California has faced chronic housing shortages and housing affordability problems for decades. Recent analyses of the housing gap indicate that the state faces a housing shortfall of 80 to 100 thousand units each year. Given the housing shortage, it is no surprise that only fourteen percent of California households can afford the median-priced home in the state, compared to fifty-nine percent nationally. REALTORS® across the state are well aware of these issues, and have often been in the forefront in publicizing these problems and seeking solutions to them for several years.

Just Released: A REALTOR® ’S GUIDE TO FINANCE PROGRAMS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Housing Affordability In The News

• New Housing Report:
  
  First rung on property ladder gets harder to reach:
  
  
  HAF Current Events: 
  
  Bowling for the American Dream:
  September is the month we will be holding our inaugural C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Statewide Bowling Tournament:  Bowling for the American Dream We hope that you will join our efforts to make this a tremendous success. Click here to see the  Bowling Packet that includes all the information necessary to get started. If you have any question regarding the tournament please call Carol Facciponti-Malcolm at (626)966-0670 or Monica Rodriguez at (213) 739- 8380.
  
  3rd Annual HAF Golf  Classic
  Bigger and Better for 2008! Have for some fun in the sun as we raise money to help California families achieve their dreams of homeownership. Join us Monday, June 2, 2008 for our3rd Annual CAR Housing Affordability Fund Golf Classic at the Morgan Creek Golf Club in Sacramento.  www.morgancreek.com  The date of the fundraiser was selected to coincide with the CAR Legislative Day and Business Meetings that will begin at the Sacramento Convention Center the following day.
  
  About H.A.F. 
  The California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund (H.A.F.) receives donations from members, non-members, and other institutions that are committed to addressing the housing problem in California. It distributes these resources through Local Associations who have submitted funding requests for local programs that address housing affordability and housing supply directly. In order to have the maximum impact, it seeks to leverage its funds with Local Associations and their housing partners.
  
  Housing Affordability Fund Successes
  
    Progress Snapshot 
  
    2006 Founders Circle
  
  Humboldt AOR Accessory Dwelling Contest
  Part I    Design Contest
  Part II   Design Contest
  Part III  Design Contest
  Part IV  Design Contest
  
  
  H.A.F. Mission Statement
  The Strategic Planning and Finance Committee approved the amended Mission Statement of the Housing Affordability Fund to now reflect the following (June 2005):
  The California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund plays an active role in addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis facing our state. The fund will raise and distribute funds and partner with other groups to promote housing and homeownership and address all housing opportunities locally and statewide.
  
  Contributions:
  The C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund (H.A.F.) is a charitable tax-exempt entity under both federal and state law. The entire amount (100%) of your contribution may be deducted as a charitable contribution under both federal and state law. Click Here to Make A Tax Deductible Charitable Contribution. 
  
  
  
  H.A.F. Funding Guidelines:
  
  HOUSING AFFORDABILITY FUND RESEARCH GUIDELINES:
  
  Funding Requests:
  Local Associations may apply for funds using the Funding Request Form below.
  * Local REALTOR® Association Funding Request Form(pdf file) 
  * REALTOR® Association H.A.F. Funding Review Procedures
  
  

Additional Fundraising Resources:
·  www.idealist.org
·  http://www.grassrootsfundraising.org  
·  http://www.thenonprofitnetwork.org  
·  http://www.techsoup.org 
·  www.networkforgood.org 
·  http://www.cnmsocal.org 
·  http://philanthropy.com 
·  http://www.nptimes.com

Grant Writing Resources:
·  Association of Fundraising Professionals
     ·  www.afpnet.org 
     ·  www.afpglac.org
·  www.guidestar.org
·  http://www.atozgrantwriting.com     

 The Best E-Newsletters for Grants and Nonprofit Leaders:
·  http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/FAQ/QuestionViewer/default?category-eid=88-66&eid=127-281&sid =

For More Information Please refer to the following: 
Frequently Asked Questions



C.A.R.'S Housing Opportunity Tool Kit:

Please click on the following link for more housing related resources:
C.A.R.'S 2000 Housing Policy Statement

I. Homeownership Opportunities Policy

II. Residential Rental Housing Opportunities

III. Local Land Use Planning; Community Revitalization and Housing Rehabilitation