U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey, Lynne Patton, travelled to Schenectady to celebrate HUD’s Homeownership Month, and highlight Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County and new homeowners Jackie and Tracey Joseph and their family.
“HUD is thrilled to collaborate with Schenectady Habitat to assist in making Jackie and Tracey Joseph’s homeownership dream come true,” said Lynne Patton, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. “HUD and Secretary Ben Carson provided HUD HOME Program funding through the City of Schenectady. The Joseph family’s new home will stabilize not only their lives; but serve as a vital building block toward stabilizing the entire community.”
Habitat for Humanity Schenectady County Executive Director, Madelyn Thorne worked with the City of Schenectady’s Development Department and with the Josephs to make sure the family transitioned successfully from housing instability to sustainable homeownership.
“This conversation, and the multitude of issues we are faced with as a community and society, both locally and nationally, regarding the affordable housing crisis is vitally important, here, today, and especially now,” said Madelyn Thorne, Executive Director of HFHSC. “Our mission at Schenectady Habitat is to provide a pathway to stable, affordable and sustainable housing. We partner with families from the groundbreaking ceremonies to the home dedications. Our ability to have such a positive and long-lasting impact on our community is only made possible through funding and volunteerism. HUD is a tremendous partner and funder, a national advocate for affordable housing, and we are grateful to have them here with us today; this home on 1055 Davis Terrace demonstrates the great work that HUD does in Schenectady.”
Homeownership for the Joseph’s was made possible by their commitment to their dream of homeownership; and by multiple stakeholders who work hard every day to provide stability to Schenectady residents and communities. HUD provided $60,000 to Schenectady Habitat through the City of Schenectady’s Development Department. Schenectady Habitat worked with the family and secured additional resources; including land donation from a private source; and additional HUD funding secured through the Schenectady Housing Development Fund Corporation funding to offset closing costs.
“The City of Schenectady is very fortunate to have such a strong alliance with HUD – hosting the first-ever housing summit in Upstate New York – Strengthening Cities, Communities and Homes in 2014, surpassed all of our expectations and we look forward to being the host city once again in the near future,” said Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady. “Our commitment to partnering with community organizations, not for profits like Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, and reciprocal government agencies; to revitalize our neighborhoods, rehabilitate current housing structures, and invite families to be a part of our city’s thriving environment, is a goal that we all share and we have seen success to date because of our progressive partnerships – today is a shining example of the work we do together.”
Habitat for Humanity Schenectady works with potential homebuyers that meet HUD low- income requirements, provide two-year proof of income, take a Habitat homeowner education course, and are willing to put sweat equity into their homes.
HUD celebrates Homeownership Month in June to highlight the importance of homeownership. HUD supports homeownership through HUD-funded housing counseling agencies; and through HUD’s Federal Housing Administration, or FHA; that provides mortgage insurance and makes homebuying easier for low to moderate income homebuyers.
June is also HUD Healthy Homes Month.
Article by the Capital Region Chamber.
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