Housing Matters Policy Update: 6-27-18 – North Carolina Housing Coalition

Samuel Gunter, Director of Policy and Advocacy

Federal Update

Federal Rescission Package Defeated

Last week, the U.S. Senate defeated a bill that would have rescinded $15 billion in previously approved funding, including more than $200 million of affordable housing funding. The cuts included $40 million in funds that support residents of public housing, $40 million from rural rental assistance and $141 million from the Capital Magnet Fund. Thanks to your quick advocacy, Senator Burr was one of only two Republicans who voted to defeat the bill.

FHLB proposes changes to Affordable Housing Program

FHFA has proposed amending some of the Federal Home Loan Banks’ Affordable Housing Program rules. The proposal could dramatically change how organizations across the country access these funds. To learn more on the proposed amendments, read Enterprise’s blog.

Government Overhaul Proposal

The White House released a new proposal to overhaul the federal government. Included in the recommendations are changes to housing and community development programs including:

Moving USDA’s rural housing loan guarantee and rental assistance programs to HUD;
Moving CDBG into a new “Bureau of Economic Growth” within the Department of Commerce; and
Establishing a permanent Council on Public Assistance.

The proposal also includes plans to reform the federal housing finance system, including ending the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

State Update

Habitat Affiliates host annual Legislative Day

Last week Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina hosted staff, volunteers, and partner families from 14 different Habitat for Humanity Affiliates from across the state who came to Raleigh for their annual legislative day. Affiliates met with elected officials to continue to advocate for a $20 million state Housing Trust Fund. As part of the event, Habitat Wake hosted its 4th annual “Fastest Hammer on the Mall” competition on Halifax Mall. This year, the competition was won by Representative Robert Muller of Onslow and Pender counties for hammering 4 nails in 5.44 seconds.

Tyran Hill, Local and Regional Policy Officer

Local Update

Fair Housing Listening Session for Veterans

NCHC, Legal Aid of North Carolina, and the Fair Housing Project are sponsoring a Fair Housing LIstening Session for Veterans in Fayetteville on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon. Advanced registration is requested by contacting Leslie Dahlin of the Fair Housing Project at 919.277.9020 or leslied@legalaidnc.org. For more information, click here.

Greenville 3rd Annual Homeownership Fair

The Greenville Housing Development Corporation hosted their 3rd annual homeownership fair on June 22nd to help the general public navigate their way through the process of buying a home. Credit repair companies, banks, mortgage companies, realtors, and home builders were all present at the event giving free consultations and advice.

Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund Pilot

The Good Shepherd Center and the Tri-County Homeless Interagency Council launched a new Landlord Incentive Pilot Program. The program will provide financial security to landlords who rent apartments to the homeless through agencies such as Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear.The program offers landlords who rent to homeless tenants up to $2,000 if the tenants damage the apartment or leave with unpaid rent. Landlords are also eligible for a $500 bonus if they renew leases to previously homeless tenants after one year. Leases can be offered in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.Pilot funds are also being allotted to agencies in Asheville, Charlotte and Durham.

Asheville Point in Time Count Results
The Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative conducted a one-night count of homeless individuals and families on Jan. 31, 2018.The count revealed 554 persons experiencing homelessness in 2018, an 8 person decrease from 2017. Ruther analysis revealed that chronic homelessness remains at 82 people, veteran homelessness increased to 247 individuals from 239 last year and family and youth homelessness was down to 43 adults and children from 57 last year.The full report can be accessed here.