MISSISSIPPI HOME CORPORATION (MHC)
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAM
NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND (HTF) PROGRAM
PUBLIC HEARING PROCESS-COVID 19
PROGRAM BULLETIN #20-004
TO: For-Profit and Non-Profit Organizations, Developers and Other Interested Parties
FROM: MHC /Federal Programs
SUBJECT: Public Hearings Requirement/2020 Application Period -COVID 19
DATE: April 9, 2020
MHC is issuing Bulletin #20-004 to provide guidance on conducting public hearings for the 2020 application cycle and to ensure that applications are not submitted for funding due to public meeting requirements and limitations. The Citizens Participation Public Hearing Requirements reference in the 2020 HOME Program Rental/CHDO Manuals and the HTF Allocation Plan is revised due to COVID 19.
On-site public meetings will be waived, during this 2020 application period for HOME and HTF Programs. However, applicants will continue to follow the public hearing publication requirement. To ensure compliance, applicants are to publish notices in local newspapers announcing the intent to apply for funding under the various programs and activities. If applicants are applying for both HOME and HTF awards, one publication announcement can be used but should reflect both programs. The announcement should contain the applicant’s contact information and language informing the public that an on-site public meeting will not be held and to submit public comments and inquiries. Applicants will compile the public comments and names of interested parties for the purpose of demonstrating affirmatively marketing outreach and satisfying citizens’ participation requirements. This information must be maintained for recordkeeping and included in the application package.
HOME and HTF applications are required to be submitted via the online application and Homeowner Rehabilitation applications will be submitted in the form of hard copies. The application submission timeline for HOME Rental/CHDO and HTF is April 19, 2020-April 24, 2020 and for Homeowner Rehabilitation is May 12, 2020-May 18, 2020. Homeowner Rehabilitation applications can be delivered to MHC, during business hours from 9:00 am. to 12:00 pm, Monday-Friday or mailed to 735 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS 39202. Please submit all necessary documentation to ensure the application is complete, competitive and successful. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Jackie Cobbins at Jackie.cobbins@mshc.com and Lillie Naylor at lillie.naylor@mshc.com or at 601-718-4635 or 601-718-4658.