April 2017 Edition - CCHRCO's "News to Know"
HUD Publishes Annual Report on LIHTC Tenant Data
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this week published Understanding Whom the LIHTC Program Serves: Data on Tenants in LIHTC Units as of December 31, 2014, its third annual report on demographic and economic data for low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) residents. HUD reports that the median annual income of LIHTC residents in 2014 was $17,152 and that approximately 47 percent of tenants earned 30 percent or less of the area median income (AMI). The 26-page report is mandated by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008.
Smoke Free Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has finalized a new smoke-free policy that covers all public housing agencies (PHAs). PHAs in every state in the nation have already implemented smoke-free policies within their facilities and on their grounds. Here are some tips to get the job done efficiently and effectively.
Smoke Free Policy Recommended 18-Month Timeline
Public Housing Re-Entry Technical Assistance Opportunity
The Vera Institute of Justice (Vera) is soliciting applications from public housing authorities who would benefit from nine months of free technical assistance to plan and implement reentry programs or change their policies to safely increase access to housing for people with juvenile records and/or adult criminal records. Vera will select a handful of housing authorities from those who apply. Questions about this solicitation should be directed to Kate Finley, Program Associate, at or 212-376-5206. Interested public housing authorities must apply by May 12, 2017.
A summary of re-entry guidance can be found on the following websites:
1. Re-entry Public Housing Toolkit
- It Starts with Housing: Public Housing Authorities Are Making Second Chances Real. This Reentry Toolkit includes examples of programs that have been designed to help returning citizens access housing as a platform for opportunity.
- Letter to PHAs from Former HUD Secretary Donovan.
2. HUD PIH Notice 2015-19: Arrests v/s Convictions
4. Guidance on the Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records
5. HUD co-hosted a Convening on Innovative Reentry Practices
- Here's a link to be able to view the recorded livestream.
Summer Meals Program
The United States Department of Housing & Urban Development encourages public housing authorities to participate in the Summer Meals Program!
It’s hard to believe, but summer is quickly approaching! Be sure to be thinking about how your organization is going to help ensure kids are getting the meals they need while out of school this summer. Here are some resources to get you started – including a PHA-specific resource (see 1st link below):
https://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/sfsp/smt-public%20housing.pdf
How to Participate in Summer Meals
Summer Food, Summer Moves Resource Kit
#MyPlateMyWins
Join MyPlate this spring in celebrating our favorite topic: nutrition! Whether you are a dietitian, educator, parent, or someone who is just trying to eat a bit better, ChooseMyPlate.gov has resources to help you achieve your healthy eating goals this month, and all year long.
SNAP to Skills Website
In October 2016, FNS officially launched a new digital platform for the SNAP to Skills Project. This new resource will serve as a “one-stop-shop” for information about the project, SNAP E&T tools, and resources, policy briefs, and stories from successful SNAP E&T programs.
Access the website here!
FY2017 Team
Nutrition Training Grants
The purpose of the FY2017 Team Nutrition Training Grant is for State agencies to implement and evaluate nutrition education, training, and technical assistance activities to support implementation of USDA nutrition standards for meals and snacks offered through the Child Nutrition Programs (e.g., NSLP, SBP, and CACFP).
NEW RESOURCES
- Videos
MyPlate, MyWins-Real Solutions from Real Families
- Blog Posts
Celebrating International School Meals Day 2017
- Materials
Summer Food Summer Moves Placemat: Activity placement featuring MyPlate and healthy eating activities for children. Double sided in English and Spanish.
MyPlate Guide to School Breakfast: This infographic highlights healthy foods that are part of balanced school breakfast.
MyPlate Guide to School Lunch: This infographic highlights how a variety of healthy foods from each MyPlate food group are included as part of a school lunch.
