Fiscal Year 2013 Budget

The Administration will release its FY 2013 budget on Monday, February 13th.  The expectation is that it will likely be a problem for Self-Help Housing and 502.

Once again, we'll have to work together - as we did so successfully last year - to save America's Best Homeownership Program.  We'll keep you informed as information comes out. 

Be prepared

There were many of us in attendance at the National Rural Self-Help Housing Association Meeting.  It was great to see so many friends, advocates, and practitioners of the Self-Help Housing Program.  What I took away from that meeting is that we need to be prepared.  The general feeling and sense is that we are going to be in the same battle that we were in last year.  So be prepared for the Administration to once again place a great program up on the blocks. 

The Self-Help Program works and it is not a give away.  Thousands of families living in rural areas are now homeowners because of this program.  They would not have been otherwise.  Even more are homeowners because of the Direct 502 Loan Program. These two programs are great examples of how housing works well in rural areas.  They may take some hard work, but the results are well worth it.  Not everything is easy, nor should it be. 

So to all those who have shown an interest in Self-Help and the 502 Direct Loan Program, be prepared.  Do not get tired.  Do not let up.  Keep showcasing what you do and the real results that matter. 

URGENT - Sign On Now Before It's Too Late!!!

The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) needs your help now! Please contact HAC if you'd like to sign on to their letter urging President Obama and Secretary Vilsack to request reasonable funding levels for USDA's rural housing programs in the Administration's 2013 budget. 

HAC has just learned that this step in the federal budget process will be completed very soon, so they will be sending the letter Wednesday afternoon - or TOMORROW.  So, please contact HAC at 202-842-8600 or via email at leslie@ruralhome.org by 1:00 pm Eastern time on Wednesday, November 30, if you and/or your organization can sign on.  HAC needs your name or your organization's name, city, and state. 

Click here to see the PDF version of the letter.

 Now go give HAC a call.....

Under Attack - AGAIN!!!

A few months ago, we all were faced with major panic.  But the good news was we survived, albeit relatively intact. 

Now?  We are under attack again and our rural communities are in serious jeopardy. 

Next week the Senate will be acting on H.R. 2112, the Agriculture Appropriations bill for the year which began October 1.  Senator Coburn (R) from Oklahoma has introduced an amendment which would slash the USDA Rural Development budget by $1 Billion.  This would be an across the board 44 percent cut from the proposed $2.4 Billion budget, on top of cuts already in the proposed budget.  

May I say that again? 44% CUT ACROSS THE BOARD!!! 

If adopted, there would be significant cuts to the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program.  You know, the program where very-low to low-income families dedicate their nights and weekends to responsibly achieve their dreams of homeownership.  The very same program that the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) referred to as "the only direct Federal lending mortgage program that is means tested and offers subsidized loans. It specifically targets low and very low-income rural residents for homeownership.  Additionally, because the borrower has to prove that he/she cannot get credit elsewhere it is unlikely that a private or state program would be able to provide assistance similar to this program.”   Yes, yes this very same program that has made substantial contributions to local communities, businesses, and residents for over 40 years, having created over 45,000 homeownership opportunities for lower income families living in rural areas is under attack again. 

So what can we do?  

First, sign the letter of opposition.  Please join us in this fight to save Self-Help once again by signing onto the National Rural Housing Coalition's letter opposing the Coburn amendment.  It only takes a minute to complete, but you only have until Friday.  So please, please, click the link, sign your name and then forward to anyone and everyone you know to support our efforts.  Forward onto your communities, vendors, contractors, Self-Help participants, and partners.  

Second, call your senator.  Let your elected officials that you won't stand for the negative, cursive language used in the Coburn amendment.  If you're not sure who to call, check out the link above for contact information.

And if you want some reading material, have a look through Senator Coburn's explanation for the amendment.

Don't forget - we've only got until Friday, so spread the word and spread it quickly!!! Rural America is in serious jeopardy and I'm not having it anymore.  

Art Gonzales & SEWHC of Racine County – 41 Years of Self-Help Housing

In November 2011, Art Gonzales and Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Corporation (SEWHC) of Racine County, will discontinue their self-help housing program. This decision was not an easy one for the staff and Board of SEWHC, but the economy in their area made the program no longer feasible. They are continuing to look for other alternatives that might enable them to provide affordable housing to those in need.

Art helped organize SEWHC in 1970, and has provided affordable housing for 41 years!! His staff, Sue Nielsen, Deputy Director and Lanny Esch, Construction Manager, have also provided outstanding technical assistance to self-help homeowners for 25-30 of those years. Beyond the knowledge and experience Art, Sue and Lanny have shared, we will miss the stellar customer service they continuously provided.

According to Joan and Ann Schenk, sisters that went through SEWHC’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program, “We can’t say enough about the staff of SEWHC. There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for us. They are available when you need them and they know their stuff. The staff can anticipate problems before they happen and they have seen it all before.” Joan Shenk also said, “They made sure we were prepared for what was to come, mentally and emotionally too, not just physically." But still the program was difficult, “We started questioning if we could physically do it. The first weekend I was in tears. I really thought I was in over my head. SEWHC and the staff really brought me through. They have confidence in you when you don’t have it in yourself.”

Another program participant Allison Yorgey also has nothing but positive things to say about Art and the SEWHC staff. “This program was a godsend, but we kept thinking ‘where’s the catch’, because we truly thought that we would be renting forever,” she said. “The great thing about this program is that it is not a hand out. You do have to work hard to get the improvements to your new home done and SEWHC is willing to do what they can to help.”

Art laid the foundation for a life-long commitment to serving people in need at a very young age. His family moved from San Antonio to Wisconsin in 1947 when Art was 10, and he spent his summers working alongside family members and friends in the farm fields of Racine County.  

Art grew up on Racine’s south side and, like many inner city kids, dropped out of high school. At age 17, he made what he says proved to be a fateful decision – he joined the Marine Corp. While serving, Art earned his high school GED. He also learned the importance of discipline, pride and leadership. Upon honorable discharge at the age of 20, he spent time volunteering with teenagers from his old neighborhood, and accepted a job with JI Case Company of Racine. In 1967 Art helped found the Racine Spanish Center. One thing led to another and he began helping migrant workers and their families find housing in the area.    

In 1970, that avenue led him to help organize SEWHC and he also became its Executive Director. As its leader, he has orchestrated the construction of over 1,500 units of affordable self-help housing; developed four subdivisions; 50 affordable building sites; and most recently implemented a new version of self-help housing utilizing purchase/repair. SEWHC also built, and currently owns, a 16 unit elderly project in Darien, WI. In total, the organization has assisted more than an astounding 70% minority households.

SEWHC has also had an impact on the national housing scene, with Art serving on numerous boards and commissions including: the Director of United Migrant Opportunities Services; the Governor’s Hispanic Advisory Council; the US Commission on Civil Rights; and past president of the National Rural Housing Coalition, to name a few.

Art occupies a place in his communities for which there have been no predecessors of Hispanic origin. As a “silent hero”, he has spent the majority of his life serving others with little or no recognition.

We at NCALL salute Art Gonzales, Sue Nielsen, Lanny Esch and the SEWHC Board of Directors for their dedication to creating affordable housing, and self-esteem within the hearts and minds of thousands of southeastern Wisconsin residents. 

(If you would like to leave a message for Art and the staff of SEWHC, please visit the appropriate section of www.selfhelphousing hub.com.)

"Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Corporation (SEWHC), under Arturo Gonzales's leadership, has been a stalwart housing provider for low-income families in Wisconsin for so long that it seems inconceivable that it's beginning to wind down its operation.  SEWHC was one of HAC's first borrowers in 1972 when it borrowed $103,500 to develop sites for 37 self-help homes.  There are no words to truly describe the contributions SEWHC has made to the betterment of so many nor to articulate the gratitude we all owe this tremendous organization.  Its mark will be felt for many years to come."      Moises Loza, Executive   Director, Housing            Assistance Council

“The name Art Gonzales is synonymous with self-help housing.  Dedicated to creating homeownership opportunity for low income families, Art has been a leader, not only in his own state of Wisconsin but on a national level.  His spirit and hard work helped to blaze a path for others around the country, including me.  Always thoughtful, warm and genuinely interested in others, Art was always one of the first  faces I looked for at housing conferences.”  Peter Carey, Executive Director, Self-Help Housing Enterprises

“SEWHC and Art Gonzales did so much for their community in helping address the need for affordable housing.  They will be missed in their local community.  SEWHC is one of the oldest Mutual Self-Help Housing organizations that has helped define this program; 41 years.  When we talk about standing on the shoulders of giants, it is to people like Art and organizations such as SEWHC to which we refer. Their contribution will never be forgotten and will be missed going forward.  Thank you Art for your leadership and to SEWHC for its service.”  Russell Huxtable, President, National Rural Self-Help Housing Association

"Art, it has been an honor and pleasure knowing and working with you and the staff of SEWHC. The organization and its programs really were a blessing to the communities they served. Thanks for all of your hard work and efforts to make your corner of the world a better place! We wish you all the best! " NCALL’s Self-Help Team

“Art and his staff at Southeast Wisconsin have been self-help housing pioneers within the Northeast Region and one of the highest and most consistent producers over the years.  So many families have had their lives changed and housing journey brightened because of their steadfast work. We at NCALL have appreciated the opportunity to work closely together and we send our best wishes to Art and staff members.” Joe Myer, Executive Director, NCALL