With NWBRV’s HomeOwnership Center (HOC) acting as northern Rhode Island’s one-stop-shop for financial literacy, homeownership education and coaching, we continuously work at improving and growing our program. Here at NeighborWorks, this work doesn’t stop once you and your family leave our office. Thanks to a recent grant from NeighborWorks America, NWBRV’s HOC is helping make sure that our community members are prepared for that financial rainy day you don’t see coming. In the wake of COVID-19 and its residual financial strain, our Housing Stability Counseling Program (HSCP) is offering individuals and families the chance they need to reevaluate their finances and get back on track.
“People often don’t save money for the inevitable big ‘what ifs’, or that unforeseen rainy day,” NWBRV’s Director of HomeOwnership & Asset Building Services Daynah Williams explained. “This NeighborWorks America grant is serving as a multifaceted tool for both the community and NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley. It’s giving us the ability to gain information from the community to see where the need is, while driving traffic back into the Homeownership Center where we can help people evaluate where they are financially.”
With COVID-19 leaving it’s mark on multiple industries, many of our residents have found themselves in flux with jobs, careers, training and finances. The ongoing HSCP, an arm of our already existing HomeSafe Program, includes a two part workshop entitled Lets Talk Money. Spanning the course of nearly two years, from September 2021 through the end of February 2023, our group education classes and individual counseling will reinforce to the community the services we offer, while offering personalized financial assistance that is vital in our current climate.
“This program is allowing us into people’s time of crisis, giving us a way to help them with their current situation,” Daynah said. “We offer a stipend to those willing to complete the program. These classes will run on a rolling basis until next year. There are so many resources available to people who need them, and we can help with that. Finances are emotional and we’re here for the community.”
NWBRV’s HOC is particularly devoted to supporting and expanding the homeownership rates for people of color. Since 1997, the HOC has supported Rhode Island residents in debt reduction, meeting savings goals, repairing credit, mitigating foreclosure, and achieving the goal of home ownership. A mission-driven organization, NeighborWorks America is dedicated to creating opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities.
“Funders are central to the work we do on a daily basis,” Daynah said. “Their help allows us to ensure the services we provide are impactful and continue to grow!”
For more information on how to participate in the Housing Stability Counseling Program, or our HomeSafe program, please contact Roz Mitchell at 401-257-6129.
