Alicia Townsend, U.S. Bank’s Vice President and Community Affairs Manager for Ohio metro areas, says she has always been “keenly aware of the great work East Akron Neighborhood Development Center (EANDC) was doing as an organization” based on a relationship between the bank and EANDC that has been nurtured and strengthened under the recent leadership of Cheryl Stephens, President and CEO, and EANDC’s board chair David Buchanan, a U.S. Bank employee.
“We have a heart for affordable housing” Townsend notes, indicating that EANDC “rose to the top pretty quickly” during a 2020 competitive grant opportunity which the U.S. Bank Foundation mobilized to invest $1 million nationwide in response to the urgent needs of COVID-19.
As part of U.S. Bank’s Community Possible initiative, Townsend sees EANDC as “an organization whose work is in alignment with our goals and values, making it so much easier to make a connection and have meaningful, long-lasting impact, especially in communities.”
“Our work isn’t done, and neither is East Akron’s,” says Townsend, noting the key role that Buchanan and Stephens have played in continuing to advance EANDC’s mission and deepen the relationship with U.S. Bank since the 2018 retirement of the nonprofit’s founding CEO, Grady Appleton. As a funding partner, the bank values their ability to be responsive to the needs of the East Akron community during COVID-19 but also looks forward to supporting the continued work of addressing the community’s racial and economic inequities.
Visit USBank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank’s commitment to being a part of the solution in closing racial wealth gaps, creating greater financial wellness, and addressing climate change.
Risk of Housing & Foreclosure Scams Increased During COVID-19
COVID-19 has caused thousands of Northeast Ohio residents to lose their jobs through no fault of their own, said retired Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove in a plea to local leaders at the end of last year, insisting that a housing crisis looms large for Cleveland and surrounding communities.
As a result of those job losses, families and individuals affected, who are unable to secure work often face the loss of their home through foreclosure or eviction — with Black and brown communities disproportionately impacted.
In additional to the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Northeast Ohio homeowners who are struggling to keep their homes are also at risk of being targeted by foreclosure scams. The emotional and financial distress of foreclosure often makes people more likely to overlook red flags and sign up for “too good to be true” services that could make their situation worse.
Do you know how to spot a home foreclosure scam?
Our colleagues and supporters at NeighborWorks America know all the dirty secrets and we're helping spread the word. Below is a list of their top 6 signs you're dealing with a scammer:
1. A company or person asks for a fee in advance.
Don't pay for a service before you receive it. It is illegal for a company/individual to charge fees in advance for mortgage assistance services. Note: Attorneys are allowed to charge fees in advance if they meet certain requirements and place fees in a client trust account.
2. A company or person promises you they can stop foreclosure or eviction.
Nobody can make this guarantee. Scammers use fear and the promise of security to trick people in need. Legitimate, trustworthy HUD-approved counseling agencies will only promise they will try their very best to help you.
3. A company or person tells you to stop paying your mortgage or landlord and pay them instead.
Despite what a scammer will tell you, you should never send a payment to anyone other than your mortgage company or landlord. The minute you have trouble making your monthly payment, contact your lender, landlord or a HUD-approved housing counselor.
4. They pressure you to sign over the deed to your home or sign any paperwork that you haven't had a chance to read and don't fully understand.
Be careful. Signing over the deed to your home may not prevent foreclosure. You are still responsible for paying your mortgage even if you sign over the deed to your home. A legitimate housing counselor would never pressure you to sign a document before you had a chance to read and understand it.
5. They claim to offer government approved or official government loan modifications.
They may be scammers pretending to be legitimate organizations approved by, or affiliated with, the government. Contact your mortgage lender first. Your lender can tell you whether you qualify for any government programs to prevent foreclosure. Remember, you do not have to pay a fee to benefit from government-backed loan modification programs.
6. They ask you to release personal financial information online or over the phone.
You should only give this type of information to companies that you know and trust, like your mortgage lender or a HUD-approved counseling agency.
The NeighborWorks America website also includes information about the 9 most common loan scams which range from fake housing counselors (always make sure you’re working with a HUD certified counselor) and rent-to-own or lease back scams, fake government programs or encouraging bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure. Click here for the full list.
If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with mortgage payments due to a job loss or other financial struggles, help is available. Please contact one of our HUD certified counselors at the Center for Homeownership by calling 330-724-0244.
5 Reasons Donors Give to East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation
WE CREATE OPPORTUNITY THROUGH HOME OWNERSHIP: Access to quality, affordable housing is the cornerstone of the American dream. While companies and organizations across the country begin to consider how they can have a positive impact on the racial wealth gap in America, EANDC stands on a long history of community-focused investment that makes “the dream” accessible to our clients and their families.
INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION: Education is a lifelong process and some of our most important life lessons take place outside of a traditional classroom. To succeed in today’s economy, adults must understand the basics (and the myths) about money management, apply for credit, and the home buying process. Through our homeowner resource center, HUD-certified counseling services, and our free financial literacy workshops EANDC clients are empowered to succeed.
WE BELIEVE IN COMMUNITY: Strong neighborhoods are the cornerstone of thriving communities. EANDC is committed to overcoming the blight caused by the foreclosure crisis in Summit and Stark counties and revitalizing the neighborhoods our clients call home. Strong communities include core services such as fair banking, quality retailers and access to education. This commitment includes collaborations and partnerships such as those we have with PNC Bank, Third Federal, Dave’s grocery stores and LeBron James Foundation I Promise Schools.
THE NUMBERS SHOW OUR IMPACT: Through strategic planning and strong leadership, EANDC showed an increase in net assets during one of the most difficult economic years in history. We are in a new phase of sustainable growth and are uniquely positioned to help reduce the 19,600-unit affordable housing deficit in Ohio’s Stark and Summit counties. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.
HELPING REAL PEOPLE: Just as important as dinner on the table, where we live is deeply connected to our sense of security and identity. By supporting EANDC, our donors are supporting aging seniors, families with children, first generation homeowners and veterans on a limited income. A donation of EANDC helps make homeownership accessible and provides priceless peace of mind to those we serve.
Why Do I need a Homeownership Class?
One of the most important things that people gain after participating in our HomeToday workshops is the confidence and information they need to set and achieve financial goals.
Homeownership is the biggest way that families gain wealth in America, and investing in a home is how parents and grandparents pass on financial security to their children. This access to wealth hasn’t always been equally accessible to Black and Hispanic/Latinx families in the U.S., but the counseling and classes offered at the EANDC Center for Home Ownership help ease the transition to homeownership for people of color and first-generation home buyers. Our services also help families become more prepared to keep their homes during times of economic hardship.
Toya Kelker, Director of Homeownership at EANDC, has spent over 15 years as a housing counselor, and she helps simplify the process of homeownership and financial goal setting through group workshops and 1-1 counseling sessions.
“I never knew that closing my credit cards after they were paid off wasn’t the right thing to do,” said one potential homebuyer who was having difficulty getting a mortgage. After talking with Toya, she set a goal to pay off monthly balances and keep “open credit” which increased her credit score and improving her home loan options. This is just one of the myths about credit scores that Toya and our financial literacy experts discuss during the HomeToday workshops.
Other topics covered include realistic tips for money management and financial goal setting and information about mortgage lending and fair housing. After you complete the course, you are eligible for 1-1 counseling with a credit counselor who will provide you with copies of your credit report action steps for how to correct any issues.
The support provided by EANDC’s Center for Homeownership doesn’t stop there, either. We also help clients with guidance on the homebuying process and how to maintain a home after purchase, including how to maintain good credit and save money on your utility bills.
Everyone should be proud of their home and their community. EANDC offers a variety of services designed to make your life as a tenant, homeowner, or future homeowner easier. Click here to see what we offer and if you have any questions, give us a call at (330) 773-6838.
Summit and Stark County Residents, You Can Keep Costs Low This Winter
Winter is coming and COVID-19 is still a part of our daily lives. Soon, cold temperatures will arrive and with many school districts transitioning to virtual learning, families will be spending more time indoors, using an increasing amount of energy.
Through the services and support of East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC) residents of Stark and Summit Counties can still have energy-efficient homes.
Anna Deger, EANDC Vice President of Residential Services is an expert on money-saving tips to help keep your energy bills low. With 20 years of experience working in energy services, Deger and the EANDC team continue to work vigorously to assist 1500+ clients each year.
To keep your household running efficiently year-round, Deger suggests following these steps:
Plug home electronics, such as TVs and gaming systems, into power strips; turn the power strips off when equipment is not in use.
Turn off electronics when you are not in the room.
Air-dry dishes or clothes.
Install a programmable thermostat.
Close off unused space like closets and guest rooms so they are not heated or cooled unnecessarily.
Keep the clothes dryer lint screen clean.
Use cold water when you can for laundry.
Replace lighting with LED bulbs.
Switch to ENERGY STAR appliances, fans, and electronics when possible. (May be available free through our Energy Audit program.
EANDC’s Energy Efficiency Programs help eligible Ohioans reduce their electricity usage in their home. EANDC performs in-home audits and installs appropriate electric energy efficiency measures to reduce electric usage. Customers also receive information on how they can reduce their electric use and improve their home’s efficiency.
Ohioans are eligible for EPP if they are on or eligible for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP), having a total household income that is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty levels. Click here for program details or call our Energy Services department at (330) 773-2095.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this program, your household must meet the following annual income requirements:
1 Person $19, 140
2 People $25, 860
3 People $32, 580
4 People $39, 300
5 People $46, 020
6 People $52, 740
7 People $59, 460
8 People $66, 180
For households with 8 or more people, add $6, 720 for every additional person (9 = $72, 900; 10 = $79, 620...). These numbers are based on Federal Income Guidelines for 150% of the Poverty Level.
If you are experiencing financial stress or difficulty paying your rent/mortgage due to COVID-19, please contact EANDC directly for rental assistance. Community Legal Aid is also available for assistance with securing stimulus check funds, eviction assistance, unemployment resources and criminal record expungement. Helpline support can be accessed by phone at 1-800-998-9454 or online at communitylegalaid.org.
What Does Success Look Like for Our Homeownership Class Participants?
Recently, we sat down for a (virtual) talk with Toya Kelker, East Akron Neighborhood Development Center’s Director of Home Ownership, a longtime champion of EANDC’s homebuyer and financial literacy programs! She offered a wealth of information and some inspiring stories about the success our class participants can experience within 6-12 months of participation. In particular, the one-to-one coaching that is available seems to make a difference for those who want to take control of their financial future.
NeighborWorks Week: A Celebration of Strong Communities
Strong communities start with safe affordable housing. East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC) staff, tenants, volunteers and donors have been bringing this vision to life since the 1980s, and our partners at NeighborWorks have been investing in Akron, Canton and Massillon neighborhoods for over 20 years.
Each year, we rally and celebrate our neighbors and the partners who empower us during NeighborWorks Week (June 6-13, 2020). With the support of NeighborWorks, EANDC has made a tremendous impact through monthly community meetings, thriving home ownership and financial literacy programs, and their overall support positioned EANDC to undertake our most recent “I Promise Housing” project. Despite the setbacks of the COVID-19 Pandemic, EANDC continued to support residents and provide resources to help families stay in affordable housing. We are also excited to announce that our online Homebuyer Education course is fully booked through June, and we are currently booking for July.
Ms. Brown, a past homebuyer education participant recently shared her thoughts on the program. “I would recommend EANDC and the homebuyer classes to anyone planning to purchase a home or homeowners such as myself that need guidance from a trustworthy agency. EANDC has always had good programs, and I am so thankful for this one and for the help I received from Toya Kelker.” Changing the lives of people like Ms. Brown was made possible with the help of instructor training and education through NeighborWorks America.
Visit the EANDC Facebook page or sign up for our monthly newsletter to join the NeighborWorks Neighbor Week celebration!
Community Legal Aid: Tenant Assistance Program
Download the Legal Aid Tenant Assistance Flyer and Application
CAN I BE EVICTED DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Each local court is making its own decision on whether to allow evictions to go forward. It is possible you canstill be evicted at this time. Contact your local court to find out their most up-to-date procedures.
IF MY LOCAL COURT HAS STOPPED PROCESSING EVICTIONS, SHOULD I PAY MY RENT?
Yes. You are still responsible for paying rent. Failure to pay rent can result in an eviction, now or later. If your landlord will not take rent money, save your rent money and contact Legal Aid.
CAN MY LANDLORD PREVENT ME FROM ALLOWING A GUEST INTO MY APARTMENT BUILDING OR HOME?
Your landlord may have new rules and restrictions to limit guests during the pandemic. Check with your landlord to be sure.
Medical professionals and caregivers should still be able to come into your home. If you experience problems with this, contact Legal Aid.
CAN MY LANDLORD PREVENT ME FROM USING COMMON SPACES, SUCH AS LAUNDRY FACILITIES, MEETING ROOMS, ETC.?
Your landlord may have new rules and restrictions to discourage use of common spaces during this public health crisis. But they cannot prevent you from using necessary facilities, such as laundry rooms.
I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PAY MY RENT DUE TO ECONOMIC HARDSHIP CREATED BY THE CORONAVIRUS, LIKE LOSING MY JOB. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
You are still responsible for paying rent. You should prioritize basic living expenses like housing, medication, and food. There may be some resources in your community that can help during this time. Reach out to your local 2-1-1 and other agencies to see what help may be available.
If you are still unable to make your rent payment, you may try to work out arrangements with your landlord. Contact your landlord to discuss your situation before your rent is due, and be sure to get any agreement in writing (for example, a written agreement signed by both you and your landlord, an email from them, text messages, etc.). Keep good records of any agreement and any payments you make.
IF I CAN’T PAY MY RENT, CAN MY LANDLORD LOCK ME OUT OF MY HOME OR TURN OFF MY UTILITIES?
No. Your landlord is not allowed to lock you out of your home or turn off your utilities as a way to try to force you to leave. The only way they can force you out is by evicting you through the court. If your landlord tries to force you out in other ways, contact Legal Aid immediately.