Around the Arch Blog

Struggling homeowners that have fallen behind on their monthly payments and want to meet with their mortgage servicer face-to-face to create a workable solution for mortgage default are invited to attend the Help for Homeowners Foreclosure Assistance Event.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Reno Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia Street. There will be no charge for parking.

HUD-approved housing counselors will be available along with servicers and other valuable resources to assist individuals with foreclosure assistance programs, options, and how to avoid foreclosure scams.

The City of Reno has partnered with the City of Sparks, City of Fernley, Washoe County, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco for the event.

Please click here for more information about the event and to ensure attendees bring the proper documentation for assistance.

The Reno Police Department led a sweep of the Crest Inn in downtown Reno to investigate criminal and quality of life issues. The teams that went door-to-door at the motel or checked the building included, Reno code enforcement officers and firefighters, Washoe County Health Department staff, OSHA investigators and others.

Today, the Reno City Council approved an agreement with the Veteran’s Guest House for $200,000 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to expand housing services provided to veterans and their families seeking medical assistance at the Veterans Administration Hospital.

The funds will be used for the acquisition of property adjacent to the Guest House, renovating an existing structure and providing up to 12 additional client beds.

The Reno City Council made assisting veterans a priority in the City’s fiscal year 2010/2011 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan.

The Veterans Guest House, a 501(c)3 organization located at the corner of Locust and Taylor Streets, was founded in 1994 as “home away from home” for U.S. military service veterans receiving medical treatment at the VA Hospital and for families of veterans who are receiving care at facilities in the Reno/Sparks area. For a number of years the Veterans Guest House desired to expand its existing facility in order to better meet the housing needs of the veterans and their families. Many of the clients served have limited financial means to meet their housing needs while receiving care and need to be close to the hospital to access treatment or assist and support their family members. The Guest House’s policy is that no qualified veteran is turned away.

The CDBG Program provides annual direct grants to communities that can be used to expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, to revitalize neighborhoods, and/or to improve community facilities and services, principally for the benefit of low to moderate income individuals.

The City of Reno receives annual CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sidewalk improvements in the Linden-Grove area, the Oliver-Montello Neighborhood Revitalization, numerous pedestrian ramps within our community, and the West Street Market are just some examples of beneficial projects that were funded with the assistance of the CDBG Program.

For more information about Reno’s CDBG Program visit www.reno.gov, select “Government”, then “City Manager’s Office”, and “Community Resources.”

A contract, approved by the Reno City Council on Wednesday, will enable low income residents with disabilities to continue to live independently.

The $26,000 contract with Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living (NNCIL) will provide for accessibility improvements to homes of Reno residents. The funding is through Community Block Grants (CDBG).

NNCIL provides comprehensive services to the area’s disabled population. Each year since 1985 the City has provided CDBG funds to NNCIL for accessibility modifications. Under last fiscal year’s contract, NNCIL installed improvements such as ramps, grab bars, threshold ramps, porch lifts, handheld showers, ADA toilets, and widened doors. Additionally, they provided 272 individuals and businesses with technical assistance with ADA compliance.

The CDBG Program provides annual direct grants to communities that can be used to expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, to revitalize neighborhoods, and/or to improve community facilities and services, principally for the benefit of low to moderate income individuals.

The City of Reno receives annual CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sidewalk improvements in the Linden-Grove area, the Oliver-Montello Neighborhood Revitalization, numerous pedestrian ramps within our community, and the West Street Market are just some examples of beneficial projects that were funded with the assistance of the CDBG Program.

For more information about Reno’s CDBG Program visit www.reno.gov, select “Government”, then “City Manager’s Office”, and “Community Resources.”

Here’s an interesting fact. April 2010 marks the 42nd anniversary of the Federal Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. As amended (1988) the Federal Housing Act provides equal opportunity for all Americans in the sale, rental, and financing of housing, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and handicap.

To honor this anniversay and to urge all citizens to join the City of Reno in recognizing Silver State Fair Housing Council and its importance in our community, Mayor Cashell proclaimed April 2010 as Fair Housing Month.

Silver State Fair Housing Council is a non-profit agency working since 1989 to ensure equal housing opportunity for all people in Nevada. For more information about the Silver State Fair Housing Council visit www.silverstatefairhousing.org.

The City of Reno supports the efforts of the Silver State Fair Housing Council and all other agencies pursuing fair housing.

To learn more about how the City of Reno is working to provide decent affordable housing, developing suitable living environments, and creating expanded economic opportunities for the community visit www.reno.gov, click “I Want to Learn About” then “Housing” or www.reno.gov/Index.aspx?page=696.

Residents wanting to discuss options with their lender to avoid foreclosure, find out about opportunities to modify or refinance home mortgages, and learn if they are eligible for the Making Home Affordable Program will have the chance for free on April 6.

MakingHomeAffordable.gov is hosting the event on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Reno Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia Street.

Mortgage lenders and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counselors will be available to meet one-on-one with residents.

The event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, NeighborWorks America, and Hope Now. For more information visit www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov or call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

Here is the event flyer for more information too.

Residents can have a voice in how the City of Reno allocates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annual funds for our area.

Residents can help by completing an easy survey about their housing and neighborhood improvement needs. The survey does not ask for names or addresses. The survey must be completed by March 31, 2010 and can be taken by visiting www.reno.gov under “Quick Links” then “Housing Survey.”

The survey is part of an overall planning process for housing and community development needs that the City of Reno is in the process of conducting. The plan is required in order for the City to obtain annual allocation of federal housing and community development funding.

Last year the City received more than $3.8 million in HUD funding that improved our community by supporting social services, neighborhood revitalization projects, accessibility improvements (i.e. pedestrian ramps and housing modifications for disabled individuals), and a rehabilitation program for homeowners.

Reno residents are taking advantage of federal programs aimed towards helping first-time homebuyers purchase foreclosed homes. We met up with first-time home buyer Pam McClean and her realtor Tiffany Dean to talk about her “house hunt”. The City’s Community Reinvestment Manager Jodi Royal-Goodwin explained the federal programs she administers to help residents purchase homes.

Reno Code Enforcement Officer Cindi Gil Blanco discusses her job and why she likes public service.