The Strengthening Rural Communities Program provides assistance for rural communities in:

• Increasing the capacity for affordable housing development (particularly multi-family) and rehab to address housing needs of the lowest income residents
• Increasing the capacity to access program funding (particularly HUD) and layer subsidies and the related need for early-stage project financial assistance
• Increasing the capacity to deliver supportive services and develop supportive housing, particularly for growing senior populations
• Increasing the capacity for comprehensive, sustainable community and economic development

MHP encourages a regional approach to housing and community development. This can include serving multiple entities by collaborating on a shared need. Successful applications must demonstrate a commitment by local community stakeholders to project implementation.

The following are NOT eligible for assistance:

• General operating support
• Direct housing services including affordable gap assistance
• Direct housing development costs
• Organizations with missions outside the housing and community development arena
• Lobbying or other direct political activities
• Activities for which the applicant already receives technical assistance or operating support funding from MHP

Beneficiaries awarded need to be focused on addressing community development issues surrounding affordable housing and/or economic development in rural areas, such as:

• Rural housing development organizations (nonprofits currently engaged in housing and/or community development in rural areas or actively working to build this capacity)
• Local units of government and political subdivisions
• Tribal governments, housing authorities, and chartered entities
• CHDOs and CDCs

MHP provides technical assistance for projects that build capacity to address housing needs, access funding, align affordable housing with economic development and sustainable development, or successfully implement new financing models for supportive/senior housing. Financial assistance may be available in conjunction with an approved award.

Some examples of eligible activities include:

• Staff development
• Consulting
• Obtaining CHDO designation
• Securing project funding
• Partnership development
• Development of projects

Proposed project:

• Articulates a compelling need. Priority will be given to engagements that include: low-income communities; Native communities; low-income seniors; households experiencing homelessness; and communities of color
• Includes credible plan to address a compelling need and project readiness
• Has identified staff and organizational leadership to undertake the proposed work
• Aligns with other organizational work and community efforts
• Exhibits sound financial capacity
• Demonstrates clear and measurable outcomes