Remember when a downturn meant more contractors and builders were available for affordable housing? This NYT Article points to a different perspective Affordable Housing Deals Are Stalling.

Governor Patterson has proposed to close his budget gap in part by reducing the Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Program by 2 million dollars and cutting an additional 2 million dollars next year.  The legislature needs to pass this budget reduction measure when it meets on Tuesday.  While some Senators have commented that they are interested in seeing next years budget before they agree to cuts for this year, an additional session has been mentioned for December.

Some think, so far, not  enough with his current plan. What policy changes would help affordable housing in your community?

Now more than ever, we need the non profit delivery system to be strong and vibrant!  Congrats to those who were funded in the latest AHC round: Continue reading →

NYS Rural Advocates has written an open letter,  november-5 2008 to the Governor asking for consideration in planning his budget to keep the RPC and NPC program in the budget.  We hate to see the fiscal crisis borne by those that least are able to shoulder these  burdens!  Please remember to contact the Governor and ask people in your community to make their voices heard!  We are in for some tough times.

Drastic budget cuts to next years budget are now being propsed and everything is on the table. Yet, the Governor does not intend to balance the budget on the backs of New York’s neediest.  We must act today. TODAY write/fax the Governor and explain why a cut to the Preservation Program IS a cut to New York’s lowest income residents. What happens if RPCs and NPCs cut or eliminate services? It’s up to you to explain how it impacts your community and why the Preservation Company should survive the budget cuts

A new dynamic in New York State as Dems win control of the Senate and all three leaders will represent downstate. January 1 a new Senate Majority Leader will be chosen.  New strategies to consider to get our voice heard for the need for affordable housing through out New York

NYS DHCR and NYS Department of Agriculture announced  that  two million dollars have been added to the Farmworker Housing Loan Program for no interest loans up to $100,000. Tenants may be year round farm workers as well as seasonal workers.

The DHCR Commissioner presented testimony on the  Impact of Affordable Housing Development to DOB last Wednesday.  Clearly, housing leadership in New YorkState is committed to increasing the number of affordable housing units, as the need grows during this economic downturn.  The economic benefits of State subsidized housing and community development are clearly supported in this thoughtful  presentation.

Michelle Singletary’s column in Sunday’s Washington Post has a plain language explanation about how the HUD foreclosure mitigation program works.  Rural Advocates want to hear from you about your rural needs. Are you seeing vacancies as a result of foreclosure?