Today, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) announced two awards under the Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) cycle of the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program for 2022. NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska is the recipient of both awards. One award, for $20,000, is for organizational operating expenses. The second award, for $500,000, will support NeighborWorks of Northeast Nebraska in the development of two housing units. Specifically, the award will help to purchase land, construct the new housing units, and provide homebuyer assistance. Housing construction will take place in either Columbus or Norfolk.
HOME is a program of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which DED administers in Nebraska using federal funds. HOME provides financial assistance to help communities develop affordable, high-quality housing for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents.
Within the HOME program, CHDO funds are designated to help nonprofit housing organizations pursue their mission and goals. CHDO funds support activities such as the construction of new housing, first-time homebuyer assistance and more. They also provide operating assistance to eligible housing agencies.
Over the past six years, HOME funding—including the CHDO cycle—has helped finance construction of more than 750 housing units across Nebraska.
“Federal funds through the HOME program support DED’s work to provide affordable housing options for more families in Nebraska,” said DED Interim Director Joe Fox. “NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska has been a partner in this effort. Congratulations to their team on receiving the HOME CHDO awards!”
For more information about the HOME program, including the annual CHDO cycle, visit https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/housing/home/ . For questions or more information, contact Mechele Grimes, Housing Specialist, at mechele.grimes@nebraska.gov or 402-309-4536.