Connecticut Governor Rell Announces Funding For Affordable Housing In New London

August 14, 2007 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is providing a $1,620,738 grant to Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities, Inc. for the rehabilitation and subsequent re-sale of ten residential properties in New London’s historic Hempstead Neighborhood.

The homes will be made available to eligible first-time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes.

“Using HOME funds, the state is able to be a true partner in helping communities like New London ensure that there are housing opportunities for residents,” said Governor Rell. “This grant will help breathe new life to one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and provide a new start for many residents that are buying a home for the first time. This is community development at its best.”

Eight of the structures will be two-family houses, and the remaining two will be single-family homes. The total development cost for the project is estimated at $3.2 million.

DECD administers the HOME Investment Partnership Program, a federally funded program offering grants, loans, and deferred loans to not-for-profit and for-profit developers, housing authorities, and individuals to develop and support affordable housing.

Eligible activities may include new construction or substantial rehabilitation of affordable units for rent or homeownership. The HOME program funds qualified projects statewide.

In June, Governor Rell announced that DECD has joined with a non-profit housing search company to create a free housing registry to help people find accessible and affordable rental housing in Connecticut. www.CTHousingSearch.org , created by Socialserve.com and DECD, is a statewide listing service for affordable, accessible and market-rate rental housing. Socialserve.com develops and maintains a bilingual, toll-free call center and Web applications to help agencies, property owners and the general public offer and find rental housing.

“Connecticut’s working families must have quality, affordable housing options,” Governor Rell said. “Our state is creating thousands of new jobs – more than 20,000 new positions since June of 2006 – but to continue this boom, workers need to locate their families in safe and secure neighborhoods. That means connecting people to what’s available through tools such as CTHousingSearch.org. This is an easy, one-stop resource for finding rental options in their community.”

The free, on-line service allows property managers and owners to list properties, describe amenities, provide photos and list eligibility requirements. Renters can search up-to-date vacancies and get contact information. Units that are accessible for people with disabilities will be identified. A bilingual call center will be available to assist landlords and renters. The site is currently recruiting landlords to list properties. Landlords should go to www.CTHousingSearch.org or call (877) 428-8844.

Source: Connecticut Governor

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