Economy

State Housing Finance Agencies Assist Homebuyers, Renters

WASHINGTON INFORMER — Every state in the U.S., as well as in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, has a Housing Finance Agency (HFA) that provides low- and moderate-income individuals and families with the opportunity to find a home or apartment that meets their budget and quality-of-life needs.

Published

7 years ago

June 2, 2019

Christopher G. Cox NNPA Newswire Contributor

By Christopher G. Cox

Every state in the U.S., as well as in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, has a Housing Finance Agency (HFA) that provides low- and moderate-income individuals and families with the opportunity to find a home or apartment that meets their budget and quality-of-life needs.

According to Stockton Williams, executive director of the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA), in 2017 alone, state HFAs provided $28 billion to finance affordable homeownership for more than 152,000 households, 26 percent of which were minority-headed households.

The NCSHA was created by the state agencies more than 40 years ago, Williams said, to help share best practices.

“HFAs are constantly learning from each other,” Williams adds, “not only sharing best practices, but solving emerging challenges on a collaborative basis. NCSHA facilitates these exchanges and augments them with additional analysis and support.”

Some of the state HFA practices that NCSHA helps to promote are careful underwriting of borrowers, close oversight of lenders, proactive loan servicing and counseling assistance to borrowers who need it, Williams noted.

“A 2018 study found that state HFA loans were much less likely to experience defaults or foreclosures than loans from other sources to similar borrowers,” he said. “According to the study, not only are HFAs more likely to require full documentation and careful underwriting, they also serve as a third-party monitor on lenders originating loans through a state program, creating an additional incentive for careful screening by the lender.”

Like other state housing finance agencies, the North Carolina HFA (NCFHA), which began operating in 1973, serves the broad mandate of providing affordable housing opportunities for state residents whose needs are not being met by the market, explains Connie Helmlinger, manager of public relations and marketing for the NCHFA.

The work of her agency, Helmlinger notes, is divided into two main areas: providing assistance with home ownership and with rental housing.

“We have helped more than 115,000 individuals and families purchase homes,” she said. “We do that by offering mortgages with competitive rates and down payment assistance for buyers.”

The NCHFA offers a variety of assistance programs that seek to help low- and moderate-income homebuyers in such categories as first-time buyers, military veterans, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Detailed information about such programs as NC Home Advantage Mortgage, NC Home Advantage Tax Credit and NC IST Home Advantage, and how potential buyers can qualify for them, can be found at www.ncfha.com

Most of NCFHA’s work is done in association with partners, including local governments, nonprofit organizations and private developers. “One of our self-help programs,” Helmlinger says, “is working with Habitat for Humanity. They take the money we provide and roll that into their own money to provide better mortgages for people who buy their homes.”

Helmlinger notes that the NCHFA does not work directly with buyers — except for being involved in final approvals and underwriting — but works directly with lenders after buyers have contacted a loan officer about applying for one of their assistance programs.

“The money is coming from us, but it’s the lender that is managing the whole process,” Helmlinger said.

This article originally appeared in the Washington Informer.

Christopher G. Cox NNPA Newswire Contributor

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Business

Longtime BWOPA Member Brendalyn Goodall Appointed to California Workforce Development Board

Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed longtime Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) member Brendalynn Goodall to the California Workforce Development Board. Goodall, an Oakland resident with decades of experience in public service, has held leadership positions focused on

Published

1 week ago

August 30, 2026

Post News Group

Post Co-Publisher Gay Plair Cobb with Brendalynn Goodall. Courtesy photo.

By California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed longtime Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) member Brendalynn Goodall to the California Workforce Development Board.

Goodall, an Oakland resident with decades of experience in public service, has held leadership positions focused on employment, aging services and assistance for underserved communities.

“Brendalynn will be a great addition to this Board,” said Gay Plair Cobb, who served as former state Assemblyman Sandre Swanson’s alternate to the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB).

“She understands that California’s non-profit organizations serve persons who have the most significant barriers to their labor market success and that the Board should help these groups navigate the complicated requirements of state funding.

“In other words, she will be a strong advocate for our most marginalized populations. Her voice is needed now, more than ever.”

CWDB works with the governor to shape workforce policies, programs and investments designed to strengthen the state’s economy. It collaborates with employers, workers, labor organizations, educational institutions, community groups and California’s 45 local workforce development boards to expand access to quality jobs and respond to regional employment needs.

According to the board, its work includes coordinating state programs and guiding investments in workforce training and development.

BWOPA California celebrated the appointment, describing Goodall as a dedicated advocate for workers, families and older adults.

“Her appointment reflects a lifetime of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to strengthening California’s workforce and expanding opportunity for all,” the organization stated in a press release.

Goodall served as summer jobs program coordinator in the Oakland Mayor’s Office from 2012 to 2014. In that position, she helped connect young people with employment opportunities and job experience.

Before joining the Mayor’s Office, Goodall was division manager for Aging and Adult Services in the City of Oakland Human Services Department from 2002 to 2011. She previously served as senior services supervisor and program director for the city’s Department of Aging, Health and Human Services from 1990 to 2002.

Goodall is also a member of the California Commission on Aging, which advises the governor and state officials on policies and programs affecting older Californians.

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Commentary

OPINION: Angie Nixon Will Turn You Into a Democratic Socialist If Donald Trump Hasn’t Already

The survey defined “comfortable” as spending 50% of income on necessities, 30% on “like-to-haves,” and putting 20% in savings. Are your percentages way out of whack? Like 100% on necessities?

Published

1 week ago

August 30, 2026

Post News Group

Angie Nixon. Courtesy of Angie Nixon’s Facebook page.

By Emil Amok Guillermo

The midterm elections are more important than ever as we fight back.

And we all know “affordability” is the No. 1 issue in the U.S.

So, how are you doing? A new survey says that, for a single person, being comfortable in California requires an income of $126,797. Or $302,682 for a family of four.

Did those numbers make you uncomfortable?

A single person making just $102,794 could be comfortable in Utah. But wouldn’t you rather just look at the Mormon Temple in Oakland from 580?

The survey defined “comfortable” as spending 50% of income on necessities, 30% on “like-to-haves,” and putting 20% in savings.

Are your percentages way out of whack? Like 100% on necessities?

What if the car breaks down? What if the kids need x, y, or z? What if overtime gets cut back? What if Social Security goes bankrupt?

Are you a democratic socialist yet?

That’s not where Blues go Red and turn communist. It’s about a government that puts people before profits. And cares for all of us. Not just the billionaires.

Angie Nixon

In last week’s Florida primary, people around the country saw Florida legislator Angie Nixon win the Democratic U.S. Senate primary with a stunning upset over Alex Vindman.

Vindman was well-funded ($16.3 million to Nixon’s $975,000), and well-connected nationally. But Nixon—an African American with state house cred, union organizing experience, and a fighter who was arrested protesting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ redistricting efforts— proved to be unbeatable. She’s officially aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

That means Nixon, 42, believes in universal health care, a/k/a “Medicare for all,” taxing the wealthy, and a minimum wage of $25 an hour.

Think back to that comfort level survey. At 40 hours a week, $25 an hour is just $1,000 a week or $52,000 a year. It’s not even half what that survey said was needed for a single person to be “comfortable” in California.

We’re forced to get 3-4 low-wage jobs.

Nixon and the DSA want to set the floor, so no one sinks into oblivion.

Republicans would simply let us all sink.

Nixon now goes up against Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in November. Florida’s Republicans outnumber Dems by 1.5 million voters. And Nixon’s DSA tag makes her a clear underdog, maybe even unelectable.

But the Dems are sticking with her. Voters seem to be turning out for someone who will directly and boldly address affordability.

Meanwhile, Trump is turning the Iran War, which has caused the oil price run-up and high inflation, into an economic war on the world. At the same time, he’s declared a tariff war on our good ally, Canada, guaranteed to raise prices on imports to America.

That could make Nixon the one in Florida 2026. And it would move Dems closer to flipping both houses of Congress, a vote for super normalcy.

Trump is so far down in the polls, he’s resorted to election disruption and voter suppression.

But the antidote in Florida at least is Angie Nixon, a woman worth watching, who’ll turn you into a Democratic Socialist if Donald Trump hasn’t done so already.

About the Author

Emil Amok Guillermo is a veteran journalist, commentator, and comic monologist. He does a micro-talk show on YouTube.com/@emilamok1

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Community

Big City Mayors Ask for “Yes” Vote on Housing Bond Measure; Conservatives Say “No”

The mayors said their jurisdictions lack the substantial subsidies needed to move shovel-ready affordable housing projects forward and help address the state’s homelessness crisis.

Published

1 week ago

August 30, 2026

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Local and state officials gathered at the State Capitol on Aug. 18 to discuss Proposition 1, a statewide bond measure that would fund housing and homelessness programs. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee urged voters to approve the measure on the November ballot. Pictured to Lee’s right are Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and Sen. Christopher Cabaldon (D-West Sacramento). CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

On Aug. 19, a bipartisan coalition of mayors from California’s largest cities gathered at the State Capitol to urge voters to approve Proposition (Prop) 1, an $11.25 billion housing and veterans bond measure on the November ballot.

Also known as the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, Prop 1 would provide state funding for local affordable housing projects.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty said cities need the measure’s support to address California’s housing crisis.

“Without help from the state and this ballot measure, we can’t do our jobs in cities across California. We need this measure to do our jobs,” said McCarty, a former member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

“We need Prop 1 for the future of California, addressing the issues of this generation, and housing affordability for all levels of income throughout California,” McCarty added.

The mayors said their jurisdictions lack the substantial subsidies needed to move shovel-ready affordable housing projects forward and help address the state’s homelessness crisis.

The coalition included Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.

The city leaders were joined by Sens. Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) and Christopher Cabaldon (D-West Sacramento), as well as Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). Supporters say the measure would help finance the construction of 40,000 affordable housing units statewide.

“In Fresno, more than 1 of 5 residents live in poverty. That’s nearly twice the state average,” Dyer said. “We need more affordable housing at every income level to include single-and multi-family dwelling units.”

Prop 1 would authorize $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds. Of that amount, $10 billion would support affordable housing and homeownership programs and be repaid from the state’s General Fund.

The measure would allocate $7.2 billion to build, acquire or rehabilitate rental housing through low-interest loans. Another $1.1 billion would support homeownership loan programs for low-and moderate-income households.

Prop 1 would also provide $500 million for housing infrastructure projects; $450 million for farmworker housing grants and loans; $350 million for student housing at University of California and California State University campuses; $200 million in housing grants for Native American tribes; and $200 million for local government pilot programs aimed at lowering housing costs.

An additional $1.25 billion would go to the CalVet Home Loan Program to help veterans purchase homes.

Lee said the measure would provide critical statewide funding to complete much-needed affordable housing and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness, building on a housing bond voters approved in 2018.

However, several Republican lawmakers opposed SB 417, the legislation that placed Prop 1 on the ballot.

Assemblymembers Philip Chen (R-Yorba Linda), Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego), Stan Ellis (R-Bakersfield), Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas), Alexandra Macedo (R-Tulare), Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) and David Tangipa (R-Clovis) voted against the measure.

In the Senate, Sens. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) and Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) voted against SB 417.

Supporters argue that Prop 1 would also help address longstanding racial disparities in homeownership.

“It helps working families to become homeowners, and that matters for equity,” Lee said. “Black and Latino homeownership has never recovered from decades of redlining and discriminatory lending. So, if we’re serious about closing the gap, homeownership must be part of that answer.”