Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)

In this section, find information about the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

What is the Neighborhood Stabilization Program?

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was established for the purpose of stabilizing communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment. Through the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties, the goal of the program is being realized. NSP1, a term that references the NSP funds authorized under Division B, Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008, provides grants to all states and selected local governments on a formula basis. NSP2, a term that references the NSP funds authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the Recovery Act) of 2009, provides grants to states, local governments, nonprofits and a consortium of nonprofit entities on a competitive basis. The Recovery Act also authorized HUD to establish NSP-TA, a $50 million allocation made available to national and local technical assistance providers to support NSP grantees.

HUD's new Neighborhood Stabilization Program (www.hud.gov/nsp) provides emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) provides grants to every state and certain local communities to purchase foreclosed or abandoned homes and to rehabilitate, resell, or redevelop these homes in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of house values of neighboring homes. The program is authorized under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

NSP Resource Exchange

NSP Resource Exchange is a one-stop shop for the information and resources needed by NSP grantees, subrecipients and developers to purchase, rehabilitate, and resell foreclosed properties.

There are three primary components to the Resource Exchange site including:

Find a Resource

A database of policy guidance, practitioner support tools and training materials developed by HUD and technical assistance providers who specialize in NSP-related activities. It can be browsed by topic, audience, or type of information.

Ask a Question

A feature that can be used to direct users to previously asked questions based on the user’s questions. It also provides users with a question form that can be submitted electronically for those questions and answers that are not listed on the website.

Request TA

A mechanism by which users can communicate with technical assistance providers and request support in implementing NSP activitiesThe NSP Resource Exchange can also be used to learn about upcoming events related to NSP and coming soon the site will feature tool kits for designing programs and implementing activities.

The Nature of the NSP Program

NSP is a component of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The CDBG regulatory structure is the platform used to implement NSP and the HOME program provides a safe harbor for NSP affordability requirements. NSP grantees develop their own programs and funding priorities. However, NSP grantees must use at least 25 percent of the funds appropriated for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned or foreclosed homes or residential properties that will be used to house individuals or families whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of the area median income. In addition, all activities funded by NSP must benefit low- and moderate-income persons whose income does not exceed 120 percent of area median income. Activities may not qualify under NSP using the "prevent or eliminate slums and blight" or "address urgent community development needs" objectives.

Eligible Uses

NSP funds may be used for activities which include, but not limited to:Establish financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed homes and residential properties;Purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties abandoned or foreclosed;Establish land banks for foreclosed homes;Demolish blighted structures;Redevelop demolished or vacant properties

Homebuyer Assistance

Homebuyers cannot receive assistance directly from HUD. NSP funds can be used to help homebuyers purchase homes, but they must contact an NSP grantee for application details. NSP operates on a national scale, but participation requirements may differ from one state or city to another. For information on how you may purchase a home with NSP assistance please contact an NSP grantee in your area.