Weekly Update: First investments from Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Friends,

I always say ours is a neighborhoods first administration, but saying and doing are two different things. Earlier this week, we did something that strongly demonstrates we do more than just talk about change—we work to make it happen.

On Monday, in partnership with the Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and Memphis City Council, we announced the first awardees for the competitive grant program for the Memphis Affordable Housing Trust Fund (MAHTF) called for in Memphis 3.0. We awarded a total of $913,600 to eight local agencies. The funds awarded through the MAHTF aim to create and preserve safe affordable housing for low-income households and families.

For far too many families in Memphis, housing takes way too much of their income. It’s a challenge that isn’t going away as outside funding streams have been reduced in recent years. It was time for City government to step in and help Memphis families, particularly our most vulnerable.

By providing these grants and loans, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is being used for new construction and rehab of multifamily homes, as well as minor home repair and rehabilitation of single family homes for those who qualify.

Our first awardees are all non-profits who have experience and proven track records of success:

• United Housing - Orange Mound Home Repair ($75,000); Orange Mound Home Rehab ($125,000)
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis - Aging in Place Home Repair ($200,000)
• Service Over Self – Home Repair ($60,000)
• Frayser CDC – Home Repair ($65,000)
• Klondike Smokey City/Neighborhood Preservation Inc.: The Heart of Memphis - Home Rehab Program ($50,000)
• The Heights CDC – Home Rehab ($50,000)
• Promise Development Corporation – Home Rehab ($78,600)
• Neighborhood Count It Up, Build It – Re-Entry Home Rehab Program ($75,000)

Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you for all you’re doing to help those in our city who need it most.

Cotton Bowl Bound: To cap off an amazing season, our Memphis Tigers are playing against the Nittany Lions of Penn State at 11:00 am on ESPN.

From being born near South Bend, Indiana and my grandparents being Notre Dame football season ticket holders for decades, I grew up an Irish fan.  I remember when Notre Dame broke with a 45-year tradition of not playing in bowl games and went to the 1970 Cotton Bowl. My grandparents and uncle went to the game. It was a big deal.  And since then, I have viewed the Cotton Bowl as a big deal.

Now, my team of 40 years, where I'm a long-time season ticket holder and an alumnus, the University of Memphis, is playing in the Cotton Bowl. This is a big deal!

In all my years as a Tiger fan, the games, the fans, the atmosphere—have never been more fun. I couldn’t be more proud of the program and what they’ve accomplished. Go Tigers Go! 

Happy Holidays: As we move into the new year and the start of our second term, know that from my standpoint, we will continue to work hard to improve your government, give you city services that will make your lives easier, and a city government that will make you proud to call yourself a Memphian.

This is the time of year for reflection, time spent with loved ones, and preparing for what the new year will hold.

From our family to yours, we hope you’re having a blessed holiday season.

Happy New Year!

Yours,