HUD UNVEILS SIMPLIFIED "SuperNOFA" - MORE THAN $2.3 BILLION IN GRANTS AVAILABLE TO SERVE THE HOMELESS AND PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT
43 separate grant opportunities will benefit local governments and grassroots organizations

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez today notified HUD's partners that more than $2.3 billion is now available to serve homeless persons, produce affordable housing, stimulate economic development and protect children from the dangers of lead poisoning. The fiscal year 2003 "SuperNOFA" (Notification of Funding Availability) includes 43 separate funding opportunities for local units of government as well as nonprofit faith-based and community organizations.

These funds will complement the more than $30.2 billion HUD also allocates to communities through block grants, housing choice vouchers and other formula-based funding. This year's funding notice explains the application process that will ultimately award: $1.822 billion in targeted housing and homeless assistance; $241 million in community development funding; and, $231 million in economic development.

"We hope this year's 'SuperNOFA' gives our partners everything they need to expedite their applications," said Martinez. "We've worked very hard to refine the application process to make it less of a burden so that in the end, we can all more effectively serve those in need."

This year's SuperNOFA will also include everything an applicant needs to prepare their funding request of HUD. For the first time, applicants will no longer be required to seek additional information from the Department that is integral in completing their funding requests. This one-stop approach will greatly expedite and simplify the application process. HUD's FY 2003 SuperNOFA is available on HUD's website.

HUD is committed to ensuring that community-based and faith-based organizations have equal access to the Department's funding opportunities. Toward that end, nonprofit applicants will be asked to fill out a short survey that will help the Department gauge how accessible HUD programs are.

Following the goals set out by President Bush's Management Agenda, this year's application process will place a greater emphasis on measuring performance and demonstrating results. Whether an applicant intends to produce affordable housing, engage in economic development activities or conduct lead hazard control, they will be asked to articulate their short-term goals and the long-term impact of their programs within their communities. HUD's application process will require applicants to establish clear goals and create methods for measuring how they are meeting them.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet.

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