Gov. Blunt releases rural housing grants

The Springfield Housing Authority, working with builder Affordable Homes Construction, received $199,920 in grant money toward the construction of 32 single-family homes in the Strasbourg Subdivision.

In Hollister, Affordable Homes Construction received $199,920 to help fund construction of 24 single-family homes in the Keeter Heights Subdivision.

In Sedalia, the Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, working with Prost Builders – the developer behind the Heer’s renovation in downtown Springfield, received $200,000 toward the construction of the Olsen West Senior Apartments, a 42-unit senior housing development.

Grants also were awarded in the communities of Cameron and Farmington.

“Investment in affordable housing is essential if Missouri is to develop more sustainable communities and provide adequate access to this basic family need,” Blunt said in a news release. “Housing expenses are one of the biggest strains on a family budget. I am pleased the state is working in partnership with several communities to increase the number of housing units that can be offered at reasonable, attainable rates.”

The rural affordable housing development grants were made through the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant program. These awards are contingent on a successful application for the Missouri Housing Development Commission’s Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

The CDBG program provides grants to cities with a population under 50,000 and counties under 200,000 to assist in a variety of public work projects that address issues concerning public health and safety.