Field Guide to Housing Trust Funds
(Updated April 2007)
Housing trust funds are distinct funds, usually established by state or local governments, that receive ongoing public revenues which can only be spent on affordable housing initiatives, including new construction, preservation of existing housing, emergency repairs, homeless shelters, housing-related services, and multifamily building for nonprofit organizations. At least 257 housing trust funds operate in the U.S., spending over $500 million on housing opportunities each year. On this page you'll find more information on the housing trust fund concept, case studies, how REALTORS® can establish and promote trust funds in their communities, the effort to create a National Housing Trust Fund, and more. (D. Shumaker, Information Specialist)
Contents:
Housing Trust Funds: The Basics | Guidelines & Case Studies | A National Housing Trust Fund? | Other Organizations & Websites | Books, eBooks & Other Resources
Housing Trust Funds: The Basics 
What are housing trust funds?, (Center for Community Change). - Features a history of housing trust funds and listing of funds around the U.S. The website is a significant source of information on HTFs, as well as providing technical assistance and advocacy for the creation and ongoing funding of state and local housing trust funds.
Housing Trust Funds, (PolicyLink). Includes info on how and why to use housing trust funds, success stories, challenges, policy options, and a list of resources.
Housing trust funds, (Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp.). - Includes info on how housing trust funds work in the U.S. and Canada, advantages and disadvantages, case studies, and sources.
A survey and assessment of housing trust funds in the United States, (Journal of the American Planning Association, Summer 1993). Q
Guidelines & Case Studies
Winning a public vote for a state or local housing trust fund or bond - Case studies, (The Campaign for Affordable Housing).
Florida's housing trust fund -- addressing the state's affordable housing needs, (Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law, Spring 2004).
Partnerships for opportunity: Four organizations that can help you create housing opportunity in your community, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Winter 2003).
Housing trust funds for local governments in Georgia, (Fannie Mae Foundation, 2002).
The Oregon Housing Trust Fund: A case study, (Portland State University, Apr. 2000).
Models of governance for housing trust funds, (Connecticut Office of Legislative Research, Mar. 2000).
A Workbook for Creating a Housing Trust Fund, (Center for Community Change, July 1999).
A National Housing Trust Fund?
The National Housing Trust Fund Campaign, (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2006).
Learning New Tricks: Affordable housing fund proposal will force GSEs to alter their approach, (Affordable Housing Finance, April 2007).
New rental production and the National Housing Trust Fund Campaign, (Journal of Affordable Housing & Community Development Law, Summer 2003).
Bill seeks funds for affordable housing, (American City & County, May 2003). Q
A federal remedy? Why I advocate a national housing trust fund, (REALTOR® Magazine, Feb. 2003).
The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund, (Shelterforce, Sept./Oct. 2000).
Other Organizations & Websites
Center for Community Change
Housing Trust Fund Project News - Quarterly newsletter from the Center for Community Change.
National Low Income Housing Coalition
National Council of State Housing Agencies
Books & Other Resources
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
Distance education: agency, ethics, fair housing, trust funds, (Executive Career College, 1999). HD 1375 Ex3
State and local affordable housing programs: A rich tapestry, (Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute, 1999). HD 7293 Ur1st
A status report on housing trust funds in the United States, (Frazier Park, CA: Center for Community Change, 1997). HD 7293 C33s
A guide to housing trust funds: Tools for community development, (Washington, DC: Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, 1989). HD 7293 N31
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Affordable Housing
Field Guide to Social Benefits of Homeownership
Field Guide to the Effects of Low Income Housing on Surrounding Property Values
Field Guide to Establishing a Charitable Foundation
>> Have an idea for a new Field Guide? Click here to send us your suggestions!
The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
