August 2010 HUDLines

HUD WORKS FOR YOU....
*** Applications due 8/23 for Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant - see website *** HUD announces Notices of Funding Availability: Doctoral Dissertation Research Grants - due 8/16 - see http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-18027.htm or www.grants.gov ***Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Program - due 8/16 - see http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-18125.htm or www.grants.gov *** For HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies - $79 million available for housing counseling programs to help families find & preserve housing. Instructions on www.grants.gov - electronic applications only - due 8/27- see http://www.grants.gov/ *** HUD releases recommendations for updated & revised Federal Manufactured Home Construction & Safety Standards - Public comments due 9/13 - see http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-16724.htm ***

FHA LEADS THE WAY....
*** Federal Housing Administration's (FHA's) First Look Sales Method gives NSP grantees a 14 day "first look" period to submit offers on HUD Homes in NSP target areas at 10% discount from appraised value *** New FHA Mortgagee Letters: 2010-21 revises underwriting standards, policies and procedures for mortgage insurance under FHA's Multifamily Housing programs. (Not applicable to health care programs administered by the Office of Healthcare Programs) .... 2010-22 announces new "Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Required Documents for Endorsement" list, effective 10/04/10....For all Mortgagee Letters, see HUD's website for more information ***

READY, VIRGINIA?
*** September is the 7th National Preparedness Month (NPM), to encourage Americans to work together and act now for emergency preparedness. Localities, businesses and volunteer organizations are welcome to register as Coalition Members to promote emergency preparedness during September.*** National Science & Technology Council's Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction offers resources to mitigate disaster impact. ***FEMA offers advice for building disaster-resistant structures - see http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/smart_strong.shtm ***Virginia to receive $31.8 million in Homeland Security funds from the Homeland Security Grant Program. Awards are: State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) $18 million, Nonprofit Security Grant Program - Hampton Roads Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) $7.3 million, Central Virginia UASI, $2.6 million, Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) $1.9 million, and Citizen Corps Program (CCP) $282, 000; Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant for FY 2010 - Hampton Roads, $1.69 million***

BRIEF BRIEFS....
***The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Virginia Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) and Partnership for Housing Affordability hosting discussion on 8/20 with regional leaders and national experts about vacant property issues in Richmond-area neighborhoods- see http://www.richmondfed.org/ ***Entrepreneur Express Workshops coming up 8/4 in Roanoke, 8/5 in Vinton, 8/12 in Alleghany Highlands, 8/19 inPulaski Co., 8/24 in Culpeper, 8/26 in Smyth Co. *** Registration open for Governor's Housing Conference "Partnerships for the Future: Reinvesting in Communities," Richmond, 11/17 - 11/19. See http://www.vagovernorshousingconference.com/ ***RSVP due 8/6 for "Common Cents Conference 2010" - showcasing free tax return prep, financial literacy & consumer resources ***

BRIEF BRIEFS, TOO....
*** Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) offering "VHDA Basic to Intermediate Foreclosure Prevention Certification" 8/24-8/26 in Richmond - contact foreclosureprevention@vhda.com *** Neighborhood Treasures: Capitalizing on Our Assets - VA Statewide Neighborhood Conference - Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, 9-23 -9/25. Earlybird registration discount ends 9/7 - see http://www.vsnc.org/ *** Enterprise and National Housing Trust Community Development Fund offer Green "mini loans" of up to $50,000 to jump-start green retrofits of affordable rental communities. ***IRS announces 1-time filing relief for small exempt organizations that missed filing for 3 consecutive years - see http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=225702,00.html ***Speaking of taxes, Virginia's 5th annual tax-free back-to-school shopping period is 8/6 - 8/8. For a list of eligible items see http://www.tax.virginia.gov/ ***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO LOOK INTO ....
*** VHDA announces foreclosure prevention/loss mitigation housing counseling & outreach grant for HUD-approved agencies andVHDA-HUD sub-grantees - due 8/6 - see http://www.vhda.com/BusinessPartners/GovandNon-Profits/AdditionalResources/Pages/ForeclosureGrants.aspx *** Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for direct loans; and technical assistance grants to support rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises ***USDA announces Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) to improve rural economic conditions through partnerships of Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and nonprofits. Due: 8/9 *** USDA offering Hunger-Free Communities Grants for nonprofits to establish hunger-free communities, learn about hunger reducing strategies. Due 9/1/ - see *** Ameriprise Financial Community Relations Programoffers grants to nonprofits that match guidelines for Meeting Basic Needs (food, shelter & self-sufficiency); Supporting Community Vitality; or Volunteer-Driven Causes. Due 9/1 ***