The acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development visited Reno with a big check on Tuesday. Nevada is getting $44 million from HUD to support affordable housing programs, and Reno gets a $3.5 million slice of that money.
“Look, it’s a simple formula. With our funds, and strong local leadership, and sometimes local funding coupled together, we’re able to build shelters. We’re able to build transitional homes. We’re able to build permanent apartments for people who need it,” said HUD acting secretary Adrianne Todman.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve says she’s seen similar funding at work in the past, and she’s excited to see how it can directly impact community members.
“It’s very hard to get into housing because, think about a deposit. It can cost thousands of dollars to get into that barrier, and I don’t know about you, but people just don’t have that kind of money to get into housing,” she said.
According to Reno’s Housing and Development department, the city has spent about $4 million every year for the last three years in rental and deposit assistance to keep people in permanent housing. Even more money goes toward affordable housing development and improvements for low-income neighborhoods.
“When you get a thank you letter in the mail, telling you how your program changed somebody’s life, it makes you keep wanting to do the work,” said the department director, Monica Kirch.
To see if you’re eligible for a housing assistance program through the city, visit their Housing and Development page here to explore the resources available.
