Habitat for Humanity and PATH Announce New Partnership
Posted/updated on: July 23, 2013 at 4:40 pm
TYLER — Habitat for Humanity and PATH are announcing a partnership that closely coordinates efforts for future home ownership opportunities for the economically disadvantaged people of Smith County. PATHs newly designed Transitional Housing Program (THP) provides assistance to low-to-moderate income families who are deemed ready and capable of breaking through the barriers that have been holding them back from self-sufficiency. Officials say the 18-24 month program includes ongoing case management, education, mentoring, accountability, and assistance. The stated goal for every family enrolled will be to prepare for ongoing success in home ownership or a market-rate rental home.
Habitat for Humanity of Smith County (HfHSC) objectives include providing safe, clean, decent affordable home ownership opportunities for low income individuals/families. This has traditionally been achieved after a very comprehensive application and selection process requiring educational classes and numerous hours of sweat equity. After successfully completing the program, the individuals/families purchase the Habitat built home with an interest free, 30 year mortgage serviced by HfHSC.
In an effort to streamline processes for home ownership, HfHSC will replace its traditional application and selection process going forward with PATHs THP to prepare potential homeowners for the Habitat program. Candidates for home ownership will be evaluated on the following criteria:
* Success in PATH THP and Family Development and Support programs
* Income requirements
* Willingness to partner with PATH and HfHSC in resolving past credit issues
* Completing educational requirements of both PATH and HfHSC
* Completing HfHSC sweat equity requirements
* Commitment to terms of HfHSCs 30 year interest free mortgage to purchase a Habitat built home
The final decision on which individual/family is accepted into Habitats home ownership program will be that of HfHSC. Currently one participating PATH THP family is approved for an HfHSC home this year and two more families are anticipated to achieve that goal by year end.
