What’s happening: The Neighborhood Housing Partnership of Greater Springfield is hosting an open house event on June 9 at 4 p.m. to commemorate the completed construction of
seven new homes on Clifton Court.
The event will kick off at 644 Clifton Avenue, where speakers will share information on the project and other work being done to promote homeownership, and then attendees will be given the opportunity to tour the new homes.
Neighborhood Housing Partnership Executive Director Rachel Goff says it's an opportunity to celebrate the work done and what these houses mean for future residents and neighbors. Two of the houses are already under contract.
Why it matters: Through funding from the Community Development Block Grant, the Neighborhood Housing Partnership was able to build seven homes, which will sell for around $165,000, despite an estimated value of over $200,000. Goff explains that the gap between the purchaser’s price and actual value will be covered by the City of Springfield, which will help keep the monthly price more affordable. This allows first-time home buyers who have completed The Neighborhood Housing Partnership’s Homebuyer Education course and who might not have otherwise been able to, the opportunity to purchase a newly constructed home.
How it will impact: “We're trying to increase the amount of properties that are in good shape there and give people in that area alternative places to live. All of those homes are for first-time home buyers, so we're effectively moving people from rentals to a home of their own. They're going to be able to build equity and increase their long-term wealth. Another thing that the homes are doing is improving the property values in that area. It helps long term in the city but also, you know, having pride in your home helps the other neighbors to kind of improve upon their areas as well.” - Rachel Goff, Executive Director for the Neighborhood Housing Partnership
Who’s behind it: The Neighborhood Housing Partnership of Greater Springfield is a nonprofit organization working to create and preserve affordable housing opportunities. They promote the development and rehabilitation of housing, while also providing support to area residents. The Neighborhood Housing Partnership offers homebuyer counseling, which helps potential first-time home buyers understand and prepare for the home-buying process; programs that offer assistance with down payments and closing costs; and general support to maintain a budget, maintain a home, and avoid foreclosure.
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