NeighborWorks America is a member-based organization with 237 members working in more than 2,700 urban, suburban, and rural communities. Members consist of nonprofit community-based organizations that focus on community revitalization and production of affordable housing for lower-income people. Nationally, the organization has two agendas that focus on or are related to aging adults. These programs involve civic engagement and housing. With regard to civic engagement, the group holds a conference called Community Leadership Institute Seminar in a new location each year. This conference, or seminar, has many different talking points, one of which is titled Growing in Grace and Wisdom: Tapping the Strength of Seniors in Your Community. This workshop explores ways to work with seniors and how to benefit from their talents and skills while helping them learn how to age in place.
The housing services they offer range from addressing housing needs and repairs to answering questions about financing and loans. Below are two examples of programs initiated by NeighborWorks members. Below are two examples of programs initiated by NeighborWorks members.Through this network, the organization provides financial support, technical assistances, and training for communities across the nation.
NeighborWorks Member Case Studies:
Gwinnett Housing Resource Partnership
Lawrenceville, GA
www.theimpactgroup.org
Gwinnett Housing Resource Partnership (GHRP) offers financial counseling services. They inform elderly homeowners of the advantages of five reverse-mortgage products: Two versions of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage through HUD, A Fannie Mae product, and two products of Financial Freedom (private lender).
GHPR provides clients with counseling and access to the loans, but does not make the loans themselves. Reverse-mortgages allow homeowners over the age of 62 to borrow against the equity already in their home. There must be enough equity built up to pay off any existing liens or mortgages, but the money can then be used for any purpose. Borrowers have three options for receiving the loans; they can take the money in one lump sum, in monthly installments, or as a credit line.
This money could be used to make any home repairs or renovations that otherwise would have been too expensive. Home repairs may be a new roof or repainting to extend the life of the home. Renovations could be any number of modifications that make aging in place a reality for older adults with disabilities.
The counseling services are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Design (HUD) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
Housing Partnership of Northeast Florida
Jacksonville, FL
www.thehousingpartnership.com
The mission of the Housing Partnership of Northeast Florida is to facilitate community development by offering a range of services that expands safe, affordable housing for low and moderate income families and improves the quality of life in Northeast Florida. 90% of those helped in their Home Rehabilitation program are elderly homeowners. This program uses the expertise of professional contractors and the man power of individual volunteers to make necessary repairs and modifications to the homes of qualifying residents. Each year, 70 homes are made handicap accessible with the addition of wheelchair ramps and other handicap modifications to doorways, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Funding for the Housing Partnership of Northeast Florida, Inc. is provided through private contributors, private foundations, NeighborWorks® America, the City of Jacksonville's Housing and Neighborhoods Department, the City of Jacksonville Community Development Block Grant Funds, the City of Jacksonville's Disabled Services Division, ElderSouce, the Area Agency on Aging for Northeast Florida, the Housing Partnership Network and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation.