Partnering for Housing: Working with Public Housing Authorities,

Community Development

Corporations and Housing Finance

Agencies

Norm SucharNational Alliance to End HomelessnessJanuary 10, 2007

Federal Housing Resources/Distribution

• McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants– Through Continuum of Care process, communities

prioritize needs for homeless programs and submit a joint application for funding in a competitive process.

• Low Income Housing Tax Credit – Tax credits are typically awarded by State Housing

Finance Agencies to developers who will sell the credit to investors and use income generated to finance development.

– Additional subsidy (e.g. Section 8 HCV) often needed.– Tax credits are in high demand and their distribution

may be impacted by political priorities (e.g. addressing homelessness).

Federal Housing Resources/Distribution

• Public Housing/Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers– Public and assisted housing are typically managed by

Public Housing Authorities (PHA’s) or in some cases Housing Finance Agencies. The resources available to provide and maintain their portfolio of affordable housing is almost always well below demand and as a result there is very long waiting lists for assistance.

• HOME/Community Development Block Grant– Fund can be used to address housing needs of low

income residents. There is a requirement for community participation in determining use of funds.

State & Local Resource Distribution

• PHA’s and Housing Finance Agencies may have a role in distributing state and local housing resources, including:– Housing Trust Funds (e.g. Minnesota Housing

Finance Agency)

Identifying Opportunities for Collaboration

• Participation in Consolidated Plan/Continuum of Care/PHA Plan

• What is it you can “sell” to PHA, State Housing Agency, etc.