RHS: Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Program Under Section 514, Section 515, and Section 516; Correction Federal Register
Sep 18, 2018 - Correction to the September 5, 2017 notice of solicitation of applications for the Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) Demonstration Program to revise application due dates. Applications will now be accepted until April 30, 2019.
Source: Federal Register
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As Hurricane Florence Approaches, the Rural Carolinas Brace For Impact
Sep 12, 2018 - Details concerns about emergency preparedness and response in North and South Carolina in the lead up to Hurricane Florence. Because rural areas tend to be home to older, sicker, and poorer people, and because of more limited transportation and broadband access, rural residents may be more severely impacted by this kind of storm.
Source: City Lab
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Update on Tribal Consultation for the Sanitation Deficiency System Guide
Sep 7, 2018 - Blog post from the Indian Health Service (IHS) on the Sanitation Deficiency System (SDS) - A Guide for Reporting Sanitation Deficiencies for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Homes and Communities. This guide is used to standardize collection of data and reporting on current sanitation deficiencies affecting AI/AN homes and communities and, by extension, health. IHS is engaging tribal consultation on proposed updates to the guide.
Source: Indian Health Service Blog
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HUD Awards over $12 Million to Assist Tribal Communities with Making Housing Safer
Sep 6, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided funding to 13 tribes and tribal agencies through the Healthy Homes Production program. More than $12 million will go towards protecting children and families from home health and safety hazards.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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Sick River: Can These California Tribes Beat Heroin and History?
Sep 4, 2018 - Discusses the struggles of several tribes in Northern California related to drug use and environmental factors impacting health, access to food, and economic stability. These issues are intertwined, with the health of the river and the desperation its pollution creates both spiritually and for people who rely on it for subsistence fishing influencing drug use. (May require subscription to view article.)
Source: The New York Times
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RHS: Single Family Housing Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs Federal Register
Aug 31, 2018 - Notice of proposed rule from USDA's Rural Housing Services (RHS) to amend regulations for the direct and guaranteed single family housing loan and grant programs. Proposed changes include the revision of the definition of very low-, low-, and moderate-income; clarification of the net family assets during the calculation of repayment income; and revision of the methodology used to determine loan limits, among other things. Comments on the proposed rule are due by October 30, 2018.
Source: Federal Register
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USDA Partners to Provide Transitional Housing for Rural People in Recovery from Opioid Misuse
Aug 31, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) announced an innovative agreement in which a nonprofit organization will purchase homes from the USDA and convert them to transitional housing for people recovering from opioid misuse. Also details the first agreement in this initiative between the USDA RD and the Isaiah House in Kentucky.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Hoeven: We Must Work to Find Housing Solutions for Rural Communities
Aug 30, 2018 - Statement from Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, on the oversight field hearing led by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) entitled "Overcrowded Housing and the Impacts on American Indian and Alaska Natives." Discusses crowded housing in rural, tribal villages in Alaska and the connection to the lack of affordable housing options in these communities.
Source: United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
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Why Veterans Face Heightened Suicide Risk In Amador County And Other Rural Areas
Aug 27, 2018 - Discusses the issue of veteran homelessness and suicide risk nationally as well as in a rural California county. Also highlights a program in this rural county that provides housing and mental health services to veterans.
Source: Capital Public Radio
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Rural America Faces A Crisis In 'Adequate Housing'
Aug 11, 2018 - Highlights the housing shortage in a rural Nebraska town to shed light on the issue nationally. Lack of adequate housing in rural areas impacts the ability of rural communities to attract new industries and retain the ones they have. Part of this is recruitment and retention of employees, which is a concern for this town's hospital.
Source: NPR
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