LINCOLN, NEB. (July 29, 2005)—The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) today awarded $136,000 in Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Funds (NAHTF) to Harvard, Neb., to help cover costs of housing technical assistance activities related to the potential relocation of 73 families currently residing in the Harvard Courts housing complex.

In this case, technical assistance activities include previously reported housing management costs; stipends for residents willing to participate in housing surveys; surveys and/or other educational programs delivered by the NAF Multicultural Human Development Corporation (HDC) and Nebraska Fair Housing Center; and a final report to DED that includes survey results, estimated cost of relocation settlements for current residents per the Uniform Relocation Act, and a plan for the remaining buildings and land in the housing complex.

A subdivision in northeast Harvard, Harvard Courts consists of 55 buildings on 40 acres of land that were originally built as naval base housing, offices, headquarters and commissaries during World War II. The cement block buildings feature flat roofs, slab on grade with one egress and minimal electrical service. Approximately 70-73 low and very-low income families inhabit units that were originally designed for an average of two military personnel each and a life expectancy of 10 years (projected in 1942). Some units have been repaired or completely remodeled, but no buildings currently meet standard building codes. Infrastructure also is outdated. City officials hope all families living in the Courts will relocate in the community during the next five to seven years. The voluntary relocation effort is part of the master plan adopted by the city this past June.

As part of the technical assistance project, HDC will interview the families residing in the Courts to determine their specific needs for alternative housing. The survey information will be used to chart a course of action for future plans to provide alternative housing. HDC also will provide residents with first-time homebuyer and other educational programming to help them find suitable, affordable housing.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Paula Rhian at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3760, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it