HUD Allocates $2 Million for Affordable Housing and Revitalization in Emporia, Caney, and Manatí

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $2 million in 2023 Hope VI Main Street grants to three recipients. These grants are intended to rejuvenate older downtown business districts and create affordable housing, while maintaining the historical character of the areas. The announcement was made by HUD’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Housing Investments, Marianne Nazzaro, in Kansas.

The recipients are the City of Emporia and the City of Caney in Kansas, and the Municipality of Manatí in Puerto Rico. Emporia will use a $500,000 grant to convert a historic property into seven housing units. Caney will use a similar grant to create six affordable rental apartments in a historic downtown building. Manatí will use a $1,000,000 grant to develop fourteen affordable housing units in the Main Street area.

The grants can be used to construct new affordable housing or convert obsolete commercial space or vacant housing into affordable units. The funds are intended to support local governments with existing Main Street rejuvenation projects that meet certain population and public housing unit criteria. The housing units created must be affordable for the initial residents.

HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge stated the importance of maintaining the character of main streets while increasing affordable housing in small towns and rural communities. Deputy Assistant Secretary Nazzaro agreed, noting the potential of these areas. She stated that the investments will benefit more than just the buildings. HUD's goal is to create strong, sustainable communities and quality affordable homes for all.

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