Way Finders

Because you never know when your dream home will pop up on the market! Lilian Ayala knew exactly what she could afford and what she most valued (location!), thanks to Way Finders’ First-time Homebuyer Workshop and support from Senior Loan Officer Ben Cartagena of @Citizens. When she saw it, she was ready to make a bid—even as she headed out of town. In her words: “I remember the day I saw the listing, I just happened to look online before we left to go camping, and there it was. I said, ‘West Springfield? Two- family home? Two blocks down from where I currently live? Well underpriced? Just shy of an acre? Look at that yard space! Oh, my goodness! Let’s do an offer!’ Literally, I didn’t see the house until inspection day. It’s my dream home, the right location, the right space.” Read Lilian’s full story. https://zurl.co/hX4f

Climate justice work in the City of Springfield just received a big boost from the @U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - a $20 million grant to help advance the Green and Resilient Springfield initiative. The goal: advance the city’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals, educate residents on innovative technologies and effective strategies, and reduce current risks and pollutants. The initiative includes workforce development programs, helping residents access high-quality jobs created through these efforts. @Congressman Richard Neal joined Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno in recognizing city staff and partner organizations' hard work in advancing its Green and Resilient Springfield initiative. Included in group picture are partners on the EPA grant – Way Finders, @Public Health Institute of Western MA , @Pioneer Valley Planning Commission , @Arise for Social Justice , @Revitalize CDC , @Regreen Springfield , and @City of Springfield, MA - Office of Communications READ MORE HERE: https://lnkd.in/euAKuhVY

Gratitude to Fontaine Bros., Inc. for supporting Way Finders at their 3rd Annual Community Foundation Golf Tournament at the Longmeadow Country Club - to the tune of $10,000! Thanks to Fontaine's Elizabeth Wambui, Dave Fontaine, Sr., David Fontaine, Jr., Way Finders' Board Chair Jasmine Naylor, and Megan Pete. And thanks to all the participants who know how to have a good time while doing good.

Looking for something to do once the Olympics wrap up? We've got just the ticket to help you reach for your future goals! To improve your credit, make a major purchase (car, home), or pay down debt. Or whatever you've got your heart set on to achieve. Come learn with us at our August Credit Success Workshop. • Held as a live webinar Tuesday, August 13 • 5:30 to 8:30 pm • Reserve your spot today: https://lnkd.in/e6su-gnB Participants can then meet one-on-one with a HUD-certified counselor for more personal guidance and support. You may also receive a free "tri-merge soft-pull" credit report (valued at $39.99).

How/where/when will your homeownership story begin? For many people, it’s with us! Learning, getting inspired, getting connected. Are you ready? Way Finders’ First-time Homebuyer Workshop, offered fully in Spanish, will be held in person on two Saturdays in August (8/3 and 8/10) at our Springfield Housing Center from 9 am to 2 pm. The cost is $50 per household. To register: https://zurl.co/UdGq You’ll learn how to find a home that works for your buying power—and how to finance, purchase, and maintain it. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate needed to pursue several down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products. Join us! Or spread the word to someone who you think might want to join us!

Two key takeaways from the 2024 Fair Housing Trends Report, compiled each year by the National Fair Housing Alliance to track grievances under the Fair Housing Act (the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability)? * - More than half of all complaints (53%) were about disability-based discrimination. - The vast majority (83%) of complaints were rental-related—although 2023 also saw an alarming surge in complaints of harassment against protected classes (including people of color, immigrants, and people receiving housing assistance). Click here to read the full report, including an interactive map highlighting key findings by state. https://zurl.co/M6Xf Way Finders’ Fair Housing program offers education on fair housing rights and how to respond to housing discrimination. To learn more, contact Fair Housing Manager John Fisher at jfisher@wayfinders.org or 413-233-1609. Or contact the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center. *Note that in Massachusetts, residents have additional protections from housing discrimination. These are based on marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, and receipt of public assistance, housing subsidies or rental assistance.

New affordable housing underway in Ludlow! On June 28, 2024, Way Finders CEO Keith Fairey was joined by Way Finders board members, staff, project funders, elected officials and other dignitaries to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Greenstead Grove affordable housing development in Ludlow, MA. Greenstead Grove will create 43 units of affordable housing and is slated to be complete in the summer of 2025. Read more. https://zurl.co/TUeB

Way Finders’ Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program revolves around—with great success—a one-on-one mentorship model. Clients work closely with the same staff person for up to five years in pursuit of their goals for greater economic mobility. But, twice a year, the FSS team likes to mix it up. That’s when they host meetings of their Program Coordinating Committee, with the goal of encouraging participant feedback to help shape the future of the FSS program. Get the scoop on this effort from FSS Advisor Evelyn Baez and FSS Program Specialist Sonia Colon. Read more. https://zurl.co/wRlP

Please note that Way Finders’ offices and Housing Centers will be closed Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.

The biggest investment most people will ever make in life? A home purchase! Calling all local homeowners/investors! Don’t miss our Homeowner Workshop and Celebration, where we’ll cover how to maintain and protect your new home. It’s a fun-filled morning of interactive learning and home care demonstrations from our partnering presenters. Held in person on Friday, June 28, from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Lunch and raffles provided. Free and open to the public. Register in advance: https://zurl.co/S8rm Note: Satisfies the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) Post-Purchase workshop requirement.