Congressman Donnelly Hosts Manufactured Housing Summit

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly hosted U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Assistant Secretary and Federal Housing Administration Commissioner David Stevens and members of the manufactured housing industry to discuss the current state and future of the industry. Their discussion centered on barriers to participation and potential solutions in real estate and personal property lending.

"We needed to get everyone at the same table," said Donnelly. "The discussion we had today allowed important stakeholders in the manufactured housing industry to connect with federal officials to discuss how they can better work together on the issue of lending, which is essential to the industry's future success. I thank Commissioner Stevens for visiting Elkhart and taking the time to talk to our local professionals. I trust that the discussions held today are only the beginning as we pledge to work with one another to improve and increase lending opportunities so more working families can enjoy affordable homeownership."

In attendance at the discussion were representatives from across the manufactured housing industry, including: manufacturers, dealers, lenders, representatives from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Ginnie Mae, the Manufactured Housing Institute, and the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform.

Congressman Donnelly has been an advocate for the manufactured housing industry, a vital part of north central Indiana's economy, since coming to Congress in 2007. In 2008, Congress enacted legislation that Donnelly authored that increased financing options for homeowners looking to purchase a manufactured home for their families and raised the FHA-insured Title I loan limits for manufactured homes that are placed on leased land. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a resolution authored by Donnelly recognizing Manufactured Housing Week as the third week in June.

"We're fortunate to have the manufactured housing industry in Indiana because creating affordable homeownership helps provide families with economic security and build strong communities," said Donnelly. "I was proud to recognize the manufactured housing industry that provides not only quality, affordable housing for Americans across the country, but also good-paying jobs for Hoosiers."

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