Photo Courtesy of Getty Images / JohnnyGreig
So far, $700 million from the American Rescue Plan Act has been used to support Nevada housing projects, with many specifically designed for vulnerable populations such as families and seniors.
The housing crisis remains a major issue in Nevada, with a shortage of over 78,000 homes for low-income renters, including seniors and working families. But an influx of funding from the Biden-Harris Administration — over $1 billion — has been used to help address the state’s housing issues.
This funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a law passed in 2021 with only Democrat support and Vice President Kamala Harris’ tie-breaking vote in the US Senate. No Republicans voted in favor of the bill.
Harris, long a champion of housing rights as vice president, as Attorney General of California, and as a US Senator, touted the importance of addressing the housing crisis earlier this year.
“For people all across our nation, a home represents financial security, the opportunity to build wealth and equity, and a foundation for a better future for themselves, their children, and future generations,” Harris said. “[Federal funding] will build more affordable homes and support renters and homeowners while also lowering costs, building wealth, and creating jobs.”
Nevada residents have also benefited from ARPA by receiving direct aid for rental assistance or down-payments, cheaper health care premiums, lowered unemployment rate, and much more.
Investing in affordable housing for Nevada
So far, $700 million from the American Rescue Plan Act has been used to support Nevada housing projects, with many specifically designed for vulnerable populations such as families and seniors. Nonprofits and other organizations interested in these critical funds were selected for grants by local governments. Eligible projects involve helping people suffering from homelessness, building new units, and preserving existing ones.
Many affordable housing projects are already underway and aim to be finished next year. Here are some highlights:
- 195 units for seniors in Paradise from Ovation Development.
- 195 units in Sun Valley from Ulysses Development Group.
- 171 units for seniors in Las Vegas from George Gekakis, Inc.
- 126 units in Carson City from Northern Nevada Community Housing Resource Board.
- 125 units for seniors in Las Vegas from Nevada HAND.
- A total of 1,000 new units for seniors in Clark County.
In initial 2021 hearings to decide how funds would be distributed in Nevada, Audra Hamernik, president of Nevada HAND – the state’s largest developer, builder, and manager of affordable rental homes for low-income seniors and working families — explained that ARPA funding would allow Nevada HAND to “move a lot faster” than usual.
“[This funding] is a gigantic opportunity to change the face of affordable housing in Southern Nevada,” she said.
Nevada HAND has since received $51 million to develop 565 units of housing.
More information on local projects funded by ARPA can be found here.
Even more affordable housing in 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration announced more funding for local housing projects earlier this year, with Nevada receiving $43.9 million. These funds are being distributed through five different national programs targeting housing issues.
See a draft of the 2024 Nevada Action Plan for more details.
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