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A loan program for energy-saving measures – A better environment & more resilient homes

As part of our mission to collaborate with partners & stakeholders on building resilient and revitalized communities across South Florida, one of the most urgent issues we face right now is the impact of climate change on our residents. It is a matter of saving our planet and addressing the effects of climate change thru efficient and feasible measures, energy conservation among one of them.

In celebration of Earth Day, NHSSF will be launching in late May 2021 a loan fund to help low-income residents make energy-saving measures, such as installing new high-efficiency air conditioners in their homes. “It is our honor to help residents join in the clean energy movement. Not only is this a way for residents to save money through energy efficiency and improve the environment. It is also a way to help low-income communities take part in the growth sector of our economy. It is my hope that in learning about and implementing these measures in our homes, our customers will also learn how they may take part in the clean energy economy as a job choice or business venture,” stated President and CEO Kimberly T. Henderson.

The loan program is still in the making. Yet, it’s aimed to help South Florida residents maximize energy efficiency in their households thru funding mild home repairs or home appliances’ replacements. The loan pool is made possible by funding from the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the national association of community development financial institutions (CDFIs). NHSSF is a U.S. Treasury certified CDFI. The goal of the NHSSF CDFI is to connect low-income and distressed communities to capital. NHSSF CDFI is one of the few nonprofit CDFIs that lend directly to the consumer.

In the meantime, you can do something about climate change, starting in your own home, as this NPR “Life Kit” note recommends.


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Homeownership Preservation Program from the City of Miami

The City of Miami opened the application period for the new Miami Forever Bond-funded Homeownership Preservation Program (HPP) on April 1. The program offers assistance of up to $70,000, to income-eligible homeowners within City of Miami limits seeking to repair the exterior envelope of their homestead property to better withstand storms while maximizing energy efficiency.

The assistance can be used to repair or replace the roof, windows and/or doors (exterior facing) of eligible residences, which include single-family homes, townhomes, twin homes and condominiums that are owner-occupied (homestead exemption). The property’s most recent assessed market value cannot exceed $400,000, and the household must qualify as 140% Average Median Income (AMI) or below based on household size and income standards, provided annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The City of Miami is accepting applications for its Homeownership Preservation Program through Friday, April 30. Applications are available for downloading and printing in English, Spanish & Creole at https://www.miamigov.com/Residents/Housing/Homeownership-Preservation-Program

For more information call 305-416-2188.

 

City of Miami homeownership preservation program

 


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The shared equity housing tool – A solution for South Florida’s housing challenges

As a bustling center for international trade and tourism, South Florida’s prosperity increased exponentially over the last decade. However, this prosperity resulted in rapidly rising housing and rental costs that have quickly outstripped wages for most residents. Today, the median home sale price is unaffordable to 90% of all workers in Miami-Dade County and 88% of Broward County households (Miami Affordable Housing Master Plan; Broward County Affordable Housing Needs Assessment).

With years of experience combatting the complex root causes of inequitable housing and lending, Neighborhood Housing Services has a vision for working together to achieve a better, more resilient version of our community, one in which a safe place to call home is available to all residents. The shared equity housing tool is one of the homeownership & development options that we are exploring to address South Florida’s current challenge.

As part of those efforts, we have partnered with NeighborWorks America to provide the 4-week “Shared Equity Housing Webinar” to those partner & stakeholders working directly in that field and for a great sponsorship price $75 (retail price is $475). Our goal is to foster -across partners, community development practitioners, government, for profit and non-for-profit developers and fellow organizations- creative models to generate affordable homeownership.

 

The benefits of this free faculty-led course include:

  • The ability to communicate with and learn from both faculty and fellow learners.
  • Content delivered in 4 weekly lessons, with deadlines that allow you to learn according to your schedule.
  • Feedback and instruction specific to the context of your community development challenges.
  • Access to course materials, resources, and reference tools online following the completion of the course.
  • Saving time & money while benefiting from a NeighborWorks learning experience.

 

All you’ll need is a computer and internet connection to take advantage of this highly effective professional development opportunity.

Inquiries and registration at juang@nhssf.org / 786 237 2122.