MSHDA News Service

September 2010

Saving Face Some gutted buildings are still able to put on a brave front

Hour Stories - Detroit, mi
Façadism, which refers to the act of surgically preserving a building’s street-facing exterior wall during demolition, sounds as though it could be a mental illness right out of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. But sometimes, it can be the sanest option when attempting to strike a balance between developers and historic preservationists.

Choice Neighborhoods program offers $65 million for neighborhood revitaliza

Metromode - lansing, mi
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will give neighborhoods a boost through a special $65 million initiative. Choice Neighborhoods has 15 planning grants worth $3 million in total, and 19 implementation grants totaling $62 million. Governments and nonprofits are eligible, and so are for-profit developers who apply jointly with a public entity.

Detroiters revive historic resort tradition

The Michigan Citizen - Detroit, mi
(DETROIT) — This August, Detroiters will make history by bringing new life to a lost part of Michigan history. Detroit-based Aquarius Press and Broadside Press will be hosting the first Idlewild Writers and Poets Conference in northwestern Michigan. Idlewild, once known as the “Black Eden” from 1912 through the mid-1960s, was the premier entertainment and leisure resort for America’s top Black performers, including Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin and Bill Cosby.

August 2010

Pontiac, Raleigh Michigan Studios to Receive Accolades Thursday From Gov. G

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
LANSING – Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize Pontiac and Raleigh Michigan Studios as a "Promise Spotlight" success story from the state's Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University.

Muskegon Heights, Mona Lake Park Redevelopment to Receive Accolades Thursda

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize the Mona Lake Park Redevelopment in Muskegon Heights as a "Promise Spotlight" success story from the state's Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University.

Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment to Receive Accolades Thursday From Go

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment as a "Promise Spotlight" success story from the state's Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University.

Historic Renewal Projects in Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park to Receive A

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize three historic renewal projects in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park as "Promise Spotlight" success stories from the state's Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University.

Saginaw's SCENIC Initiative to Receive Accolades Thursday From Gov. G

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize the Saginaw Code Enforcement Neighborhood Improvement Cooperative (SCENIC) as a "Promise Spotlight" success story from the state's Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University.

Small lenders are offering help via Hardest Hit Fund Read more: Small lend

The Detroit Free Press - Detroit, mi
While Gov. Jennifer Granholm blasted major lenders earlier this week for not participating in a new federal program meant to help 30,000 unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure, little had changed by week's end.

Seeking housing money

mining gazette - CALUMET, mi
There's a large pool of money available from the state for certain types of housing projects, and the village of Calumet would like to get some of that money.

Granholm to discuss $128M US foreclosure grant

The Times Herald - Detroit, mi
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spreading the word about a $128.4 million federal grant to help struggling Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Mich. gov to discuss $128M US foreclosure grant

Boston Globe - Detroit, Mi
DETROIT—Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spreading the word about a $128.4 million federal grant to help struggling Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Mich. Gov to Discuss $128M US Foreclosure Grant

The New York Times - Detroit, Mi
DETROIT (AP) -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spreading the word about a $128.4 million federal grant to help struggling Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure. Michigan is in line for the grants under a national program announced last Wednesday. The state is one of several getting extra help because its unemployment rate is well above the national average.

Gov. Granholm to discuss Michigan's $128 million US grant to help une

Washington Examiner.com - Detroit, mi
DETROIT — Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spreading the word about a $128.4 million federal grant to help struggling Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Governor Granholm touts federal mortgage money

Michigan Radio - Detroit, mi
DETROIT, MI (Michigan Radio) - Governor Granholm was in Detroit Tuesday, touting aid programs for struggling homeowners. The Obama Administration gave the Michigan State Housing Development Authority an additional $128 million for its Hardest Hit fund last week. That means the Agency has a total of about $280 million to help an estimated 30,000 Michigan families at risk of foreclosure.

More Money for Foreclosure Victims

WILX.com - Lansing, mi
Michigan was tossed another lifeline Wednesday, when the feds announced an additional $128 million to help the unemployed fight foreclosure. "We didn't have any forewarning of the announcement, so we were ecstatic," says Mary Townley from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The new grant comes on the heels of nearly $155 million in federal funds earlier this year. Townley says up to $9,000 will be awarded to families if they qualify for the Hardest Hit program. "It is critical for us to keep individuals and families in homes," says Townley.

Fed aid extended to jobless homeowners

The Detroit News - Lansing, mi
Washington -- Unemployed Michigan homeowners could qualify for mortgage aid under an expansion of a federal program targeted at states with chronically high jobless rates. The money is part of an additional $3 billion announced Wednesday for the "Hardest Hit" program that will distribute money to 18 states. Michigan will get $129 million. Homeowners can apply for help through their bank or mortgage lender. Companies have to apply to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to participate. From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100812/METRO/8120408/Fed-aid-extended-to-jobless-homeowners#ixzz0wnGKDFzg

MSHDA Gets on Board the eBus

Real Estate Rama - Lansing, mi
LANSING, MI - August 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) — The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is joining with community partners across metro Detroit when the Fifth Third Bank Homeownership Mobile (aka the “eBus”) rolls into Livonia Thursday, August 12 as part of a kick-off to highlight the state’s $154.5 million Hardest Hit Fund home foreclosure prevention initiative.

New senior housing may come to Maple Lane

Advisor and Source Newspapers - Sterling Heights, mi
The Sterling Heights City Council took the initial steps to pave the way for a new, 192-unit senior citizen housing development on Maple Lane north of 14 Mile Road. Council unanimously approved at its last meeting a tax exemption for developer Excel Sterling, which is proposing to build Sterling Senior Residence, a project that would offer low- to moderate-income housing for seniors whose two-person income is $33,000 a year or less.

State Historic Preservation Office Announces Winners of Preservation Photo

SunHerald.com - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Interim Executive Director Gary Heidel and State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway announced the winners of the state's first historic preservation photo contest. The contest, held from May 1 through July 31, began as part of the recognition of National Historic Preservation Month in May. Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2010/08/13/2404271/state-historic-preservation-office.html#ixzz0wn2vOTF8

Idlewild Resort Receives National Recognition as a Historic Site

Michigan.gov - Idlewild, mi
LANSING – Michigan State Housing Development Authority interim executive director Gary Heidel and State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway announced that the African American resort of Idlewild, in Lake County, has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a nationally significant historic site.

More Money for Foreclosure Victims

$128M for Michigan jobless homeowners

FoxToledo.com - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Obama administration says more money is headed to Michigan to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure. Michigan is expected to get about $128 million from the grants announced Wednesday. The state is one of several getting extra help because its unemployment rate is well above the national average.

Michigan gets new infusion of federal money to help homeowners

Michigan Radio - Ann Arbor, mi
ANN ARBOR (Michigan Radio) - More help is on the way for unemployed homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage. The federal government is adding another two billion dollars to a program called the Hardest Hit Fund. It's designed to help people avoid foreclosure while they look for a new job or get job training. Michigan is one of the states getting the money because its unemployment rate of 14.1 percent is higher than the national average.

US gives Michigan $128M for jobless homeowners

Michigan Radio - lansing, mi
Michigan is expected to get about $128 million from the grants announced Wednesday. The state is one of several getting extra help because its unemployment rate is well above the national average.

Granholm Announces $128 Million in Additional Federal Support to Prevent Fo

PR-USA.net - Lansing, mi
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will receive $128.4 million in additional support from the Obama Administration to help homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments due to unemployment.

The Ark to build apartments for low-income young adults

Mlive - KALAMAZOO, mi
For the three cottages, The Ark has received $500,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and $365,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.

'Underwater' mortgages weigh down homeowners

Business Lansing - Lansing, mi
But he doesn't qualify under a government refinancing program because the value of his home is so much lower than what he owes. Private lenders turn Katzer down for the same reason. And he's ineligible for assistance from a state-run program because he has a job and can pay the mortgage. Katzer, a 40-year-old engineering consultant from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., could do what some have done - walk away from his house and the loan. But he doesn't think that's appropriate. Program has limits "I'm stuck in the middle," he said. "I want to do the right thing. It's incredibly frustrating." Participation in the Obama administration's Home Affordable Refinance Program, a mortgage assistance initiative, is limited to borrowers who owe up to 125 percent of the current value of their homes. But plummeting home prices over the past several years have left many owners owing more than that. Mary Townley, director of the homeownership division of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, advises homeowners to not give up. "If they are thinking about walking away from their home, the detrimental effect that will have on their credit and their future ability to borrow is significant," she said.

Muskegon Heights has new plan for redevelopment of former wastewater site

Mlive - Muskegon Heights, mi
City council members recently approved a revised plan for demolition and environmental cleanup at the site, and it was submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Cities of Promise Program.

July 2010

Hancock council discusses projects

Houghton Daily Mining Gazette - HANCOCK, mi
In June, council members approved spending $100,000 of Michigan State Housing Development Authority funding to demolish the building

Pump Up The Sales Volume: Housing Finance Agencies At Work

Mortgage Orb - Lansing, mi
Housing finance agencies are critical partners to helping American families through this tough economic time," said Shaun Donovan, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, when the initiative was unveiled. Donovan's department, along with the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, collaborated in structuring the HFA initiative.

Michigan Main Street Center and State Historic Preservation Office @ MSHDA

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
LANSING – The Michigan Main Street Center, a part of the Specialized Technical Assistance and Revitalization Strategy (STARS) Division, in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), recently unveiled renderings for proposed façade improvements for three buildings in downtown Portland. The buildings are: 108-110 Kent Street (Duff Chadwicks & Associates), 123-125 Kent Street (Around the Block Quilt Shop and Donna Marie's Studio of Dance), and 136-140 Kent Street (PCMI-West).

17K Homeowners To Get Federal Mortgage Help

WNEM.com - Saginaw, mi
SAGINAW, Mich. -- More than 17,000 Michigan homeowners could avoid foreclosure following the state's new $154.5 million program, called the Hardest Hit Homeowners Fund

Desperate Homeowners May Get Help

6 WLNS - Lansing, mi
Thousands of homeowners facing foreclosure could soon get a financial fix. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is accepting applications from mortgage loan servicers for the Obama administration's helping hardest-hit homeowner fund. The fund will give out more than 150-million dollars to help about 17,000 Michigan homeowners.

Detroit's McGregor Fund awards $2.3 million in grants toward programs

Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit, mi
The Detroit-based McGregor Fund directed $776,000 toward efforts to end homelessness in Detroit as part of more than $2.3 million in recent grants to Michigan organizations.

Letter of Notifcation to Banks Explaining Hardest Hit Plan

Fox 2 Detroit - Lansing, mi
MyFoxDetroit.com - Banks doing business in Michigan received a letter in June to explain how they can start providing Hardest Hit services to their customers. Is your bank informed? Are you?

Program begins that can help distressed homeowners

ABC 12 - Lansing, mi
MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) -- (07/12/10)-- If you are facing foreclosure, a new program started Monday that could help you avoid losing your home. It's call the Hardest Hit Fund and it is designed to bail out thousands of Michigan residents. There are three programs you can apply for.

Plan for Michigan Foreclosures First to be Carried Out

Real Estate Blog - Lansing, mi
The state plan of containing Michigan foreclosures will be the first to be carried out among the five state plans submitted to the Hardest Hit Fund of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department and the Treasury Department. The plan of the administration of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to use the $154.5 million received from the federal government in helping over 17,000 distressed homeowners with focus on the 11,000 currently unemployed has been approved by the HUD and the Treasury.

Muskegon Heights seeking alternative ways to fund city programs, projects

Mlive - Muskegon Heights, mi
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS — “Innovation” is the code word circulating in Muskegon Heights City Hall these days. Money from the Clean Energy Initiative available to the city through its designation as one of Michigan’s “Cities of Promise” could help start the renovation project that would take millions of dollars. The initial work would include cleaning the interior, steam cleaning the exterior and replacing windows.

Chesaning one of 10 Michigan Main Street communities

Tri-County Citizen - Lansing, mi
LANSING – Chesaning is one of 10 Michigan communities selected by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to take part in the Michigan Main Street Associate Level program, as announced by Keith Molin, executive director of MSHDA.

Lofts project gets boost

Daily Press - ESCANABA, mi
Last year, the project was awarded a $200,000 MSHDA grant for facade improvements on the brick structure. The building has also been designated as an historic building, which has been a key element in receiving the state funds.

City of Jackson has permission from the state to seek bids to tear down for

Mlive - Jackson, mi
Jackson Mayor Karen Dunigan said Friday the city has received clearance from the Michigan Office of Historic Preservation to prepare specifications and take bids for the demolition of the 12-story, 183,000-square-foot building at 212 W.

Michigan's Hardest-Hit Fund Expected To Aid 17,000 Borrowers

Mortgage Orb - Lansing, mi
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority's (MSHDA) HFA Hardest-Hit Fund foreclosure prevention program, which the U.S. Treasury Department formally approved last month, is estimated to assist as many as 17,000 borrowers, according to an announcement made Wednesday by Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm.

If you're facing foreclosure, new program may help

Upper Michigan's Source.com - Lansing, mi
Governor Jennifer Granholm stopped in Flint today to get out the word: there is help for homeowners facing foreclosure. She discussed the state’s new $154.5 million Hardest Hit Homeowners Fund. It offers mortgage payment assistance for the unemployed or those who have suffered pay cuts, and rescue funds for homeowners behind due to medical emergency or temporary lay-off.

'Helping homeowners' program set for Mich.

Detroit News - Lansing, mi
Lansing -- About 17,000 Michiganians in danger of home foreclosure will get relief from a new program. Helping the Hardest-Hit Homeowners, announced by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday, will use $154.5 million in federal money to subsidize monthly mortgage payments for those collecting unemployment, to pay down principal for those who have taken lower-paying jobs and to help those struck by a medical emergency or other misfortune catch up on payments. From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100708/METRO/7080394/1001/-Helping-homeowners--program-set-for-Mich.#ixzz0t7HqkalK

Fed aid program aims to avoid Michigan foreclosures

Business Lansing - Lansing, mi
Michigan homeowners can apply starting Monday for up to $10,000 in federal assistance to avoid foreclosure. Advertisement Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday announced the kickoff of the state's $154.5 million "Helping Hardest-Hit Homeowners Fund."

Mortgage Help on the Way for 5 States

Main Street - Washington, DC
Five states have been granted access to a $1.5 billion federal fund to provide aid to families most affected by the housing crisis. The Treasury Department approved proposals from Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada on Wednesday. These states will now use the “Hardest Hit” foreclosure prevention fund to help debt-ridden and unemployed residents make good on their mortgage payments.

The First Good Story I've Heard About a Bank in Months... Maybe Years

CA Bay Area Real Estate - Washington, DC
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday it had approved five states' plans to aid homeowners in the hope of thwarting foreclosures in communities hit hard by the recession. State housing agencies in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada will receive a total of $1.5 billion from the Obama administration's "Hardest Hit Fund."

Hart to get help from States Main Street program

Mlive - Hart, mi
HART — Looking to revitalize its central business district and spur economic growth, the city of Hart has been accepted into the Michigan Main Street program. The five-year initiative, in which 38 Michigan communities participate, is designed to attract new businesses, residents and jobs and fill empty storefronts in small-city downtowns.

Feds OK Michigans funds for foreclosure help

CUNA - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich. (6/30/10)--The U.S. Treasury Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development have approved Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm\'s plan to distribute $154.5 million beginning July 12 to help more than 17,000 Michigan households avoid foreclosure.

Five States Get Funds to Keep Home Prices Elevated

San Diego Housing Bubble News and Analysis - WASHINGTON, DC
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday it had approved five states' plans to aid homeowners in the hope of thwarting foreclosures in communities hit hard by the recession. State housing agencies in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada will receive a total of $1.5 billion from the Obama administration's "Hardest Hit Fund."

EDC accepts loan request

Iron County Reporter - Crystal Falls, mi
CRYSTAL FALLS—The Iron County Economic Development Corporation accepted a loan request for a business expansion project in Crystal Falls. Several other EDC projects in the Crystal Falls area being discussed include the continued development of the Crystal View Apartments and a search for more retail businesses in the building, and discussions with the Crystal Falls DDA to look into the rental rehabilitation program through MSHDA.