Central Missouri Community Action Receives Grant to Support Affordable Housing Development in Central Missouri

Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA), a local nonprofit housing organization based in Columbia, has received a $44,817 grant from the Housing Assistance Council's (HAC's) Thrive Fund Capacity Building Grant Initiative. CMCA has served Central Missouri since 1964 as a Community Action Agency. HAC is a national nonprofit intermediary housing organization.

Funds from the Thrive Grant will be used to research and establish a plan for the development of single and multi-family housing, expand its network of housing development partners and increase housing production throughout Central Missouri. Dianna Moore, Economic Development Director for CMCA, says, "We are very excited to receive these funds to help us achieve the housing goals that have been set out in our strategic plan. This will help us ensure sufficient quality affordable housing is made available for families and individuals through housing development and rehabilitation."

The recent economic crisis has resulted in significant pressures for those working in the affordable housing field. As the number of families in need of affordable housing continues to grow, many nonprofits have been forced to delay projects, cut back on programs, and lay off staff. With funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HAC created the Thrive Fund to provide rural nonprofit organizations with critically needed administrative funds to pursue capacity building activities.

"We have found that a small grant can sometimes help an organization do great things," said Moises Loza, HAC's executive director.

CMCA is one of 22 rural housing development organizations across the nation receiving grants from HAC's Thrive Fund. HAC received more than 130 applications for funding, with requests totaling more than $5.8 million. CMCA will receive its capacity building grant over the next three years.

CMCA provides housing and community services for individuals and families in Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage counties. The organization operates a range of federal, state and local programs designed to reduce economic instability and empower individuals to achieve self-reliance. In the area of housing, CMCA offers single-family and multifamily housing development, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance and weatherization and rehabilitation programs.

Founded in 1971, the Housing Assistance Council is a national nonprofit corporation headquartered in Washington, D.C., that helps local organizations build affordable homes in rural America by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, research, training and information services. HAC's programs focus on local solutions, empowerment of the poor, reduced dependency, and self-help. HAC is an equal opportunity lender.