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Housing Call: December 10, 2024

December 10, 2024

“There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don’t expect you to save the world, I do think it’s not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect.”

-Nikki Giovanni

Organizational Update

On last week’s post-election housing policy analysis webinar, Kim Johnson from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, our Executive Director Samuel Gunter, and our Director of Housing Policy, Stephanie Watkins-Cruz discussed the Trump-Vance housing agenda, new power dynamics at the NCGA, the future of disaster recovery legislation, and our policy priorities heading into 2025. If you weren’t able to join us, read or watch here!

Federal Updates

Congress continues to work on disaster aid and a FY 2025 continuing resolution before they adjourn on December 20. 

 

State Updates

  • SB 382 has been withdrawn and re-calendared (again) with the House for tomorrow, Wednesday December 11. As a refresher, the bill takes power away from incoming Democratic leadership and does nothing to help disaster survivors. The bill passed both the House and the Senate and was then vetoed by Gov. Cooper. The Senate overrode the veto (30-19) and we are now waiting on the House.   
  • House Select Committee on Helene Recovery

Wednesday, December 11 at 10:00 AM – NC General Assembly 

In-Person: Legislative Office Building, Room 643, 300 N Salisbury St, Raleigh

Streaming: YouTube

Presiding: Rep. John R Bell, IV, Co-Chair: Rep. Dudley Greene

Learn more: https://www.ncleg.gov/Committees/CommitteeInfo/HouseSelect/219/

Helene Recovery 

Last week, HUD and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)  announced an extension of the foreclosure moratoriums for FHA-insured Single Family Title II forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas (PDMDAs) declared from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The foreclosure moratorium for only these specific mortgage types is extended through April 11, 2025, 

  • FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program has been extended to Jan. 11, 2025, for Helene survivors who continue to need temporary shelter. This will allow households whose homes are unlivable additional time to identify other housing solution or make repairs to their homes. As of last week, the program was housing 4,922 families in free motel and hotel rooms. 
  • Last week, Buncombe County announced the opening of the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant Program which can provide up to three months of rent, mortgage, or home utility bills for US Citizens earning up to 80% AMI. Click here to learn more. 

 

Job Postings:

FEMA

  1. FEMA is hosting a series of job fairs and federal resume workshops in Asheville and Durham:

Durham, NC: 5411 Page Road, Durham, NC 27703

  • Job Fairs and Hiring Event – December 9 and 11
  • Federal Resume Building Workshops – December 10 

Asheville, NC: Embassy Suites Asheville, 192 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28803

  • Job Fairs and Hiring Event – December 16 and 18
  • Federal Resume Building Workshop – December 17
  1. FEMA is hiring for the following positions:
  • The Historic Preservation Specialist will provide subject matter expertise in historic preservation review, reports, compliance and assist other program specialists in the historic preservation review process. USAJOBS – Job Announcement
  • The Environmental Compliance Review Specialist will implement and review environmental policies. USAJOBS – Job Announcement
  • The Community Liaison will act as the community’s link to the various FEMA and other Federal agency programs, staff, and leadership. The ideal candidate will have close ties to the community and leverage their local knowledge, relationships, and familiarity with the impacted area to support disaster recovery. USAJOBS – Job Announcement

Land of Sky Regional Council is hiring for the following positions:

  • Regional Project Manager – Economic Development
  • Regional Planner – Housing Specialist
  • Transportation Administrative and Finance Specialist

More information on LOSRC positions: https://www.landofsky.org/employment.html

Local Updates

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) administrators are investing in affordable housing with hopes that it will help to recruit and retain teacher. This school year, they started the year with almost 300 teach vacancies. A districtwide survey found that 93% of teachers identified affordable housing as a top personal concern, with 61% saying they would leave their job if housing affordability became an issue for them. Last month, the district unveiled a series of strategies to address the affordable housing shortage, including a $30M pilot project unveiled last month to create an educator community on district land with 100-units specifically for teachers. 

  • City of Charlotte RFPs: The City of Charlotte has posted FY25 Land for Affordable Development and FY25 Housing Development Fund Requests for Proposals (RFPs). These opportunities are aimed at enhancing affordable housing options in our community through innovative housing and land development projects. To access the RFPs and learn more about how you can contribute, click here. 

 

Events

Presentation Topics

    • Clear Explanation of FEMA IA Assistance Categories
    • Overview of the FEMA Application Process and Eligibility
    • Informal Rental Agreements
    • The Appeal Process
    • Common Reasons For Denials & How to Address those Barriers
    • Recent Individual Assistance Reforms
    • ISAAs/Information Sharing Access Agreements
    • Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans for Renters and Homeowners
  • A webinar onFEMA resources, designed to help nonprofits navigate recovery and rebuilding efforts after disasters. During this session, you’ll learn how to access FEMA resources, eligibility requirements, and tips to maximize support for your organization.
  • [webinar] Homeowners / Flood Insurance Webinar | United Policyholders, December 12, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 
    • United Policyholders (UP) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and an effective voice for consumers of all types of insurance in all 50 states.
    • This training will provide an overview of the insurance claims process specifically geared to disaster case management to assist them with helping their clients navigate the complexities of insurance and insurance adjacent recovery issues.

 

Reports & Resources

In the News

Recommended read

Housing Call: December 3, 2024

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