City First Homes

Description

CFHomes creates mixed-income neighborhoods by developing an infrastructure of permanently affordable housing for low- and moderate- income populations located throughout the District. Through homebuyer education and support, CFHomes promotes homeownership and reduces the incidence of foreclosure amongst CFHomes program participants. In a market where low- to moderate- income populations continue to be priced out of homeownership, CFHomes makes it possible for these families to responsibly build wealth. By providing a stock of homes permanently affordable, CFHomes serves as a resource to responsibly increase access to homeownership in D.C., opening the door to homeownership and wealth creation opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. Selected by the District to launch and run its primary workforce housing program, we have experienced success despite the very challenging economic climate. CFHomes’ success and strong community impact is attributed largely in part to its comprehensive approach to homeownership. Not only does CFHomes believe that low- to moderate-income individuals deserve access to high-quality affordable housing, but that they also deserve access to the financial resources and educational tools that will help them avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes. Hence CFHomes’ commitment to an intensive homebuyer education and ongoing homebuyer support housing strategy. CFHomes requires that all purchasers participate in a free general homebuyer education course and a CFHomes-specific shared appreciation training. In addition, throughout the owner’s tenure, CFHomes offers workshops on such issues as home maintenance, tax preparation, and post purchase financial counseling. This extensive and proven model of pre and post purchase assistance to unit owners has allowed CFHomes to maintain negligible delinquencies and no defaults or foreclosures, for all of the owners and properties in the portfolio.