I’m fairly new to this program and I’ve heard about SHARES, but I have not used it yet. Can you tell me more about it? What is it for and how do I get access?
Sincerely,
What is SHARES
Dear What is SHARES,
The SHARES system is USDA RD’s Self-Help Automated Reporting and Evaluation System (SHARES). It is based off the required reporting found in Exhibit B of the 1944-I (instructions for the 523 Technical Assistance grants). The system is used to provide data in the form of reports to show progress and adherence to the program regulations. SHARES provides grant recipients (grantees) with the ability to run reports to show their performance in meeting the very low-income requirement, their current EU production status, list of all applicant demographics, average unit costs for each grant, average appraisal amounts, and much more. And even more, it’s an easy way to generate your required quarterly report! With full participation in usage, it can also provide grantees and USDA RD with a data driven way to show our U.S. Senators and Congressmen program success, demand and the usefulness of the program to request future program funding and increases.
To gain access to SHARES, follow the directions in the SHARES – Access Instructions for Grantee and TMA Staff quick guide HERE.
Sincerely,
Sher
Would it be possible to get a quick poll of your other grantees to find out what company they are using for their tri-merge reports? Our report costs have increased significantly in the last five years, and I’d like to check with some other companies.
Sincerely,
Where’s the credit
Dear Where’s the Credit,
We polled the grantees we work with and of those that responded, they overwhelmingly said they are using Credco. Credco has various types of reports and discounts depending on what kind of services you offer. For example, non-profit HUD Approved Housing Counseling agencies who are members of National Housing Resource Center (NHRC) receive a discount and their credit reports are soft-pulls. Other grantees said they are using Factual Data and Equifax.
Sincerely,
Sher
Dear Sher is a regular Self Help Builder News feature. If you have a question you would like answered or researched by Sher, please send it to asisco@rcac.org and your question may be featured in a future publication.
