Homeownership 101 workshops planned

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 (Aug. 4-25) at Vaile Elementary School, 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 workshops are to register at intendindiana.org/homeownership-101/#wayne

Topics include budgeting, credit, financial preparation and mortgage pre-approval, what happens after the offer as an owner, and building an action plan for success.

Participants who complete the course will receive a certification often required for home ownership programs.

Dinner and refreshments will be provided. Participants 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.

Intend Indiana is a nonprofit organization that offers financing solutions to create and preserve affordable housing and support neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Sharrie Harlin, Reid’s community engagement manager, previously said its community health needs assessment showed financial literacy is a huge local need.

Twenty-two new affordable homes are now available for purchase in Richmond’s Vaile neighborhood through multiple local and state collaborations. Each home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms, ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 square feet.

The Vaile Neighborhood Revitalization Project represents a total $7.2 million investment. The State of Indiana gave $1,120,000 through the Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 award, made possible through Lilly Endowment Inc. Additional sources are $5,024,100 in private funds and a local government match of $1,144,911. 

For more information, call 317-924-8116.