Statement of Aaron Gornstein on the Upcoming State Budget – January 3, 2011

This month, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) joined several other partners to advocate for adequate budget resources to keep families, persons with disabilities, and seniors in affordable homes instead of shelters. The group, called the Building Blocks Coalition, is working to draw attention to the fact that Massachusetts housing costs are unaffordable and without greater resources, many more residents are going to end up homeless in the coming year.

To read the full press release, click here.

House Passes Bill Extending the Tax Credit Exchange Program and Funding the Housing Trust Fund – June 1, 2010

Washington, DC – On May 28th, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, legislation that would provide vital tax cuts and support for American workers while also investing in American jobs through tax relief for businesses and investments in infrastructure.Please click here to read the full press release.

New CRA Regulation Encourages Support for Neighborhood Stabilization Program – December 20, 2010

December 15, 2010 – Agencies Expand Scope of Community Reinvestment Act Regulations to Encourage Support for HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program Activities

The federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies today announced changes to Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations to support stabilization of communities affected by high foreclosure levels.

To view the full press release click here.

DHCD Issues Draft Qualified Allocation Plan; Hearing Scheduled for December 22 – December 8, 2009

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has elected to schedule public hearing to solicit comments on the 2010 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The hearing will be held at 10:00a.m. on December 22, 2009, in second floor conference rooms 2C & 2D, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

Please click here for the full memo announcing the hearing.

Click here to read the draft of the QAP.

Center for Housing Policy Launches Online Older Adult Toolkit on Housing Policy Solutions – July 6, 2010

From HousingPolicy.org – Older adults face an array of housing challenges. Many live in homes that lack accessibility features, are unaffordable or energy inefficient, or are located far from important destinations and amenities. Others need various kind of assistance to maintain their independence and autonomy but cannot afford the supportive services that would allow them to age successfully in a residential environment.

This toolkit provides a detailed exploration of these and other challenges facing older adults and describes a range of promising policies that some communities are adopting to address them.