Attending an affordable home ownership workshop could help participants receive as much as $20,000 in down payment assistance.
The Homeownership 101 series will be offered from 6-8 p.m. on four Tuesdays (April 7-28) at Vaile Elementary School’s cafeteria, 300 S. 14th St., Richmond.
It’s open to those wanting to buy a home soon or who are starting to save for the future.
Those interested in attending the workshop are to register by April 2 at intendindiana.org/homeownership-101/
Topics include budgeting, credit, mortgage options including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Federal Housing Administration programs, and other available resources.
Participants who complete the course will receive a certification often required for home ownership programs.
Dinner and refreshments will be provided. Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County will offer free activities for ages 5 and older. Participants also have the chance to win gift cards and prizes.
Partners for the workshops include Intend Indiana, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County, Reid Health Community Health & Engagement, Wayne County Foundation and Merchants Bank of Indiana.
Sharrie Harlin, Reid’s community engagement manager, said its community health needs assessment showed financial literacy is a huge local need.
Intend Indiana is a nonprofit organization that offers financing solutions to create and preserve affordable housing and support neighborhood revitalization efforts.
For more information, call 317-924-8116.
Vaile update
Groundbreaking on 22 new homes in and around the Vaile neighborhood is scheduled to begin this month.
Several businesses and organizations are collaborating on the $7.2 million project in hopes of improving the area by adding affordable homes.
“When families invest in homes and communities stabilize, students benefit,” said Richmond Community Schools Superintendent Curtis Wright in a video about the project. “The future of this neighborhood is sitting in our classrooms today.”
EDC President Valerie Shaffer said a coordinated effort among many partners is needed for a successful initiative, and Sarah Mitchell, EDC manager of economic development, said their goal is to have a neighborhood where people want to live, raise families and invest.
“We hope this effort can create a snowball effect helping revitalize not just this neighborhood but our city as a whole,” said Mike Frame, co-owner of Trademark Construction.
Richmond Power & Light General Manager Tony Foster II said the utility will install the latest Advanced Metering Infrastructure meters that allow two-way communication between utilities and customers. In addition, electric lines will be installed underground for better aesthetics, safety and reliability.
A version of this article appeared in the April 1 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.