** Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) releases reference guide to DOT, HUD, and EPA programs related to the Partnership for Sustainable Communities- see http://www.fta.dot.gov/livability *** Governor McDonnell announces Virginia's first executive housing policy framework to guide development of housing policy to address homelessness, affordable housing expansion, workforce housing, economic development, healthy neighborhoods, coordination of transportation, environmental issues and other opportunities. See http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=148 *** Hurricane Season starts on June 1st - Governor McDonnell declares "Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday" 5/25-5/31/10 - see list of qualifying items at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/salestaxholiday ***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO LOOK INTO ....

*** The National Endowment for the Arts offering funds for projects that help children and youth increase knowledge, understanding & skills in the arts. Due date 6/10 - see http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=290900032 *** Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Vocational Rehab grant applications due 5/17 - see http://www.raconline.org/funding/funding_details.php?funding_id=1503 *** Bank of America Foundation's Neighborhood Excellence grants due 6/1 - see http://www.bankofamerica.com/ *** Housing Choice Vouchers for non-elderly persons with disabilities now on waiting lists or transitioning from nursing homes/health care institutions into communities. Housing Authorities with Section 8 voucher programs apply by 7/7 - see website or http://www.grants.gov/ ***Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta announces 2010 First-time Homebuyer Program (FHP) for member financial institutions. FHP provides matching funds for down payment & closing costs of eligible first-time homebuyers. See http://www.fhlbatl.com/misc/FHPAHP/FHP_Announcement_0310.pdf ***National Coalition for Homeless Veterans National Conference 6/21 in Washington DC -see http://www.publicresources.org/maryland/ ***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO CHEER ABOUT....

*** Governor McDonnell announces winners of 2010 Virginia Volunteerism awards to groups, individuals and families whose efforts exemplify extraordinary volunteer service - see http://www.vaservice.org/go/news/governor_mcdonnell_announces_2010_volunteerism_award_winners/ *** HUD announces awards for Family Self-Sufficiency Program under the FY2009 Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-7348.htm) ***Virginia Association of Housing Counselors honors Melissa Yuille of Lynchburg Community Action Group, Karen Munden of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Kathy Jones of Fairfax County Office of Housing & Community Development and Kelly Gill-Gordon of Virginia Housing Development Authority with 2010 Empowerment Awards*** Old Dominion University's Community Development Corp. (ODUCDC), City of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools & Lambert's Point Civic League break ground for new 51-unit townhouse complex being built as affordable housing for working families - see http://43rdstnorfolk.com/index.html *** Affordable Russell House apartments in Virginia Beach will become more energy efficient with $1.1 million in Recovery Act funding through HUD's Green Retrofit Program for Multifamily Housing,- see website