9/30/09 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Today, the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the SFHA $15.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) competitive funding. The newly awarded ARRA competitive funding increases the $17.8 in ARRA formula funding that SFHA received in March, 2009, to a total of $33.1 million. The $33.1 million in ARRA funding represents a 300% increase over the annual amount provided to SFHA from HUD for capital improvements.

 ”This funding is a critical piece of San Francisco’s economic stimulus efforts,” said Mayor Newsom. “These developments will get people back to work quickly on projects that will make San Francisco a more environmentally and economically sustainable city.”

The newly awarded ARRA funding will be used to improve 638 family, senior and disabled public housing units. HUD awarded SFHA $12.5 million under the category, “Creation of Energy Efficient, Green Communities.”  HUD committed an additional $2.8 million for, “Improvements Addressing the Needs of Elderly and/or Disabled Residents.” The $15.3 million in new ARRA funding will create upwards of 40 new jobs; increasing the total number of SFHA ARRA funded jobs to approximately 218.

The $15.3 million in ARRA competitive funding will be spent on capital improvements at four SFHA properties; Ping Yuen, Rosa Parks, 1880 Pine, and 1760 Bush. The new ARRA funding will be leveraged by an additional $27.1 million in private financing that SFHA is securing for energy conservation capital improvements over the next 18-months; which will create approximately 100 jobs.

“This award of $15.3 million is an indication that HUD recognizes not only the need for capital improvements at our properties, but that HUD also recognizes SFHA’s ability to effectively manage this increased funding,” stated SFHA Executive Director Alvarez. “The $33.1 million that SFHA has received in ARRA funding for capital improvements will spark new hope and motivation in our residents and property management staff. For me, these awards are a reflection of the Administration’s and Secretary Shaun Donovan’s commitment to public housing and to creating new jobs.”

SFHA will be working closely with local HUD officials to begin the capital improvements immediately.