homeownership columbus ga Archives - Page 2 of 2

Breaking down our virtual homeownership process

In order to do our part to keep our customers, staff and community safe from COVID-19, NeighborWorks Columbus has temporarily closed its doors to the public. However, we want to reiterate to you all, that this doesn’t have to put a stop to your journey to homeownership.

In fact, our dedicated homeownership staff are working just as hard from their home offices to make sure good people like you can find good homes—and even in the midst of a global pandemic, we can seamlessly walk hand in hand (virtual hands, of course) with you each step of the way.

Here’s how our virtual process to homeownership works:

Shadonna Woodcock, Intake Specialist

Shadonna is the first person you meet on your journey to homeownership. Once a potential customer (you, perhaps!) fills out a profile on our Website, Shadonna will contact you for an intake appointment. While these normally take place in person, it’s just as easy for Shadonna to let you know what documents she needs to see and for you to upload them online. She’ll walk you through that process seamlessly!

Kimberly Poole, HUD Certified Homeownership Counselor- GA73571572

Once you are ready for the next step, you will begin meeting with our Certified Homeownership Counselor Kimberly one on one—only these meetings will take place over the phone. Kimberly will help make sure you are completely prepared to own a home. For some, this will include just tailoring your budget; for others, you may need some work on your credit or just to build up a savings account. Rest assured, Kimberly will guide you through this to make sure you are financially ready for the next step.

Taylor Adams, Licensed Mortgage Loan Counselor, NMLS#1844480

Lastly, our in-house lending specialist Taylor, will help you secure the best loan and any downpayment assistance you may qualify for. She will complete a loan application with you over the phone and then send any documents for you sign electronically. This is really not so different from when we actually are working in the office!

For Hispanic Customers:

Our services are also available in Spanish if that would be your preferred language. You will receive the necessary information in the language you are most comfortable with. Just request the language and you’ll be directed to speak with Kathy Rosado, Homeownership Service Line Manager.

While this is a strange time for all of us, please know that we are here with you and can still help you just as much as ever in the journey to homeownership. Give us a call or head to our Website to complete a customer profile and we’ll be in touch!

NeighborWorks® Columbus Receives $87K CHIP Grant

NeighborWorks® Columbus received an $87,000 CHIP grant to rehab six of the first Section 8 to Homeownership homes in Columbus. This groundbreaking program allowed Section 8 families to purchase their own home, thereby helping to alleviate generational poverty. Low income families are often not in a position to make the repairs to their family home. As these families reach a milestone in their homeownership process, these grant funds will allow NeighborWorks® Columbus to assist in any repairs the homes need as they transition into the next level of homeownership.

The purpose of the Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) is to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing in Georgia by granting funds to city and county governments, public housing authorities, and nonprofits to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes and build and renovate affordable single-family homes for sale to eligible homebuyers.

“This partnership with the Department of Community Affairs will allow us to ensure that our customers will be confident that their home will remain fully affordable and sustainable for the next 15-20 years. It is our honor and privilege to be able to participate in this important work.” Cathy Williams CEO of NeighborWorks ® Columbus

The CHIP program is funded with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME Investment Partnership Program funds.

Vanessa’s Story: From Section 8 to School Board

Fifteen years ago, Vanessa Jackson lived a completely different life.

She had a high school diploma, was a single mom of three kids, made minimum wage, and was renting an apartment with a Section 8 HAP Voucher and poor credit. “What I believed was, I’m not supposed to be a homeowner. That’s how the system works,” Vanessa said.

It turns out, she just needed someone to see something different in her. That someone was staff at NeighborWorks Columbus.

“Once I got my house, I was unstoppable. It felt like nothing was impossible for me. I was empowered,” Vanessa said.

Her journey, which started with a simple desire to improve her credit, led her to earning a degree in Early Childhood Education, working her way up to Director of the Childcare Network and being elected to serve on the Muscogee County School Board.

Vanessa Jackson was one of the first Section 8 residents in Columbus who was able to use her housing voucher as part of her layered financing through a 15-year 2^nd mortgage. As of 2019, Ms. Jackson has paid off her 2^nd mortgage and no longer requires housing subsidy.

For 20 years, NeighborWorks Columbus has worked to make a difference in lives like Vanessa’s: empowering them through financial education and counseling and helping them settle in a home where they can thrive.

Breaking down our virtual homeownership process

NeighborWorks® Columbus Receives $87K CHIP Grant

Vanessa’s Story: From Section 8 to School Board

Sitemap

Member Associations

Contact Us