MSHDA's Annual Public Housing Agency Plan receives approval for 2022 -2023 fiscal year

Media Contacts:

Katie Bach, BachK@michigan.gov 
Anna Vicari, VicariA@michigan.gov

Plan provides oversight of implementation and execution of critical Housing Choice Voucher program

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Board has approved the annual fiscal year 2022-2023 Public Housing Agency (PHA) plan, which outlines the policies, operations and strategies for MSHDA’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Approval for the annual PHA plan came during the Board’s March meeting.

The HCV program helps approximately 28,000 homeless and extremely low-income individuals and families annually through rent subsidies in private homes or apartment buildings. Approval for the 2022-2023 fiscal year supports the five-year PHA plan adopted January 1, 2019.

“The Housing Choice Voucher program serves a critical need in helping some of our state’s most at-risk residents gain access to safe, affordable housing,” said Lisa Kemmis, MSHDA director of Rental Assistance and Homeless Solutions. “At MSHDA, we know housing stability can have a ripple effect that positively impacts every part of a person’s life, and the Housing Choice Voucher program often serves as a lifeline to help individuals and families get back on their feet.”

Some of the results stemming from the five-year PHA plan to date include:

• Awarding 779 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, being at risk of homelessness, and those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. Kemmis said MSHDA currently leads the nation in the number of EHV issued and families assisted.
• Obtaining an expedited waiver from HUD to establish HCV payment standards at 120%
  of the 2022 Fair Market Rents, to expand landlord participation.
• Awarding 462 Tenant-Protection Vouchers by HUD to assist eligible families affected by
  Housing Conversion Actions in Bay, Kalamazoo, Lapeer, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.
• Closing on the purchase of 127 homes by HCV participants through the Key to Own
  Homeownership Program.
• Awarding 440 Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) to eighteen multi-family developments that will serve supportive housing populations.
• Executing over 2,000 repayment agreements totaling over $4.5 million in collectable
  debt.
  
  

The MSHDA Board also approved $36.6 million in loans for HOM Flats at Maynard in Grand Rapids, a new construction development that will contain 240 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit family units.

Another $12.1 million was also approved to preserve 115 affordable housing units for seniors at Riverview Terrace Apartments in Traverse City. Funds will be used to undertake numerous property improvements, including replacing all windows, updating all lighting with LED fixtures, and replacing unit cabinetry, counters, sinks, fixtures and appliances.

The board also adopted a resolution recognizing retiring Michigan Assistant Attorney General Ron Farnum, whose body of work with MSHDA has spanned decades and improved the lives of countless Michigan residents in need of housing stability and affordability.

In thanking the board and staff, Farnum said: “I take a lot of pride in the fact that over the years, in a small way, I helped create thousands of housing units for people who otherwise wouldn’t have had a decent place to live.”

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