News

HUD Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Partnership Webinars

On May 12, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Last week’s HUD and HHS announced a joint effort to increase vaccine access at HUD-assisted communities. Yesterday, the Department announced it is hosting COVID-19 webinars focusing on housing and health partnerships, the COVID-19 vaccine, and community health workers.

HUD Details June Restart to Physical Inspections

On May 5, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On Thursday, HUD provided more information about their June restart to physical inspections for both regular UPCS and NSPIRE demonstration properties, including an FAQ document, a flyer for residents, a memo to property owners, and an inspector notice. HUD has also informed us that they are working on several translations for the resident flyer.

HUD Updates Section 202 NOFA FAQs

On April 21, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On April 15, HUD updated the Frequently Asked Questions associated with the Section 202 Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA), applications for which are due May 26. Based on the questions submitted, HUD has updated the FAQs. The new update includes questions on Opportunity Zones, FHA-insured financing in the development of projects, Environmental Review contacts, Appraisals, Physical Design, and Income Restrictions. The new questions are numbered 4, 16, 17, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 61 in this updated FAQ on the 202 NOFA website.

Draft Bill Circulated on Housing COVID-19 Relief

On March 31, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Third Round of Applications for HUD COVID Supplemental Payments Expected

The House Committee on Financial Services is circulating a discussion draft of the Supporting Seniors and Tenants in Subsidized Housing Act. The draft bill is a version of 2020’s Emergency Housing Assistance for Older Adults Act introduced in the House (as HR 6873) and Senate (as S 4177). The draft bill is sponsored by Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), the chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance.

National Partner LeadingAge Starts Work Groups for Affordable Housing Members

On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Our partners at LeadingAge Housing Advisory Group now have five Workgroups to share information among members, to improve programs, and to inform LeadingAge advocacy to HUD and to Congress.

HUD opens 2021 Service Coordinator Renewals

On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On February 19, HUD opened the application period for Calendar Year 2021 (CY21) Service Coordinator program renewals in GrantSolutions. Under a compressed timeline for the delayed grant renewals, applications are due by March 22, with disbursements projected for June or July.

HUD Announces Competition for $150M New Section 202 Funds

On January 20, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On January 11, HUD announced its competition for $150 million in new Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly funds. The application deadline for these funds is May 26, 2021.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is similar in many ways to the last HUD Section 202 NOFO issued in April 2019. That NOFO was for $51 million and ultimately provided Section 202 Capital Advance and Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) funding for 575 units via 18 nonprofit-controlled communities when the awards were announced in February 2020.

HUD issues new set of Q&As for Multifamily Housing providers

On January 6, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

This week, HUD issued a new set of Q&As for Multifamily Housing providers, including senior housing, last updated in mid-October. While the Q&A addresses vaccines, PPP loans, and residual receipts, it falls short of addressing several pressing questions. With affordable housing communities bracing for continued COVID-19 surges, the Q&A provides little direction for housing owners and staff navigating COVID-19 vaccines and testing, as well as ongoing unbudgeted expenses and operational challenges.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms in HUD and USDA Housing – Funding included in Bill

On December 23, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

Included in the passage of the 5,593 page COVID-19 relief and FY21 appropriations bills package is H.R. 1690, which requires HUD- and USDA-subsidized housing to have carbon monoxide alarms in units that have combustion-fueled appliances or a ventilation system that connects them to such units.

HUD releases first evaluation of Supportive Services Demonstration

On December 16, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

(HUD) research arm released the first of three evaluation reports of the Integrated Wellness in Supportive Housing (IWISH) demonstration program, which funds a full-time resident wellness director and part-time wellness nurse to work in HUD-assisted housing communities serving older adults. Launched in 2017, the three-year demonstration program aims to determine whether a well-funded, planned model of supportive services coordination in HUD-assisted senior housing provides compelling benefits.

HUD Disaster Preparedness Toolkit now available – Informational Webinar on Dec. 10

On December 9, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a disaster preparedness toolkit for multifamily housing. Announced yesterday, the disaster preparedness “business continuity” toolkit for multifamily housing providers is now available.  HUD will also be hosting a webinar on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 12:30-2 pm CST to share information on the new resource.

HUD Reopens Applications for COVID-19 Relief Payments – Deadline December 11

On November 25, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

On November 23^rd, HUD announced the continued availability of supplemental funds for HUD-assisted multifamily housing providers responding to COVID-19. In July, HUD announced the initial request period for COVID-19 Supplemental Payments. The new HUD notice establishes a second request window and updates the submission requirements.

Service Coordinator Updates from HUD

On October 21, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

HUD staff will join the regular LeadingAge Housing Advisory Group call on Monday, October 26, to share more updates about Service Coordinators, including payment and grant extension updates.

HUD Posts Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Updates

On October 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

HUD has posted an updated version of the RAD PBRA Quick Reference Guide to reflect program changes and frequently asked questions.

HUD Permits Alternatives to Resident Meetings for RAD

On September 23, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

In a Notice issued Friday, HUD permits alternatives to group resident meetings required for the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). For PHAs or owners undergoing a RAD conversion

Regional LeadingAge HUD Call Scheduled for September 17

On September 9, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The next monthly HUD Member Regional Meeting featuring Linda Couch, Vice President of Housing Policy and Juliana Bilowich, Director, Housing Operations and Policy at LeadingAge, is scheduled for next week via zoom.

Monthly LeadingAge HUD Regional Call this Thursday

On August 19, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

Please join us for the next monthly HUD Member Regional Conference Call, scheduled for August 20 from 12-1 p.m. CST.

HUD to Join Aug. 17 LeadingAge Call with Updated NSPIRE Inspection Standards

On August 12, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

On August 3, HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) released a fully updated set of NSPIRE Inspection Standards for the physical inspection demonstration program.

HUD Answers Questions on COVID-19 Supplemental Payment Funds

On July 28, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

Application forms for the COVID-19 Supplemental Payment funds are due to HUD by Aug. 5. 

LeadingAge Regional HUD Monthly Calls Start July 16

On July 15, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

A monthly call is now available for HUD provider members to join others in our region for news and discussion.  Minnesota joins with LeadingAge Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana for these meetings which are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month at noon.