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11.29.2008

RFQ: #1-2008 for Real Estate Development Services, and RFQ #2-2008 for Financial Advisor:

REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Statements of Qualifications will be received by The Housing Authority of the City of Miami Beach (HACMB) for RFQ #1-2008 for Real Estate Development Services, and RFQ #2-2008 for Financial Advisor, until Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 10:00 am. The RFQ packages are available from HACMB Executive Office, 200 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Questions may be directed in writing to Matthew Garwick, Operations Manager via email to: mattg@mbha.org

The HACMB reserves the right to accept any proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the HACMB, to waive any informality in any proposal, to reject any or all proposals, or to advertise for new proposals. HACMB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.


11.21.2008

When the Roof Caves In: Foreclosures and the City

WHEN THE ROOF CAVES IN:
FORECLOSURES AND THE CITY
Leaders from the battalions of New York's foreclosure-fighters came together recently to talk about bad lending, good new laws, and the kind of bailout local folks would appreciate.

By Jarrett Murphy and Karen Loew

Coming at the subprime lending and foreclosure crisis from different angles, the conversation participants gathered at the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, a stone's throw from Wall Street. Photos by Elise Kirk

The recent collapse of some of the nation's largest financial institutions is understood as the crashing of a wave set in motion by years of poor lending practices, corrupt securities schemes and lax oversight. But for thousands of New Yorkers, the wave is still crashing – as they confront untenable mortgages, potential loan defaults, and even the loss of their dwellings. In 2007, there were 15,000 foreclosure filings citywide. And experts say that in New York City, the foreclosure crisis has not even crested.

One response has been the creation of the independent nonprofit Center for New York City Neighborhoods to coordinate the many foreclosure prevention and mitigation programs. On September 25, the director of that organization sat down with City Limits Investigations Editor Jarrett Murphy and other leaders working to address the local crisis to discuss where we are and what can be done. What follows are highlights from that conversation.

More HERE


Job Opportunity: Executive Director

HR Anew is seeking an entrepreneurial minded and innovative Executive Director for a public housing authority in Louisiana. Responsibilities include lead, cultivate, and facilitate the agency’s vision, mission, and strategic goals; design, develop, and implement local and national outreach programs that cultivate functional relationships with major companies, associations, non-profit organizations, and universities across the United States to facilitate public information and preparedness in support of the agency’s vision.

10 years’ experience, including 5 years senior management experience in large scale public housing, affordable housing, or real estate redevelopment; Masters Degree in public administration, social science or other related program such as urban planning, community development, finance or business administration; exceptional influential, collaboration, interpersonal, and conflict management skills. Competitive compensation and benefits. Send cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to Virginia Townsend, HR Anew, 6350 Stevens Forest Road, Suite 302, Columbia, MD, 21046; 410-381-5220 office, 410-381-5229 fax; vtownsend@hranew.com

Stephanie Scrouse
Recruitment Consultant,
HR Anew
sscrouse@hranew.com
410.351.5229 (fax)
6350 Stevens Forest Rd
Columbia, MD 21046. EOE

New! Advertise on Housing Research.org

Ad rates effective 11/1/08

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If your target market includes housing agencies or people working in the housing and community development industry, we can get your message in front of them quickly and effectively, with the added benefit of immediate click-through to your site.

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The Housing Research Directory of HOPE VI Consultants

NEW! Join Housing Research.org Directory of Consultants

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Housing Job Opportunities

POSITION/TITLE: Fair Housing Specialist

AGENCY: Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Inc.

LOCATION: Dayton, OH

CLOSING DATE: November 28, 2008

DATE SUBMITTED: November 7, 2008

SALARY/BENEFITS: Commensurate with candidate's experience and the Center's financial resources, plus group health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance (subject to approval by insurance carrier), retirement, and paid vacation. Range: $24,000 - $28,000

RESPONSIBLE TO: President/CEO

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the President/CEO or his designee, the Fair Housing Specialist is responsible for the implementation the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center's core programs under a Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other tasks as assigned. The Fair Housing Specialist is directly responsible for: (a) discrimination complaint intake; (b) implementation of MVFHC investigation and testing programs; (c) the development, management, documentation, and completion of housing discrimination cases; and (d) participation and assistance in the promotion and conduct of fair housing planning outreach and education activities for consumers, property owner/management companies, as well as community-based and quasi/governmental agencies; other Fair Housing Center staff, volunteers, board members, or others, as required or assigned.

The Fair Housing Specialist is also responsible for the implementation of activities conducted under various other program components of the MVFHC including special initiatives, HUD/Fair Housing Initiatives Programs (FHIP), local projects, and other agency workload insofar as these activities involve discrimination intake, testing, fair housing planning, and education and outreach. This position will work throughout MVFHC's service delivery area. Travel throughout the service delivery area is also required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Interview housing discrimination complaints; conduct intake of bona fide complaints.

2. Recruit, train, brief, deploy and debrief fair housing investigators in connection with bona-fide complaints in the house rental, sales, appraisal, insurance and lender markets; also conduct housing discrimination audits.

3. After complaints intake, work with other MVFHC personnel to establish an investigative plan for all discrimination complaints to include conduct of informal investigations and/or comprehensive testing functions.

4. Analyze test results to determine outcome of test and prepare appropriate investigative findings for rights enforcement referrals; conduct case management and follow-up with all enforcement agencies and attorney to whom cases have been referred.

5. Develop written materials, brochures and other handouts for purposes of fair housing education and outreach as needed; implement all other outreach activities involving other MVFHC personnel to create and disseminate fair housing Public Service Announcements (PSAs), flyers, brochures and other written materials.

6. Conduct continual outreach to fair housing consumers and providers in order to develop education presentation opportunities; work with other MVFHC personnel to insure coordinated fair housing education effort for housing consumers and providers.

7. Research, draft and update Analysis' of Impediments and Fair Housing Plans as assigned.

8. Network with other community based organizations, real estate professionals and other housing professionals to create opportunities for fair housing education programs.

9. Coordinate program activities with all MVFHC staff.

10. Assist with other MVFHC programs and events as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful applicant must possess extensive knowledge of federal and state fair housing laws.

Public/private fair housing enforcement experience preferred. Candidate must have excellent verbal, written communication, analytical, and counseling skills. Must be able to work with a diverse community. Also must be able to exhibit patience, tact and respect when dealing with the general public and other MVFHC staff members. She/He must be able to conduct small and large group presentations; must have excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills. Experience with computers required – working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, required – familiarity with Adobe PageMaker desk-top publishing and other software desirable. She/He must be a self-starter and able to function with minimum supervision to perform tasks in a timely fashion; must also be able to function as a team player.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of B.S., B.A. in appropriate discipline (Liberal Arts, Sociology, Psychology, Urban Studies, Law, etc.) and/or equivalent work experience in equal opportunity — fair housing issues required. Experience in a social service or public entity desirable; a minimum of one year of fair housing experience with a fair housing organization or similar private or public sector entity preferred. Applicants with direct experience in fair housing planning or lending and insurance testing programs will receive additional consideration in the application process.

Candidate must have a desire to work on behalf of civil rights protections; have a desire to work and interact with, as well as demonstrate respect for individuals and groups without regard to race, religion, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires non-traditional work hours for planning and/or enforcement activities as well as education and outreach activities (i.e., Saturday mornings or early evening, weekdays).

The Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The MVFHC is a barrier-free, drug-free and smoke-free workplace.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: Please send resume and cover letter explaining your interest in this position, via regular mail, email, or facsimile transmission to:

Jim McCarthy, President/CEO
Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Inc.
21-23 East Babbitt Street
Dayton, OH 45405
FAX: (937) 223-6279

E-mail: career@mvfairhousing.com


POSITION/TITLE: Housing Development/Finance Specialist

AGENCY: Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati

LOCATION: Cincinnati

CLOSING DATE: 1/15/09

DATE SUBMITTED: 11/10/08

SALARY/BENEFITS: Eligible for the annual staff incentive program with the opportunity to receive up to 10% bonus of base pay.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, a $87+ billion financial institution, is one of the twelve District Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. We’re helping to build stronger communities by expanding housing and economic development opportunities through the provision of loans and other banking services to community financial institutions in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. We recognize and appreciate the valuable contribution of a diverse workforce.

Provides technical expertise for the Housing and Community Investment (HCI) programs. Acts as a principal resource for information about the requirements and limits of other funding sources and programs and how they can be used in conjunction with HCI programs. Assists in maintaining documentation about HCI programs and in maintaining the on-line Affordable Housing Program (AHP) application. Assumes responsibility for resolving compliance and funding issues with complex AHP and other HCI projects and makes recommendations to senior management. Responds to technical assistance requests, and assists in administering HCI programs.

QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge at a level normally acquired through completion of a Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field to acquire the technical background necessary to perform assigned duties. A minimum of five years experience in housing activities, with at least three years as a housing development or housing program professional with experience in conceptualizing and developing housing projects, securing state and federal funding, other equity and long-term debt, and other required approvals.

Normal working hours for this position are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position requires flexibility to meet tight deadlines. Travel throughout the district may be required.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: PO Box 598
Attn: Human Resources
Cincinnati, OH 45201

F: 513-852-5745
Email: job@fhlbcin.com


POSITION/TITLE: Housing Program Assistant

AGENCY: Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati

LOCATION: Cincinnati

CLOSING DATE: 1/15/09

DATE SUBMITTED: 11/10/08

SALARY/BENEFITS: Eligible for the annual staff incentive plan with the opportunity to receive up to 5% of base salary.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, a $87+ billion financial institution, is one of the twelve District Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. We’re helping to build stronger communities by expanding housing and economic development opportunities through the provision of loans and other banking services to community financial institutions in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. We recognize and appreciate the valuable contribution of a diverse workforce.

Assists with the technical functions of the Housing and Community Investment Department, including initial and long-term monitoring of Affordable Housing Program (AHP) funds, disbursement of AHP grant funds for owner-occupied housing projects, and other related support activities.

QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge at a level normally acquired through the completion of an Associate Degree in business with concentration in accounting or finance plus one to two years related business experience. Candidate must possess interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with Bank personnel, member institutions and a variety of developers and agencies in a professional manner. Must have the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and continually demonstrate professionalism, tact and diplomacy. Effective oral and written communication skills also required plus intermediate skills using Word, Excel, and Access.

Candidate should have basic familiarity with federal, state and local housing programs and related regulations preferred. This includes the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, various HUD programs, state housing finance agency programs in all states being served, and local housing programs, including tax incentive programs.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: PO Box 598
Attn: Human Resources
Cincinnati, OH 45201

F: 513-852-5745
Email: job@fhlbcin.com


POSITION/TITLE: Staff Attorney, Housing Equality Law Project

AGENCY: SOUTHERN MINNESOTA REGIONAL LEGAL SERVICES (SMRLS)

LOCATION: St. Paul, Minnesota

CLOSING DATE:

DATE SUBMITTED: 11/3/2008

SALARY/BENEFITS: $43,000 and up D.O.E., pursuant to scale. Excellent medical benefits provided.

JOB DESCRIPTION: SMRLS is seeking a staff attorney for its St. Paul, Minnesota office. The position will focus on serving the civil legal needs of low-income persons relating to enforcing their right to fair housing. This position will serve eligible clients in the 33 counties served by SMRLS.

SMRLS is a non-profit law firm which receives federal, state, local, public, and private funding to provide free legal help to low-income and elderly people who reside in 33 counties of southern Minnesota. As Minnesota’s oldest legal aid program (founded in 1909), SMRLS has established a tradition of partnership with the private bar, a bipartisan legislature, the Supreme Court and other Minnesota Legal Services Coalition programs in providing access to justice. SMRLS has an experienced, dynamic staff of 61 attorneys, 45 additional staff and 500 volunteer attorneys to provide legal assistance to 208,000 eligible persons. SMRLS is a client-centered organization which is committed to its mission of providing a full range of high quality legal services, in a respectful manner, which enables clients to enforce their legal rights; to maintain freedom from hunger, homelessness, sickness and abuse; and to empower persons and ensure equal opportunity, thus, helping persons to help themselves and to become economically self-reliant. SMRLS values, welcomes, and promotes diversity in all aspects of its work. SMRLS has adopted practice expectations and guiding principles to accomplish its mission.

Responsibilities: To provide legal assistance on housing matters to eligible clients in SMRLS’ service area. The services provided include but are not limited to legal advice, representation in the courts at all levels and before administrative agencies, community education, outreach and private bar activities. The attorney will be expected to take on such other administrative responsibilities that SMRLS’ leadership shall direct from time-to-time. The attorney must accept supervision and fully comply with SMRLS written practice standards, guiding principles, and other SMRLS Board policies in furtherance of SMRLS’ Mission.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be licensed to practice in Minnesota. Experience in housing or poverty law preferred. Non-academic experiences related to working in a low-income community setting and background or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to and experience in working with communities of color, in particular, are preferred and will be given great weight. The ability to respect and relate to low-income persons, public speaking ability, good writing skills, ability to work constructively with a wide variety of persons, initiative, flexibility in work assignments, good judgment, ability to learn quickly, ability to work hard and independently and under pressure are required.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: Maria L. Giese
SMRLS - Administrative Unit
166 E. 4th Street, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55101


POSITION/TITLE: Development Disabilities Peer/Self Advocacy Coordinator

AGENCY: Disability Rights California

LOCATION: Oakland

CLOSING DATE: 11/14/08

DATE SUBMITTED: 10/17/08

SALARY/BENEFITS: Compensation: $21.03-$28.22/hour; $41,016-$55,032/year; DOE

Disability Rights California provides a generous benefit package that includes: medical, dental, flexible spending accounts (e.g., medical and dependent care), basic, life, short- and long-term disability insurances; voluntary vision, supplemental life and long-term care; paid holiday, sick and vacation time-off; and a significant company contribution to the retirement plan.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

JOB DESCRIPTION: MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Join a progressive state-wide non-profit disability rights organization that is truly committed to advancing the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. Disability Rights California has a full time Development Disabilities Peer/Self Advocacy Coordinator position for a detail oriented individual to conduct training, education, and consultation to self-advocacy groups and consumers in Oakland or Los Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity to do work that makes a difference.

QUALIFICATIONS: THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET:

1. Completion of twelfth grade, or equivalent, PLUS two years of experience in the provision of client advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities. (Up to 1 year of higher education may be substituted on a year-by-year basis for experience).

2. Currently receiving or have received services from the developmental disabilities service system.

3. One year of experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations including Self Advocacy groups and individuals with diverse perspectives.

4. One year experience in leading peer/self advocacy groups or providing other peer services.

5. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally with or without accommodation.

6. One Year experience in developing and presenting training materials.

7. Demonstrated ability to organize a demanding workload including setting priorities, goals, and schedules.

8. Demonstrated ability to effectively participate as a member of a team using consensus decision making.

9. Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities.

10. Demonstrated ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision, be a self-starter and reliable.

11. Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities.

12. Willingness and ability to travel throughout the state of California and work nights and weekends when needed.

13. Commitment to outreaching to people with disabilities from underserved communities.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, call office, fill out application

CONTACT INFORMATION: If you are interested in applying for this position, it is extremely important you complete the required application packet and submit to the Human Resources Department by November 14, 2008. To obtain the detailed job description and required application packet you may visit www.disabilityrightsca.org or call 916-658-2659 to have the packet mailed to you. Resumes received without all of the required application materials will not be considered.


POSITION/TITLE: Development Disabilities Peer/Self Advocacy Coordinator

AGENCY: Disability Rights California

LOCATION: Los Angeles

CLOSING DATE: 11/14/08

DATE SUBMITTED: 10/17/08

SALARY/BENEFITS: SALARY RANGE: $21.03-$28.22/hour; $41,016-$55,032/year; DOE

FRINGE BENEFITS:

Disability Rights California provides a generous benefit package that includes: medical, dental, flexible spending accounts (e.g., medical and dependent care), basic, life, short- and long-term disability insurances; voluntary vision, supplemental life and long-term care; paid holiday, sick and vacation time-off; and a significant company contribution to the retirement plan.

JOB DESCRIPTION: MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Join a progressive state-wide non-profit disability rights organization that is truly committed to advancing the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. Disability Rights California has a full time Development Disabilities Peer/Self Advocacy Coordinator position for a detail oriented individual to conduct training, education, and consultation to self-advocacy groups and consumers in Oakland or Los Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity to do work that makes a difference.

QUALIFICATIONS: THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET:

1. Completion of twelfth grade, or equivalent, PLUS two years of experience in the provision of client advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities. (Up to 1 year of higher education may be substituted on a year-by-year basis for experience).

2. Currently receiving or have received services from the developmental disabilities service system.

3. One year of experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations including Self Advocacy groups and individuals with diverse perspectives.

4. One year experience in leading peer/self advocacy groups or providing other peer services.

5. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally with or without accommodation.

6. One Year experience in developing and presenting training materials.

7. Demonstrated ability to organize a demanding workload including setting priorities, goals, and schedules.

8. Demonstrated ability to effectively participate as a member of a team using consensus decision making.

9. Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities.

10. Demonstrated ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision, be a self-starter and reliable.

11. Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities.

12. Willingness and ability to travel throughout the state of California and work nights and weekends when needed.

13. Commitment to outreaching to people with disabilities from underserved communities.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, call office, fill out application

CONTACT INFORMATION: If you are interested in applying for this position, it is extremely important you complete the required application packet and submit to the Human Resources Department by November 14, 2008. To obtain the detailed job description and required application packet you may visit www.disabilityrightsca.org or call 916-658-2659 to have the packet mailed to you. Resumes received without all of the required application materials will not be considered.


POSITION/TITLE: Program Director for Curriculum and Instruction

AGENCY: Graduate School, USDA

LOCATION: Washington, DC

CLOSING DATE: November 7, 2008

DATE SUBMITTED: October 30, 2007

RESPONSIBLE TO: Program Administrator

JOB DESCRIPTION: Essential Duties must be performed on site. Other duties or tasks may be assigned.

• Work with the Executive Director of NFHTA as well as other fair housing organizations and entities in identifying areas of concentration for specific education, training and outreach activities;
• Supervise the day-to-day operation of the NFHTA;
• Responsible for budget formulation and implementation;
• Chair the NFHTA Curriculum Committee;
• Attend management meetings and make observations regarding opportunities to partner with regions, private sector organizations and state agencies to increase the NFHTA participant enrollments;
• Assess, interview and hire faculty;
• Evaluate curriculum for accuracy, content, currency and relevance;
• Assist with the marketing of the NFHTA at conferences, meetings and community events;
• Prepare relevant fair housing related speeches and presentations;
• Assist Executive Director with the development of a recruitment strategy for the NFHTA Steering Committee;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the USDA Graduate School, Academy faculty members, NHFTA National Steering Committee, HUD’s FHEO, Fair Housing Assistance Program Directors, contractors and vendors;
• Manage administrative staff and perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The ability to communicate and relate effectively with diverse participants, employees, partners, stakeholders and faculty is imperative. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified applicants with disabilities to perform the job essential functions.

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in education, business. or related field and one year adult education and training experience.
5-7 years experience working in fair housing environment with a federal, state or local government or private fair housing organization.
Strong knowledge and skills in curriculum development; and program and project management.
Knowledge of Fair Housing Assistance Program and Fair Housing Initiative Program operations is desired.
Familiarity with HUD, FHIPs, FHAPs, and fair housing is a plus.
Public speaking skills and high level writing abilities are a must.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: Interested candidates should forward their resume with cover letter and salary requirements to hr.resume@grad.usda.gov or fax to 202-479-4971. No relocation expenses will be paid. EOE.

Closing Date: November 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm (EST).

10.02.2008

Without Enough Money, Whats Next For NYCHA?

The New York City Housing Authority, which provides some of the city's most inexpensive housing to a full 5 percent of residents, is facing a $170 million budget deficit this calendar year. Next year looks even worse: Another deficit of an additional $198.4 million is anticipated.

The dire effects of NYCHA's budget shortfall – including closing dozens of community centers, cutting Authority staff, raising residents' rents and deferring building maintenance – have been predicted, dissected and fretted over for months, as the city budget was shaped, then adopted. In a current annual budget of about $2.8 billion, the city ended up contributing $18 million. Since the protests of public housing residents, elected officials and others did not cause the federal government to reverse years of disinvestment – nor the city and state to kick in additional tens of millions they arguably owe to NYCHA for a number of complexes they and not the feds built years ago – public housing stakeholders find themselves asking, what now?

On a practical level many residents are anguished over what they fear will be continued sub-par physical conditions even as rents increase and "non-core" services are cut, with everything from seniors' centers to education, sports, arts and other enrichment programming in imminent danger of disappearing. Panning out into the future, however, some housing analysts sound almost optimistic about the future of public housing in New York – widely considered the nation's most successful large public housing operation – and around the country. The reason, they say, is that it simply must continue. And not just carry on, but thrive and serve even more Americans in need of affordable housing.

"There's very much a realization that the current generation of public housing needs to be funded, needs to be preserved," says Jeffrey Otto, a senior policy analyst at the Citizens' Housing and Planning Council, a New York City nonprofit involved in public housing policy since the 1930s. The group will soon issue a report making recommendations for public housing's future, based on a roundtable discussion among local and national public housing leaders convened by CHPC in December. "We hope that the next generation of public housing – a production program for a new public housing – could really help to preserve the existing stock." More HERE

FY 2008 HOPE VI Revitalization Grant Awards

Below please find the list of FY 2008 HOPE VI Revitalization Grant Awards, totaling $97,246,691.

1. Housing Authority of the City of Bremerton
$20,000.00

2. Chicago Housing Authority $20,000.00


3. Housing Authority of the County of King $20,000.00

4. Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee $6,759,852

5. Housing Authority of the City of Seattle $10,486,839

6. Housing Authority of the City of Texarkana $20,000.00



More at: HUD.Gov

3.30.2008

City of Fayettville receives $20 million Hope VI grant

source: FayObserver.com

Staff writer Andrew Barksdale

City of Fayettville receives $20 million Hope VI grant

The grant will allow the city to replace two sprawling public housing complexes along Old Wilmington Road, and help leverage an additional $93 million in public and private money for a combined $113 million investment.

The project, which could take four years to complete, could be one of the largest and most significant redevelopment efforts in the city’s history.

“This is huge news for this community, not just for the the city,” Mayor Tony Chavonne said Thursday evening. “You are talking about people who have been left behind in that community for decades.”

Officials say the neighborhoods in downtown — bounded by Gillespie Street, East Russell Street and Eastern Boulevard — has one of the highest poverty and crime rates in the city.

“Old Wilmington Road was Fayetteville’s largest African-American ghetto prior to desegregation,” said the application for the grant filed by the city.

With the money, the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority will demolish the public housing complexes of Campbell Terrace and Delona Gardens, which are about 1,000 feet apart. Their barracks-style buildings comprise 249 units built in the 1940s and 1950s.

A mix of single-family homes, town houses and apartments — 747 units in all — will be built, mostly in that neighborhood but some elsewhere in the city on land that has yet to be identified. Some units will be sold on the open market.

In addition, a new community resource center and a day care center will go up in the neighborhood. Open space and a small business campus for defense contractors would also be developed as part of the plan.

The $20 million grant, known as Hope VI, will come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The announcement came shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday from the office of U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre. The Democrat from Lumberton said he had worked with Fayetteville officials on the application.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to work this out,” he said in an interview. “This is a great opportunity to create positive momentum that will permanently change the lives of many of the families of Fayetteville.”

A similar Hope VI application by the city was turned down a year ago. The city sought the grant a second time last fall, one of 29 applications from around the country. Only four or five are awarded each year.

Calvin Poole Jr., chairman of the housing authority, said one reason the agency won the grant was because it consistently performs well in federal audits. More HERE

HUD Awards $20 Million HOPE VI TO Washington, DC SE Project

Washington Post Staff Writer

The D.C. Housing Authority has received a $20 million federal grant to redevelop the former Sheridan Terrace public housing project in Southeast Washington into a mix of 336 units of affordable and market-rate apartments and single-family houses.

Michael Kelly, the authority's executive director, said the award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is the equivalent of "winning an Oscar."

"It's HUD's recognition of excellence in technical achievement, city leadership and collaboration, D.C. Housing Authority capacity and the clarity of the vision of the neighbors of the Sheridan Terrace site," Kelly said.

The city won the grant on its third time applying for Hope VI funds for Sheridan Terrace. The authority bulldozed the once-crumbling and crime-ridden project in 1997, three years after the last tenant moved out of the 183-unit complex.

The HUD grant, announced this week by Kelly, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) and D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), will kick-start the development of the District's seventh Hope VI project.

The Housing Authority, whose partner in the project is William C. Smith & Co., will leverage the HUD grant with $87.7 million in public and private funds to develop the 9.8-acre Sheridan site -- bounded by Suitland Parkway and the District-Maryland line -- with 180 townhouses, 16 "manor homes" with four units per house and 100 apartments for seniors and families. A groundbreaking is expected in a year, and construction should be complete by 2011, officials said.

Residents who had to vacate the old Sheridan Terrace will have priority in returning to the new development, authority spokeswoman Dena Michaelson said, adding that 77 families have expressed interest in doing so.

With a redeveloped Sheridan Terrace, Washington will have seven Hope VI projects, second only to Chicago among U.S. cities. The federally funded Hope VI projects aim to restructure old public housing sites that traditionally clustered low-income families in high-density, high-rise buildings into lower-density, mixed-income developments. More HERE

There are four Hope VI developments in Ward 8, including Sheridan Terrace; two in Ward 6, including the Capper-Carrollsburg development adjacent to the new Washington Nationals stadium; and one in Ward 7. More HERE

City of Phoenix Receives Second HOPE VI Grant from HUD

March 24 , 2008 by Editor
Source EV Living

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the city of Phoenix $8.9 million for its second HOPE VI grant to revitalize the Krohn West Homes in the Central City South community.

HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said, “This funding not only gives cities the resources to build quality affordable housing in these communities, it also improves the quality of life of the residents who live in the public housing. I’m glad Phoenix will once again use HOPE VI funds to transform neighborhoods and lives.”

Krohn West is a 76-unit development that was built in 1961. The redevelopment will include 42 public housing units, 25 affordable rental units and 40 affordable homes for purchase. The plan also includes 16 market rate rental housing and 97 market rate homes for purchase.

“I am proud that HUD has awarded Phoenix a second HOPE VI grant,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “We already see the positive results of the Matthew Henson HOPE VI Project and know that the Krohn West HOPE VI Project will be a positive addition to the community.”

The city of Phoenix was selected from a pool of 29 HOPE VI grant applications from housing authorities across the country. Other grants in this cycle were issued to housing authorities in Boston, Fayetteville, N.C., New Orleans and Washington, D.C.

“The Matthew Henson HOPE VI Project has successfully revitalized the Central City South community and I am pleased that HUD has awarded another HOPE VI Project in District 8 that will further improve the quality of life of our residents,” said District 8 Councilman Michael Johnson.

Relocation costs for residents will be paid as needed, and affected residents can relocate to other public housing or receive a Section 8 housing choice voucher to subsidize their rent in privately-owned properties. Relocated residents will have the option to return to the newly-constructed housing units and will be eligible for job training and other support services through the Community and Supportive Services component of the HOPE VI grant.

The city of Phoenix received its first HOPE VI grant in 2001 for $35 million to revitalize the Matthew Henson Homes located at Seventh Avenue and Buckeye Road. The 40-acre property was selected due to the age of the deteriorating units and its close proximity to downtown.

The Matthew Henson Homes is now “Henson Village,” a mixed-income residential community with 611 affordable housing units, which includes public housing, mid-level income tax credit and market rate units. The Matthew Henson HOPE VI Project is expected to be completed in December 2008.


A story of Hope

Redevelopment: A story of hope


RALEIGH — When darkness settled in each Friday night, and the ghosts with guns began to gather outside, LaWanda Harris hid.

She put chairs inside a small closet. She moved the television just outside the closet door. And she sat with her children, watching whatever pleasant shows she could find.

Outside in the dark, there was only horror. Halifax Court wasn’t a place for real people. It was a place for the heartless, the soulless, and, as Harris remembers, “the hopeless.”

A decade later, on the same piece of land just north of downtown Raleigh, Harris leaves her blinds open all hours. Her children, now teenagers, run free in the evenings. Her sister now comes to her neighborhood to take nighttime walks.

Hope VI, the same federal grant for urban redevelopment awarded to Fayetteville earlier this month, changed everything here.

Flattened are the projects where the poor were clustered and the drug dealers were kings. Standing are the mixed-income neighborhoods where the grass is trimmed and the working-class feel safe.

About half of the residents remain in public housing. But a casual observer can’t tell which half. The houses look the same. For every person in the neighborhood like Harris — a single mother of three who requires public assistance — there’s a person like Charles Bolton — a retired college administrator who pays full rent.

The new crossbred neighborhood is named Capitol Park. Underneath it is a graveyard, a place once called Halifax Court, where the ghosts ran wild.

They’re only stories now. More HERE