Build Healthy Places Network

02/16/2024

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently announced the launch of the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program (TNHDAP). The program is aimed at building on Tribal Nations’ existing capacity and providing resources and support to develop affordable housing programs and projects that respond to their unique needs. The $3 million grant will provide flexible funding to help remove barriers to program participation and help bridge project financial gaps. Read more about how the program will equip Tribal communities with resources and knowledge to expand their affordable housing capacity. https://ow.ly/ap8s50QypAy

02/14/2024

Federal rental assistance can be a lifeline to stability for many families but unfortunately, there isn’t enough assistance to go around. Current rent rules leave some families feeling financially paralyzed by a fear of losing assistance or having their rents increase if they get a raise or a better-paying job. In 2018, Congress expanded the Family Self-Sufficiency Program to private housing providers using project-based rental assistance, who are committed to helping their tenants better navigate their financial lives. The program is focused on revising rent rules for families using housing assistance so there are better incentives to work, earn, and save. Read more about how the program is helping families identify their financial goals to achieve better financial security and mobility. https://ow.ly/vqx650QxZXb

02/12/2024

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval allows New York to make large investments in wide-ranging Medicaid initiatives. This includes establishing sustainable base rates for safety net hospitals that serve the state’s most underserved communities; connecting people to critical housing and nutritional services; enhancing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment; and making long-term, sustainable investments in the state’s healthcare workforce. Read more about how the initiatives will provide a wide range of health and social support services to underserved communities by addressing health disparities health outcomes and quality of life. https://ow.ly/INFU50QxZ6i

02/08/2024

From tackling climate change to addressing social equity, municipalities have the power to shape a future where everyone has access to quality, sustainable, and healthy homes. The National League of Cities released a new report, Creating Good, Green Jobs in the Building Sector that outlines core strategies and technologies for healthy, clean, and decarbonized buildings. Download the report and learn more about how local leaders can take action in their communities to make progress on decarbonization and workforce goals through multiple policy levers such as regulations, permitting zoning, and incentives. https://ow.ly/NVOH50QxY6R

02/06/2024

For decades, big investors profited off of neglected buildings at the expense of predominantly Black neighborhoods. Jay Davis, a local Chicago real estate investor, realized his family was going to lose his childhood home and wanted to keep the house from becoming another vacant lot on the South Side. Through the Community Receiver Program, Davis was able to fix up his family’s home for resale. This program works with Black and brown real estate professionals on the south and west sides to rehabilitate vacant and foreclosed properties. Learn more about how this program works to empower local professionals to reclaim receivership as a tool to uplift themselves and their communities by restoring affordable housing and keeping wealth generated from property sales circulating in the local economy. https://ow.ly/31vu50QxXG7

01/02/2024

Amidst a “retail apocalypse”, strip malls are continuing to experience unprecedented bankruptcy and closure across the U.S. This Insider article explores the promise of converting old or vacant strip malls into multi-family housing to work towards meeting the widespread demand for affordable housing. This article is supported by data from Enterprise Community Partners, which discusses barriers and opportunities to expanding these types of conversions. https://ow.ly/xzhP50QjiMr

12/28/2023

The United States has a larger immigrant population than any other country. In 2018, over 90% of immigrants lived in urban areas. Bringing Vitality to Main Street: How Immigrant Small Businesses Help Local Economies Grow is a report, by Americas Society/Council of the Americas and the Fiscal Policy Institute, that uses new data on immigrant entrepreneurship across the country to demonstrate the invaluable role that immigrants play in “Main Street” businesses, and how the community development sector can best support these populations. https://ow.ly/CKUx50QjiFF

12/27/2023

States across the West are facing both housing shortages and shifting ideas about how to manage millions of state-owned lands that were set aside to raise revenue primarily for public schools. In Colorado’s Eagle County, affordable housing is so scarce that school district leaders have pleaded with locals to open their spare bedrooms to teachers because employees have nowhere to live. According to state Senator, Dylan Roberts, Colorado has a lot of land that’s under state ownership that is either sitting completely vacant or being underutilized in really key areas that could be suitable for workforce housing development. Read more about how leaders are looking to promote affordable housing on trust lands. https://ow.ly/T9ca50QjiAL

12/26/2023

& Company released a new report: Impacts of climate change on black populations that explores how extreme weather can put the prospect of Black socioeconomic mobility in the United States at greater risk. Black communities in the United States are particularly exposed and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which can exacerbate already existing racial gaps. The impacts of climate change include property value damage, loss of labor productivity, health problems due to prolonged exposure to heat or lack of clean water and air, and temporary or permanent displacement when a residence becomes uninhabitable. Read more about how Black communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change.

12/22/2023

In South Seattle, Washington, residents have had the opportunity to enjoy Jimi Hendrix Park, a 2.3-acre community garden that was established in 2020 by Black Star Farmers, a local activist group fighting for land and food sovereignty. Up until 2013, many Black residents were not able to cultivate food for their communities due to urban agriculture ordinances and zoning laws that prevented residents from operating urban farms on city-owned land. To ensure equitable food systems for all, laws and policies must be created to amplify community voices that are responsive to community needs, including equitable access to training and development programs. Read more about the recommendations provided to help support food sovereignty. https://ow.ly/1cGK50QjgJ3

12/21/2023

The City of St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA) recently announced funding to support St. Louis social services, create affordable housing options, and improve infrastructure across the city. The major infusion of funding for the St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) will bring 127 units of offline public housing back into service for city families and additional investments will fund renovations including drywall repair, new flooring, new cabinets, and much more. According to Mayor Jones, these investments reflect the city’s commitment to economic justice and the partnerships between their federal, state, and local partners are driving historic investments by creating stronger communities. Read more about how the CDA is building affordable housing and conducting other critical community development activities for residents. https://ow.ly/jK1l50Qjhis

12/20/2023

Before the year 2023 comes to an end, subscribe to BHPN’s monthly newsletter! This month, we are showcasing our top ten reads and highlighting a few of our main resources published this year. Missed any of our resources or want to catch up on our latest tools? Sign up now to access them!

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