The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been a cabinet-level government agency since 1965. HUD’s mission is to create strong, inclusive communities, help families of all income levels and all walks of life gain access to affordable homes to own and rent, and to strengthen the housing market and economy.
Many who visit LandCentral.com are looking for land where they can build a custom home to suit their needs perfectly. HUD is also looking to make home ownership easier. They provide opportunities for and access to credit, and assist those with lower incomes. They also have a vision to strengthen communities and end discrimination in the housing market. HUD’s vision statement says: “Our nation will never fulfill its full promise if any of its citizens are being denied a fair chance to own or rent a home because of what they look like, where they come from, who they love and other circumstances of life. With our fair housing efforts, we’re going to help ensure that every American has the chance to pursue housing opportunities free from discrimination.”
Not only does HUD work directly with people looking to rent or own homes, they also work with federal, state and local governments improve communities. Local governments receive funds under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to help them with projects such as adding street lights, demolishing condemned homes and removing urban blight.
HUD is also committed to end homelessness, especially among our veterans. Its website quotes a 21% drop in chronic homelessness in recent years.
In a press release on June 2, 2016, it was announced that HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be devoting almost $38 million to alleviating homelessness among veterans. It is estimated that this will help more than 5,200 veterans find homes. They would be able to rent homes and pay no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.
HUD Secretary Julián Castro said, “Joining the more than 111,000 formerly homeless veterans who have already found homes through this successful program, thousands more brave veterans will be able to start a new chapter in their lives. It’s a privilege to partner with communities dedicated to ensuring that no veteran has to call the streets their home.
If you would like to learn more about these programs, please visit HUD’s website: www.hud.gov.