Geddes Federal Savings FlexFund Partner

Geddes Federal President/CEO Bill Hemmerlein presents a check to HHQ Executive Director Kerry Quaglia

Local lender Geddes Federal Savings recently committed loan capital to participate in Home HeadQuarters’ FlexFund Home Improvement Loan Program for a third year. The Geddes Federal lending capital will assist Home HeadQuarters in providing Central New York homeowners who are unable to borrow from traditional lenders due to a lack of equity in their homes with needed repairs and improvements. Geddes Federal also provided a charitable contribution to support the administration of the program.

2010 Neighborhood Block Blitz

We’re narrowing down the field for the 4th annual Neighborhood Block Blitz being held in early August! This year, Home HeadQuarters will focus its volunteer and fundraising activities on two city neighborhoods: the Southside and the Near Westside. If you remember from last year, this is a daylong event where hundreds of volunteers and contractors work to repair and beautify homes in a targeted neighborhood block. If you’d like to sign up now to get involved by donating time, money, materials or expertise, or just want to add your two cents on specific blocks to target, please contact Karen at 474-1939 x249 or via email at info@homehq.org.

Last Call for Northside Investors

A program for Northside Landlords that can provide up to $11,250 per unit up to four units in property repair grants is almost ended. Property owners within the boundaries of Grant Blvd., Teall Ave., Isabella St., and I-81/690, can still take advantage of the program provided they use their own funds to cover 25% of the total project costs, the tenants (if any) meet income eligibility requirements and property and water taxes are current. For more information or to request an application, contact Colleen at Home HeadQuarters by emailing info@homehq.org or calling 474-1939 x281.

Staff Updates

Rickey Brown is now the HomeOwnership Center Coordinator for Home HeadQuarters. Rickey will coordinate the day-to-day activities of the organization’s Homebuyer Education efforts, Foreclosure Prevention Program and other homeownership production activities.

Mark Carter as the HomeOwnership / Real Estate Liaison will help to coordinate activities between the HomeOwnership and other organization departments. Mark will also continue to serve as a certified housing counselor and Homebuyer Educator.

Alys Mann is now serving as Home HeadQuarters’ Director of Neighborhood Planning and Property Redevelopment and is charged with prioritizing property development and construction activities including budgeting and funding requirements. Alys will also continue to oversee the organization’s Planning Department and activities.

Andrea Zurbruegg Bennett as the Director of Grants Administration and Development will now oversee both the Grants Department and the HomeOwnership Center. Andrea will be responsible for all grant activities, reporting and program funding.

Live/Work Space Available

Home HeadQuarters is now accepting proposals for a live/work space on West Fayette Street. The space is ideal for individuals who want to live above their own gallery or cafe within the Near Westside. Home HeadQuarters completed a partial rehab which includes a new roof, foundation work and full exterior renovation to historic standards. The property needs a full interior build out so it can act as the perfect blank canvas for any artist or entrepreneur.

Sales Price: $79,000

• New Exterior renovation to historic standards
• 2,130 square foot space
• Industrial Zoning

Proposal must include:

• Narrative of intended use
• Stamped architectural floor plans
• Third party cost estimate
• Proof of acquisition & renovation funds

For more information on this and other available properties, click here »

Latino Homeownership

By 2050, Latinos are expected to make up 30% of the US population with immigrants and their children accounting for 82% of household growth between now and 2050. At the moment though, more than 1.3 million Latino families are thought to be in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. A new report by the National Council of La Raza on Foreclosure highlights the impact of foreclosure on Latino families.