Source: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/
Jeff Bollier of the Northwestern reports:
The Oshkosh Housing Authority has been awarded $8.8 million in federal tax credits that it plans to use to finance the first half of renovations to the 156-unit Court Tower complex.
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority awarded the credits for the Court Tower project earlier this year and Oshkosh Housing Authority Executive Director Brad
Masterson said he believes the size of the award could be increased if WHEDA has unsold tax credits returned to it in late 2011 or early 2012.
The project would renovate the building’s interior to convert three existing apartments into two new ones, reducing the number of units from 156 to about 100.
After the renovations, Court Tower would also become housing for people age 50 and up instead of the present mix of elderly and disabled or handicapped residents.
As the project takes shape, the housing authority would identify properties it could renovate and use to relocate Court Tower residents and to make up for the reduction in apartments at Court Tower.
Masterson said residents who already live at Court Tower would retain the right to stay there, but Masterson said the housing authority would offer incentives to move tenants to replacement housing in other areas of the community.
During the authority’s bi-monthly meeting Monday, Masterson told the board of directors that construction would likely begin in spring once the authority arranges to sell the credits to a private equity firm. He told board members five firms have already expressed an interest in buying the credits for more than 80 cents for each dollar of credits, a rate about 20 cents higher than was paid on previous projects the housing authority financed with WHEDA credits.
Under the WHEDA program, the firm or individual that buys the tax credits from the authority would take ownership of the 37-year-old building as renovations began. The buyer/developer maintains ownership until they use all the tax credits, usually over several years. The housing authority keeps the right to operate and lease the complex during that period.
The programs are attractive to equity firms and investors because they can use them to offset federal tax liabilities on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
The credits the authority has received only cover half of the projected renovation costs, so Masterson said the housing authority plans to file another application with WHEDA in 2012 to secure the remaining credits needed to finance the project.
This was the third year in a row the Oshkosh Housing Authority had applied for WHEDA tax credits to finance Court Tower renovations. WHEDA did not approve the project application in 2010 and the organization had to return $26.5 million in credits awarded in 2009 after it could not find a buyer.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Federal CDBG Allocation Falls $145,000 this Year
Source: www.thenorthwestern.com
Jeff Bollier of the Northwestern reports:
The city of Oshkosh cut nearly all funds for a program to buy, raze and redevelop blighted property in the central city area as part of a $145,000 reduction in federal Community Development Block Grant dollars this year.
The city was notified earlier this year to prepare for its $920,000 allocation to be cut by up to 16 percent, which reduces the city's projected CDBG allocation from $920,000 to $775,000.
Oshkosh Principal Planner Robin Leslie said the city cut funds in central city development and community facilities programs from $122,000 to $31,000, almost all of which is used to buy blighted property, raze it, clean up the site and prepare it for redevelopment.
Leslie said central city redevelopment was an easy program to cut because it does not directly benefit low and moderate income families, as is required for a majority of the CDBG funds allocated to the city. The program will be continued using funds left over from previous years.
"We've been supplementing the central city fund for quite a few years so we were comfortable enough lowering it as much as we could," Leslie said. "Money from past years means we won't have to stop it entirely."
Other CDBG budget cuts include:
»A $10,000 new allocation for the Fair Housing Center of Northeast Wisconsin;
»An administrative allocation to the Oshkosh Housing Authority for the first-time homebuyer program it offers will be reduced from $17,000 to $8,500. It will not affect the program or homebuyer assistance, though;
»Administrative and salary allocations from $168,000 to $140,00 since administration and planning costs can only account for 20 percent of the total allocation. And
»General public services allocations — grants to community nonprofits that provide services in the Oshkosh area — from $108,000 to $93,200.
Leslie said the general public services allocation cuts will be spread evenly over all agencies that receive grants. The grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 and go to programs such as the Christine Ann Center for Domestic Abuse Services, ADVOCAP, the Tri-County Community Dental Clinic and the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center.
Leslie said the reductions avoid major cuts to the core CDBG programs of home and rental rehabilitation, neighborhood initiatives and the Oshkosh Seniors Center funding. Leslie added that the city already expects another cut to its funding in federal fiscal year 2012 that could affect those programs or cut public services allocations even further.
"We wanted to preserve those programs we've been doing for years as much as possible," Leslie said. "Next year, we may have to cut further and it might come down to a choice between cutting housing rehabilitation or cutting further into our public services funding."
Jeff Bollier of the Northwestern reports:
The city of Oshkosh cut nearly all funds for a program to buy, raze and redevelop blighted property in the central city area as part of a $145,000 reduction in federal Community Development Block Grant dollars this year.
The city was notified earlier this year to prepare for its $920,000 allocation to be cut by up to 16 percent, which reduces the city's projected CDBG allocation from $920,000 to $775,000.
Oshkosh Principal Planner Robin Leslie said the city cut funds in central city development and community facilities programs from $122,000 to $31,000, almost all of which is used to buy blighted property, raze it, clean up the site and prepare it for redevelopment.
Leslie said central city redevelopment was an easy program to cut because it does not directly benefit low and moderate income families, as is required for a majority of the CDBG funds allocated to the city. The program will be continued using funds left over from previous years.
"We've been supplementing the central city fund for quite a few years so we were comfortable enough lowering it as much as we could," Leslie said. "Money from past years means we won't have to stop it entirely."
Other CDBG budget cuts include:
»A $10,000 new allocation for the Fair Housing Center of Northeast Wisconsin;
»An administrative allocation to the Oshkosh Housing Authority for the first-time homebuyer program it offers will be reduced from $17,000 to $8,500. It will not affect the program or homebuyer assistance, though;
»Administrative and salary allocations from $168,000 to $140,00 since administration and planning costs can only account for 20 percent of the total allocation. And
»General public services allocations — grants to community nonprofits that provide services in the Oshkosh area — from $108,000 to $93,200.
Leslie said the general public services allocation cuts will be spread evenly over all agencies that receive grants. The grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 and go to programs such as the Christine Ann Center for Domestic Abuse Services, ADVOCAP, the Tri-County Community Dental Clinic and the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center.
Leslie said the reductions avoid major cuts to the core CDBG programs of home and rental rehabilitation, neighborhood initiatives and the Oshkosh Seniors Center funding. Leslie added that the city already expects another cut to its funding in federal fiscal year 2012 that could affect those programs or cut public services allocations even further.
"We wanted to preserve those programs we've been doing for years as much as possible," Leslie said. "Next year, we may have to cut further and it might come down to a choice between cutting housing rehabilitation or cutting further into our public services funding."
August 2011 Coalition Meeting Minutes
Download a copy of the August 3, 2011 minutes as recorded by Kay Hetzel.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Habitat for Humanity Looking for Volunteers
Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh
is looking for volunteers to help August 25th to finish deck work and prep walls and August 27th to help with wall layout. Habitat is looking for 8 -10 volunteers for both days.
Habitat is currently partnering with Thrivent Builds, constructing a home on 213 Prospect Ave. Many volunteer opportunities are available to help build a home for a local family in need.
Volunteer days will be almost every Thursday and Saturday starting August 25th and going through the end of November. Work days start at 9 am and can last until 3 pm. Experienced site supervisors will be on site to train volunteers. Volunteer positions include general crew members, crew leaders, site hosts and lunch providers. Group and individual opportunities are available. There are restrictions regarding youth volunteers. For more information and specific dates, visit our website at www.habitatoshkosh.org or contact Beka at (920) 235-3535 or rsmith@habitatoshkosh.org.
Habitat partners with Thrivent Builds to help individuals achieve greater economic independence through the building of decent, simple, affordable homes. Building these homes is more than just lumber and nails, its sweat and smiles, earned through hard work and working for a greater purpose. There are many ways for you to help, and they dont all involve swinging hammers. Contact Habitat today to find out what you can do to help.Monday, August 22, 2011
Nation's Top 10 Consumer Complaints
The Consumer Federation of America, the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators recently conducted a survey of thirty-one agencies to assess the most common, fastest growing, and worst consumer compaints received last year.
Landlord/Tenant complaints came in at #8. “Unhealthy or unsafe conditions, failure to make repairs or provide promised amenities, deposit and rent disputes, illegal eviction tactics.”
Access the full article here.
Landlord/Tenant complaints came in at #8. “Unhealthy or unsafe conditions, failure to make repairs or provide promised amenities, deposit and rent disputes, illegal eviction tactics.”
Access the full article here.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Public Housing Agencies and Homelessness
The Role of Public Housing Agencies in Preventing and Ending Homelessness - Webinar from August 11, 2011 facilitated by USICH
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wisconsin Public Service Needs Your Help!
A message from Wisconsin Public Service that may be of interest to you:
Dear Community Partner,
Help Us Help Those In Need! Every winter, those living on limited or fixed incomes face a challenge: paying their heating bills. For young and old alike, higher heating bills can make it difficult —sometimes impossible — to keep up.
During these tough economic times, Wisconsin Public Service wants to reach out to those in need in our communities. We want help our customers stay current with their energy bills, reduce their energy costs and stay safe this heating season. However, we recognize that we cannot do this alone. This is why we are asking for your help.
If your organization publishes a newsletter, we ask that you please consider including one or more of the short articles provided below. Together, we can help everyone stay warm and safe this winter. Thank you in advance for your community efforts.
Sincerely,
Kelly T Zagrzebski
Leader Community Relations Wisconsin Public Service
715-848-7342
ktzagrzebski@wisconsinpublicservice.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WPS ENERGY ASSISTANCE ARTICLES
Call for Help with Energy Bills
If you’re concerned about keeping up with energy bills, a call to Wisconsin Public Service can be the answer. Working with WPS upfront can prevent you from falling behind. WPS can help you with billing plans, assistance programs, special payment arrangements and more.
Additionally, you are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. WPS can provide information on energy assistance programs that will pay a portion of your winter heating costs if you qualify. Call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260.
Need Help with Heating Bills?
January and February are among the winter’s coldest months, and for many, keeping up with heating bills becomes increasingly difficult. If you’re having trouble paying your bill, give Wisconsin Public Service a call.
WPS offers payment and billing options, payment arrangements and other solutions that can make paying your energy bill a little easier.
Additionally, you are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. WPS can provide information on energy assistance programs that will pay a portion of your home heating costs if you qualify. Call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260.
WPS GIFT CERTIFICATES ARTICLE
Wish Someone a Warm Holiday
Consider giving the gift of warmth this holiday season to an area family in need. Energy Gift Certificates from Wisconsin Public Service are unique, practical and welcomed by people of all ages. They’re perfect for the coming holidays or any occasion for that matter. Your family, friends and neighbors will remember you warmly, every month.
To order yours, visit our website at wisconsinpublicservice.com or call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260. If you’d like your Energy Gift Certificates to arrive in time for Christmas, be sure to order no later than December 12, 2011.
Dear Community Partner,
Help Us Help Those In Need! Every winter, those living on limited or fixed incomes face a challenge: paying their heating bills. For young and old alike, higher heating bills can make it difficult —sometimes impossible — to keep up.
During these tough economic times, Wisconsin Public Service wants to reach out to those in need in our communities. We want help our customers stay current with their energy bills, reduce their energy costs and stay safe this heating season. However, we recognize that we cannot do this alone. This is why we are asking for your help.
If your organization publishes a newsletter, we ask that you please consider including one or more of the short articles provided below. Together, we can help everyone stay warm and safe this winter. Thank you in advance for your community efforts.
Sincerely,
Kelly T Zagrzebski
Leader Community Relations Wisconsin Public Service
715-848-7342
ktzagrzebski@wisconsinpublicservice.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WPS ENERGY ASSISTANCE ARTICLES
Call for Help with Energy Bills
If you’re concerned about keeping up with energy bills, a call to Wisconsin Public Service can be the answer. Working with WPS upfront can prevent you from falling behind. WPS can help you with billing plans, assistance programs, special payment arrangements and more.
Additionally, you are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. WPS can provide information on energy assistance programs that will pay a portion of your winter heating costs if you qualify. Call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260.
Need Help with Heating Bills?
January and February are among the winter’s coldest months, and for many, keeping up with heating bills becomes increasingly difficult. If you’re having trouble paying your bill, give Wisconsin Public Service a call.
WPS offers payment and billing options, payment arrangements and other solutions that can make paying your energy bill a little easier.
Additionally, you are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. WPS can provide information on energy assistance programs that will pay a portion of your home heating costs if you qualify. Call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260.
WPS GIFT CERTIFICATES ARTICLE
Wish Someone a Warm Holiday
Consider giving the gift of warmth this holiday season to an area family in need. Energy Gift Certificates from Wisconsin Public Service are unique, practical and welcomed by people of all ages. They’re perfect for the coming holidays or any occasion for that matter. Your family, friends and neighbors will remember you warmly, every month.
To order yours, visit our website at wisconsinpublicservice.com or call 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-450-7260. If you’d like your Energy Gift Certificates to arrive in time for Christmas, be sure to order no later than December 12, 2011.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
NEW-UWEX Housing Webpage
The University of Wisconsin Extension Cooperative Extension Family Living Program has just released a new housing webpage. You may want to add this page to your favorites so that you have handy access to the wealth of information and resources contained on the site. Of particular interest is a series titled "About the House" written by Professor John Merrill of UW Madison/UW Extension Specialiast. "About the House" provides answers to common home care problems. Visit http://fyi.uwex.edu/house/ to check it out!
Get Checking Workshop
Get Checking will be offered Wednesday, August 24, 2011 from 6:00-9:00PM at Wells Fargo Bank located at 931 S. Green Bay Rd., Neenah, WI. The educational program can help those such as young adults who have not yet opened a checking account, or provide a fresh start to consumers who have had past problems with their account. Consumers who successfully complete the course, receive a certificate that they may take to any of the participating financial institutions and an account is opened under agreed-upon conditions.
Participating Winnebago County Financial Institutions include: M & I Bank, Citizens First Credit Union, Capital Credit Union, Community First Credit Union, Wells Fargo (Neenah) and UW Credit Union (located in Reeve Memorial Union on the UWO Campus).
For more information about Get Checking call Kristi Cutts, Family Living Educator at
920-232-1973. Pre-registration for this workshop is requested. Download a registration brochure here.
Participating Winnebago County Financial Institutions include: M & I Bank, Citizens First Credit Union, Capital Credit Union, Community First Credit Union, Wells Fargo (Neenah) and UW Credit Union (located in Reeve Memorial Union on the UWO Campus).
For more information about Get Checking call Kristi Cutts, Family Living Educator at
920-232-1973. Pre-registration for this workshop is requested. Download a registration brochure here.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Foreclosure and Tenant Move Out
Following up todays discussion, here is a post regarding tenant rights at the time of foreclosure.
According to the article:
"According to federal law, tenants who pay their rent ordinarily have the right to stay until the end of their lease or for at least 90 days after the foreclosure process ends, whichever is longer"
Continue reading here.
According to the article:
"According to federal law, tenants who pay their rent ordinarily have the right to stay until the end of their lease or for at least 90 days after the foreclosure process ends, whichever is longer"
Continue reading here.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Convoy of Hope
The information below came through the Collaboration WorkGroup List Serve.
This may be of interest to you and of assistance to clients that you may work with.
Convoy of Hope is more than a handout - it's a hand up .
On Sat. October 8th, Convoy of Hope will deliver much needed services and supplies to those in need throughout the Fox Cities at the Appleton Campus of Fox Valley Technical College beginning at 10 am. Those in need can receive medical and dental care, groceries, haircuts, job counseling and a message of hope.
For more information: www.convoyofhopefoxcities.org.
This may be of interest to you and of assistance to clients that you may work with.
Convoy of Hope is more than a handout - it's a hand up .
On Sat. October 8th, Convoy of Hope will deliver much needed services and supplies to those in need throughout the Fox Cities at the Appleton Campus of Fox Valley Technical College beginning at 10 am. Those in need can receive medical and dental care, groceries, haircuts, job counseling and a message of hope.
For more information: www.convoyofhopefoxcities.org.
Rent Smart Class offered August 16th & August 18th
Reminder:
Rent Smart will be held in Oshkosh on August 16th and August 18th from 9:00AM-12:00 Noon at Father Carr's Place 2B (Mother Theresa Center building), located at 1965 Oshkosh Ave., Oshkosh WI 54901.
Please have persons interested in attending this workshop call the UW Extension office at 232-1973 to register.
Access the full 2011 Rent Smart schedule for download/printing here.
Thank you for your assistance!
Rent Smart will be held in Oshkosh on August 16th and August 18th from 9:00AM-12:00 Noon at Father Carr's Place 2B (Mother Theresa Center building), located at 1965 Oshkosh Ave., Oshkosh WI 54901.
Please have persons interested in attending this workshop call the UW Extension office at 232-1973 to register.
Access the full 2011 Rent Smart schedule for download/printing here.
Thank you for your assistance!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Free Training on Homeless LGBTQ Youth Opportunity in Chicago
WHAT: SAMHSA, through the Homelessness Resource Center (HRC), is excited to announce a new training opportunity designed to advance best practices among service providers and communities working with youth experiencing homelessness who self identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, and Two-Spirited (LGBTQI2-S).
WHERE: The HRC has identified four cities around the country to participate in this learning opportunity. The Howard Brown Health Center has been selected as a site, and will be hosting a FREE TRAINING at DePaul University Loop Student Center (1 E. Jackson Suite 8003, Chicago, IL 60604) in rooms 8005, 8009, 8014.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the training will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Our goal is to bring together community agencies and providers to participate in a dialogue on effective strategies for working with youth experiencing homelessness who self-identify as a gender or sexual minority. Service providers will receive training in best practices and foster a communication plan for on-going learning and support within your community.
REGISTRATION: Registration for the each is open to only 80-participants. In order to reserve your seat, please contact Diana Ghattas at dghattas@center4si.com for a registration form.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please contact Ms. Diana Ghattas (dghattas@center4si.com) at the Homelessness Resource Center.
WHERE: The HRC has identified four cities around the country to participate in this learning opportunity. The Howard Brown Health Center has been selected as a site, and will be hosting a FREE TRAINING at DePaul University Loop Student Center (1 E. Jackson Suite 8003, Chicago, IL 60604) in rooms 8005, 8009, 8014.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the training will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Our goal is to bring together community agencies and providers to participate in a dialogue on effective strategies for working with youth experiencing homelessness who self-identify as a gender or sexual minority. Service providers will receive training in best practices and foster a communication plan for on-going learning and support within your community.
REGISTRATION: Registration for the each is open to only 80-participants. In order to reserve your seat, please contact Diana Ghattas at dghattas@center4si.com for a registration form.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please contact Ms. Diana Ghattas (dghattas@center4si.com) at the Homelessness Resource Center.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)