Historic $225 Million Investment to Preserve and Revitalize Manufactured Housing Communities

To address the critical housing challenges many American communities face, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a groundbreaking $225 million allocation by the Biden-Harris Administration to preserve and revitalize manufactured housing communities nationwide. This investment, awarded through the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) program, will support 17 awardees in 26 states. Additionally, the focus is enhancing affordability, sustainability, and long-term community stability for manufactured home residents.

advertisement

Over 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes, representing a vital segment of the country’s affordable housing stock, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The initiative aims to build on the administration’s broader strategy to lower housing costs, promote housing supply, and make quality housing accessible for all Americans.

Key Investments for Communities in Need

The PRICE program is designed to empower communities by funding various essential activities, from repairs and infrastructure upgrades to creating new homes and developing resident-managed communities. The funding will specifically target low—and moderate-income homeowners and residents in manufactured homes, addressing their unique challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, aging homes, and rising lot rents.

The types of projects receiving funding include:

• Critical Repairs and Rehabilitation: Ensure existing homes are repaired, accessible, and safer for residents.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrades to vital water, sewage, and stormwater management services.
• Resilience Building: Implementing mitigation strategies to protect communities from natural disasters like flooding, which can devastate vulnerable housing areas.
• Resident Services: Providing eviction prevention services, housing counseling, and support for transitioning into resident-managed communities.

Focus on Tribal Communities

Recognizing the critical role of manufactured housing in tribal areas, the PRICE competition set aside a minimum of $11 million for tribal applicants. Especially, with over 17% of homes on tribal lands being manufactured homes, the program aims to strengthen affordable housing options in Indian Country. The funds will go toward projects that address the unique housing needs of Native American communities, improving infrastructure and housing conditions while empowering tribes to manage and develop their housing initiatives. Furthermore, nearly $46 million has been allocated to support tribal communities, which will benefit from direct grants and awards to regional nonprofits focused on tribal housing.

Empowering Residents and Strengthening Communities

One of the initiative’s most significant aspects is its focus on community empowerment. Many awarded projects involve transitioning existing manufactured housing communities into resident-managed ones, where residents have greater control over the management and decision-making processes. Above all, this model promotes long-term affordability and creates a sense of ownership and stability for the people who call these communities home.

The diverse organizations and projects receiving funding through PRICE represent various demographics and geographies, from urban and suburban areas to rural and disaster-impacted communities. The projects are designed to address specific local needs while ensuring that the funding’s benefits have a lasting impact on residents’ quality of life.

advertisement

Looking Forward

This funding will help preserve and revitalize manufactured housing communities. It will also empower residents, create new affordable homes, and ensure long-term stability for those who need it most. Lastly, with the continued support of federal initiatives like this, manufactured housing will remain a vital component of the solution to America’s affordable housing challenges.