Stewards of Affordable Housing
for the Future
Introducing SAHF
Launched in 2003, SAHF has nine sophisticated not-for-profit members who acquire, preserve and are committed to long-term, sustainable ownership and continued affordability of multifamily rental properties for low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals. Together, SAHF members own and operate housing in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—providing homes to approximately 90,000 low-income households across the country.
SAHF's members promote their shared ownership objective, which embraces the notion that stable, affordable rental homes are critically important in people's lives. Through their deal flow, SAHF's members stay on top of policy and marketplace developments nationwide. They come face-to-face almost daily with barriers to preservation of affordable housing for the poor, which enables them to discern patterns. Seeing the patterns and having the expertise, SAHF works with its members to develop policy solutions that work.
The Latest
Preservation
As part of SAHF's ongoing effort to work to preserve existing affordable housing, SAHF, in conjunction with the National Housing Trust (NHT) and the Preservation Working Group (PWG), compiled a list of Administrative Reform Initiatives for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SAHF is working on the following issues to provide guidance to HUD as to whether they can be resolved administratively versus legislatively.
Property Tax Update
SAHF is proud to announce the release of its Google Groups page on property taxes, a new online tool for the affordable housing field. The Website contains detailed information and links regarding how property taxes apply to multifamily rental homes nationwide, gathered through a survey of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Visit its home page.
Energy Efficiency and Affordable Housing Update
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) appropriated $250 million to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use to green retrofit Section 8, Section 202 and Section 811 multifamily properties. On May 17th HUD issued its grant application guidance for affordable housing developers wishing to apply. Click here to read a summary of the guidance.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) appropriated $16.8 billion for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs and initiatives. Of that funding, $11.3 billion is provided for three DOE programs that could be used to increase energy efficiency in affordable rental housing: $5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program, $3.2 billion for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, and $3.1 billion for the State Energy Program. To read more about the three programs and how affordable housing providers can access the funding to retrofit their projects, click here.
SAHF drafted a review of research conducted that demonstrates the impact green retrofitting of multifamily properties has on local economies, particularly on employment. Read review.
Providing Affordable Housing for Low-Income Elderly with Supportive Services
SAHF and The American Association for Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) are working together to design a practical policy solution to providing affordable housing for low-income elderly with a supportive services network that allows residents to 'age in place'.Read white paper.
Contact SAHF
Email: contact@sahfnet.org - or see our Staff List
Address: 555 11th Street, NW, Suite 525, Washington, DC 20004.