Comments Provided for TDHCA HOME Program Rule Change

On Monday, September 10, 2012, TMHA submitted comments on the newly proposed rule changes offered by TDHCA on its HOME Program.  The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME Program) is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Authorized under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, the purpose of the program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, affordable housing and strengthen public-private housing partnerships between Units of General Local Governments, Public Housing Authorities, nonprofits, and for profit entities.

The TDHCA HOME Division is responsible for administering the HOME program on behalf of the State of Texas. Entities that receive contract awards from TDHCA may use funds for eligible activities such as Homeowner Rehabilitation, Homebuyer Assistance, Contract for Deed Conversion, Tenant Based Rental Assistance, Single Family Housing Development, Multifamily Development, Disaster Relief, and accessibility accommodations for Persons with Disabilities.

TMHA offered specific comments on rule changes to the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, which can provide direct funding for housing for qualifying low income Texans.  TMHA’s comments advocated the final rule be modified from the current proposed rule to treat manufactured homes on the same dollar amount scale as site-built homes under the program.  As proposed there would be a $20,000 per home discrepancy from site-built homes ($85,000 per home) compared to manufactured homes ($65,000 per home).

In 2010 the HOME Single Family Programs had a total funding amount over $31 million.  The Homeowner Rehabilitation Program in Texas provided funding for 168 housing units, totaling over $14.5 million in awarded and/or recommended funds with another $535,600 awarded and/or recommended in administrative funds.