A Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) is a private nonprofit, community-based service organization that has capacity, and whose primary purpose includes the development of affordable housing for the community it serves. The HOME Program definition of a CHDO is found at 24 CFR Part 92.2.
State certification or designation as a CHDO allows for a non-profit organization to become eligible to take advantage of the HOME funds set-aside by LHC specifically for CHDOs, as well as potential support for a portion of its operating expenses associated with CHDO projects.
All interested non-profits must submit a completed LHC CHDO Application for Certification with appropriate supporting documentation. Certification is effective for a twelve (12) month period from approval. New certification applicants may apply anytime during the year. State Certified/Designated CHDOs must be re-certified annually to maintain the CHDO-designation with LHC and may be re-qualified each time it received additional set-aside funds. CHDOs seeking Recertification may apply from June 1st- June 30th annually.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established standard criteria for organizations to be eligible to become a certified CHDO, which LHC has incorporated into its full list of requirements. For a full description of CHDO requirements and performance standards please see Policies and Procedures for CHDO Programs: CHDO Annual Awards Program (CHAAP) & CHDO Single Acquisition Rehabilitation Program (CSAR), Section III.
How to Apply: Initial Certification for Qualified Non-Profits
STEP 1: Review qualifications listed in the Program Policies & Procedures to confirm your organization meets the requirements and is willing to operate under the CHDO performance expectations.
STEP 2: Complete the Core Qualifications Survey to launch the full Application for Certification process.
STEP 3: Upon validation by LHC, your organization point of contact will receive an email invitation to create a unique login and password to access to the Application for Certification in the LHC Housing Management System (HMS).
STEP 4: Complete and submit the Application for Certification within 60 days.
STEP 5: LHC will review and provide approval for CHDO Certification/Designation.
Ready to Apply: Click HERE to complete the Core Qualifications Survey to begin the process of an initial certification.
CHDO Certification User Guide
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