By Kimberley Haas
More than 250 rural, suburban and urban communities will benefit from $36 million earmarked to produce about 8,000 units of affordable housing throughout the country.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman held a virtual press conference on Tuesday morning to announce the “capacity-building” awards, which are expected to stimulate nearly $150 million in total investments.
“We are really focused on building strong and vibrant communities through grants like this and through the work of our local and state leaders,” Todman said.
Todman said it has been thrilling to work with leaders at the White House and HUD to stand up these initiatives “that we know will pay dividends for our children and grandchildren in the future.”
Three national groups were selected to distribute the funds to local initiatives which support housing and community development. They are Enterprise Community Partners, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and Habitat for Humanity International.
Habitat for Humanity International Senior Vice President for the U.S. and Canada Adrienne Goolsby said they are excited about the impact these grants can have on families.
“A safe, affordable home means so much to the family, a place to lay their heads at night, a place that they can call their own. A place where children can learn, and a solid foundation where a family can build their future,” Goolsby said during the virtual event.
Steven Washington, Director of the Office of Policy Development and Coordination, said during an interview after the event that at least $5 million of the $36 million must be spent in rural communities.
Washington said that leaders of organizations who are interested in receiving funds – which can be used to provide staffing and help nonprofits keep their lights on – should reach out to one of the three named recipients because they work in a majority of the regions of the country.
HUD’s capacity-building grant program requires a minimum three-to-one private/public match and these funds must be leveraged to facilitate further growth, Washington said.
These federal funds are Section 4 grants. Enterprise Community Partners will receive $14,253,912; Local Initiatives Support Corporation will receive $13,647,363; and Habitat for Humanity International will receive $8,098,725.