Spring 2006 Ohio Newsletter

OHIO NON-CREDIT HDAP PROGRAM

            The Ohio Housing Finance Agency and Ohio nonprofit housing producers are a delivery mechanism for affordable housing development which works.  Both OHFA and Ohio nonprofits experience difficulties in delivering non-credit HDAP and Ohio Housing Trust Fund projects.  Over the last few years a system of consultation and response has served to foster improvements in program implementation. There is every reason to believe that continuing communication between OHFA and nonprofit producers is useful and desirable.

            There is also evidence that OHFA will expand the opportunities for review, comment and consultation in the spring of 2006, beginning with two focus group sessions on March 21.  These small group consultations allow nonprofit producers to discuss program issues directly with OHFA staff, and it may be possible to establish a regular schedule for continuing direct communication.

            Over the past few weeks a trade lobbyist has created unnecessary and unfortunate furor over a list of projects distributed with the moniker  “problem” attached.  That list was produced in an effort to appease the lobbyist’s unceasing and shrill demands for an explanation of an innocent remark in an email message.  Do not be distracted by such antics.  There is no future in rancor and recrimination.  I advise my friends among Ohio’s great cadre of nonprofit housers to protect your identity, do not let your voice be hijacked by others whose housing ideas may not be compatible with yours.  Speak for yourself.

            Let us be calm, kind, and courteous as we identify problem areas in program design and housing production so that we can more quickly and accurately craft solutions.  Nobody’s interest is served by browbeating.  Everyone’s interest, including especially Ohio’s lower-income families and individuals, is well served by positive consultation among sponsors, producers and consumers.

            Your opinion is welcome.  I will be pleased to publish your comments emailed to paul@trainersguild.org.