Housing

A number of states have developed rental housing locators that allow online searches for affordable housing units. These sites range from bare-bones databases of state-financed developments to elaborate sites with multiple search criteria, extensive information about accessibility for persons with disabilities, current vacancy information, and links to local service agencies. This report reviews several web-based sites based on several factors and compares the findings.

On February 1, 2005, HUD issued a very important Notice PIH 2005-5(HA). The notice ties together Housing Vouchers, Olmstead, Waivers, the New Freedom Initiative, and the President's Exec.Order 13217, that \"promotes community-based alternatives, rather than institutional settings.\" Read what HUD has told your local Housing Authorities what they must do and is required for persons with disabilities regarding Housing Vouchers.

Acting Governor Richard Codey solidified New Jersey’s commitment to helping individuals with disabilities by proposing the creation of a $200 million housing trust fund. This fund is the initial step that will assist in the creation of 10,000 permanent, affordable housing opportunities over a 10-year period and is the beginning component of a comprehensive housing plan. The trust will be funded through unused capital bond capacity identified by the State Treasure.

All CMS Real Choice housing grantee were invited to participate in this conference call in an effort to share the model of integrating services within a public housing setting. The call included presenters from the Housing Authority of City of Milwaukee & the Milwaukee County Department on Aging. The presentation focused on the Lapham Park Venture, a collaboration of partner agencies who provide a continuum of care for residents. This entry contains meeting notes and questions & answers.

The Minnesota Finance Authority has made available guides on their website to assist consumers on how to design accessible home modifications and provide details on what funding programs are available from federal, state and local levels. The website provides connection to two distinct guides: The Home Accessibility Remodeling Series and The Home Accessibility Remodeling Funding Resource

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) recently released Out of Reach 2004: America’s Housing Wage Climbs, their annual study of wages and rents in the United States. The study shows as housing costs increase faster than wages, decent, modest housing is increasingly out of reach for millions of Americans. Out of Reach is a side-by-side of wages and rents in every county, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), combined non-metropolitan area, and state in the United States.

Identifying available affordable and accessible housing is a difficult task for many consumers wishing to relocate to community based living settings. In the past few years, many states have instituted accessible housing registries in an effort to provide a one-stop location for consumers to search for housing in their communities. In January 2005, the State of Virginia launched its newly developed online accessible housing registry.

Developed by Carla Pope at the Iowa Finance Authority, this document briefly describes several financial resource options to be used for the development of affordable housing.

A compilation of housing and financial terms used by housing finance agencies developed by Carla Pope, Director of Service Enriched Housing at the Iowa Finance Authority.

HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. Their website offers a full spectrum of information on housing, including: news, library resources, handbooks, forms, and other tools needed to buy, sell, rent or make home improvements.