Quality Housing

Why Is This Important?

Why Is This Important?

Landlords may have reservations about renting to lower-income tenants, particularly those with a history of homelessness, evictions, poor credit, or justice involvement.  Landlord education can help provide information designed to address these concerns and break down stereotypes about lower-income tenants.  Landlords participating in education opportunities can benefit from learning about topics related to effective communication, building productive partnerships with tenants, managing crisis situations, and legal issues.  Landlords can also learn more about opportunities such as Weatherization Services and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which can provide support to both tenants and landlords at no cost to the landlord.

Tenants who participate in tenant education opportunities have a better understanding of their legal rights as well as the responsibilities associated with being a good tenant.  A tenant education curriculum may include financial topics, guidance on understanding legal documents such as rental agreements, home organization and basic maintenance skills, and communication tips for working with landlords.  Tenant education classes can help set the foundation for a positive relationship between the landlord and tenant.

Source:

HUD Exchange Info. (n.d.). A Guide to Tenant Education.

How We Impact

CMCA has identified a need for both landlord and tenant education opportunities.  CMCA is in the process of determining a curriculum designed to promote responsible and mutually beneficial relationships between tenants and landlords.  Updates will be made to this page once education opportunities have been launched.

Action Plan

FY22 Quarter 1 Updates

Key Updates:  

• Callaway county held a quarterly Housing Alliance meeting for landlords. Two new HCV landldords were added.
• Two new partnerships formed with Salvation Army and Foster Youth Initiative. CMCA provided HUD housing applications and provided virtual briefings.

On Target?  

Challenges:  

Strengths:  Having virtual briefings allows CMCA to be able to issue more vouchers and move members through the process quickly.

Changes needed?  

Why Is This Important?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) pays a subsidy amount towards the rent for low-income people, so they can live in a house, condo, duplex, townhome, apartment, or mobile home of their choice.  CMCA partners with local landlords in Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage Counties.  Households eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher program are added to a waitlist until vouchers become available.  Once vouchers are available, the family actively begins searching for housing through a landlord that accepts Housing Choice Vouchers.  The number of people on the waitlist, the average length of time spent on the waitlist, and the number of people with vouchers who are unable to find housing are all indicators of the housing crisis.  In October 2021, CMCA's Housing Choice Voucher program had 115 households on the waitlist and 54 households who were approved for vouchers but were unable to find housing with landlords who accepted the vouchers.  

Low-income households spend 13.9% of their annual income on energy costs, compared to 3.0% for other households.  Weatherization services seek to reduce this financial burden while also improving the energy efficience and safety of the home.  Weatherization services save low-income families in Missouri an average of $370 per year on utility expenses, including an average 18% savings on annual heating consumption and an average 7% savings on annual electric consumption.    

Improved housing conditions also impact the family's health, resulting in fewer missed days of work or school due to illness.  Nationally, families whose homes have been weatherized decrease their out of pocket medical expenses by an average of $514 per year.  Each weatherized home results in a national average of $14,128 in total health and household related benefits.  These cost reductions can benefit landlords too.  As families have more funds at their disposal, they are better able to stay current on rent payments.  From a cost-analysis perspective, every $1 invested in weatherization services yields $1.72 in energy benefits and $2.78 in non-energy benefits.

Join CMCA in making a difference today.

Sources:

1. U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy . (2021, January). Weatherization Assistance Program.

2. Missouri Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Residential assistance. 

How We Impact

CMCA is the Mid Missouri Public Housing Agency responsible for processing vouchers supplied through the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  CMCA serves the counties of Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage.  For information for Boone County, visit the Columbia Housing Authority, or for information for Audrain County, visit the Mexico Housing Authority.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) pays a subsidy amount towards the rent for low-income people, so they can live in a house, condo, duplex, townhome, apartment, or mobile home of their choice.  To qualify for this program, rental units must meet the standards of health and safety, as determined by the Mid-Missouri Public Housing Agency (MMPHA).  The housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord by MMPHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.  As the family's income increases, they pay more towards the actual rent.  A family graduates from the HCV program when they have paid the full rent amount independently for six months.  The number of HCV vouchers that CMCA can afford to administer varies based on the value of the vouchers.

CMCA’s Weatherization Assistance Program aids in creating a healthy dwelling for eligible applicants by conserving energy.  Weatherization reduces a home's energy use for years to come. Some weatherization improvements, such as insulating walls or an attic, will keep saving residents money for the life of the house — 30 years or more. Other improvements, such as making heating equipment more efficient, will provide savings for 10 to 20 years. Health and safety improvements are benefits that just keep on giving, over and over again.

Interested in how you can help?  Learn more about how you can make a difference for families in mid-Missouri.

Action Plan

FY22 Quarter 1 Updates

Key Updates:  

• The landlord incentive program ended on December 31st. A total of $23,000 in landlord incentives were awarded during the first quarter. Landlords received $500 for each new family added to the HCV program. Funds have been expended for the current program. CMCA will evaluate the effectiveness of the landlord incentive program by surveying the landlords.

Challenges:  

Strengths:  

Changes needed?  

Why Is This Important?

CMCA's Theory of Change is based on the idea that when families succeed in the areas of family well-being, economic stability, and social connections, they are more likely to be resilient and to become self-sufficient.  CMCA's approach to service delivery incorporates this theory through internal collaboration, allowing a family to receive multiple services to support them on their path to self-sufficiency.  

Through the agency's Whole Family Approach, families receive one-on-one coaching to help support them in finding quality housing or meeting another goal related to employment, education, financial skills, or other areas leading to self-sufficiency.  CMCA intends to expand family coaching to families who are tenants of CMCA owned/managed properties or who are already enrolled in CMCA's Housing Choice Voucher program.

Join CMCA in making an impact in mid-Missouri.

Action Plan

FY22 Quarter 1 Updates

Key Updates:  

On Target?  

Challenges:  

Strengths:  

Changes needed?  

Why Is This Important?

Affordable housing is a critical need in mid-Missouri.  Several factors contribute to the housing crisis, including lack of affordable housing, lack of a living wage, and insufficient housing stock.  CMCA supports families and communities by providing services that address each of these factors.

Lack of Affordable Housing

In CMCA's service area, nearly 22,400 (44.1%) renters and over 10,300 (18.2%) home owners with mortgages are housing cost burdened.  A person is considered housing cost burdened when over 30% of their income is spent on housing.  There are only 4,950 HUD-subsidized housing units available in CMCA's service area, which includes both public housing units and private rental properties that accept subsidy.  Of these, 2,761 (56%) are units owned by landlords who accept Housing Choice Vouchers. 

CMCA is authorized to distribute HCV vouchers to assist families in obtaining affordable housing.  The number of vouchers CMCA can afford to distribute varies based on the value of the vouchers.  CMCA is actively seeking new landlords willing to accept HCV subsidy payments in order to increase the number of housing units available to low-income individuals.

Lack of a Living Wage

The chart below highlights the gap between the average wage earned by renters and the housing wage (the wage required to afford a one, two, or three bedroom rental unit) for each of the counties in CMCA's service area.  CMCA offers employment coaching services through SkillUP and the Financial Opportunity Center to assist people in gaining living wage employment.

Renter Wage vs. Housing Wage

Insufficient Housing Stock

Communities simply do not have enough available housing stock to support families who choose to live there.  CMCA's Housing Development Program builds new single family homes and multi-unit apartment complexes and rehabilitates existing properties to increase the available housing stock in our community.  CMCA also offers low-income families a path to home ownership through USDA home loan packaging services. 

Interested in helping families find affordable housing in your county?  Consider supporting our efforts.

Sources:

1.  U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). 2019: ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles, Table DP04. 

2.  Housing & Urban Development, Office of Policy Development & Research. (2021). Assisted Housing: National & Local, 2020 estimates from 2010 Census.

3.  National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2021). Out of Reach: 2021: Missouri.

How We Impact

CMCA's Housing Development Program partners with various for-profit developers and nonprofit partners to complete a number of multi- and single-family housing units through the service area, thereby providing affordable housing opportunities for low-income individuals.  

Multi-family rental housing development provides for safe, affordable housing for families, the elderly, and the disabled, insuring those of low and moderate incomes a place to live at a reasonable price.  CMCA is a partner on a number of apartment complexes in the region. While each development is unique, the agency’s participation has ranged from a general partner (or co-general partner) to the property manager. The agency has participated in various Missouri Housing Development Commission programs including tax credits and CHDO funds, which have enabled a number of affordable housing projects being developed and rehabilitated in the service area.

Interested in helping CMCA make an impact in your community?  Click here to learn more.

Action Plan

FY22 Quarter 1 Updates

Key Updates:  

• New build completed and home owner closed on the purchase of the home on 8th Street, Columbia, MO.
• Purchased property at Monroe St. from the City of Jefferson.
• Submitted proposal to City of Jefferson to acquire two lots in Jefferson City from the Parks and Rec Dept. for CMCA to develop two housing units. 10/2021

On Target?  

Challenges:  

Strengths:  

Changes needed?  

Why Is This Important?

Affordable housing is a critical need in mid-Missouri.  In CMCA's service area, 44% of renters and 18% of home owners with mortgages are housing cost burdened.  A person is considered housing cost burdened when over 30% of their income is spent on housing.  Homeownership offers the opportunity to reduce housing expenses, build equity, and build wealth over time.  Only 2.9% of all homeowners in Boone County and 4.5% of all homeowners in Cole County are low-income.

CMCA's Housing Development Program offers low-income families a path to home ownership through USDA home loan packaging services and by connecting them with down payment assistance programs.  CMCA works with low-income residents interested in homeownership to ensure that they are fully prepared for the responsibilities of homeownership through education classes.  Members can also opt to receive financial counseling through the agency's Financial Opportunity Center.

Interested in helping families find affordable housing in your county?  Consider supporting our efforts.

Sources:

1.  U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). 2019: ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles, Table DP04. 

2.  Housing & Urban Development, Office of Policy Development & Research. (2021). Assisted Housing: National & Local, 2020 estimates from 2010 Census.

3.   U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). 2019: ACS 1-Year Estimates Data Profiles, Table C17019.

How We Impact

CMCA provides packing services for the USDA 502 Direct Home Loan Program. This program is available to individuals with low, or very low income to purchase homes in rural areas. Funds can be used to build or purchase a new home.

Want to learn more? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions!  Or email: housingloans@cmca.us.

Action Plan

FY22 Quarter 1 Updates

Key Updates:  

On Target?  

Challenges:  

Strengths:  

Changes needed?  

Why Is This Important?

Affordable housing is a critical need in mid-Missouri.  Several factors contribute to the housing crisis, including lack of affordable housing, lack of a living wage, and insufficient housing stock.  CMCA supports families and communities by providing services that address each of these factors.

Lack of Affordable Housing

In CMCA's service area, nearly 22,400 (44.1%) renters and over 10,300 (18.2%) home owners with mortgages are housing cost burdened.  A person is considered housing cost burdened when over 30% of their income is spent on housing.  There are only 4,950 HUD-subsidized housing units available in CMCA's service area, which includes both public housing units and private rental properties that accept subsidy.  Of these, 2,761 (56%) are units owned by landlords who accept Housing Choice Vouchers. 

CMCA is authorized to distribute HCV vouchers to assist families in obtaining affordable housing.  The number of vouchers CMCA can afford to distribute varies based on the value of the vouchers.  CMCA is actively seeking new landlords willing to accept HCV subsidy payments in order to increase the number of housing units available to low-income individuals.

Lack of a Living Wage

The chart below highlights the gap between the average wage earned by renters and the housing wage (the wage required to afford a one, two, or three bedroom rental unit) for each of the counties in CMCA's service area.  CMCA offers employment coaching services through SkillUP and the Financial Opportunity Center to assist people in gaining living wage employment.

Renter Wage vs. Housing Wage

Insufficient Housing Stock

Communities simply do not have enough available housing stock to support families who choose to live there.  CMCA's Housing Development Program builds new single family homes and multi-unit apartment complexes and rehabilitates existing properties to increase the available housing stock in our community.  CMCA also offers low-income families a path to home ownership through USDA home loan packaging services. 

Interested in helping families find affordable housing in your county?  Consider supporting our efforts.

Sources:

1.  U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). 2019: ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles, Table DP04. 

2.  Housing & Urban Development, Office of Policy Development & Research. (2021). Assisted Housing: National & Local, 2020 estimates from 2010 Census.

3.  National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2021). Out of Reach: 2021: Missouri.

How We Impact

CMCA's Housing Development Program partners with various for-profit developers and nonprofit partners to rehabilitate multi- and single-family housing units through the service area, thereby providing affordable housing opportunities for low-income individuals.  

Multi-family rental housing development provides for safe, affordable housing for families, the elderly, and the disabled, insuring those of low and moderate incomes a place to live at a reasonable price.  CMCA is a partner on a number of apartment complexes in the region. While each development is unique, the agency’s participation has ranged from a general partner (or co-general partner) to the property manager. The agency has participated in various Missouri Housing Development Commission programs including tax credits and CHDO funds, which have enabled a number of affordable housing projects being developed and rehabilitated in the service area.

CMCA’s Weatherization Assistance Program aids in creating a healthy dwelling for eligible applicants by conserving energy.  Weatherization reduces a home's energy use for years to come. Some weatherization improvements, such as insulating walls or an attic, will keep saving residents money for the life of the house — 30 years or more. Other improvements, such as making heating equipment more efficient, will provide savings for 10 to 20 years. Health and safety improvements are benefits that just keep on giving, over and over again.  These services are offered at no cost to the tenant or landlord.

Interested in how you can help?  Learn more about how you can make a difference for families in mid-Missouri.

Action Plan

FY22 Quarter 1 Updates

Key Updates:  

• Funding secured for rehab project in Centralia. Awarded $1.9M to rehab Garden Ridge Apartments in Centralia. 12/21

On Target?  

Challenges:  

Strengths:  

Changes needed?