Smithsonian Magazine Recognizes Self-Help Enterprises’ Dedication to Helping America’s Working Poor
In an article published in the December 2016 issue of Smithsonian Magazine, author Dale Maharidge chronicled the struggles that many of America’s working poor, including high poverty rates, housing affordability issues and food-scarcity. While just over 43 million people, or 13.5 percent of the population, live below the poverty line ($11,880) in the United States, […]
National Rural Housing Coalition Presents on the Impact of the Election on Rural Housing
On November 30, 2016, Bob Rapoza presented at the Housing Assistance Council 2016 Rural Housing Conference in Washington, D.C.. The National Rural Housing Coalition Plenary session included a discussion on what the results of the 2016 Presidential election mean for rural housing. To view the presentation materials, please click here for the PowerPoint and here for […]
Housing Experts Chart Course to Preserve Affordable Rural Rental Housing
National Rural Housing Coalition convenes leaders in Affordable Rental Housing to Discuss Ways to Stem Increasing Shortages in Rural America and Prepare Recommendations for Legislators Washington, D.C.— On October 4-5, the National Rural Housing Coalition (NRHC) convened leaders from the rural housing community to evaluate and prepare recommendations that will ensure affordable rental housing […]
Income, Poverty and Population in Rural America
The U.S. Census Bureau’s annual report on poverty and income in America was released on September 13, 2016. The findings of this report have been highlighted by many sources as an example of the economic growth experienced in many communities in recent years, noting that the median household income increased 5.2 percent from 2014 to 2015, […]
New Census Report on 2015 Poverty and Income Highlights the Urban/Rural Divide
Today, the US Census Bureau released their annual report on poverty and income. Economists predicted an increase of 1 to 2 percent in incomes in 2015, but the report showed a surprising 5.2 percent increase. A closer look at the data reveals a stark contrast between the economy in urban and rural communities. Urban Areas on the […]
Achieving the American Dream through Programs that Work
Alton and Robin Alexander lived in Western Michigan with their two daughters in a comfortable, modest and safe neighborhood prior to the Great Recession. However, as the nation’s economy struggled, this family of four lost their home and was forced to move into a substandard rental unit. The Alexanders’ story is not unique. Homeownership is […]
Fahe Partners with USDA and WV Housing Development Fund to Help Low-income Families Access Affordable Housing
The Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises, Fahe, is one of several nonprofit organizations that participated in USDA’s loan packaging pilot program, which became permanent in May 2016. They are working to further expand the reach and scope of the Section 502 Direct loan program to assist low-income rural families in achieving homeownership. To achieve this […]
Spotlight on the FY 2017 House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Bills
This is a moment in time when avoiding disaster with Congress or the Administration is viewed as a success, and seeking even the most modest improvements in policy or resources seems out of the question and hopelessly optimistic. In light of these conditions, for those interested in improving housing and communities in rural America, the […]
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Spotlight on Migrant Farmworker Housing
A recent article published by the Statesman highlights the devastating housing conditions many migrant farmworkers are facing across America, and particularly in Texas. The article, aptly titled “Unbelievable” by Jeremy Schawrtz, explains how, in spite of existing laws that require housing facilities for migrant farmworkers to be inspected and licensed to ensure minimal health and […]