25 HOMES PAINTED
OVER 300 VOLUNTEERS We can't think of a better way to honor Homeownership Month than Paint The Town™. This service, provided by generous volunteers, gives homeowners a renewed sense of pride in their homes, and, in some cases, even allows them to stay in their homes longer. Many HOAs require new paint jobs on older homes and homeowners we help cannot afford to do that on their own.
Over the 39 years of Paint The Town™, more than 3,300 homeowners in the Treasure Valley have been given the gift of a fresh new look for their homes. Thank you to our dedicated and hard-working volunteers and our generous partners for another successful Paint The Town™.
Raising the Walls to Homeownership
Nicole Nelson came to NeighborWorks® Boise (NWB) about two years ago to begin her journey in Pre-Purchase Counseling. Being a single mom and the sole provider for her two kids, she knew it wouldn’t be a simple road with Boise housing prices going up and the family living on her single income. She found herself moving quite often, renting and sometimes living with family to save money. She knew she wanted to make her kids proud and be a good example for them by giving them a consistent place to come home to.
Working with Erika in the NWB Pre-Purchase Counseling Program, she went over paystubs, credit score, debt, income calculations, etc. Together, they created goals to get things on track not only to be able to qualify for buying a home, but also, using grants and other programs, to be able to find an affordable home Nicole's family would love. Every few months, Nicole would check in; they would look over progress and map out the steps she should take until their next meeting. Nicole was determined to put in the hard work and changes that needed to be made to make this dream of owning a home a reality.
NWB partnered with First Story, a nonprofit with a wonderful program that helps qualified homebuyers purchase homes with just a 30-year no-interest loan, and no down payment. A brand new three-bedroom Hayden Homes house would typically have a mortgage payment of $1600-$1800. Teamed with First Story, that monthly mortgage is dropped down to $1000-$1200 and requires no down payment.
First Story offers their program to one family in the Treasure Valley each year, and Nicole was 2021’s resident! The hard work and effort was well worth it when she, her kids, family, friends, and the people that are making this happen all came together to raise the walls of her new home in Caldwell. Nicole said, “I wouldn’t be building my dream home if it wasn’t for NeighborWorks®. I recommend everyone to their education program. If it weren’t for a program like that, I wouldn’t be here. I am so grateful to be able to chase my dream.”
NeighborWorks® Boise is thrilled to celebrate Nicole and her family’s new home. We help create housing opportunities. Reach out to Erika to see what NeighborWorks® Counseling can do for you today.
A Note from Real Estate Committee Member I have cared about affordable housing for a long time, both in career and volunteer capacities. I worked for HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) in a variety of roles for 25 years, including Regional Affordable Housing Specialist. Several years ago, I was approached to apply for a position on the Real Estate Committee with NeighborWorks® Boise (NWB). My first year with the committee involved a lot of listening and learning about NWB and its programs and mission.
I’m encouraged to see NWB expanding and taking on bigger projects, ultimately leading to a greater impact. I’m glad to see it is growing and adapting to the current needs. The Real Estate Committee advises NWB staff to look at new ideas to keep things affordable. We work together towards a common goal.
Affordable Housing issues exist far beyond the Treasure Valley, touching all 44 counties in Idaho to some degree. We’re facing something very serious. So, the work the Real Estate Committee and NWB does is very important. It’s fun and gratifying to be a part of it. There is a lot of satisfaction that comes with knowing we are helping people.
Sincerely, Gary Hanes Real Estate Committee Member, NeighborWorks® Boise
There are currently two openings on the NWB Real Estate Committee. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, contact Michael Shepard.
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