HUD Unveils Initiative to Replace the HOPE VI Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) unveiled a proposal designed to replace the HOPE VI program. The new initiative, the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, would build on the framework established by the HOPE VI program by incorporating a broader spectrum of disciplines in the revitalization effort. This includes housing, transportation, education, energy and the private sector. HOPE VI provides grants to housing agencies to revitalize severely distressed public housing. While it is not a “neighborhood revitalization” program, HOPE VI projects have provided the impetus for broader neighborhood revitalization.

The new proposal calls for $250 million in competitive grants to be awarded to eligible grantees which includes local governments, public housing agencies, community development corporations, assisted housing owners, and other for-profit and nonprofit entities. While the new proposal has not been formally introduced into legislation, the Senate’s 2010 fiscal year HUD appropriations bill does include funding for the initiative. The Senate bill contains $250 million for the initiative with $165 million reserved for public housing agencies. The House appropriations bill calls for $250 million for HOPE VI. Final passage of an appropriations bill will not be determined until late December. A continuing resolution (CR) is in effect until December 18 which is keeping the Federal government operating at the 2009 funding levels.

There are two significant differences between the Choice Initiative and Hope VI. First, the Choice Initiative requires one-for-one replacement of all public and assisted housing affected by projects funded under this initiative. Second, the new initiative allows displaced residents to return to the site after revitalization is complete if they desire to return. There is no guarantee under HOPE VI.

In reporting on the Choice Initiative, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) expressed concern that the HUD proposal does not clarify if the department’s Office of Public and Indian Housing or its Office of Community Planning and Development would administer the program. NAHRO also said there needs to be clarification on the role federal departments such as transportation and education would play in the implementation of this initiative.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), a vocal critic of HOPE VI, wants to make certain there are stronger provisions in place protecting displaced families and those wishing to return when the project is completed. NLIHC would also like to see more specificity in the definitions used to determine what projects are eligible for funding. NLIHC has a copy of the legislative language for review. Click here to review the language. According to NLIHC, HUD is accepting comments on the legislation. You can send an email to HUD.

Homeless Veterans Twice the Rate of the General Population

A recently released report says the rate of homeless veterans is twice the rate of the general population. According to the report released by the Homeless Research Institute, the rate of homeless veterans is 58 for every 10,000 veterans. The report further states that women are increasing in the number of veterans who are homeless and that a large number of veterans returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are receiving homeless services from the Department of Veterans Administration (VA).

The report, Vital Mission: Ending Homelessness Among Veterans, is an update to a 2007 report detailing the plight of homeless veterans. Both reports use VA data.

The report’s findings show:

- The number of female veterans is higher among younger cohorts;

- Homeless veterans tend to be between the ages of 35 and 54 even though 40 percent of them are 665 and older;

- Four percent of the homeless veteran population served in Afghanistan and Iraq; and,

- African-Americans are overrepresented among veterans as they are in the general population.

The report offers the following recommendations:

- The VA needs to create a homeless prevention and rapid re-housing program.

- Continue expanding the HUD and Veteran Administration’s Supportive Housing Program.

- Ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing for veterans with low-incomes;

- Enhance and bring to scale existing VA homelessness programs.

Mayors Release a Report on Anti-Hunger in 24 Cities

The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) released a report describing anti-hunger initiatives in 24 cities. The report, Childhood Anti-Hunger Programs in 24 Cities, was prepared in collaboration with Sodexo USA. Many of the initiatives are funded with U.S. Department of Agriculture funds and supported by private organizations such as Feeding America.

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