HUD, HHS announce states participating in homelessness Accelerator



The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that eight states and the District of Columbia will participate in the previously announced Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator, a collaborative effort between HUD and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The government intends the Accelerator to strengthen partnerships across housing, disability, aging, and health sectors. Last week's announcement acknowledges the Accelerator as the result of a commitment made in the Biden-Harris Administration's plan, "All In: The Biden Administration's Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness." 

"Nobody in America should experience homelessness. Today we are taking important steps to help communities better access HHS' programs to address homelessness and connect people with housing-related services and support – which could be life changing," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.

The Accelerator will help participating states access federal programs and resources to address health-related social needs, particularly housing-related ones. This program aligns with HHS's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program guidance, enabling states to support healthcare access through services like housing transition assistance. Arizona, California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Washington are joining the District of Columbia in the Accelerator.

Over the next 12 months, these states will receive intensive federal technical assistance to implement clinically indicated housing-related services for people with complex health needs at risk of homelessness. This effort complements HUD's recent $3.16 billion funding for housing and services projects to address homelessness, marking the largest expansion in HUD's Continuum of Care program history.

HUD updates Equity Action Plan

HUD released an update to its Equity Action Plan, which is part of the Department’s efforts on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.”

“Equity is at the heart of the daily work we do as an agency,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. “For too long, people – particularly Black, brown, and poor people – have been left out and left behind. This Administration is using our resources to reverse the deep-seated harm caused by prior federal policies and prioritize racial equity in all HUD programs.”

Since releasing the Equity Action Plan in 2022, HUD has facilitated a quarter-million Black homeowners through FHA mortgages, addressed Fair Housing Act implementation, restored the Discriminatory Effects Rule, expanded housing counseling access, allocated $10 million to historically Black colleges and universities, granted $30 million to combat housing discrimination, and worked on second chances for individuals with prior criminal records in HUD-assisted housing. The plan underscored HUD’s mission to create inclusive communities and affordable housing for all, with over 1.2 million people served or housed in the last three years. You can find updates on equity initiatives at HUD.gov/equity.

FHFA to host property insurance symposium on March 13

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced it will host a multifamily property insurance symposium on March 13 to discuss the ongoing challenges of attaining and affording property insurance. Representatives from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD's Multifamily Office, insurance industry experts, and multifamily lenders and borrowers will participate. Event attendance will be first come, first served.

“The availability and affordability of insurance is a profoundly critical issue impacting every region of the country,” said FHFA Director Sandra Thompson. “This next forum allows multifamily industry leaders and stakeholders the opportunity to exchange and openly discuss creative ideas to address the escalating insurance market stress and how we can help those impacted.”

HUD allocates $128 million for financial stability

HUD allocated over $128 million to support HUD-assisted families in achieving financial stability and savings through the 2023 Renewal and New Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program grants. The funds are going to 835 Public Housing Agencies and Project Based Rental Assistance owners. The initiative focuses on financial literacy, job training, and educational opportunities for vulnerable communities. “HUD remains committed to working with our local partners to empower residents and promote economic justice for all Americans,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge.

The voluntary program provides coaching and referrals and establishes family escrow savings accounts to enhance earned income and reduce reliance on welfare assistance. “Regardless of how much money one might make, where they live, whether or not they receive assistance, every person in this country deserves to have the sense of security for their families that comes with consistent saving,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing Richard Monocchio.

As the nation’s largest asset-building effort for low-income families, the FSS Program plans to fund over 1,450 coordinators, serving more than 69,000 residents in diverse housing types. The program addresses national challenges like unequal access to savings, contributing to the racial wealth gap, and providing a safety net through savings and support. 

HUD finalizes rule on Native Hawaiian housing block grants

HUD released a final rule to expand affordable housing opportunities for Native Hawaiian families through rental assistance under the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG) program. The rule amends regulations to clarify the use of NHHBG funds for rental housing assistance, allowing for project-based or tenant-based rental assistance and covering the operation and maintenance of project units occupied by eligible Native Hawaiian families. “We are committed to supporting Hawaiian communities with quality, affordable housing, especially low-income Native Hawaiian families who reside on the Hawaiian Home Lands and often face significant housing challenges,” said Secretary Marcia Fudge.

The updates align with the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, ensuring compliance with the NHHBG program’s statutory requirements and enhancing consistency with HUD’s Indian Housing Block Grant program. “These changes will ensure that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) can better serve more Native Hawaiian families,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Richard Monocchio. You can find the final rule in the Federal Register.

Enterprises recognize top 2023 mortgage servicers

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) announced their best-performing mortgage servicers for 2023. Fannie Mae recognized 32 servicers through its Servicer Total Achievement and Rewards (STAR) Program, and Freddie Mac announced nine winners of its 2023 Servicer Honors and Rewards Program (SHARP) award. PennyMac Corp, Mr. Cooper, and Colonial Savings FA appeared on both lists.

"Our servicing partners' success is essential to achieving Fannie Mae’s goal of preserving homeownership and maintaining the safety and soundness of our business," said Cyndi Danko, Senior Vice President and Single-Family Chief Credit Officer, Fannie Mae. "We're proud to recognize our top-performing STAR Program servicers and their commitment to ensuring operational excellence, reducing credit loss, and continuously improving the overall homebuyer experience."

“We thank all our Servicers for their steadfast dedication to homeowners in need of mortgage relief and their contribution to help Freddie Mac make sustainable homeownership a reality,” said Bill Maguire, Freddie Mac’s Vice President of Single-Family Servicing Portfolio Management.