CHDO Annual Awards Program (CHAAP)
The CHDO Annual Awards Program (CHAAP) by Louisiana Housing Corporation funds certified CHDOs to develop and manage affordable housing projects statewide.
Funder: Louisiana Housing Corporation
Due Dates: Annually (Application window opens June 1, 2026 for CHDO certification; CHAAP program cycle is annual—check program page for specific deadlines)
Funding Amounts: At least 25% of LHC's HOME allocation, not less than $2,000,000 per year reserved for awards and operating cost assistance.
Summary: Supports Louisiana state-certified CHDOs in developing affordable housing through annual project funding and operating cost assistance.
Key Information: Only state-certified CHDOs are eligible; certification applications accepted annually in June.
Description
The CHDO Annual Awards Program (CHAAP) is administered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) to strengthen the capacity and impact of Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) across Louisiana. CHAAP dedicates a significant portion of the state's annual HOME allocation—at least 25%, never less than $2 million—to support eligible CHDO-led affordable housing projects and provide operating cost assistance. The program is designed to ensure ongoing development of safe, affordable, and energy-efficient housing for low- and moderate-income residents, in alignment with LHC’s mission and HUD’s HOME program requirements.
CHAAP funding can be used for both homeownership and rental housing developments:
- Homeownership: Funds may be used for new construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of single-family homes, which must be sold to eligible buyers within nine months of completion.
- Rental Housing: Funds may be used for new construction or acquisition with rehabilitation/reconstruction of permanent multifamily housing (up to four units per project), with strict affordability and rent restriction requirements.
