Today, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) announced $11,750,000 in awards to four recipients through the second cycle of funding for the 2022 program year of the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund (MWHF).
Authorized by the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Act of 2020, the MWHF helps nonprofits create quality, affordable housing in older or underserved urban neighborhoods with a demonstrated need for housing. Housing projects supported by the MWHF must take place within the City of Lincoln or within or adjacent to a qualified census tract (QCT) in Douglas or Sarpy counties
Awards from the first round of the 2022 MWHF program were announced in June 2023, with a total of $7,500,000 awarded to three organizations.
For the 2022 program year, MWHF awards were available to eligible non-profit development organizations who supplied at least a fifty percent match (that is, fifty cents for every one dollar of MWHF funds awarded).
“Lincoln and Omaha are enjoying tremendous economic growth, and it’s vital for housing development to keep pace with local job creation,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “The MWHF is a great resource to support organizations as they develop affordable housing in Nebraska’s urban neighborhoods. Congratulations to this round’s award recipients! DED looks forward to working with you on implementation of the awards.”
The award recipients, their project areas, matching dollars, and amounts awarded are listed below. For more information about the MWHF, visit opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/housing/mwhf. For questions, contact Nick Dropinski, Workforce Housing Specialist, at nick.dropinski@nebraska.gov or 402-580-0713.
| Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund Recipients, February 2024 | |||
| Recipient | Project Area | Local Match | MWHF Award |
| GESU Housing, Inc. | QCT 53, Douglas County; Clifton Hill neighborhood | $350,000 | $600,000 |
| Habitat Omaha Affordable Mortgage Solutions, Inc. | Omaha and Lincoln | $2,500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Holy Name Housing Corporation | Douglas County QCTs; Miller Park and Minnie Lusa neighborhoods | $1,075,000 | $2,150,000 |
| Spark Capital | Douglas County QCTs | $2,000,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Total | $5,925,000 | $11,750,000 | |