The Housing Fund

This week our President & CEO Marshall Crawford will be honored by his peer CEOs and the Nashville Business Journal as one of the "Most Admired CEOs" in Middle Tennessee. He joins other CEOs recognized in the Nonprofit category for 2023, including Sharon Roberson of the YWCA and Nancy Keil of Second Harvest Food Bank. Join us in congratulating Marshall!

Tickets are still available for the luncheon celebration here:
https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/event/169058/2023/2023-most-admired-ceos

This month, leadership for The Housing Fund went on NewsChannel 5+'s Urban Outlook --a 30-minute program focused on issues impacting Middle Tennessee's African-American community-- to discuss how we work with financial institutions, corporations, and government to create and preserve affordable housing units. It's a 10-minute video you can watch at the link!

The Housing Fund On this episode of Urban Outlook, host April Eaton is joined by Marshall Crawford, CEO of The Housing Fund and Alisha Haddock, Senior Vice President and Director of Community and Economic Development.

Our Finance team recently celebrated the career of THF's Senior Staff Accountant, Dan Evenson. Dan has been an integral part of keeping our financial books in tip-top shape; after seven years of service to our mission, he is retiring to spend more time with family. THANK YOU, Dan, for all you have done to support The Housing Fund and ENJOY your well-earned retirement!

Thanksgiving embodies a spirit of peace, gratitude, and the beginning of the holiday season. We hope you are able to gather with friends and family this weekend to share in tradition. We are grateful for another successful year delivering on our mission of creating and maintaining affordable, healthy places in which low and moderate income people live.

So that THF staff can rest and celebrate with their loved ones, our offices are closed through the weekend and will reopen Monday Nov. 27th. Happy Thanksgiving!

Our team was excited to attend a presentation from Freddie O'Connell for Mayor's Transition Committee to hear recommended policies to preserve affordability and center equity as Music City grows. Nonprofit CDFIs like The Housing Fund have an important role to play in "finding a balance between maximizing revenue and meeting community needs," as well as ensuring area neighborhoods "reflect Nashville's rich diversity and prioritize affordable housing."

Review the full slate of policy recommendations for "How Nashville Grows"--> https://www.nashville.gov/departments/mayor/transition-committee/how-nashville-grows

We recently sold ALL FIVE of our Williams Station affordable townhomes in the Madison neighborhood of Nashville! These properties went to limited-income homebuyers through our Shared Equity lending program.

We still have healthy, affordable real estate FOR SALE --in Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga-- to qualifying, Shared Equity buyers. Could one of these properties be your forever home? Details available in our "Look Book" --> https://bit.ly/THFLookBook

We're Hiring! THF is currently seeking to fill the role of Senior Accountant. Know any great "numbers people" in your life? Send 'em our way. Find the job description and how to apply at our website: https://thehousingfund.org/about-us/employment/

Wishing all veterans and their families a restful Veterans' Day weekend. Did you know the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs offers home-loan programs to help veterans access homeownership? The Housing Fund has several affordable properties for sale, and regularly works with Tennessee's veterans to accommodate VA home loans. If you're a veteran, learn more and determine your eligibility here: https://bit.ly/49ACe5y

The Housing Fund was proud to the cut the ribbon on Legacy House Nashville in the J.C. Napier Neighborhood. Moody Nolan's Legacy Project donated a gorgeous, contemporary, 3-bedroom/2-bath home to The Housing Fund, which administers Metro Nashville's Community Land Trust program. By eliminating the burdensome cost of land, this public-private-nonprofit partnership allows a limited-income Nashvillian to access the American dream of homeownership and the ability to build intergenerational wealth. Pinnacle Financial Partners and The Housing Fund also provided Legacy House Nashville's new owner with an affordable mortgage so her family will not experience housing-cost burden.

“As part of the Community Land Trust, the Legacy House will always be an affordable housing unit for a first-time homebuyer," said The Housing Fund's President & CEO Marshall Crawford. "We appreciate Metro-Nashville Government and Pinnacle Financial Partners for their unwavering commitment to our communities.”

Learn more about this exciting project: https://bit.ly/3ucfatV

NEXT THURSDAY, our President & CEO Marshall Crawford will facilitate a panel discussion among distinguished local experts. As the cost of housing in Middle Tennessee continues to rise, join Mayor Freddie O'Connell, business and community leaders to learn more about what we can do to make housing more attainable. REGISTRATION at the link below:

Join us on Nov 9 for the Power of Ten. We'll explore what we can do to address housing affordability in the region. Speakers include Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Ralph Schulz (Nashville Areat Chamber of Commerce), Shane Phillips (author of "The Affordable City"), Marshall Crawford (The Housing Fund), Dale Mitchell (Pinnacle Financial Partners), Nick Ogden (The Clear Blue Co.), Ralph Perrey (THDA), Mayor Joe Pitts (Clarksville), Nancy VanReece (LDG). Register here... https://www.cumberlandregiontomorrow.org/thepoweroften

The Housing Fund sends deepest condolences to our partners at Project Return TN on the tragic loss of Bettie Kirkland. Her legacy lives on in the form of employment opportunity, job training, housing, and HOPE for formerly incarcerated individuals in Nashville and Chattanooga. "Formerly incarcerated people have built up a reserve of humility and motivation that walks across our threshold every day by its own power," Bettie once said. She will be dearly missed.

Don't forget in 5 days clocks "fall back" an hour! 🕑

The end of Daylight Savings Time can be a dangerous time of the year as the days grow shorter and darkness sets in earlier. Be prepared by following these tips to secure your home, car and yourself during this time!

The Housing Resiliency Fund also helps landlords with property tax relief!

Thanks to our partner Amazon.com, nonprofit organizations and landlords of affordable-housing units and subsidized rental properties can apply for assistance paying property taxes from the Housing Resiliency Fund. This helps to protect our current affordable housing stock, even acting as an incentive to current landlords to preserve affordable units.

Learn more ➡️ https://thehousingfund.org/landlords/

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Start using the biggest tool in a homeowner's tool belt: a DIY Home Energy Assessment from TVA EnergyRight!

Prioritize energy-saving repairs and help make your home everything you want it to be. Get started today at https://energyright.com/residential/services/home-energy-assessment/

Achieving your dream of becoming a homeowner shouldn't be impossible.

The Housing Fund provides resources and creative leadership to help individuals and communities create and maintain affordable places in which low and moderate income people live.

Learn more: https://thehousingfund.org/

You don’t have to put in hours of hard work to save energy!

The TVA EnergyRight DIY Home Energy Assessment makes it easy – just answer a few simple questions about your house and you’ll know how to optimize your energy use.

Check it out and start saving now: https://energyright.com/residential/services/home-energy-assessment/

Are you curious about how a Community Land Trust works?

Community Land Trusts build or buy homes using a one-time or private investment and then sell the home to a low-income buyer who qualifies for a mortgage.

Learn more about the process by watching a short video by Grounded Solutions Network: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWzmZjym8d4

Are you worried about being able to pay your property taxes & other home bills this tax season?

The Housing Fund can help!

Thanks to our partner Amazon.com, THF created the Housing Resiliency Fund to help preserve homeownership for hundreds of Davidson County residents confronting housing-cost burden. The program ensures low-to moderate-income families can keep their homes & maintain critical, long-term financial stability despite an increase in their property taxes.

Learn more ➡️ https://thehousingfund.org/grant/

The American dream of owning a home shouldn't be impossible for anyone.

New Census Bureau data revealed the median household income across the Nashville metro area has fallen over the last four years.

The data revealed that between 2019 and 2022, Nashville's median income fell from $81,221 to $80,034 while at the same time the cost of living rose with inflation.

https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/09/19/average-salary-income-median-wage-grop-cost-of-living-rise

The Housing Fund is here to offer low-to-moderate income homeowners the resources they need to find and maintain their forever home. Check out some of our services, like The Housing Resiliency Fund, at our website.

Are you dreaming of owning a home, but having a tough time making that dream come true?

The Housing Fund has put together a list of properties we own that could become your home TODAY. Check out some of our available properties for sale like this one at 2018 N Chamberlain Ave. in Chattanooga, TN!

View the rest of the properties in our Look Book through the link below. Income restrictions apply; qualifying buyers must be considered low/moderate-income.
https://thehousingfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Coming-Soon-7.pdf

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we proudly celebrate our very own Joanna Foust who emigrated to the United States from Mexico. Jo serves as relationship manager for the Community & Economic Development (commercial lending) team. Here she shares why she chooses to work at a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution like THF:

It's finally fall, y'all! 🍁

Take some key steps to prepare your home for cooler weather by following the steps below.

1. Check & clean your gutters and downspouts
2. Examine your HVAC systems for winter
3. If you have a fireplace, be sure to clear it out from previous usage
4. Check around the home for drafts & seal any cracks
5. Replace old weather stripping around doors
6. Inspect your roof for any loose or missing shingles

Sweater weather is finally approaching. Cue the sighs of relief, pumpkin-spiced treats, and energy savings! Here's a prep list for maximizing your home's energy usage this fall and winter, and put some money back in your pocket. ​

To schedule an HVAC tune-up with a trained contractor vetted by Tennessee Valley Authority, visit the link below!

https://energyright.com/residential/quality-contractor-network/

The Tennessean recently covered the exciting news about Amazon.com's investment in The Housing Fund's shared-equity program for both down-payment assistance and property acquisitions. Here's what our CEO Marshall Crawford had to say about Amazon's generous support for helping limited-income people to access homeownership in greater-Nashville.

Read more at the link below!

https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/09/19/amazon-launches-new-affordable-homeownership-program-in-nashville/70843737007/

“As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month for 2023, let’s recommit to our efforts to advance racial equity in a way that is inclusive of every community’s unique needs, and to deliver quality and affordable homes for all.” -Marcia Fudge, Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

The Housing Fund is also committed to ensuring our Latin neighbors can access affordable housing and homeownership opportunities throughout Tennessee. Learn more about what resources we offer: https://thehousingfund.org/services/

The Housing Fund congratulates Metro Nashville’s new Mayor Freddie O'Connell for Mayor, Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, and Council. Our team was present for Saturday’s inaugural celebration and festival of city services, “Nashville Coming Together.”

Pictured: 1) Mayor Freddie O’Connell is administered the oath of office by Division VII Judge Marcus Floyd. 2) from L to R, THF communications manager Mary Beth Ikard; THF community+economic development director Alisha Haddock; former At-Large Councilmember Sharon Hurt; and Metro Nashville Community Oversight Board executive director Jill Fitcheard.

You can still achieve the dream of owning your own house, even on a limited income!

Take some key steps to improve your financial readiness by following the steps below to prepare you for the journey to homeownership.

1. Working on Your Credit Score
2. Outlining a Budget
3. Calculating the Purchase Price (Mortgage) You Can Afford
4. Paying Off Outstanding Debt
5. Saving Up for a Down Payment and Closing Costs
6. Investigating First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Young adults in America are struggling to afford the cost of housing, with median-income households needing to spend more than 30% of their monthly income on rent, according to the New York Times.

"The rule of thumb that one’s cost of housing shouldn’t exceed 30 percent of their monthly income is becoming less realistic for many in Gen Z, typically defined as people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s."

Check out the full New York Times article to read the stories of Gen-Zers shared about how they manage to keep a roof over their head.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/10/realestate/gen-z-rent-homeowner.html

The Housing Fund's promotion on Down Payment Assistance at a 5% fixed rate across all tiers is ending soon!

Don't miss out on a chance to achieve your dream of buying a home! This highly competitive rate can help low-to-moderate-income Tennesseans become home owners today, but hurry because the promotion ends September 30.

Learn more on our website: https://thehousingfund.org/

The Housing Fund leveraged close to $41 million in affordable housing investments throughout Tennessee in FY2023!

We are absolutely thrilled to be helping first time homebuyers and homeowners on their journey of owning a home.

Learn more about our efforts ➡️ https://thehousingfund.org/

Are you curious about how Shared Equity works and how it can help you become a homeowner?

Helping homebuyers to access Shared Equity loans for down-payment assistance is just one of the ways THF helps Tennesseans achieve the dream of becoming a homeowner.

Still have questions? Check out our website: https://thehousingfund.org/

We’re grateful to our partners at Amazon.com for their efforts to help historically underserved households to become homeowners. This week the company announced plans to roll out a $40 million investment to help moderate-income families in Amazon’s hometown communities to start building intergenerational wealth through homeownership.

This new program expands on The Housing Fund’s current housing-preservation initiative funded by Amazon, The Housing Resiliency Fund, and will focus on "increasing homeownership via Shared Equity deals that provide below-market homes at a 1% down payment.”

Read more at the link below!

Amazon launches new affordable homeownership program: How to apply Amazon has invested millions in Nashville affordable housing since 2021, when it promised $2 billion for 20,000 homes in three cities.

TVA EnergyRight’s DIY Home Energy Assessment makes saving energy simple.

After answering some basic questions, this online tool pinpoints the areas of your home that can be improved and sends you customized recommendations. Homeowners are often surprised at how easy it is to make adjustments that end up saving them a lot on energy bills!

Start your free DIY Home Energy Assessment today at https://energyright.com/residential/services/home-energy-assessment/

We are thankful for amazing community partners like Pinnacle Bank ! 💜

Rick Neal, head of Pinnacle Banks' affordable housing initiative, spoke with NBJ about why it's the "largest provider of community investment tax credit funding for affordable housing development." Read the full story in the link below!

https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2023/08/21/pinnacle-financial-partners-affordable-housing.html

Your new home could be around the corner!

The Housing Fund has acquired several properties across the state to help house low/moderate-income homebuyers. Several townhomes are currently listed for our clients at Walnut Street in Columbia, TN!

View other proprierties in our real-estate "Look Book" linked below. Income restrictions apply; qualifying buyers must be considered low/moderate-income.
https://thehousingfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Coming-Soon-7.pdf

There's still time to ACT on a promotion to help YOU achieve your dream of buying a home!

The Housing Fund is offering Down Payment Assistance at a 5% fixed rate across all tiers until September 30. This highly competitive rate can help low-to-moderate-income Tennesseans become home owners today.

Learn more ➡️ https://thehousingfund.org/

Today the Nashville Business Journal honored our Chief Financial Officer David Parrish as a finalist for "CFO of the Year" in the Nonprofit category! Congratulations, David, and thanks for all you do to help house limited-income Tennesseans!

In a recent public-opinion poll commissioned by East Tennessee Realtors, more affordable housing options were at the top of Knox County residents' priorities. Of the 829 adults who took the poll, 67% said housing affordability was a "very/fairly big problem."

The Housing Fund offers a variety of services to help low-to-moderate-income Tennesseans achieve the dream of owning a home. Check out our website to learn more.

https://www.teknovation.biz/more-affordable-housing-options-top-the-list-of-knox-county-resident-priorities/

We're still excited about our new headquarters at 1009 Gallatin Pike South, and getting involved in the Madison TN community!

“This quadrant of Davidson County both desires and needs more units of affordable housing. Bringing our physical presence to Middle Tennessee’s northeast corridor also aligns well with investments we’re already making in the area," said The Housing Fund's President and CEO Marshall Crawford.