A Message From THA
FEMA Private Sector Advisory #01
Issued for Bradley and Hamilton Counties
  • Tennessee homeowners and renters in Bradley and Hamilton Counties, Tennessee who had uninsured losses from the April 12-13 tornadoes and storms may be eligible for federal disaster assistance from FEMA.

  • Attached is FEMA Private Sector Advisory #01, which contains updated recovery information to help homeowners, renters, members, students, faculty, businesses, employees, and customers who were affected by the storms that occurred in these in two TN counties.
Click the corresponding links for 2020 FEMA event declarations/resources in Tennessee.
Tennessee 2020-04-23 20:00 Major Disaster Declaration

Tennessee 2020-04-01 20:00 Major Disaster Declaration

Tennessee 2020-03-12 20:00 Emergency Declaration

Tennessee 2020-03-04 19:00 Major Disaster Declaration




FHFA Announces Loan Lookup Tool for Residents in Multifamily Properties Backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac




The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced a new online multifamily property lookup tool from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to help renters determine if they are protected in federal law from eviction during the COVID-19 emergency.

By entering their address, renters can determine if the property they are renting has a mortgage backed by the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) established a temporary moratorium for evicting residents of these.

According to a release by FHFA, residents able to pay their rent during the eviction moratorium period are still expected to do so. Those who are experiencing hardship and reside in a property with an Enterprise-backed loan can contact the helpline:
Fannie Mae Helpline: 877-542-9723

Freddie Mac Helpline: 800-404-3097

During these unprecedented and challenging times, ensuring that families remain secure in their homes is of utmost importance. MHI’s National Communities Council (NCC) members are on the front lines of this national emergency. As millions of residents are confined to their homes, our members have answered the call to serve—providing impacted residents flexible rent payment options, postponing scheduled rent increases, and providing additional resources and support including services like free lunches, grocery deliveries, and information about employment opportunities and filing for government benefits.
 
MHI encourages all NCC members to work with residents who are impacted by COVID-19 and reminds members of the principles outlined in the NCC Code of Ethics , which are required for NCC membership. 

Senate Committee Hearing Held Tuesday on
Wade Nomination for HUD Assistant Secretary

The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs held a hearing Tuesday on the nomination of Dana Wade for Assistant Secretary for Housing and Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). MHI is working with our champions on the Committee to bring to Mrs. Wade’s attention issues of importance to the industry, including: updating the FHA’s financing programs to better support manufactured housing; creating a separate regulatory path for a more regular cadence of HUD Code updates, and; elevating the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs within HUD’s bureaucracy.

Mrs. Wade held this title in an interim capacity at HUD from July 2017 to June 2018 before leaving to serve as Program Associate Director for General Government at the Office of Management and Budget where she oversaw HUD’s budget, among other duties.
 
During her time at HUD, Mrs. Wade was responsible for carrying out the Department’s mission of providing affordable housing opportunities and she took a leading role in the agency’s responsibilities regarding manufactured housing. MHI worked closely with Mrs. Wade as she led HUD’s reorganization of the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs and its comprehensive review of manufactured housing regulations. Before joining the Trump Administration, Mrs. Wade served as the Deputy Staff Director of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs under Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL), a strong and vocal ally of manufactured housing.
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 TN Daily Press Conferences
Weekly Review
Friday (05/08/2020) Governor Lee advisement:
  • The names and addresses of Tennesseans who have tested positive for COVID-19 are being provided to first responders, law enforcement and paramedics, under a state agreement deemed necessary to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The agreement to release such information, known as a memorandum of understanding (MOU), was not publicized when it was signed (April 3rd), but instead distributed to local leaders across the state. Governor Lee told reporters Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided guidance allowing states to enter into such MOUs.


Thursday (05/07/2020) Press Conference - Governor Lee outlined the following updates:
  • The state plans to increase daily COVID-19 testing to consistently administer at least 10,000 tests per day. There will be an added emphasis on testing in low-income urban communities, minority populations, and vulnerable populations moving forward. Governor Lee encouraged testing before re-entering the workplace or under the slightest suspicion of infection.
  • The Great Smokey Mountains National Park will begin reopening this weekend, in conjunction with it's surrounding attractions. The state plans to work closely with surrounding businesses and local officials to ensure proper guidelines are being adhered to.
  • The Tennessee National Guard will participate in flyovers above healthcare treatment facilities to salute nurses and all healthcare heroes fighting the pandemic on the front lines.
  • Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner McCord announced the completion of the distribution of CARES Act funding and unemployment benefits by week's end.
  • All state inmates and staff of the correctional system will have been tested by the beginning of next week.
  • Testing of all long term care facility residents and staff across the state has begun.
  • Additionally, Governor Lee issued Executive Order 35, which can be found HERE.


Wednesday (05/06/2020) Governor Lee announcements:
  • Governor Lee has announced he will be holding press conferences twice-weekly moving forward, instead of daily, to allow him to visit communities across the state. Today, he issued Executive Order 34, which can be found as an attachment in this email. Additionally, Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group issued guidelines for businesses to adhere to as they continue their efforts to reopen the state for business. The guidelines for reopening businesses can be found HERE.


Tuesday (05/05/2020) Press Conference - Governor Lee outlined the following updates:
  • The Unified Command Group announced two strategic partnerships for essential supplies and services to aid in COVID-19 response efforts. First, Renfro, Corp, a global leg wear company with a manufacturing and distribution operation in Cleveland, TN, will make cloth face masks to be made available to as many Tennesseans as possible. In addition, Battelle, a global research and development company will provide an N95 respirator mask decontamination system and service to Tennessee health care providers, to protect health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The official press release from the Office of the Governor can be found here. 
  • The Economic Recovery Group has secured a special price on no-touch thermometers for businesses that need them to safely reopen. Businesses may purchase up to 10 infrared forehead thermometers HERE.
  • Dental offices will be permitted to reopen Wednesday. The Board of Dentistry met yesterday and voted to recommend that dental offices follow the American Dental Association’s guidelines for reopening.
  • Maury Regional, Henry County, Macon County, Rhea County, and Houston County Community Hospital have been added to the list of hospitals to receive a portion of the $10 million rural hospital grant awarded to Tennessee.
  • Masks and tests remain available, free of charge, at each county's health department across the state.
  • Additional guidelines for an array of businesses to reopen will be released by the Unified Command Group on Wednesday.


Monday (05/04/2020) Governor Lee announcements:
  • More than 23,000 Tennesseans have received a free COVID-19 test at 67 drive-through sites over the past three weekends, as part of the Unified-Command Group’s efforts to reduce barriers and widen access to testing for all Tennesseans regardless of symptoms.
  • “Testing remains one of the most important tools for gaining more information in our fight against COVID-19, and the 23,000 tests we’ve completed over the last three weekends have provided incredibly valuable data,” said Governor Lee. “We’re grateful to the thousands who came out to receive a test and we continue to remind Tennesseans: when in doubt, get a test.”

To read periodic state COVID-19 Bulletins, CLICK HERE .

STAY WEATHER ALERT - BE PREPARED - Click on the icons!
GENTLE REMINDERS!
State of Tennessee Approval Received
15 Hour Online Class for Initial Licensing
Is Now Available...
In cooperation with the Department of Commerce & Insurance, THA has developed a series of educational online videos (13) and content review exams (11), for the State of Tennessee's required 15 Hour initial licensing educational class for manufactured housing retailer and installer candidates.

Candidates should understand the developed online training will only be Phase I of the required State statutory requirements needed to pursue a Tennessee manufactured housing license; with the State’s mandated written test to be considered as Phase II.

To understand how this initial licensing educational process works, please read the below information.

To complete Phase I of this educational online program, candidates will utilize provided links to access a series of educational resources, videos and content examinations. These modules/videos and exams meet the educational statutory requirements required by Tennessee, in order to pursue a license in manufactured housing retail sales or home installations. 

Candidates must complete each module of the training, in order, and must complete each module exam, scoring 70% or better. As candidates complete a module and take the respective exam, the Association will be automatically notified, via a candidates online module exam score. Once a candidate has satisfactorily completed all sections/exams, a certificate of education will be e-mailed to the candidate. Candidates must retain the educational certificate, as proof of completing the required statutory education.

Additional information on this entire process is contained within the online training modules, and the provided resources.
Phase II of education will require passing a state issued exam, given by Morris & McDaniel, Inc. The Association will notify candidates who have completed their education, when the State resumes in-person testing, or provides additional guidance on remote testing, through Morris & McDaniel, Inc. 

Exam fees are included in the pre-payment amount of this class, so candidates will not pay a separate testing fee. Should a candidate fail the state issued exam, an additional $125 will be charged by the testing company, to re-administer the exam. 

The testing company will only administer exams to individuals who have been verified as satisfactorily registering, pre-paying and passing all module exams.

As a note:  If candidates do not have easy access to a printer and need a copy of resources before beginning the online study, an educational package will be shipped to the requesting candidate.



05 Hour Continuing Education Offered Online - For A Limited Time ONLY
To meet the continuing education requirements of our licensed industry members and affiliates, THA has developed a modified online continuing education class for manufactured home retailers and installers, for the 2020 renewal of licensing or certification. 
 
Please note, this online training access will only be offered for a limited time.  Once federal and state travel restrictions have been lifted and approval for gatherings has been waived, the State of Tennessee will resume the requirement for ‘in-person’ class attendance. 

Take this opportunity now, to complete your 2020 education online! .... CLICK HERE for a registration form.

Commerce & Insurance has announced a change to the statewide territory map for manufactured housing inspectors. This new inspector reference will take affect, beginning May 26, 2020. Click the map for a downloadable copy!
THA's Annual Meeting and 65th
Anniversary Celebration - Postponed
The THA Board of Directors announced earlier this week, the June 7 - 9, 2020 event will be postponed until October 18 - 20, 2020. For more information and future participation deadline dates, please visit the Annual Meeting Page , via the THA Website.
 
As a note, if you had already made hotel reservations with Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa in Pigeon Forge, for the June event, please call them and move your dates to the October time frame! (800) 365-5996.
 
We are excited to get this re-scheduled!
Remember Our Tornado Victims...
We are Still Recovering!
NOTE: Some of the MH industry's financial partners have approved the use of this 'gifted' money as down payment assistance. Please check with your financial representative to see if these funds will qualify for that use. If not, the funds may be directed toward other sales contract items relative to the home replacement. Funds will be available at closing.  
THA Retailers...
 
The Tennessee Manufactured Housing Foundation ( The Industry's Helping Hand ) is offering $500 in assistance to any of your purchasing customers who were affected by the March 3rd Tornado Disaster.
 
If your customer owned (or was financing) a manufactured home and the home was their primary residence for at least one year, please take a moment to review the minimum requirements, to see if your customer qualifies for this gifted assistance. (This applies to purchasing customers who must replace their damaged or destroyed manufactured home.)
 
Restrictions do apply , so please download the linked one-page document below, to see how you can offer this assistance to your customer.
 
The Foundation has set aside $20,000. Once the funds have been depleted, no additional assistance will be processed under this offering, unless additional monetary donations are received by TMHF for this effort.
TN Executive Orders and News Briefings


Here is a link to TN Governor Lee’s web page for our state specific Executive Orders, relating to COVID-19.


conducted by Governor Lee.


HERE is a link to view the TN Department of Health's
statistical pandemic data/reporting.
Resources For Businesses Amid COVID-19
STATE OF TENNESSEE RESOURCES TO KEEP YOU UP-TO-DATE ON THE
PANDEMIC RESPONSE, AND THE VARIOUS STATE DIRECTIVES
TO INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES:


 
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19
  • CDC offers guidance based on what is currently known about COVID-19. This guidance is updated frequently and may help prevent workplace exposures in non-healthcare settings. This guidance also provides planning considerations for community spread of COVID-19. Additional information can be found here.
 
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed COVID-19 planning guidance based on traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices. It focuses on the need for employers to implement engineering, administrative, and work practice controls and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as considerations for doing so. Available for download here.
 
Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants and Food Pick-up/Delivery
 
How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings
  • CDC offers guidance on how to wear cloth face coverings, including how to create a homemade covering. For more, click here.
 
List of Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19
 
Guidance on Vulnerable Populations
  • CDC offers guidance for vulnerable populations who need to take extra precaution. For more, click here.
Stay Informed with
FEMA's Rumor Control Page

As FEMA takes a leading role in the Corona Virus Disease (COVID 2019) response, be sure to visit:  FEMA Rumor Control Page  for the latest news to keep you informed.

In addition to information on FEMA.gov there are other resources available on  Ready.gov related to staying safe and healthy.
DisasterAssistance.gov is the official website devoted to helping disaster survivors.
It’s a portal to help survivors locate more than 70 forms of assistance across 17 federal agencies via the internet using their desktop computer, tablet or mobile device.

Using pre-screening technology, DisasterAssistance.gov offers an anonymous questionnaire that generates a personalized list of assistance a survivor can apply for, based on the answers. The site also provides other disaster-related information and resources to help before, during and after a disaster.
The offices of the Association will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.


Memorial Day  (previously but now seldom called Decoration  Day ) is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering, honoring, and mourning the military personnel that have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

We remember and we say thank you.....
THA OFFICES
 
The Tennessee Housing Association (THA) remains open during this COVID-19 pandemic, as we work to serve our members.
 
Construction (all housing) and related services are considered "Essential Services".
 
However, we strongly request you refrain from visiting our offices at this time. If you need assistance, please call 615/256-4733 or e-mail Rhonda at [email protected] .