A Message From the Affordable Homeownership Team

As we navigate the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that we remain committed to supporting members of our Network. Please complete this survey to share stories on the pandemic’s impact on your communities, organizations and partners. You can also email, [email protected].

We continue to update Our Resources page, so check back frequently. We're in this together!

Events

Protecting Homeowners and Affordable Housing in the Age of COVID-19

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 2 PM EST

Prior to COVID-19, our country had a housing affordability crisis that left millions of individuals and families cost-burdened. In the wake of the pandemic and historic unemployment levels, many households are unable to make rent or mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes. Join us as we bring together a panel of professionals to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in our communities, and more importantly, how we can implement solutions that will put our communities on a path to an equitable recovery that preserves and creates affordable, high-quality housing for those that need it most.

Speakers:

Doug Ryan, Prosperity Now, Moderator
Steve Sharp, National Consumer Law Center
Kaia Peterson, NeighborWorks Montana
Phyllis Edwards, Bridging Communities
Robert Morlino, Homewise

Conversations on Manufactured Housing: Examining the Impact of COVID-19 to the MH Field

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 3 PM EST

Description:

The pandemic has worsened the threat of a national housing crisis. Manufactured housing has provided safe, affordable housing opportunities to thousands of households. We are thrilled to convene a panel of experts to explore the pivotal role of manufactured housing communities as we chart a path to an equitable recovery for all.

Speakers:

Stacey Epperson, Next Step, Moderator
Paul Bradley, ROC USA
John Van Alst, National Consumer Law Center
Mayra Torres, Living Cully
Kathy Zorotheos, MH Homeowner, Oak Hill Taunton Park Residents Association

In the News

ROC USA COVID-19 Resources Center

ROC USA - In these difficult times, ROCs shine because they are engaged and mutually supportive neighborhoods. Visit the ROC COVID-19 Resources, for more information for ROCs or identify a ROC technical assistance partner who can provide further support.

Developer of 400-lot manufactured home development drops denial appeal

Developers for a new 400-lot manufactured home community are stepping away from current plans to build in Sherman, Texas. Representatives for Bertakis Development said this week that they have rescinded an appeal to a Sherman Planning and Zoning Commission denial for the project, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, among other causes. This story is an example of the challenges manufactured home advocates face.

COVID-19 Tragedy in Maine and #BetterTogetherFund

There are many ways that we can support those impacted most by this pandemic. CDI, based in Maine, has been working closely with hardest hit communities to ensure members have access to assistance and is working closely with our Boards to ensure that the Cooperative continues to operate smoothly. Our network, ROC USA, and local partnerships have been active and meaningful during this crisis. We have also heard countless stories of members reaching out to support each other during this time.

Finkenauer Introduces Bill to Protect Mobile and Manufactured Home Park Residents

On May 12, 2020, Rep. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) introduced the Tenant Protection Notification Act of 2020 to protect renters, including mobile and manufactured home park residents, from illegal evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, landlords who own properties that receive federal subsidies or have federally backed mortgages are largely prevented from evicting their residents through the 120-day period following passage of the CARES Act, the federal COVID-19 aid package passed into law on March 27. However, the information needed to determine which specific properties are covered is not always available or accessible. The Tenant Protection Notification Act of 2020 requires federal agencies to provide standardized letter language that landlords must send to all residents at properties covered by the CARES Act federal eviction moratorium to let them know their rights under the law.

Tornado Alley in the Plains is an outdated concept. The South is even more vulnerable, research shows.

Urban sprawl, housing type and land use all work together and culminate in a bad recipe for high-fatality tornado events in the South and Southeast. Great discussion on the expansion of "Tornado Alley" and the durability of manufactured homes – when installed correctly.