The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $5,000,000 to four organizations in California, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C. to continue its community and organizational development strategies to improve the lives of low-income persons. The funding is provided through HUD’s Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program.
“HUD is committed to delivering housing solutions to underserved rural populations throughout the country, from producing more affordable housing to boosting job growth,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “This funding will help these communities obtain sustainable housing and resources for their residents.”
The following organizations will receive funds (individual descriptions below):
| Organization | Grant Amount |
| Minnesota Housing Partnership, Minnesota | $2,000,000 |
| Housing Assistance Council, Washington, DC | $1,000,000 |
| Rural Community Assistance Corp., California | $1,000,000 |
| Rebuilding Together, Washington, DC | $1,000,000 |
| TOTAL | $5,000,000 |
HUD’s Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program awards grants to national nonprofit organizations with expertise in rural housing and community development. The national non-profits then use the grant awards to enhance the capacity and ability of local governments, Indian tribes, rural housing development organizations, Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) to carry out community development and affordable housing activities that benefit low- and moderate-income families and persons in rural areas.
Since the Great Recession, the need for affordable housing has only increased. The success of federal, state and local efforts to stabilize their housing markets relies on the capacity of local governments, Indian tribes, and local non-profits to develop and implement effective housing and community development plans. Rural communities have unique challenges in meeting these needs. The funding provided through this program is intended to help these communities, Indian tribes and local non-profits develop the skills and technical capabilities necessary to undertake effective community development activities.
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Grant Project Summaries:
Housing Assistance Council
Housing Assistance Council (HAC) will provide a combination of training, peer learning, and technical support to approximately 20 rural organizations in up to 9 HUD regions. HAC will serve organizations in critical geographies such as the Colonias, Appalachia, and Mississippi Delta and offer access to non-Federal sources of financing and loan capital. As a result of its capacity building support, HAC anticipates that the rural organizations will produce approximately 600 jobs, support 20 community development projects, and create, rehab, or retain more than 700 housing units.
Minnesota Housing Partnership
Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) will provide a comprehensive model of capacity building support to rural organizations through direct technical assistance and financial assistance. MHP will serve approximately 25 rural organizations and through its request for proposal (RFP) process, MHP will offer capacity building support opportunities to all 10 HUD regions. As a result of its capacity building support, MHP anticipates that the rural organizations will support 12 community development projects, create or assist 25 businesses, and create, rehab, or retain 200 housing units.
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) will provide capacity building support to rural organizations through its Development Solutions and Building Rural Economies initiatives. The Development Solutions initiative has two phases. Phase one will provide technical assistance and skill building support to enable rural organizations to complete a feasibility study for a proposed development project. Phase two will focus on project implementation and provide technical and financial assistance to address the stages of housing development and engage topics such as financial analysis, proforma development, utilization of HUD/Federal funding, and integration of consolidated plan elements. The Building Rural Economies initiative is a unique program that provides training, long-term technical assistance and resources to increase the capacity of rural organizations to identify and carry out comprehensive community economic development activities. RCAC projects that these initiatives will serve more than 10 rural organizations across 8 states and 4 HUD regions. As a result of its capacity building support, RCAC anticipates that the rural organizations will create or retain 40 jobs, support 10 businesses, and create, rehab, or retain more than 20 housing units
Rebuilding Together, Inc.
Rebuilding Together, Inc. will provide capacity building support to local rural organizations in up to 5 HUD regions through technical assistance, training workshops, management coaching, and peer networks. Rebuild Together, Inc. will also provide more than $400,000 in direct financial assistance to 5 rural organizations to add or retain key personnel, implement staff development, address critical technology needs, and integrate essential workplace tools. As a result of its capacity building support and 20 planned trainings, Rebuilding Together, Inc anticipates that the rural organizations will create, rehab, or retain more than 190 housing units.