It started as a conversation. How do you work with prospective homeowners? What supports are available to people preparing to purchase their first home? What are your barriers, or challenges? Where do we overlap?
It’s manifested into a common-sense collaboration. As of July, applicants for York Habitat for Humanity are now being re-directed to Community Progress Council to enroll in their “Pathway to Homeownership” program, a two-part series of first-time homebuyer classes.
“Instead of duplicating services, we’re collaborating on the work,” says Ruth Robbins, Chief Program Officer for Community Progress Council. “The topics we cover in Pathway to Homeownership — repairing credit, building a savings, understanding the often complex process of homebuying — empower people to enter the homebuying process from a place of knowledge.”
Once a person has completed both workshops, they can contact York Habitat for Humanity and present their workshop certificates to apply for Habitat’s Homeownership Program. With a mission to build safe, decent, affordable housing for low-income, well qualified families in York County, York Habitat has built close to 150 homes across York County since 1985.
“Affordable homeownership through York Habitat helps create the conditions that free families from stress and fear, helping build stability and confidence,” says Natasha Kukorlo, Executive Director of York Habitat for Humanity. “Studies show that strong and stable households are foundational to child development and growth. When a home fosters (instead of hinders) health and safety, families can flourish.”
York Habitat has engaged in on-going efforts to support and educate homeowners through educational workshops, volunteer opportunities, and one-on-one mentoring since its inception in 1985.
“A partnership between YHFH and CPC will reinforce the financial education requirements that are needed to ensure our families are on-track to financial stability and success in homeownership, while allowing our Habitat team to focus our efforts on building even more homes throughout York County,” says Kukorlo.
How it works
For people interested in the Pathway to Homeownership workshops, callers will be asked a few brief questions as part of Community Progress Council’s centralized intake process. A Navigator can connect them with CPC’s HUD-certified housing counselors to enroll for the workshops, and also provide additional information about the comprehensive, integrated services that CPC offers.
“For families seeking stable housing, they may be facing complex challenges regarding employment, education, income, child care, transportation, and more,” said Robbins. “When someone needs or wants additional support, we can connect them with Coach at Community Progress Council to help them achieve short- and long-term goals toward economic self-sufficiency — perhaps beyond homeownership, or as a stepping stone to that ultimate goal.”
Community Progress Council’s Housing and Financial Education counselors work with individuals of all income levels to help them meet their financial goals – whether it’s preparing to rent, purchasing their first home or building a savings.
“Whether you want to learn more about Habitat’s Homeownership Program or you’re seeking to learn more about your path toward self-sufficiency, CPC is here for you,” Robbins said.
Connect with CPC
Interested individuals can reach out to a Navigator at 717-846-4600 with questions or to begin the intake process. Find a calendar of upcoming Housing workshops and other CPC events at www.yorkcpc.org/upcoming-events.