Self-Help Builder December 2024

Volume 18, Issue 1

 

Reflecting on Our Shared Accomplishments in 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

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By Suzanne Anarde-Devenport, RCAC Chief Executive Officer

As the year draws to a close, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes to our partners and communities. This season offers a moment for me to reflect on our shared accomplishments and I look forward to the opportunities ahead in advancing affordable housing.

When I look back on 2024 and its challenges, I am amazed by the power of community-driven solutions. RCAC celebrated …

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Message from Deputy Administrator Christine Mechtly

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Greetings! On July 31, 2024, Ms. Cathy Glover, deputy administrator, Single Family Housing, retired after 35 years of federal service leadership focused on affordable housing. With Ms. Glover’s retirement, it is my honor to introduce myself as the new deputy administrator, Single Family Housing, Rural Housing Service.

Affordable housing is vital to rural America’s economic stability and growth. Housing is a foundational building block of strong communities. USDA Rural Development is committed to providing affordable housing …

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Rural Development Compliance Review Process

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Provided by USDA – Rural Development National Office

Rural Development is required to complete a Civil Rights Compliance review on Form RD 400-8 before closing may occur on a Self-Help Grant. This process reviews the grantee for compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 …

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Updated Instruction 1944-I for Owner Occupied Rehab

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By Donna Lea Brooks, RCAC Rural Development Specialist – Housing

RD has announced the RD Instruction 1944-I publication, updated through Procedural Notice 626 which includes changes to Owner Occupied Rehab Limitations and Definitions as outlined below. See the full PN here …

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Proposed Rule to 1944-I Published

Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants: Technical Corrections and Program Updates

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The Rural Housing Service, a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, proposes to update and streamline the Single-Family Housing Self-Help Technical Assistance Grant Program. The Self-Help Program has evolved, and the current regulations as codified restrict the Agency’s ability to be flexible with market changes. The intent of this proposed rule is to reduce the regulatory burdens in the current regulation, to assist the Agency to better achieve the program objectives, streamline administrative regulatory requirements and make the program more effective in serving rural Americans by increasing decent, safe and sanitary housing stock across the nation.

Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before Feb. 3, 2025.

 

Summary of Key Changes in PN 628 Relevant to SH Grantees/Packagers

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By Jairo Mercado, RCAC Rural Development Specialist – Housing

Chapter 3: Application and Documentation

• RD Staff must refer to the DNP SharePoint site for the most current guidance about using the DNP portal, sources to be screened, required documentation, etc. (Chapter 3, Paragraph 3.3).
• Reduced loan packager training requirements from 12 months to six months (Attachment 3-A) …

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Dear Sher

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Dear Sher,

I have a question regarding credit report charge-offs for an applicant with score under 640. The credit report shows charge-offs with balances; how is this handled? Is it handled the same way as collections as stated in 4-4: “Outstanding collection accounts with a record of irregular payments with no satisfactory arrangements for repayment, or collection accounts that were paid in full within the last six months, unless the applicant had been making regular payments previously.”

Please provide me with some guidance on this issue.

Sincerely,
Charged Off

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News You Can Use!

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Register now for the National Self-Help Housing Conference!
March 11 – 13, 2025 | Orlando, Florida.

We are delighted to invite you to attend the National Self-Help Housing Conference, taking place on March 11-13, 2025 at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, Florida.

We’re excited to have you join us as we come together to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and explore new ways to empower families and improve our self-help housing programs. This conference is your opportunity to connect and gain valuable insights to advance affordable housing initiatives. We look forward to gathering as we build a brighter future together!

Event Details

• Date: March 11th – 12:00 p.m. on March 13, 2025
• Location: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, FL (Walkable distance to Disney Springs, an outdoor, free shopping, eating and entertainment complex!)
• Cost: $104/person. This fee will help offset the cost of the five meals provided.

Once you register for the conference, you will receive a link to make your hotel reservation. Please only reserve your room through our provided link. It will ensure that you receive our special rates!

To secure your spot, please register using the link below. At that time you will be able to choose your sessions for attendance. We are running six different tracks of breakout sessions, including Program Management, Group Coordinator, Financial Management, Construction Management, Board and Organizational Development and a Universal track. You may choose sessions from one track or mix it up with a combination of tracks. Please take the time to select your sessions. You can change them later, but it helps us to plan the room assignments.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Click here to learn more about scholarships.

Register now