Three IHFA Programs Selected as HUD "Best Practices" Winners

BOISE - The Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Family Self-Sufficiency, Accessibility Improvements and Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance programs were each selected as local "Best Practices" winners by the Idaho State Office of HUD, IHFA officials announced today.

IHFA won three of 20 local awards given to recognize innovation in affordable housing and economic development. The nominees competed with 2,900 other Best Practices nominees across the country for regional and program awards, and are among 1,400 national finalists for 100 "Best of the Best" awards to be honored during HUD’s 2000 Best Practices and Technical Assistance Symposium. Best Practices must be replicable in other areas of the country, region, or local jurisdiction and generate a significant and demonstrable positive impact on those being served or managed. The nomination must also:

• Effectively use partnerships among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses
• Creatively solve problems
• Overcome serious obstacles to program implementation
• Demonstrate efficiencies achieved (i.e., time saved, resources saved, etc.)

"I am extremely proud of IHFA. Their programs have made positive impacts in our community," said Gary Gillespie, Idaho Senior Community Builder for HUD. "We’re proud they are one of 17 best practice winners from our Boise field office."

• The Accessibility Improvements Program (AIP) is a new source of grant funding to help persons with disabilities make their homes easier to live in. Up to $5,000 in funding is available to eligible tenants and home owner households in Idaho with at least one member with a disability who would benefit from modifications being made to the housing unit.

• Household income must be below 80 percent of the state median income. Fair market value for the home cannot exceed the purchase limits for IHFA’s Residential Lending program.
  
• IHFA administers federal Section 8 Rental Assistance in 34 of Idaho’s 44 counties. A component of this program is Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS). FSS is a voluntary program that helps Idaho households become economically independent. Using this program, households receive assistance in learning to take control of their lives and achieve complete financial independence within five years.
  
• IHFA has provided leadership and support to nonprofit organizations serving rural Idaho to develop transitional housing units for the homeless. IHFA coordinates a statewide Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Program,  which has enabled five nonprofit organizations to receive Supportive Housing Program funds for transitional housing projects. Along with the SHP program, IHFA administers the HOME program, and provides nonprofits HOME grants to purchase and rehab transitional housing. Another partner with SHP and HOME, is the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle. Its Affordable Housing Program is a critical piece in the financing package for homeless providers.

"We’re pleased to be recognized for the innovation and collaboration with other key organizations represented by these programs," said Julie Williams, IHFA vice president of Community Housing Services. "Many families have experienced the excitement of taking control of their lives through FSS. Still more have received critical shelter and services through the local projects receiving funding from the Continuum of Care grants. We know the Accessibility Improvements Program is necessary and are proud to assist in meeting housing modification needs of disabled applicants across the state."

More information on each of these programs is available on IHFA’s Web site at www.ihfa.org. Or call toll-free 1-877-4GRANTS, to receive a brochure.