BISMARCK, ND – June 19, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) has secured a $75,003 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant to support housing counseling services statewide.
“The grant recipients help individuals and families make informed housing decisions,” said Mike Anderson, NDHFA executive director. “These organizations assist households of modest means in becoming and remaining homeowners. They also offer financial literacy training, and provide assistance to renters and homeless persons.”
The funds will be split between seven NDHFA affiliates. The organizations receiving grant dollars include: Community Action Partnership of Minot, $7,666; Community Action Partnership of Dickinson, $17,250; Community Action Program Region VII of Bismarck, $9,583; Family Life Services Inc. of West Fargo, $1,887; Grand Forks Housing Authority of Grand Forks, $29,032; Red River Valley Community Action of Grand Forks, $1,916; and South Eastern North Dakota Community Action Agency of Fargo, $7,666.
“North Dakota Housing coordinates the grant application process so that our affiliates are able to produce successful homeowners and help struggling households get back on a path to financial stability,” said Anderson.
The housing counseling grants are awarded annually through a competitive process. The organizations that apply must be preapproved by HUD and are subject to biennial performance reviews to maintain their approved status.
National and regional organizations and state housing finance agencies like NDHFA distribute much of the grant funding to community-based organizations that provide guidance to low- and moderate-income families seeking to improve their housing situation. These larger entities also help improve the quality of housing counseling services and enhance coordination among the counseling providers.
The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Gov. Jack Dalrymple, as chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, oversees NDHFA.
