FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 1, 2021
Contact: Kristyn Denison, Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek, Senior Managing Director,
269-968-1113 kdenison@nibc.org
NIBC Awarded $10,000 Flagstar Grant for Homeownership Education –
Navigating Homeownership: The Pandemic and Beyond
BATTLE CREEK, MI – Neighborhoods Inc. Of Battle Creek has been awarded a 10,000 dollar grant from the Flagstar CRA Department. The Flagstar Bank CRA department supports the missions of 501c3 nonprofits that enhance community development, as well as education and economic development for local communities. Through this funding, NIBC is implementing a homeownership education course for first time home buyers to navigate real barriers to owning a home.
NIBC hopes to use these funds to educate and empower current renters about the steps it takes to own a home of their own. The Navigating Homeownership: The Pandemic and Beyond program will entail an 8-hour first time homebuyers education class were prospective homeowners will figure out how much they can afford, how to shop for a home, how to make an offer, and many other valuable lessons related to homeownership.
“Homeownership is one of the best ways to stabilize neighborhoods and support family financial security” Says Senior Managing Director, Kristyn Denison. “By providing educational courses that empower prospective homeowners, we can create a network of good quality housing opportunities to attract families to purchase and lease homes through the city.” The Flagstar grant funding supports our mission of providing and promoting stable, healthy homes and neighborhoods in low income neighborhoods in the Greater Battle Creek Area. NIBC’s current programs and activities that support low to moderate income families include:
- Collaborating with local government, organizations, and residents to improve access to housing and quality of neighborhoods
- Securing Federal Home Loan Bank of Indiana dollars for the Greater Battle Creek Community for home improvement
- Providing financial literacy and home buyer education
- Supporting and providing accessibility modifications
- Loan servicing
- Home rental for individuals with negative credit or rental histories
- Transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence