Commission makes $6.3 million available for housing services organizations

The Missouri Housing Development Commission has announced the availability of $6.3 million for agencies and organizations providing housing services for very low income individuals and families in Missouri through the Missouri Housing Trust Fund (MHTF).

Funding available for 2007 includes $5 million Missouri Housing Trust Fund monies for housing services, $ 800,000 federal HOME funds specifically earmarked for permanent housing for the homeless; and $500,000 in MHDC fund balance monies earmarked for tenant services at MHDC-financed rental properties

“Special consideration will be given to proposals targeted to the homeless – those persons that lack a fixed regular and adequate nighttime residence,” says Valori Sanders, MHTF program administrator. “We also stress that organizations must show the leveraging of funds other than those allocated by the Commission.

The Commission awarded 90 grants worth $6 million in December 2005 to organizations providing housing services and assistance for low-income families in Missouri. MHDC received 153 applications requesting more than $15.8 million in funding.

The Missouri Housing Trust Fund (MHTF) is designed to increase affordable housing opportunities for low-income families. Funding through the Missouri Housing Trust Fund must be used to assist the development of housing or provide housing services to very low-income Missourians. All persons assisted by the MHTF must have income at, or below, 50 percent of the median family income for the geographic area (adjusted for family size). Half of the MHTF must be used to assist individuals or families with income at or below 25 percent of the median family income for the geographic area.

The process of granting or loaning funds to housing providers across the state is accomplished by the comparison of competing applications and selection is based on demonstrated need, leveraged financing, targeted population served, economic feasibility, experience of the providers, local support for the program and other revenue sources being used. The Trust Fund is supported by a set aside $3 recording fee on all real estate documents filed in the State of Missouri.

The Commission will accept applications until 5 p.m., Central Daylight Time, Thursday, October 26, 2006 at their Kansas City office at 3435 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Decisions regarding funding of proposed developments are to be made on December 15, 2006 during the monthly Commission meeting in the Harry S. Truman Building Rooms 490-492 in Jefferson City.

Applicants with access to the internet should visit our Web site at www.mhdc.com to obtain the 2007 Application Packet, including the MHTF Program Guide, Proposal Information Guide, Application, Selection Criteria and Allocation Plan. These documents are also available on a computer disc. To request a diskette or printed copy of the Application Packet, please contact Melody Berry at 816.759.7236.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:  Media representative questions can be directed to Brandon Laster, Public Information Officer, at 816.759.6692 or e-mail blaster@mhdc.com.