Affordable housing projects in the state’s three largest counties are receiving $13.5 million in grants.
The vast majority of the money – nearly $11 million – is going to projects in Douglas and Sarpy counties, while projects in Lancaster County will receive a little over $2.6 million.
The money comes from the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund, a state program that aims to help create affordable housing in Nebraska’s two largest metropolitan areas.
About $7.2 million comes from the state, while the balance comes from matching funds from the local applicants.
“The Omaha metro has surpassed one million residents, the City of Lincoln’s population now tops 300,000, and Sarpy County is seeing tremendous development,” K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, said in a statement. “This growth has intensified the need to create affordable housing. Thank you to the agencies who are stepping up to meet this need, and congratulations to this year’s MWHF recipients.”
The largest single grant of $4.5 million is going to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, while another Omaha non-profit called Front Porch Investment is receiving $2 million. Two other Omaha organizations also are receiving $1.9 million grants.
The only organization receiving at least $1 million for Lincoln-area projects is the Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council.
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