The Catawba Region has completed the first step in the process of developing a Housing Consortium. We are excited to announce that Lancaster County has agreed to take on the Lead Entity role in the Consortium. Catawba Regional Council of Governments, in conjunction with Lancaster County, is reaching out to the localities in the Catawba Region to ask for their participation in the Consortium. A Housing Consortium, if approved by HUD, will allow our region to receive a direct allocation of funding every year to increase affordable housing opportunities for the low and moderate income residents in our communities. Possible activities for the Consortium include homeowner rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, rental housing and tenant based rental assistance. Funding amounts depend, in part, on how many jurisdictions within our region choose to participate. Please reach out to your local officials and encourage them to participate in the Consortium. The final application will be sent to HUD prior to the June 30, 2014 deadline.