My overall experience working with Housing Opportunities has been positive. By working with Housing Opportunities, the City of LaPorte is able to provide services to its residents that staff would not have the time to provide. Housing Opportunities provides quality services to the participants of the Home Owner Repair Program.
Through the Home Owner Repair Program, Housing Opportunities provides education about creating a sustainable homeownership period. Many participants have not taken a first-time home owner class. As a result, they learn many things that can help them keep their home. Housing Opportunities is a strong advocate for the homeless and individuals in need of stable housing.
Housing Opportunities has enabled more individuals to become eligible for homeownership. They have worked on a one-to-one basis with individuals to help find more cost effective homeownership insurance and to lower monthly expenses. Housing Opportunities has assisted one homeowner in obtaining a reverse mortgage to help him stay in his home.
Mary Ann Richards
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Manager for LaPorte
The City of Michigan City has partnered with Housing Opportunities on a variety of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects that have had successful outcomes. Counseling for first time homebuyers, the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program, and development of the La Porte County 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. Their experience with federal programs has provided Michigan City with some much needed services for the moderate and low income residents.
In many cases, Housing Opportunities has provided leadership not only for Michigan City but for La Porte County as well. Their experience with managing permanent supportive housing helped guide the way to try and get permanent supportive housing within Michigan City.
Housing Opportunities managed the Owner Occupied Rehab Program for the City and has been successful in getting badly needed repairs for the disabled, elderly, and families with children. The housing stock within Michigan City is old and it requires much needed repair. In addition, Housing Opportunities provided counseling to homeowners on budgeting, home repair, reverse mortgages, and identity theft. This has been most beneficial for those residents who commonly are taken advantage of by others because the homeowners lack basic knowledge.
Judith Pinkston
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Director for Michigan City
A safe, affordable home brings stability; stability brings confidence, and confidence grows power. Housing Opportunities not only helps with the framework for a house, but with the foundation for a life, and gives people power over their own lives. Porter-Starke Services is grateful for the support of H.O. on behalf of the many people we serve together.