HUDLines in Virginia

HUD WARMLY WELCOMES SECRETARY DONOVAN...
*** On January 26, 2009, Shaun Donovan was sworn in as the 15th Secretary of HUD. Secretary Donovan promises "a more aggressive and far-reaching effort to ease the mortgage crisis and promote affordable housing." ***

MORE HELP... MORE HOPE...
*** FHA's Hope for Homeowners program to widen - expanding the number of eligible borrowers, participating lenders & servicers. Comments due March 9. See Federal Register, 1/7/09, Emmanuel Yeow, HUD, (202) 708-3600 ***

2009 HUD NOFAs STAND ALONE...
*** HUD to issue separate program NOFAs between January and June 2009. See Federal Register, 12/29/08. Contact HUD, (202) 708-0667 *** Correct phone for Central Contractor Registry is (888) 227-2423, hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9:00 am -5:00 pm EST ***

BRIEF BRIEFS...
*** Housing & service providers – HUD and Virginia Community Action Partnership are offering a "Teletutorial" at 10:00 on Feb. 11 to help you enable your customers to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit. Registration required - contact Anne Davis *** Comments due February 20 on proposed rule implementing Sale of HUD-Owned Single Family Assets in Revitalization Areas. Nonprofits, local governments, states and tribes are "Preferred purchasers," but for-profits are also eligible. See Federal Register, 12/22/08. Contact Vance T. Morris, HUD, (202) 708-1672 *** FEMA launches new user-friendly website called Disasterassistance.gov to improve delivery of federal disaster assistance. ***

NOW IT'S EASIER TO BE GREEN...
*** Environmental questions about Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)? Answers in webcast at HUD's Environmental web site *** 2009 Washington Metro Green Job Fair, Feb. 27 at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, VA – contact Annette Osso, President, Virginia Sustainable Building Network at (703) 486-2966 *** Green Affordable Housing & Jobs Forum, March 3 in Washington, DC ***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO CHEER FOR...
*** 17 Virginia Housing Authorities & Offices awarded $1,224,880 in grants to help low-income families get job training and employment through HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency Program (HCV/FSS) *** Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) awarded 2008 League of American Communications Professionals Magellan Award for "Most Creative Campaign" for marketing of revitalized Grandy Village - also named one of the "Top 50 Communications Campaigns" of 2008 *** Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta awards $1,947,810 to housing agencies in 8 Virginia communities to buy, build or preserve 308 affordable housing units *** Governor announces VA Community Development Block Grant (VCDBG) awards of $2,314,551 for projects in Altavista, Richlands, & Saltville ***

PRESERVING AMERICA...
*** National Trust for Historic Preservation & HUD are inviting nominations for 2009 HUD Secretary's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation - due March 2, 2009. ***

BRIEF BRIEFS TO LOOK INTO...
*** 2009 VA CDBG How to Apply Workshops - Feb. 3, 9:30– 12 in Richmond; Feb. 6, 9:30 – 12 in Abingdon. Pre-registration required *** Drug Free Communities Support Program grants due Mar 20 *** New Markets Tax Credits applications due April 8 - apply by March 3 for Community Development Entity status. See Federal Register, 1/22/09. Call (202) 622-6355 or email *** Transition from Prison to the Community grants applications due March 9 *** Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) Program announces 2009 CDFI Grant applications - deadline Mar 13, 2009 *** "Employment as a Pathway out of Homelessness" webcast Feb. 4, 12:00 pm EST ***