By kia croom Community Housing Development Corporation Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC)— a Richmond-based nonprofit developer has earned its reputation as a cornerstone in the community. For nearly 30 years, CHDC has been creating quality affordable housing options to ultimately improve neighborhoods and the quality of life in and around North Richmond. CHDC’s mission is to “create and sustain vibrant communities by providing high-quality affordable housing and neighborhood services. CHDC serves low-to-moderate income households (people with incomes below 80% of the area median income), empowering community members to become homeowners, business owners, and financially independent contributing members of society. The organization was founded in 1990 by a committee of North Richmond community members working to improve the quality of life in the North Richmond community. The committee soon became a housing committee of North Richmond Neighborhood House, largely supported by the faiths community. The committee and its programming would eventually flourish into the multiservice agency it is today. CHDC is one-part service provider, one-part housing developer. On the one hand, CHDC clients benefit from programs geared toward helping them become self-reliant, such as financial literacy classes, which help them gain command of their household budget. Clients can take advantage of free income tax preparation so that each dollar earned is applied towards their savings or household expenses, rather than fees charged by a tax preparer. They are encouraged to take advantage of CHDC’s matched savings program entitled “CC-match.” CC-match gives new meaning to the old adage “a penny saved is a penny earned”. As part of the program, clients set a goal to save funds for a qualifying expenditure, such as a home, business investment or tuition to attend for a post-secondary institution. Funds are matched to up to a specified amount. On the other hand CHDC clients access lifelines for affordable housing and even home ownership. CHDC has developed, co-developed or acquired 961 affordable housing units in the Richmond area including, 226 new or rehabilitated for-sale properties for first time buyers. CHDC’s first-time home buyer programming walks clients through the overwhelming process of purchasing a home. Potential homebuyers take part in from housing counseling and can even qualify for down payment assistance. Local homeowners at risk of losing their homes can come to CHDC seeking mortgage assistance and even foreclosure intervention. CHDC’s newest program, “Ways to Work” provides low-interest loans coupled with financial education to persons with challenged credit. The program is gaining increasing popularity and demand among individuals and families. Velma Cantrell, Resource Development Director at CHDC says she is proud of their work in helping ordinary low income citizens and families gain stake in society. “We help people build their assets for education, small business investments or even a home. We help them obtain cars and even homes,” she said. “We are doing a lot to make a difference and consider ourselves local advocates for the North Richmond Area.” Cantrell lauds CHDC’s work, but appreciates the contributions from its collaborative partners. “We are fortunate to have such wonderful partners such as, the Richmond Community Foundation, Haas Fund, Y&H Soda, Citibank, Bank of the West, Mechanics Bank and Chevron. Our partners help give life to many of these projects,” she said. Cantrell joined the CHDC team in June 2014 in her current role. Although she has been with CHDC for a short time, she is excited about current and future projects CHDC has in the pipeline. “We are in the midst of developing Heritage Point, which will be a mixed-use development with both retail and residential units. It is Cantrell’s hope the new development will house a market where community members can buy fresh produce, considering there is a shortage of grocery stores and healthy food options in the neighborhood. For more information about the fundraiser or CHDC programs and services visit www.chdcnr.com.
Contra Costa Marketplace - Jan 2015
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