Congratulations to The Warwick in Newport News, VA for winning its category in the 10th Annual J. Timothy Anderson Awards for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation, known as the Timmy Awards.
The Warwick won for “Best Historic Rehab Utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) – Small (Total Development Cost of $10 Million or Less)”. This development received federal tax credits administered by VHDA’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
December 26, 2014
December 24, 2014
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
Shaping the City | Affordable housing design doesn’t have to be boring
(RECAP: Earlier this year the American Institute of Architects and HUD selected four projects to receive national awards for excellence in affordable housing design. Curiously, all four projects receiving awards are in California.)
When Grandma's House Is Home: The Rise Of Grandfamilies
(RECAP: Grandfamilies are so common that you'll see public housing complexes designed with this in mind: wide walkways, everything on one floor, guardrails — and then outside the window there's a playground.)
Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Community Development Organizations
(RECAP: An action guide for community organizations from NeighborWorks America that can help organizations and residents rebuild and recover when disaster strikes.)
Part 2: The Emergence of Form-Based Codes
(RECAP: Form-based codes are written with the creation (or preservation) of a specific urban form in mind — to regulate private development so that it consciously shapes the public realm.)
Disability.gov’s Guide to Assistive Technology
(RECAP: Assistive Technology is any piece of equipment or system that can help people with disabilities live independently and participate in the classroom, the workplace and in their communities.)
New research connects investments in low-income communities to direct gains in employment and income
(RECAP: A new study of dozens of poor communities across the country found that families fared better economically in places where a far-reaching revitalization effort addressed multiple community needs at one time—affordable housing, safety, education, employment and other basic services.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
Walkability Is Good for You
(RECAP: The evidence from a growing body of research shows that walkable neighborhoods not only raise housing prices but reduce crime, improve health, spur creativity and encourage more civic engagement in our communities.)
How Much Cleaning Up Brownfields Is Really Worth
(RECAP: There are more than 450,000 U.S. brownfield sites—properties once used for industrial purposes now contaminated by hazardous substances at low levels. According to a new study, neighborhoods near brownfield cleanup sites enjoy a rise in housing values that can be dramatic.)
December 23, 2014
VHDA congratulates The Locks, a Virginia 2014 Timmy Award winner
Congratulations to The Locks in Richmond, VA for winning its category in the 10th Annual J. Timothy Anderson Awards for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation, known as the Timmy Awards.
The Locks won for “Best Market-Rate or Mixed-Income Residential”. This development used VHDA financing and received federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits administered by VHDA.
The National Housing & Rehabilitation Association (NH&RA) presents the Timmy Awards annually to honor outstanding real estate projects that involve rehabilitation of older, historic buildings primarily using federal or state Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.
The Locks won for “Best Market-Rate or Mixed-Income Residential”. This development used VHDA financing and received federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits administered by VHDA.
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| Three of the repurposed industrial buildings in the Locks development |
December 18, 2014
VHDA + Alexandria Housing Development Corporation: Affordable Housing Communities are Reborn
Today’s post originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2014 Community Outreach Report.
One goal of Alexandria’s Master 2013 Housing plan is to preserve the affordable units which have been rapidly disappearing as many parts of the city undergo intensive redevelopment. The Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC), headed by Carol Jackson, Executive Director, is working aggressively to meet that goal.
Their most recent undertaking was the acquisition and redevelopment of Arbelo and Longview Terrace Apartments. These two dilapidated properties were at risk of being lost forever as affordable housing resources. AHDC put together a partnership to ensure these communities would be valuable assets for years to come. Today, this redevelopment effort is providing 75 attractive and much needed workforce/affordable housing units.
One goal of Alexandria’s Master 2013 Housing plan is to preserve the affordable units which have been rapidly disappearing as many parts of the city undergo intensive redevelopment. The Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC), headed by Carol Jackson, Executive Director, is working aggressively to meet that goal.
Their most recent undertaking was the acquisition and redevelopment of Arbelo and Longview Terrace Apartments. These two dilapidated properties were at risk of being lost forever as affordable housing resources. AHDC put together a partnership to ensure these communities would be valuable assets for years to come. Today, this redevelopment effort is providing 75 attractive and much needed workforce/affordable housing units.
December 17, 2014
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
Q: Why doesn’t the market produce enough affordable housing where people want it?
(RECAP: Location, location, location… The value of housing is tied to location. In desirable locations there is a limit to how much housing can be created.)http://www.shelterforce.org/article/3479/the_answer_173/
Prospect’s Affordable Accessory Dwelling Units
(RECAP: Unlike much of the affordable housing found in other places that end up being segregated from the rest of the community, Prospect Newtown’s ADUs are perfectly blended within the town overall—and actually help contribute to the development’s success.)http://buildabetterburb.org/prospects-affordable-accessory-dwelling-units/
Retirees Turn to Virtual Villages for Mutual Support
(RECAP: An offshoot of the sharing economy, virtual villages are popping up all over the country. Experts say these villages are low-cost ways to age in place and delay going to costly assisted-living facilities. One lure is that virtual villages can be tweaked to fit any environment — including the country.)http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/29/your-money/retirees-turn-to-virtual-villages-for-mutual-support.html?src=me&module=Ribbon&version=context®ion=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Most%20Emailed&pgtype=Blogs
Part 1: What Is a Form-Based Code?
(RECAP: As communities confront the need to update their zoning ordinances, many are discussing form-based codes. But quite a large percentage of those are not quite sure what this relatively new planning and zoning tool is all about.)http://plannersweb.com/2014/12/fbc1/
See the Futuristic Elevators That Move in Every Direction
(RECAP: 160 years after its invention, the elevator is getting a major makeover. A German company is developing the world's first cable-less system that could revolutionize the shape and height of our future skyscrapers.)http://www.bloomberg.com/video/the-elevator-of-the-future-moves-side-to-side-GNNcqMENTfSSkQ0OpZppog.html
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.Choose One, Millennials: Upward Mobility or Affordable Housing
(RECAP: The paradox of the American Dream: The best cities to get ahead are often the most expensive places to live, and the most affordable places to live can be the worst cities to get ahead.)http://www.citylab.com/housing/2014/11/choose-one-millennials-upward-mobility-or-affordable-housing/382953/
Child Homelessness Reaches All Time High, But Remains A Hidden Problem
(RECAP: One in 30 of American children is homeless—an all-time high of 2.5 million, according to a new report by the National Center on Family Homelessness. Some states have begun to focus on helping such children, but their efforts are being complicated by the way the federal government counts them.)http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/03/child-homelessness_n_6262296.html
Register now for one of our How-to-Apply Tax Credit workshops
Are you new to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application process, or has it been a while since you’ve applied? Then you should attend our LIHTC How-to-Apply workshops. They’re scheduled for January 6, 7 and 9 at locations across Virginia. Each workshop will cover:
Information, including directions and hotel information, can be found below. If you would like to attend any of these free workshops, please use our online calendar to register.
Jan. 6 How-to-Apply @ The Virginia Housing Center (4224 Cox Rd-Innsbrook)
Jan. 6 How-to-Apply @ The Southwest Virginia Housing Center-Wytheville
Jan. 7 How-to-Apply @ Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks-Fairfax
Jan. 9 How-to-Apply @ Marriott-Norfolk Mariott Chesapeake
- The web-based locality notification information submittal due January 28, 2015
- Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and manual changes from last year
- Application requirements
- Scoring categories
- Reservation documents
- Allocation documents
- Tax-exempt bond credit requirements
- Completing the application
- Identifying areas where common mistakes occur
Information, including directions and hotel information, can be found below. If you would like to attend any of these free workshops, please use our online calendar to register.
Jan. 6 How-to-Apply @ The Virginia Housing Center (4224 Cox Rd-Innsbrook)
Jan. 6 How-to-Apply @ The Southwest Virginia Housing Center-Wytheville
Jan. 7 How-to-Apply @ Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks-Fairfax
Jan. 9 How-to-Apply @ Marriott-Norfolk Mariott Chesapeake
December 11, 2014
VHDA Housing Choice Voucher Program – Preference for People with Intellectual or Development Disabilities
Today’s post originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2014 Community Outreach Report.
People with disabilities have historically faced limited housing options, often requiring them to live in institutions or other segregated settings where they are denied many of the basic freedoms that people without disabilities take for granted. The Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead acknowledged that segregating people with disabilities in institutional settings deprives them of the opportunity to participate in their communities, interact with people who do not have disabilities, and make their own day-to-day choices.
In 2012, the state of Virginia reached an agreement with the Department of Justice that calls for Virginia to partner with other agencies to move more rapidly toward a community-based system of support that provides more integrated living environments.
People with disabilities have historically faced limited housing options, often requiring them to live in institutions or other segregated settings where they are denied many of the basic freedoms that people without disabilities take for granted. The Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead acknowledged that segregating people with disabilities in institutional settings deprives them of the opportunity to participate in their communities, interact with people who do not have disabilities, and make their own day-to-day choices.
In 2012, the state of Virginia reached an agreement with the Department of Justice that calls for Virginia to partner with other agencies to move more rapidly toward a community-based system of support that provides more integrated living environments.
December 10, 2014
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
HAND January Meeting: FHLBank Atlanta Affordable Housing Program
(RECAP: On January 22, Arthur Fleming, Senior VP/Director of the Community Investment Services and Joel Brockmann, Assistant VP/Rental Production Manager will provide an overview of the program, tips for submitting successful applications, scoring categories, underwriting guidelines and timelines for the funding process.)
Study: Walkable Neighborhoods Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
(RECAP: Researchers continue to verify the health benefits of walkable neighborhoods. Most recently researchers at Kansas University found benefits that communities can use to ensure the quality of life of aging residents.)
The Housing Credit is a Critical Tool for Reducing Veteran Homelessness
(RECAP: As we reflect on the needs of veterans today, it’s important to remember the Housing Credit’s critical role in increasing the supply of affordable housing to the men and women who have served.)
Urban Acupuncture Is Coming to America
(RECAP: Inspired by an idea that originated in 1970s Brazil, urban planners in America are increasingly thinking small scale to solve big problems.)
How Much Do Neighborhoods Influence Future Earnings?
(RECAP: The potential impact on lifetime earnings between growing up in a well-to-do neighborhood and a poor neighborhood is potentially larger than the difference between the earnings of the average college and high school graduate, according to a new study on social mobility.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
How The Youngest Member Of Obama’s Cabinet Plans To Tackle The Homelessness Crisis
(RECAP: HUD Secretary Julian Castro explains why he will staunchly support the “Housing First” model, an innovative approach to provide free, stable housing to the homeless without first without first requiring that they be sober, drug-free or employed.)
December 4, 2014
Good News in Newport News: Revitalization Continues
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Community Investment,
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Today’s post originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2014 Community Outreach Report.
Just a few years ago, it was a vacant building in downtown Newport News. Today, the 100-year-old Roam building — one of the few remaining original structures along Jefferson Avenue — is a vibrant mixed-use/ mixed-income (MUMI) community known as The Lofts on Jefferson.
Just a few years ago, it was a vacant building in downtown Newport News. Today, the 100-year-old Roam building — one of the few remaining original structures along Jefferson Avenue — is a vibrant mixed-use/ mixed-income (MUMI) community known as The Lofts on Jefferson.
December 3, 2014
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
How Cities and States Are Fighting Gentrification’s Displacement Factor
(RECAP: Governments, including Fairfax County, and non-profit organizations have developed a variety of strategies to preserve housing affordability for those most affected by gentrification and revive distressed communities.)
Social Security disability income shouldn’t mean you don’t qualify for a mortgage
(RECAP: More than 15 million people receive Social Security disability income every year. Placing unnecessary documentation requirements on recipients of Social Security disability income, including disabled veterans, may raise fair lending concerns.)
Making the Real Estate Case for 'Walkable Urban Places'
(RECAP: If real estate developers don't want to miss out on the next big thing, they should focus on “walkable urban places,” or “WalkUPs,” according to a new report from LOCUS, a coalition of real estate investors that's part of Smart Growth America.)
Boomers to Seniors Housing: Hell No, We Won't Go!
(RECAP: Just as the baby boomers reach the age at which they might start using 55-plus seniors housing, not only are they still not ready to go the traditional route, but this attitude is causing a massive shift in the use and design of residences for the elderly.)
16 Online Tools And Resources for More Productive Planners
(RECAP: You manage multiple projects, plans and engagement processes and collaborate with colleagues, partners and stakeholders. How can you work smarter and faster every day? It starts with having the right tools.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
The Unfinished Suburbs of America
(RECAP: Thousands of acres across the country were partially developed during the housing boom. What should happen to them now?)
Faith in land trusts
(RECAP: The third path between renting and homeownership is tantalizingly within reach. Community land trusts are proven successes, but with credit still tight everywhere, they need FHA-backed loans.)
December 2, 2014
Virginia Tech Offers a Residental Property Management Program
Check out this YouTube video about Virginia Tech’s Residential Property Management (RPM) program. In it, students enrolled in the Virginia Tech Property Management major share their experiences with classes, professional development, travel and career opportunities.
VHDA employs a number of RPM graduates, including Asset Manager Jessica Braden, who shared her thoughts. “Virginia Tech's RPM Program is a tight-knit family of professors, alumni, professional, and students working to improve the quality of residential property management in an array of avenues. Students are well prepared for entering the workforce and often, if not always, graduate with one or more job offers.”
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Privacy Policy.
VHDA employs a number of RPM graduates, including Asset Manager Jessica Braden, who shared her thoughts. “Virginia Tech's RPM Program is a tight-knit family of professors, alumni, professional, and students working to improve the quality of residential property management in an array of avenues. Students are well prepared for entering the workforce and often, if not always, graduate with one or more job offers.”
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Privacy Policy.
November 26, 2014
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
Symposium: Exponential Impact: Connecting Health, Housing and Community
(RECAP: Explore tools, resources and best practices to expand your impact in the communities that you serve, and enable you to efficiently and effectively tackle funding and partnership opportunities. The one-day symposium will be held in Washington, DC, at the Washington Marriott Marquis on December 10.)
Working With Locals—A Senior Living Developer’s Friend and Foe
(RECAP: As conversations about building senior housing play out in local media outlets nationwide, developers who secure prime locations for their senior housing pipelines say marketing strategies that educate local community members about senior living are key to moving plans forward.)
Project-Based VASH: Powering the Push to End Chronic Homelessness Among Veterans
(RECAP: In order to substantially end homelessness among veterans by 2015, we need to leverage more project-based VASH to build more supportive housing developments for veterans. While construction takes time, new developments are the foundation of a long-term solution.)
Small cities and towns are urban places, too
(RECAP: The Washington Post recently told the story of Drew Murphy — an educated young man living the walkable urban life like many in his generation, with a twist. He doesn't live in the city.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
What happens when housing for the poor is remodeled for Millennials
(RECAP: Widely applied, the Supreme Court case of Koontz vs. St. Johns River Water Management District could hamper programs of many kinds that cities run requiring developers to create affordable housing or to pay into affordable housing funds.)
Being a renter doesn’t make you a financial failure
(RECAP: Homeownership has for decades been key to the achieving the American dream. But should that dream be deferred in our still recovering economy?)
November 25, 2014
New Development Helps APAH Celebrate 25th Anniversary
It seems only fitting that while celebrating its 25th year of operation, the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) continues to do what it does best — help create more affordable housing opportunities. APAH’s current undertaking is the redevelopment of Carlyn Springs Apartments. This Ballston-area apartment community, built in 1963, was originally purchased and renovated by APAH in 1997. Funding for this redevelopment, renamed The Springs Apartments, comes in part from Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and VHDA mortgage programs.
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| Rendering: KGD Architecture |
November 21, 2014
On Dec. 9th, Learn How YOU Can Overcome NIMBYism!
How can YOU overcome NIMBYism when developing or planning affordable housing? What about when undertaking non-residential community development? When do you need to start planning? Are there stakeholders in your community who can help? On December 9, join VHDA and Housing Virginia at the Virginia Housing Center for the answers and ideas that you need to move affordable housing development forward in your community.
NIMBY, "Not In My Back Yard", is a pervasive challenge for many affordable housing and community development endeavors. Housing Virginia will walk you through the process of overcoming NIMBYism with this innovative training. This workshop combines presentations and interactive exercises that will provide tools for overcoming opposition and building support for affordable housing.
Workshop topics include:
Who should attend:
Developers, housing providers, planning staff, planning commissioners, program administrators, lenders, funders and elected officials.
This $95 session runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch. Space is limited, so register today!
NIMBY, "Not In My Back Yard", is a pervasive challenge for many affordable housing and community development endeavors. Housing Virginia will walk you through the process of overcoming NIMBYism with this innovative training. This workshop combines presentations and interactive exercises that will provide tools for overcoming opposition and building support for affordable housing.
Workshop topics include:
- Understanding the causes of NIMBY
- Using data to make your case
- Building trust and communicating effectively
- Finding supporters and using them strategically
- Case studies from seasoned practitioners
Who should attend:
Developers, housing providers, planning staff, planning commissioners, program administrators, lenders, funders and elected officials.
This $95 session runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch. Space is limited, so register today!
November 20, 2014
Three P's of Community Transformation
Today’s post is courtesy of Mike Hawkins, Managing Director of VHDA’s Community Outreach division. It originally appeared in VHDA’s Fall 2014 Community Outreach Report.
Typically, the development and availability of a variety of housing options is an important component in revitalizing and transforming communities. However, the ultimate success of revitalization efforts often hinges on what I call the three P’s of community transformation.
Typically, the development and availability of a variety of housing options is an important component in revitalizing and transforming communities. However, the ultimate success of revitalization efforts often hinges on what I call the three P’s of community transformation.
November 19, 2014
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
HUD Guidance on Using CDBG for Code Enforcement
(RECAP: HUD’s Notice CPD-14-16 provides guidance on using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for code enforcement activities. The Notice reiterates the provisions that allow CDBG to be used for code inspection and enforcement only if carried out in deteriorated or deteriorating areas in which code enforcement may be expected to arrest an area’s decline.)
As Boomers Age, Walkable Cities Become More Important
(RECAP: Seniors aren't going to walkable neighborhoods (in part because of high housing prices), so walkable neighborhoods will have to go to seniors. That’s why the lobbying powerhouse of the AARP is emerging as a key advocate for a built environment less oriented toward private automobiles.)
Private Money Successfully Fixing Public Housing
(RECAP: HUD is investing in an innovative tool designed to preserve access to long-term and quality affordable housing. The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) allows public housing agencies access to the same private financing already available to private owners of affordable housing units.)
This Home Makes All Its Own Energy. Will We All Soon Be Living In One?
(RECAP: How close can we come to building affordable houses, on a mass scale, that produce as much energy as residents tend to consume during a given year? This goal reaches beyond the increasingly common motif of "greener" living. It's aimed at the far harder ideal of true sustainability.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
The Next Housing Crisis May Be Sooner Than You Think
(RECAP: More and more American households, especially middle- and working-class people, are having a harder time affording housing. It’s time to impose stricter underwriting standards and encourage the dense, mixed-use, more flexible housing options that the knowledge economy requires.)
FHA Policies Discourage Density
(RECAP: At a time when people are flocking to cities, federal policies still heavily promote single-family homes and make it harder for people to buy condos.)
November 18, 2014
Virginia Housing Search Expands Capabilities for Veterans
VirginiaHousingSearch.com, an online rental housing locator service launched in 2009 by VHDA, has been growing steadily. Earlier this year, the site reached a milestone of more than 100,000 registered units!
An exciting new development for VirginiaHousingSearch.com is a specialized Veterans option that helps landlords promote themselves as housing providers for veterans. This complements Virginia’s 100-Day Challenge to house veterans experiencing homelessness and makes it easier for landlords to connect with veterans and organizations that support veterans in need of housing assistance.
As always, VirginiaHousingSearch.com is provided at no cost to either those looking for housing or listing a property. VHDA sponsors this service as a way to provide a comprehensive online listing of available rental properties across Virginia.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Privacy Policy.
An exciting new development for VirginiaHousingSearch.com is a specialized Veterans option that helps landlords promote themselves as housing providers for veterans. This complements Virginia’s 100-Day Challenge to house veterans experiencing homelessness and makes it easier for landlords to connect with veterans and organizations that support veterans in need of housing assistance.As always, VirginiaHousingSearch.com is provided at no cost to either those looking for housing or listing a property. VHDA sponsors this service as a way to provide a comprehensive online listing of available rental properties across Virginia.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Privacy Policy.
November 12, 2014
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
Trailer Parks: An Underdog Solution to the Housing Crisis
(RECAP: Some may judge these pre-fab homes as shoddily built, cheap eyesores in a country that’s increasingly eschewing the suburbs for walkable urban areas. But pre-fabricated homes just might be part of the solution to America's affordable housing crisis.)
Closing the Workforce Housing Gap
(RECAP: The demand for affordable workforce rental housing is outpacing supply. Research shows that around 440,000 additional apartments will be needed each year for the next 10 years to meet coming demand; the historical average is around 300,000 a year.)
Uber Comes to Senior Living With New UberASSIST Rides
(RECAP: At just five years since its inception, Uber has revolutionized how we get a ride from Point A to Point B. It has become a household name, and valued at an estimated $18 billion. And now, the company is taking aim at the way seniors get around.)
The Cooperative Solution
(RECAP: Cooperatives align closely with the goals and values of community developers and deserve more attention as an economic development strategy.)
Support Urged For Families Weighing Out-Of-Home Placements
(RECAP: In a clinical report this month, the American Academy of Pediatrics said doctors should be well-versed in community-based options available to families with children who have disabilities and guide them in how to select an appropriate setting.)
Homes for the homeless...inside billboards
(RECAP: Billboard ads are expensive to construct, maintain and rent, but they don't serve any functional purposes -- so Michal Polacek redesigned them to house the homeless. His concept would create two-room wooden billboard structures fitted with noise and thermal insulation.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
Why Middle-Class Americans Can't Afford to Live in Liberal Cities
(RECAP: There is a deep literature tying liberal residents to illiberal housing policies that create affordability crunches for the middle class.)
Blue Markets Face Bigger Housing Challenges Than Red Markets
(RECAP: Because blue markets are less affordable, have lower homeownership and have greater income inequality, political leaders in Democratic-leaning and Republican-leaning metros may push for different policies. The differences may add to the challenge of reaching agreement on national housing policies.)
Is Urban Revitalization Without Gentrification Possible?
(RECAP: New discussions of turning existing urban neighborhoods into “ecodistricts” may just be gentrification in a green dress. How can cities encourage growth but also provide a sense of continuity? How can over-taxed city planning departments accommodate the forces of change while also respecting local communities and cultures?)
November 10, 2014
Thanks to Boot Camp, 100-Day Challenge Off to a Great Start
Today’s post is a collaboration between VHDA’s Erika Jones-Haskins and Virginia Williams of the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness.
As a member of both the Governor’s Homeless Outcomes Committee and the state’s Veteran’s Homeless Subcommittee, VHDA is proud to actively support the Commonwealth’s goal of ending veterans’ homelessness by 2015. As part of this support, we provided funding for a multi-community Veteran’s Housing Boot Camp, held at the end of September, which kicked off a 100-Day Challenge to house 370 homeless vets.
As a member of both the Governor’s Homeless Outcomes Committee and the state’s Veteran’s Homeless Subcommittee, VHDA is proud to actively support the Commonwealth’s goal of ending veterans’ homelessness by 2015. As part of this support, we provided funding for a multi-community Veteran’s Housing Boot Camp, held at the end of September, which kicked off a 100-Day Challenge to house 370 homeless vets.
November 6, 2014
Housing First: Veteran Centered Outreach
Today’s post is courtesy of VHDA Community Outreach Officer Erika Jones-Haskins.
People often wonder, “How can you take someone who has lived on the streets and immediately put them in their own apartment? Don’t they need a transition? How does that work?” The idea of immediately housing individuals with a history of chronic homelessness is known as Housing First. Although many people might not be aware of this program, which started in 2006, it’s proven to be an effective tool in the efforts of many communities to end chronic homelessness. To find out how it works, take a look at the video produced by the Veterans Administration. It provides a great overview of the Housing First model and how it’s being used as part of the goal to end veteran homelessness by 2015.
To learn more about our programs for Veterans and Members of the U.S. Military, follow these links:
Home Loans for Veterans and Members of the U.S. Military
VHDA has several home mortgages available for active duty and retired military personnel.
Grants for Virginia's Disabled Veterans
Learn how our "Granting Freedom" fund helps Virginia's disabled veterans pay for ramps, stair chairs, grab bars and other improvements to make their homes more accessible.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
People often wonder, “How can you take someone who has lived on the streets and immediately put them in their own apartment? Don’t they need a transition? How does that work?” The idea of immediately housing individuals with a history of chronic homelessness is known as Housing First. Although many people might not be aware of this program, which started in 2006, it’s proven to be an effective tool in the efforts of many communities to end chronic homelessness. To find out how it works, take a look at the video produced by the Veterans Administration. It provides a great overview of the Housing First model and how it’s being used as part of the goal to end veteran homelessness by 2015.
Video not showing? Click here to view: http://youtu.be/BGNE7m_BFvE
To learn more about our programs for Veterans and Members of the U.S. Military, follow these links:
Home Loans for Veterans and Members of the U.S. Military
VHDA has several home mortgages available for active duty and retired military personnel.
Grants for Virginia's Disabled Veterans
Learn how our "Granting Freedom" fund helps Virginia's disabled veterans pay for ramps, stair chairs, grab bars and other improvements to make their homes more accessible.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
VHDA-supported Developments Recognized at Governor’s Housing Conference
Congratulations to the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing and the Better Housing Coalition for their award-winning dedication to creating innovative and effective solutions for Virginia’s diverse housing needs. We’re proud we could help them in their efforts by providing some of the financing for Arlington Mill Residences, winner of “Best Housing Development,” and Somanath Senior Apartments at Beckstoffers, winner of “Best Affordable Housing Energy Conservation Effort.” Both of these affordable housing nonprofits received these well-deserved recognitions during the 2014 Governor’s Housing Conference.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
© 2013 VHDA, All Rights Reserved. Please Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
November 5, 2014
Beyond Bricks and Sticks
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beyond bricks and sticks
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A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.
EPA Invites Communities to Apply for Assistance to Build Resilience, Pursue Revitalization
(RECAP: The EPA is offering this technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program to help communities across the country, including underserved communities, coastal communities, small cities and rural areas, adopt sustainable growth strategies.)
Veterans have created a housing boom
(RECAP: There may be fewer military boots on the ground overseas, but here at home major campaigns in the housing market have been directed this year at veterans. Big banks and mortgage companies have stepped up efforts to help returning veterans obtain decent and affordable housing.)
Coming to Consensus
(RECAP: A core principle for most community land trusts and other community-based housing organizations is resident and community empowerment. How do we foster this? One way is to welcome all voices at the table where decisions are made.)
Grants Will Help Fight Housing Discrimination
(RECAP: HUD has awarded $38.3 million in grants to help prevent housing discrimination. The funding was awarded to more than 100 fair housing organizations and nonprofit agencies in 43 states, including nonprofit Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, Inc. which received $325,000.)
Greenbuild 2014: Financing Green Retrofits for Affordable Housing
(RECAP: The inherent complexities of the affordable sector make financing green retrofits at affordable properties particularly demanding tasks. Yet our industry has some very creative professionals who are turning to numerous sources to make federally assisted properties more efficient.)
Opinions on Housing
The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.
How the Federal Government Can Foster the Role of Anchor Institutions in Community Revitalization
(RECAP: This report provides an overview of how the federal government has worked with anchor institutions over the years, the potential roles anchors can play in communities, and how to measure the community benefits of this work.)
It's Time to End 'Exclusionary Lending'
(RECAP: Today, mortgage lenders have put in place excessively restrictive approval standards that have all but shut the doors to conventional mortgage lending to African-Americans and Latinos. This could be termed exclusionary lending, and it's time for regulators to define and prohibit it.)
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