Neighbor News
CHI Receives Unconditional Approval for Homebuyer Counseling
Community Housing Innovations Receives Unconditional Approval for Homebuyer Counseling from HUD
WHITE PLAINS, NY – April 11, 2019 – Community Housing Innovations (CHI), a nonprofit housing organization, received a stellar review from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), resulting in an unconditional approval for three years that allows CHI to continue operating as a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. CHI has held this honor since 1997.
Housing Program Specialist Matthew Finn states, “I wanted to give recognition for the wonderful job you are doing in the community. Between the staff inside the office and those out in the field, your agency is making a wide outreaching positive effect for the local area.”
The HUD Office of Housing Counseling conducted the compliance visit in March, meeting with staff and reviewing case files. The purpose of the audit is to ensure that CHI implements its programs and services in accordance with the counseling work plan that is submitted annually to HUD.
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“We are grateful to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for awarding CHI approval of our housing counseling program. It continues to allow us to provide vital services to community members who want to become homeowners in this unaffordable area.” said Alexander H. Roberts, Executive Director of CHI.
CHI provides HUD-approved education and counseling to potential first-time homebuyers throughout Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties. Through its Renters into Owners program, CHI administers New York State grants averaging $25,000 each for down payment and home improvements to income-eligible first-time homebuyers. Through this program, CHI has provided over $17 million in down payment assistance grants and free counseling to over 800 families and individuals.
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To be eligible, homebuyers must meet the definition of a first-time homebuyer and have at least 3% of their own savings to contribute toward the purchase. For a family of four, income must not exceed $104,563. Other income requirements may be found on CHI’s website. Grant assistance is in the form of a deferred forgivable loan with no payments that declines over time, secured by a second mortgage lien. The owner must occupy the property for ten years to avoid paying back any of the assistance.
Potential grantees must attend an orientation, qualify for a mortgage, and complete HUD-certified homebuyer education. Orientations are posted on CHI’s website at www.chigrants.org. Registration is required and accepted through the website.
For more information on CHI’s Homeownership Program, please call Andrea Haughton, Director of Homeownership, at 914-683-1010 or email ahaughton@communityhousing.org.
About Community Housing Innovations, Inc.
Founded in 1991, Community Housing Innovations, Inc. is a nonprofit affordable housing and social services agency serving Westchester, the Hudson Valley and Long Island. CHI provides housing and human services that support social and economic independence. Programs include emergency and transitional housing, permanent housing, homeownership counseling, education, and down payment assistance, foreclosure prevention education, and development of fair and affordable housing. For more information on CHI, visit www.chigrants.org.
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