News

LeadingAge Housing Survey Shows Less COVID, More Workforce Challenges

On April 21, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The latest LeadingAge quarterly survey of affordable housing providers shows lower COVID-19 cases among residents in senior housing communities across the country. However, the survey results also show higher rates of COVID-19 among staff and persistent challenges in hiring and retaining service coordinators and other staff.

HUD On Track with NSPIRE Demonstration Program

On March 24, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

HUD's NSPIRE Demonstration program, which will replace REAC's current physical inspection standards and protocol under the Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) for the HUD-assisted housing portfolio, is on track to complete over 900 advisory inspections by the end of May 2022. HUD inspectors will continue to work with approximately 4,500 volunteer properties to identify potential adjustments to NSPIRE standards, protocols, and processes, which will then be rolled out to the broader portfolio.

White House Sees Role for Service Coordinators in Mental Health Strategy

On March 10, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The White House’s strategy to address the national mental health crisis, outlined on March 1 in a fact sheet and formally announced during President Biden's March 2 State of the Union speech, includes training HUD service coordinators, housing counselors, and fair housing grantee staff to be equipped to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and addiction among those they serve. HUD will train staff in these roles to recognize the signs of emotional distress and connect residents with mental health resources.

HUD Posts Updated Flyer on Resident and Owner Rights for REAC

On March 10, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has posted an updated flyer with information on physical inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic, replacing an earlier version published in 2021.

Advocacy Underway to Secure Broadband Funding for Older Adults

On January 20, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

Following billions of dollars in broadband investments approved by Congress in the fall of 2021, federal and state governments have begun making plans to distribute funds and increase connectivity, potentially for affordable housing communities.

HUD Service Coordinator Grant Applications Due Feb. 7

On January 13, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

In late December, HUD opened renewal applications for existing Service Coordinator grants for Calendar Year 2022. Applications are due Feb. 7 and must include HUD's one-year budget form. The agency has applied a 5.9% Cost of Living Adjustment, higher than in previous years and falls in line with this year's Social Security benefits increase.

Take the LeadingAge Quarterly Affordable Housing Survey

On November 18, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

It's time for the LeadingAge quarterly affordable housing survey! LeadingAge, our national affiliate, is conducting its regular survey on affordable housing, and we encourage you to participate.

LeadingAge Affordable Housing Calls Address Mental Health, REAC Inspections, and the NSPIRE Demo Program

On October 14, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

The LeadingAge Housing Advisory Group call on Monday, Oct. 18 at 11:30 a.m. will feature guest speaker Dr. Eric Berko. In honor of World Mental Health Day, Dr. Berko will review mental health challenges for staff and residents at affordable housing communities and discuss strategies for success.

HUD Allows Key Deadline Flexibilities for CSP Requests

On October 14, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

In response to advocacy by LeadingAge, HUD has allowed key deadline flexibilities for COVID-19 Supplemental Payment (CSP) requests for capital cost reimbursements due to COVID-19. HUD announced the change in a 20-question CSP FAQ document; HUD also released a draft version of the CSP request form.

HUD Announces Fourth Round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments

On September 23, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On Sept. 16, HUD announced the fourth round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments (CSPs) for Multifamily housing providers. The funds are available to help Section 8, Section 202, and Section 811 properties prepare for and respond to COVID-19. Requests are due to the agency by Nov. 19 and can cover expenses incurred between April 1 and Oct. 31.

HUD Prepares Housing Providers for Disaster Season

On June 9, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

With the start of tornado, wildfire, and flood season, HUD has reminded subsidized housing communities of their responsibilities for both properties and residents in the event of a disaster.

Save the Date: Pre-1974 HUD Section 202 Preservation

On May 26, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Please join LeadingAge on Thursday, June 10 at 1 p.m. CT for a conversation about preserving pre-1974 Section 202 Direct Loan affordable senior housing communities. Nationally, there are more than 10,000 pre-1974 Section 202 Direct Loan apartments.

HUD Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Partnership Webinars

On May 12, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Last week’s HUD and HHS announced a joint effort to increase vaccine access at HUD-assisted communities. Yesterday, the Department announced it is hosting COVID-19 webinars focusing on housing and health partnerships, the COVID-19 vaccine, and community health workers.

HUD Details June Restart to Physical Inspections

On May 5, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On Thursday, HUD provided more information about their June restart to physical inspections for both regular UPCS and NSPIRE demonstration properties, including an FAQ document, a flyer for residents, a memo to property owners, and an inspector notice. HUD has also informed us that they are working on several translations for the resident flyer.

HUD Updates Section 202 NOFA FAQs

On April 21, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On April 15, HUD updated the Frequently Asked Questions associated with the Section 202 Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA), applications for which are due May 26. Based on the questions submitted, HUD has updated the FAQs. The new update includes questions on Opportunity Zones, FHA-insured financing in the development of projects, Environmental Review contacts, Appraisals, Physical Design, and Income Restrictions. The new questions are numbered 4, 16, 17, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 61 in this updated FAQ on the 202 NOFA website.

Draft Bill Circulated on Housing COVID-19 Relief

On March 31, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Third Round of Applications for HUD COVID Supplemental Payments Expected

The House Committee on Financial Services is circulating a discussion draft of the Supporting Seniors and Tenants in Subsidized Housing Act. The draft bill is a version of 2020’s Emergency Housing Assistance for Older Adults Act introduced in the House (as HR 6873) and Senate (as S 4177). The draft bill is sponsored by Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), the chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance.

National Partner LeadingAge Starts Work Groups for Affordable Housing Members

On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Our partners at LeadingAge Housing Advisory Group now have five Workgroups to share information among members, to improve programs, and to inform LeadingAge advocacy to HUD and to Congress.

HUD opens 2021 Service Coordinator Renewals

On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On February 19, HUD opened the application period for Calendar Year 2021 (CY21) Service Coordinator program renewals in GrantSolutions. Under a compressed timeline for the delayed grant renewals, applications are due by March 22, with disbursements projected for June or July.

HUD Announces Competition for $150M New Section 202 Funds

On January 20, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On January 11, HUD announced its competition for $150 million in new Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly funds. The application deadline for these funds is May 26, 2021.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is similar in many ways to the last HUD Section 202 NOFO issued in April 2019. That NOFO was for $51 million and ultimately provided Section 202 Capital Advance and Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) funding for 575 units via 18 nonprofit-controlled communities when the awards were announced in February 2020.

HUD issues new set of Q&As for Multifamily Housing providers

On January 6, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

This week, HUD issued a new set of Q&As for Multifamily Housing providers, including senior housing, last updated in mid-October. While the Q&A addresses vaccines, PPP loans, and residual receipts, it falls short of addressing several pressing questions. With affordable housing communities bracing for continued COVID-19 surges, the Q&A provides little direction for housing owners and staff navigating COVID-19 vaccines and testing, as well as ongoing unbudgeted expenses and operational challenges.