Beyond Bricks and Sticks

A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.

New definition of homelessness raises concern

(RECAP: A final ruling on what defines homelessness by the federal agency that helps people through emergency, transitional and permanent housing is changing the way some agencies can count the homeless.)
http://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2016/03/04/new-definition-defines-homelessness-raises-concern/81336844/

Programs of HUD

(RECAP: Programs of HUD describes the major rental, mortgage, grant, other assistance and regulatory programs. It is through these programs that HUD works to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers, meet the need for quality affordable rental homes, use housing as a platform for improving quality of life, and build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination.)
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/programs-of-hud.html

Playbook Updated for 2015 Q3

(RECAP: Housing Virginia’s Playbook is a comprehensive inventory of affordable housing policies and programs within Virginia. It provides the name and description of the affordable housing policy or program and details about the policy or program, including the local contact.)
http://www.housingvirginia.org/news/playbook-updated-2015-q3/

Tiny Houses for the Masses: 84 Lumber Launches Packages Starting at $7K

(RECAP: 84 Lumber is out to make tiny house living as accessible as possible, whether the customer is serious DIY-er or someone who just wants a fast, easy turnkey micro home. The company, which already offers building packages for barns and garages, spent the last half year developing the line of four tiny house models.)
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/09/tiny-houses-for-the-masses-84-lumber-launches-packages-starting-at-7k.html

New Website To Serve As ABLE Account Clearinghouse

(RECAP: As states prepare to offer accounts that will allow people with disabilities to save without losing government benefits, a new website is launching to help families navigate the offering. The site from the ABLE National Resource Center is designed to be a one-stop shop for families as well as financial professionals and program administrators, with information about laws, regulations and product offerings in each state.)
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/03/03/new-able-account-clearinghouse/21993/

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.

Can Coliving Help Solve the Urban Housing Crunch?

(RECAP: It’s been compared to dorms, fraternities and the Real World house, but many investors also believe coliving is part of the future of urban living. Proponents say this fusion of the sharing economy and micro-housing offers a profitable solution to countless modern problems, both in real estate and society.)
http://www.curbed.com/2016/3/8/11178598/cooperative-housing-city-living-coliving