Affordable Housing

How to Preserve Affordable Housing with NOAH Modernization

Affordable Housing
October 17, 2024•3 min read

Affordable Housing Blog Feature Image

How to Preserve Affordable Housing with NOAH Modernization

Affordable housing is a critical component of a healthy community. It provides stable housing for low-income families and individuals, which can help to improve educational outcomes, reduce crime, and boost the local economy. However, affordable housing can be difficult to preserve, as the cost of maintaining and upgrading properties can be high.

The NOAH Modernization program is a federal grant program that can help to preserve affordable housing. The program provides funding to rehabilitate existing affordable housing units, making them more energy-efficient and sustainable. NOAH Modernization can also be used to make improvements to the common areas of affordable housing developments, such as the landscaping and playgrounds.

What is NOAH Modernization?

The NOAH Modernization program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program provides grants to public housing agencies (PHAs) and nonprofit organizations that own and manage affordable housing developments.

NOAH Modernization grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Repairing and rehabilitating existing affordable housing units

  • Making improvements to the common areas of affordable housing developments

  • Installing energy-efficient appliances and systems

  • Making affordable housing developments more accessible to people with disabilities

How to Apply for a NOAH Modernization Grant

The application process for a NOAH Modernization grant is competitive. PHAs and nonprofit organizations must submit a detailed application that outlines their proposed rehabilitation or improvement projects.

The application must also include a budget that details the cost of the project and the sources of funding. Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed by HUD staff. If the application is approved, the PHA or nonprofit organization will receive a grant to carry out the proposed project.

Benefits of NOAH Modernization

There are many benefits to preserving affordable housing with NOAH Modernization. These benefits include:

  • Improved energy efficiency: NOAH Modernization can help to make affordable housing developments more energy-efficient. This can save residents money on their utility bills and reduce the environmental impact of the development.

  • Increased sustainability: NOAH Modernization can also help to make affordable housing developments more sustainable. This can include installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems, or making improvements to the landscaping and stormwater management.

  • Improved accessibility: NOAH Modernization can be used to make affordable housing developments more accessible to people with disabilities. This can include installing ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features.

  • Improved quality of life: Preserving affordable housing can help to improve the quality of life for low-income families and individuals. It can provide them with a stable place to live and raise their children, and it can help to reduce poverty and homelessness.

Case Studies

Here are a few case studies of how NOAH Modernization has been used to preserve affordable housing:

  • The Parkside Apartments in Chicago: The Parkside Apartments is a large affordable housing development in Chicago. In 2018, the development received a NOAH Modernization grant to rehabilitate its units and common areas. The rehabilitation included new roofs, windows, siding, and HVAC systems. The project also included improvements to the landscaping and playground.

  • The Willow Creek Apartments in San Francisco: The Willow Creek Apartments is a small affordable housing development in San Francisco. In 2019, the development received a NOAH Modernization grant to install solar panels on its roofs. The solar panels have helped to reduce the development's energy costs and carbon footprint.

  • The Oakwood Village Apartments in Atlanta: The Oakwood Village Apartments is a large affordable housing development in Atlanta. In 2020, the development received a NOAH Modernization grant to make its units more accessible to people with disabilities. The project included installing ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features.

Conclusion

NOAH Modernization is an important program that can help to preserve affordable housing. The program provides funding to rehabilitate existing affordable housing units and make them more energy-efficient, sustainable, and accessible. By preserving affordable housing, we can help to improve the quality of life for low-income families and individuals, and strengthen our communities.

Additional Resources


Back to Blog