What’s New on Codetalk – June 16, 2020
What’s New on Codetalk
What’s New on ONAP’s COVID-19 Recovery ProgramsVisit ONAP’s COVID-19 Recovery Programs Website to View and Access:
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The Office of Native American Programs is working tirelessly to support all of our Tribal housing partners as we deal with the impact of COVID-19 as a Nation. The safety and security of Native American families, Tribal housing staff, and all in Indian Country is our top priority. For more information and resources related to COVID-19, please visit: www.hud.gov/coronavirus
ONAP Documents Available at: www.hud.gov/coronavirus
Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG-CARES) and Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG-CARES) Resources
ICDBG CARES Implementation Webinar Training Slides (PDF)
Dear Tribal Leader Letter: ICDBG-CARES Implementation Training (May 19, 2020)
Dear Tribal Leader Letter: ICDBG-CARES Implementation Notice (May 15, 2020)
ICDBG-CARES Implementation Notice (May 15, 2020)
Dear Tribal Leader: Publication of IHBG-CARES Implementation Notice (April 22, 2020)
IHBG-CARES Implementation Notice (April 22, 2020)
IHBG CARES Program Guidance (April 22, 2020)
IHBG CARES Formula Allocation by Region (April 2020)
IHBG Cares IHP Form (must check the IHBG CARES box for abbreviated version) (April 22, 2020)
Dear Tribal Leader Letter: Input Requested on ICDBG-CARES Act Grant Ceilings (April 15, 2020)
Dear Tribal Leader Letter: COVID-19 Statutory and Regulatory Waiver Authority (April 14, 2020)
IHBG CARES Formula Allocation Dear Tribal Leader Cover Letter (April 3, 2020)
HUD CARES Act Native American Programs Funding Press Release (April 3, 2020)
For any questions about these resources, please contact the Office of Native American Programs via CodeTalk@hud.gov
Section 184/184A Home Loan Guarantee Resources
Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program
Dear Lender Letter-2020-05 (April 9, 2020)
Dear Lender Letter-2020-04 (March 20, 2020)
Dear Lender Letter-2020-03 (March 14, 2020)
Dear Lender Letter-2020-02 (March 16, 2020)
For any questions about these resources, please contact the Office of Loan Guarantee at OLGINFO@hud.gov
NEW! You are invited to attend a free webinar co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on Wednesday June 24, from 2:00-3:00 PM Eastern.
The webinar focuses on DOL’s Apprenticeship Program and how it might benefit EnVision Centers. There will be a short presentation and time for questions and answers.
- WHEN: Wednesday June 24 at 2:00-3:00 PM EST
- WHERE: Webinar / WebEx
- REGISTRATION: All attendees must register at https://ems8.intellor.com/?do=register&t=1&p=827038
This webinar will provide an overview of DOL’s Apprenticeship Program including the following topics:
- Benefits of the apprenticeship program including for employers, educators, career seekers, and veterans;
- DOL-funded American Job Centers and their services;
- The recently launched Partner Finder to help employers and other stakeholders find and connect with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, training providers, intermediaries, and apprenticeship offices near them or in their industry;
- A new Apprenticeship Occupation Finder, designed to help employers identify Registered Apprenticeship Program occupations to help create their program;
- Apprenticeship Resources; and
- DOL’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
NEW! Dear Tribal Leaders and Executive Directors
HUD will be hosting a conference call on Wednesday, June 17th at 1:30 PM EDT to provide some updates on CARES ACT resources for Tribes and TDHEs. I will be joined on the call by Deputy Assistant Secretary, Heidi Frechette, as well as ONAP subject matter experts. The call will be recorded and uploaded as an unlisted YouTube link within a week after the call. Please click here for the calendar invitation.
See below for call-in and login information for the June 17th call:
Step 1: Dial into the conference.
Dial-in: 1-877-369-5243 or 1-617-668-3633
Access Code: 0918910##
Need an international dial-in number?
Step 2: Join the conference on your computer.
Entry Link: https://ems8.intellor.com/login/828369
NEW! Dear Executive Directors and Tribal Leaders
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere, and HUD is all too aware that your operations, staff, and the families you serve are no exception.
Life during a pandemic is new to all of us, and we adapt and adopt new ways to operate. Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) around our country are juggling operations and the implementation of evolving guidelines to help keep staff and residents healthy. As you continue to practice new ways of doing business, HUD is here to support you and your organization.
To this end, we offer to you HUD’s COVID-19 Emergency Planning Toolkit to assist with identifying key areas you should consider including in your own planning. Attached you will find the following:
- COVID-19 Quick Guide: This document provides topics of consideration and information to help you develop strategies to address the impact of the pandemic on your community and stakeholders. It is not an exhaustive or exclusive list of resources. However, it includes online links to HUD’s COVID-19 Information and Resources webpage, along with links to the Federal government’s joint White House, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coronavirus websites. It also provides a link to HUD’s Public and Indian Housing website, where you will find the latest frequently asked questions and published information. In addition, it includes guidance on engaging your local partners that have a role in COVID-19 preparedness, response and recovery and provides you with guidance on addressing the impact this has on your staff and the people you serve.
- COVID-19 Interaction Playbook for Housing Partners: This presentation highlights promising practices for safe distribution and social distancing that my team learned from your colleagues—PHAs, TDHEs, and industry groups—compliant with CDC guidelines.
- COVID-19 Guidance for Housing Partners: This flyer summarizes CDC guidance and some of the promising practices for safe distribution and social distancing further discussed in the Interaction Playbook.
- Coronavirus Prevention: This flyer should be shared with residents to promote CDC guidance to prevent the further spread of the virus.
In addition, I want to point you toward these resources available online:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)—http://hud.gov/coronavirus: HUD’s website includes up-to-date policy notices, frequently asked questions, and more information tailored to PHAs and to Native Americans.
- Pandemic Influenza Template—https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/93250: This document from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assists organizations to develop a Continuity of Operations Plan and a Pandemic Influenza Annex in response to a pandemic.
- PHA Disaster Readiness and Preparation Guide—https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/PHADISASTERPREPGUIDE.PDF: This 2016 PIH document describes PHAs’ best practices based on local experience to address emergencies of all kinds.
As many of you are aware, June is the start of Hurricane season. We urge those located in hurricane prone areas to revisit your readiness and preparedness plans and take into consideration COVID-19 and changes that may have been or will be necessary to ensure social distancing at emergency shelters. HUD encourages you to seek additional advice from local emergency management and disaster response agencies and from federal agencies such as CDC and FEMA.
We recognize these are challenging times filled with uncertainties and hope you find this toolkit helpful. Thank you for your dedication to ensure the health and safety of your staff, residents, and communities.
2020 ConnectHomeUSA – Wide Open School: An Online Platform for Summer Learning
Every year, kids across the country experience the “summer slide,” when their math and reading skills slide backwards. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for millions of kids, especially low-income children living in public housing, the summer slide started three months early, leaving them at even greater risk of falling behind academically.
In this webinar, Sue Thotz, Senior Education Manager at the national nonprofit organization, Common Sense, will introduce Wide Open School. This new site is a free platform of the best online learning experiences and activities to help parents in your community combat the summer slide and keep kids learning, engaged, and entertained over the summer.
Wide Open School is a collective action spearheaded by Common Sense, which is using its over 15 years of experience and trusted reputation for guiding families and educators to make high quality media and technology choices for kids based on age appropriateness and learning potential.
Participants will be able to:
- Understand concepts to help meet ConnectHomeUSA program goals
- Learn ConnectHomeUSA community best practices
When: June 16, 2020
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm EDT
FY2020 ICDBG Awards Announced- Press Release (June 4, 2020)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced nearly $120 million in Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) awards to Tribes across the Nation. The ICDBG program provides funding to use in developing American Indian and Alaska Native Communities, including decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities, primarily for low- and moderate-income persons.
“President Trump made it clear from the moment he became President, the forgotten men and women of our Nation will be forgotten no more,” said Secretary Carson. “Today’s announcement of nearly $120 million in funding to American Indian tribes will provide these communities with safe and affordable housing and advance economic development.”
“HUD is committed to helping Native Americans thrive and the funding announced today will have a positive impact on building sustainable communities,” said R. Hunter Kurtz, Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
These funds, through the ICDBG program, will be used to support 107 projects on Tribal lands across the United States such as:
- A new drive-thru pharmacy,
- A new building for the local Boys & Girls Club of America,
- Repairs to a wastewater lagoon,
- The infrastructure necessary for a new housing development.
For a complete list of allocations and project descriptions, please click here.
Visit the Office of Native American Program’s Indian Community Development Block Grant website for more information.
NAHASDA Essentials Training ( June 23-25, 2020)
Training Delivery: Online/Virtual
Registration: Click Here
This virtual 3-day training will provide attendees with a comprehensive introduction to NAHASDA. Participants will become familiar with all program activities, including rental housing, homebuyer programs, rehabilitation, and housing and crime prevention services. Other major topics that will be covered include the IHBG formula, eligible program participants, income verifications, other federal requirements, financial management and program administration. This foundational course will acquaint tribal and TDHE staff with the basic requirements of the IHBG Program and opportunities that are available. requirements of the IHBG Program and opportunities that are available. The training will be presented through case studies, group discussions, team games, lectures and hands-on exercises.
Contract Administration and Procurement (June 23-25, 2020)
Training Delivery: Online
Registration: Click Here
AAHA is hosting a three (3) day online training on Contract Administration and Procurement. This training will provide attendees with information and guidance under the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) for housing authority staff and tribal members to understand and meet the program requirements for procurement and contract administration. This training has been broken into modules to accommodate your schedule and interests in the different aspects of Contract Admiration & Procurement.
FY 2021 Indian Housing Block Grant Formula Allocation Estimates
The purpose of this Dear Tribal Leader letter is to inform Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE) of their Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) formula allocation estimate for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 and to transmit the forms required for correcting the FY 2021 IHBG formula data and the FY 2022 IHBG Needs data. In the past, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would mail this information. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HUD is posting the following information on-line at: https://ihbgformula.com/fy2021/:
- FY 2021 Formula Response Form (FRF) including the FY 2021 FRF Appendices A through D and the FY 2022 IHBG Needs Data (Attachment A).
- Calendar of Critical Deadlines and Frequently Asked Questions.
- FY 2021 Correction/Challenge Log showing changes to the IHBG database between January 25, 2020, and May 12, 2020.
Tribes/TDHEs must review their data on the FY 2021 Formula Response Form and report any changes no later than August 1, 2020, to the IHBG Formula Customer Service Center. Census Challenges for the FY 2022 IHBG Needs data must be submitted no later than March 30, 2021, for consideration for the FY 2022 IHBG formula allocation estimates.
Dear Tribal Leader Letter- Section 184 Skilled Worker Program (May 27, 2020)
Skilled workers are vital to any community’s overall wellbeing and ability to achieve sustainable economic growth. Every community needs police officers, doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, architects, and other technical and skilled workers. Unfortunately, some Tribal communities – particularly those located in very remote areas – have historically struggled to attract skilled workers because of a lack of available housing.
The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) is seeking your feedback on how the Section 184 Skilled Worker Program should be designed and implemented to work for your communities.
FY2019/2020 ICDBG- Notice of Area Allocations for FY2020 (May 21, 2020)
This Notice announces Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Area Allocations and other funding related information under the FY 2019/2020 ICDBG Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The FY 2019/2020 ICDBG NOFA published on November 19, 2019, only announced AONAP FY 2019 allocations because the FY 2020 Appropriations Act was not enacted at the time the NOFA was published. This Notice also informs recipients that their implementation plans must show that the expenditure of both FY 2019 and FY 2020 funds will occur prior April 20, 2026, and that no extensions will be granted beyond that date.
This Notice also clarifies the applicability of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act waivers and alternative requirements. Applicants that are awarded an ICDBG grant under the FY 2019/20 NOFA may benefit from these flexibilities when such funds are spent on activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, after an amendment request to HUD is approved.
Dear Lender Letter 2020-06- Clarification of Eviction Moratorium and Loss Mitigation Options (May 20, 2020)
The purpose of this Dear Lender Letter (DLL) is to inform lenders of the special loss mitigation options available to Section 184 and Section 184A borrowers under Section 4022 of the CARES Act, and the 120-day eviction moratorium that is currently in place pursuant to Section 4024 of the Act. This DLL also extends the foreclosure moratorium initially provided under the CARES Act until June 30, 2020 and extends loans processing flexibilities related to appraisals, verification of employment and IRS transcripts. Furthermore, this DLL supersedes PIH Notice 2015-15, Section 184 Indian Loan Guarantee Program Disaster Policy, for borrowers impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) National Emergency.
Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Training (May 18, 2020)
Visit ONAP’s Indian Housing Bock Grant Competitive page to view recorded training for FY2018/2019 IHBG Competitive program. Training will cover:
- Welcome – Getting Started
- Terms & Conditions
- Environmental Review
- Leveraged Resources
- HUD Monitoring Review
- Grant Reporting
- Closeout Presentation
Notice PIH-2020-10: Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) Renewal Grant Applications (May 13, 2020)
This Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) Notice announces renewal requirements and procedural guidance for existing recipients of the program. Pursuant to the authority provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, P.L. 115-141 and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 P. L. 116-6 (“Appropriations Acts”), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will renew rental assistance and associated administrative fees to all eligible Tribal HUD-VASH recipients initially funded with appropriated funds from Fiscal Year 2015, provided they meet applicable program requirements. This notice specifies the criteria for renewal grants, including data on the utilization of assistance reported by recipients under the demonstration program.
HUD Guidance on Eligible Uses for Community Development Block Grant Funds to Support COVID-19 Responses
HUD Quick Guide on Eligible Activities for Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Funds
HUD recently posted a guide on eligible uses for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support coronavirus (COVID-19) responses. The guide is a quick reference tool for grantees, such as Tribes and TDHEs, to use when contemplating how to address the effects of COVID-19 in their communities. While the language in the guide specifically references CDBG, ICDBG has the same eligible activities, and therefore the guide can be considered applicable for both programs.
The guide can be found Here
