On the regulatory side, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released a notice of funding availability (NOFA) for Section 202 housing and is also working on physical inspection issues. And on the legislative side, we are busy preparing for our upcoming rally on Capitol Hill.
NOFA: The Section 202 funds now available are the first new construction money for Section 202 housing since 2010, something for which LeadingAge strongly advocated. From the funds made available through this NOFA, HUD expects to make approximately 30 awards. The deadline to apply for the funds under FR-6200-N-52 is August 28, 2019. For the 2020 fiscal year, we are urging Congress to appropriate $600 million for new Section 202 construction, in line with demographic trends and past funding levels. More information
Housing rally: On May 8, 2019 from 1-2pm Eastern, the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will come alive with our voices to support older adults and affordable housing. The rally will bring residents, policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders together in support of more resources to address the affordable housing needs of older adults with low incomes. Speakers will include members of Congress, residents, and leaders from the aging services community. We encourage as many LeadingAge members and residents as possible to participate. You may RSVP for the event at www.leadingage.org/seniorhousingnow.
HUD campaign against sexual harassment: April is Fair Housing Month, a time to celebrate the Fair Housing Act, which makes it unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status. This year, HUD's "Call HUD: Because Sexual Harassment in Housing is Illegal” campaign will focus on protecting individuals against sexual harassment or unwanted sexual advances. More information
REAC Physical Inspections and Related HUD Policies: In the span of two weeks, HUD's Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) revised the scope of the physical inspection demonstration, giving it a new name (NSPIRE); released guidance to inspectors on carbon monoxide detectors, and scheduling of inspections with no more than 14 day notice; and released guidance to HUD Multifamily field offices on four (4) reasons to delay inspections. In addition, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report critical of current REAC inspector training and oversight. More information