Media Release
3435 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111; Fax: 816-759-6828


February 25, 1999

Commission Approves $5.5 Million in Funding for Housing Assistance

Jefferson City -- The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) approved more than $5.5 million in funding for 73 projects through the Missouri Housing Trust Fund (MHTF). The Commission approved the funding during its monthly meeting Feb. 19 in Jefferson City, Missouri.

"The Missouri Housing Trust Fund has become a vital part of the state's housing programs in just this fourth year of existence," said William H. Creech, Jr., MHDC Chairman. "The fund allows us to provide a wide range of financial support for agencies who work daily to provide housing assistance to the citizens of Missouri."

The Trust Fund is administered by MHDC and provides increased affordable housing opportunities for very low-income families through its support of community-based assistance programs. Programs receiving funding include emergency aid, home repair, operating support, rental assistance, homeless shelter and transitional housing construction and rehabilitation and multifamily housing projects.

With this year's funding allocations, the Trust Fund will have provided more than $14.7 million in housing assistance since its inception in 1996. The money is generated through a $3 fee on the recording of all real estate-related documents in the state.

All individuals assisted with MHTF funds must have income at, or below, 50 percent of the median family income for the geographic area, adjusted for family size. At least half of the funds awarded over each two-year period must be used to assist individuals with income levels at, or below, 25 percent of the area median income, adjusted for family size.

Agencies submitted 95 funding applications to MHDC in November. Since that time, MHDC staff has competitively evaluated each proposal based on need, location, targeted population served, funds leveraged, coordination with the community and experience of the providers.

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1999 MHTF Missouri Housing Trust Fund Approved Funding List