The NYS Rural and Neighborhood Preservation Programs have undergone some changes over the last few years, even though the legislative intent of this program has not changed.  Is the Preservation Program the key program it once was? Should changes be made to the program? How can it be made to work better for your company?

These issues will be considered, among others, at the NYS Rural Advocates Annual Meeting, November 18-19, 2014 at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. Come for the day on Tuesday or come for the full program on both days as we consider the Advocates legislative agenda for housing and community development.

We want to hear from you! Don’t let other people make the decisions that will impact you and your company. Join us and let your voice be heard.

SAVE the DATE.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced additional funding for the Homeowner Protection Program yesterday. Funds are from the national mortgage settlements with banks  The Times Union reports, “Since it began in 2012, the Homeowner Protection Program has helped fund 89 legal service and housing counseling agencies across the state.”  Video and press release here.  Emphasis on funding the infrastructure- housing counseling- which is a “tremendous success”.

Thanks for your support at the NYS Rural Advocates reception!  We had a great time at conference and learned a lot too.  To paraphrase a board member, “the time just seems right to forge a renewed relationship with our funding partners near and far!”  A good time too, to touch base with your legislators at home, and let them know what projects you have in the pipeline and what work you are engaged in to make housing safer and more affordable.

New York Times mapped the results by County here

PLEASE JOIN US!!  Registration form just added for your convenience; pay with paypal or check in advance

On rare occasions, NYS Rural Advocates presents the “Hard Hat Award” to someone, who has demonstrated ongoing dedication to providing opportunities to the people of Rural New York to obtain decent, safe and affordable housing.  This year we are pleased to honor Celeste Frohm, who has recently retired from her position as Multifamily Housing Specialist with USDA Rural Development. Rural Housing providers, who have had the privilege of working with Celeste, appreciated her dedication and willingness to help with this mission. Please join us in celebrating her service to the people of Rural New York with this prestigious award

September 15, 2014

Water Street Café,  159 Water Street  Old City Hall 

5:00 PM-8:00 PM

Oswego, NY

Contribution of $50 with registration for NYS Rural Advocates Dinner and Reception  

Those taking the RHC Bus Tour will find yourself at Old City Hall at the conclusion of the tour!

Does a home loan with no down payment and decent rates sound too good to be true? It isn’t.

A seven billion dollar settlement requires the bank to modify mortgages with additional funds left for rental housing. Details in this NYTimes article

Land banks are public entities created to revive vacant or tax-foreclosed properties. The small city of Newburgh on the Hudson River has been trying to revitalize itself using a land bank

Session continues and negotiations also continue to determine just how the trust fund, meant to avoid preventable foreclosures and ameliorate the effects of the foreclosure crisis, should be spent.  NYS Rural Advocates believe the existing financial literacy programs, Statewide partnerships with legal services and housing counselors, and continuing homebuyer education classes should be supported. State affordable housing programs that assist first time home buyers and rehabilitation programs that decrease the cost of operating and maintaining a home should be expanded.  These funds could best be used to stabilize the capacity of non profits preservation companies that provide housing counseling and training with longer term, reliable contracts for foreclosure mitigation and housing services.  New York has many effective housing programs that are in demand.  This is an opportunity to build on this foundation and serve those in need of affordable housing.

Bills are now printed for an “on time”, April 1 budget.  The legislature did add back funding for rural rental assistance and rural and neighborhood housing preservation programs, with a line “on budget” for these programs.  This  means for FY 2014-15, RPCs and NPC should be funded at last year’s levels, with each Coalition funded at last year’s level,  $150,000. Senator Young reaffirmed her commitment to affordable housing programs in budget conference.  The big unknown is how the JP Morgan Chase  settlement   for affordable housing programs is used. The Aid to Localities language is rather vague but places the program at the Office of Community Renewal.  Another positive note is that RESTORE budget language increases the per unit allowance to $10,000 in response to input from Rural Advocates.  Many thanks to those of you who spoke up about your community needs!

Aid to Localities bill here

Capital Projects bill here includes Housing Trust Fund at $44,200,000 and AHC Affordable Housing Program at $25,000,000. HOPE/RESTORE at $1,400,000, Main Street at $4,200,000, Access to Home at $1,000,000 and Home for Working Families at $9,000,000, Rural/Urban Community Innovation Fund at $6,750,000

According to press reports, Continue reading →