The Home Ownership Assistance Initiative relates to MAP Initiative 4, Creating Attractive and Desirable Places. Initiative 4 specifically references the creation of a place in which people want to live, work, play and visit (Source). These plans provide frameworks that provide guidance and confidence through a system that is explained in a step by step process. Homeowners living in Anthony Neighborhood will have access to assistance when needed in case something happens.
Why this is important
Home repairs are important for residents and the Anthony community. Home modification and repair may prevent accidents such as falls and weather damage. Research suggests that one-third to one-half of home accidents can be prevented by modification and/or repair. The community benefits from not only the aesthetics as in figure 1 and 2 but improved property values. Community members are also concerned with home upkeep. They feel the importance of home repairs contributes the betterment of their neighborhood
Homeownership is extremely important for the stabilization, or average length of tenure among residents, of a neighborhood. Homeowners see themselves in the neighborhood for a longer period of time, often leading to increased interest in the beautification of their surroundings. Homeownership not only helps stabilize a neighborhood, but it also increases psychological and physical health. Homeowners also show a heightened interest in the well-being of their neighborhoods, as well as of their property values. It has also been shown that home ownership creates a higher interest in neighborhood associations and volunteer opportunities, another initiative the residents were interested in exploring (Source).
What this will involve
While it is important to note certain residents prefer to rent rather than own, the neighborhood has multiple local resources with funding to increase homeownership rates.
Pathstone Housing Corporation of Indiana is actively seeking low-income, first-time homebuyers for down payment assistance as well as to set up IDA accounts. IDA, or Individual Development Accounts, help individuals save for home ownership, to start a business, go back to school, or simply to help buy a car. IDA accounts are available from the Indiana Community Housing Development Association, but Pathstone is a local organization that will help smooth the process of applying. Muncie Home Ownership and Revitalization offers the same down payment assistance as Pathstone, while also offering Foreclosure Prevention assistance so homeowners can be sure to remain homeowners. For more information about Individual Development Accounts, see Business Development Initiative.
While possible for individual residents to take contact responsibility into their own hands, it is recommended that the neighborhood set up a housing liaison for residents. Many homeownership assistance opportunities are only available to low-income residents. As such, it is possible individuals won’t look into these resources due to the stigma of poverty. A local liaison will help alleviate that through understanding and a familiar face. The liaison should also be tasked with researching other federal and state Home Ownership Assistance programs as they become available. The liaison should contact Chris Allen at Pathstone or Penny Leach at Muncie Home Ownership and Revitalization to start this process.
Contact information for funding sources
Pathstone Housing Corporation of Indiana
1917 Royale Dr.
Muncie, IN 47304
Phone: (756) 286-2162
Contact: Chris Allen, Regional Home Ownership Counseling Manager
Muncie Home Ownership and Revitalization
1200 West Charles St.
Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 282-6656
FAX: (765) 282-8391
Contact: Penny Leach, Executive Director
Suitability analysis
Assistance with home repairs is important to the community because it creates a desirable place to live. The Anthony community home repairs are prioritized from high, medium, and low. The high priority home repairs are represented by red, which means these homes need most repairs. The medium priority is represented by yellow, meaning that these home are not in dire need of help, but some repairs are needed. The low priority is represented by green, meaning that these homes are in good condition and steady maintenance is suggested.
Assistance with Home Repairs Priority Map
Case Study
Corvallis, Oregon
Benton Habitat for Humanity in Corvallis, Oregon believes in simple, decent, and affordable homes for all community members. To reach their goal, they offer homeowners the ability to make essential home repairs through their Habitat partnership. This case study is part of a national movement to improve quality of life for families. The following step explains the home improvement process: (Source).
- Homeowner arranges a consultation with our Family Services Coordinator.
- The homeowner fills out the HRI Application.
- Habitat staff assesses the need and the project. This may include a site visit to the home to determine the extent of repairs needed.
- The homeowner meets the qualifications to be accepted.
- Habitat staff and volunteers plan and carry out the repair.
- The homeowner pays back the cost of the repair with a zero-interest loan.
List of Qualifications:
- Be living in a single-family home
- Own the home or be current on the mortgage
- Be current on property taxes and homeowner’s insurance
- Be able to afford monthly payments, repaying the cost of the repair
- Need a repair that will not pose any safety risk to volunteers
- Be willing to volunteer on the project, or volunteer in other ways for Habitat
- Have a family income that falls within 20% to 60% of the area’s median income
- (Source)
References
“Muncie Action Plan,” 2010.
(n.d.) Benton Habitat for Humanity. Retrieved from http://bentonhabitat.org/home-repair-initiative/
US Census Bureau. “Households by Tenure and Mortgage Status,” 2010.
Anthony-Northside Neighborhood Action Plan 