California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) (www.calhfa.ca.gov/index.html) supports the needs of renters and first-time homebuyers by providing financing and programs that create safe, decent and affordable housing opportunities for individuals within specified income ranges. As the State's affordable housing bank, CalHFA makes below market-rate loans through the sale of tax-exempt bonds. CalHFA also provides financing programs and assistance to developers of affordable multi-family housing.
Global Green USA, (http://www.globalgreen.org/programs/building.html) via the Greening Affordable Housing Initiative, is working with the designers, developers, and operators of affordable housing projects to encourage the adoption of green building strategies and materials.
Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org/env/) is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization with the mission of building simple, decent, affordable, houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. Habitat for Humanity has recently launched the Environmental Initiative, which embraces the concept of sustainable building: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Their site includes case studies and energy fact sheets.HUD User Policy Development and Research Information Service is an incredibly extensive information source for housing and community development researchers and policymakers. There are excellent reports and guides on building technologies, materials, affordable housing, rehab, healthy homes, free newsletters for various types of readers, and a regulatory barriers clearinghouse.
HUD User Policy Development and Research Information Service (www.huduser.org) is an incredibly extensive information source for housing and community development researchers and policymakers. There are excellent reports and guides on building technologies, materials, affordable housing, rehab, healthy homes, free newsletters for various types of readers, and a regulatory barriers clearinghouse.
Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH) (www.nonprofithousing.org/index.atomic) is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization that offers professional training, networking opportunities, and resources for housing policy analysts, advocates, and affordable housing developers.
U.S. DOE's Smart Communities Network (www.sustainable.doe.gov/buildings/affhousing.shtml) has good descriptions of and guidelines for green building and community design and construction, good case studies , and further references for affordable housing