ATTACHMENT 2
The HOME PROGRAM
In 1990, Congress enacted the HOME Investment Partnerships
Act, better known as the HOME Program, in an effort to provide a new approach
to housing assistance at the federal level. This federal housing block
grant would afford state and local governments the flexibility to find a wide
range of housing activities through creative and unique housing partnerships
among states and localities, private industry, and nonprofit
organizations.
In order to receive future HOME
Program funds, each housing activity must fall in line with the following goals
of the HOME Program:
- To expand the supply of decent,
safe, sanitary and affordable housing, with emphasis on rental housing,
for very low- and low-income citizens;
- To strengthen the abilities of
state and local governments to design and implement strategies for
achieving adequate supplies of decent affordable housing; and
- To encourage public, private
and nonprofit partnerships in addressing housing needs.
Eligible activities for HOME
Program funding include (from the Federal Regulations):
- acquisition of property
(including assistance to homebuyers)
- new construction
- reconstruction
- conversions
- moderate rehabilitation of
non-luxury housing with suitable amenities
- tenant-based rental assistance
- relocation of displaced
persons, families, businesses, or organizations
- site improvements, acquisition
of vacant land and demolition (under special conditions)
- project soft costs
- operating expenses for
community housing development organizations