HUD to Help with South Florida Affordable Housing, Hurricane Recovery Plans

The dilemma of South Florida affordable housing has been ongoing for awhile. Fortunately, help appears to be on the way.

The leader of the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) said he will approve an $82.9 million plan to support Florida’s long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Wilma. The goal? Make Florida home loans available to those across all income classes.

Secretary Alphonso Jackson said Florida’s plan pays particular attention to the needs of lower-income families who are trying to afford a house they can call their own.

“Last year’s hurricanes forced us all to recognize that the long road back must be open to everyone,” he explained. “HUD will continue to work with Florida, and other states throughout the Gulf Region, to make sure everyone who wants to come home, can come home.”

The funding is through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Its focus is on assisting counties and Indian tribes throughout southern Florida restore their affordable housing stock.

Local governments are encouraged to give special consideration to unmet housing needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities, farm workers, the homeless and families living in poverty. Eligible housing projects may include rehabilitation (e.g. a Florida home improvement loan), relocation, demolition and replacement, as well as new construction of affordable housing.

CDBG funding provided through this program may also support farm worker housing, transitional housing for homeless individuals and families and restoration of water and sewer services to residential areas.

Because South Florida is a cooling housing market, there ought to be Florida home loans out there for everyone. This is a positive step in that direction.