CHN Housing Partners 2021 by greatlakespublishing

2021 LEASE PURCHASE RESIDENT NEWSLETTER

C L E V E L A N D

INSIDE: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | HOMEOWNERSHIP | INVESTING IN YOUTH

Resident Reference Guide CHN Housing Partners

Main Office: 216-574-7100 Maintenance: 216-574-7110 Youth Services: 216-774-2401 Homeownership: 216-574-7101 Cash Savings: 216-664-6466 Utility Services: 216-518-4014

First District Police Department 3895 W. 130th St., 216-623-5100

Second District Police Department 3481 Fulton Road, 216-623-5200

Third District Police Department 4501 Chester Ave., 216-623-5300

Fourth District Police Department 9333 Kinsman Road, 216-623-5400

Fifth District Police Department 881 E. 152nd St., 216-623-5500

Police Department Tip Line 216-621-1234

CHN Resident Engagement Council (REC) Co-Chairs, Micheala Roby (left) and Tearra Smith (right).

Creating Meaningful Communities

t CHN Housing Partners, our commitment to changing lives and improving communities is rooted in the belief that we all have a vested interest in bettering our neighborhoods and city. With our organization’s dedication to leveraging the power of stable, affordable housing, we strive to create meaningful community change by investing in individuals and their futures. We believe strong, successful individuals and families make strong communities. One of the many ways that we seek to serve our families and the communities where they live is through our Resident Engagement Council. Otherwise known as the REC, it is an association comprised of participants from our Lease Purchase Program who seek to help others along their homeownership journey while making a positive difference in their communities. The REC works closely with CHN staff to organize opportunities that engage and support those who are on the path to homeownership and those who have already purchased their homes. Together, these individuals and their families make up the Lease Purchase Community.”

Presently, the REC has two co-chairs, Micheala Roby and Tearra Smith. Both have been in the Lease Purchase Program for several years and work hard as REC cochairs to get information, opportunities and resources into the hands of others in the Lease Purchase Community. To do so, the REC hosts a virtual one-hour meeting every three months focused the following areas: • Ensuring the opportunity for homeownership • Building awareness and availability of CHN programs and services • Discussing and identifying ideas to better serve those in the Lease Purchase Program • Advancing personal and professional development opportunities for Lease Purchase residents and youth • Organizing activities and projects to provide Lease Purchase residents and their families with neighborhood and community building opportunities To find out more information about the Resident Engagement Council or the Lease Purchase Community, call 216-664-6465 or email lpcommunity@chnhousingpartners.org!

CHN’s No Cash Policy: Help Stop Fraud CHN has a strict policy that no employee, property manager or CHN representative shall request to receive cash or personal favors from CHN residents or applicants for CHN housing or services. If you know of any violation of this policy, please immediately send a letter to:

Kevin J. Nowak, CHN Executive Director 2999 Payne Ave., Suite 134 Cleveland, OH 44114

Join the CHN Facebook Page Are you ready to become a homeowner? Want to build connections with your local community? Do you want information about opportunities for your child? Join the neighborhood to access community resources to help you get involved and prepare for your future!

C H N H o u s i n g P a r t n e r s / 2021 Lease Purchase Resident Newsletter

Scan the QR code with your phone or visit the link below to join! facebook.com/groups/thechnneighborhood

Welcome Back to CHN CHN Housing Partners has reopened its Customer Service Center to the community! The Customer Service Center is your one-stop location for a variety of client services, including:

CHN’s new Customer Service Center.

Access to CHN program applications: Grab an application for utility assistance, home weatherization and more. Secure Drop Boxes: Drop your applications and recertification documents or have them scanned by a staff member and submitted directly to your representative.

One-on-One Meeting Spaces: A variety of spaces are available for inperson meetings with CHN representatives. Appointments are required. In-Person Assistance: Our knowledgeable staff is available to answer your questions and help connect you with available resources and services.

Visit us at 2999 Payne Avenue, Suite 134, on the first floor of Asia Plaza. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We look forward to serving you!

COVID-19 Health & Safety Requirements We are committed to serving you safely. When visiting CHN’s office, please adhere to the following requirements for the health and safety of clients, residents, partners and staff:

• Check-in with reception in Suite 134 and wait for your appointment in the Asia Plaza lobby. • Face masks or coverings are required. • While inside, please maintain a 6-foot distance from others. • To avoid crowding, please limit your time inside the reception area. CHN reserves the right to deny entry or ask a visitor to leave for failing to meet or follow these important safety measures.

chnhousingpartners.org

Why is Homeownership Important?

Discover how CHN’s Lease Purchase Program transforms families’ lives by providing them with a permanent place to call home.

here’s more to owning a home than just having a stable place to eat, relax and sleep. Homeownership is also about building wealth and equity while investing in oneself, family, home, community and future. Across all income levels, homeowners have far greater household wealth than renters. The disparity is greatest, however, among low-income renters and homeowners. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2019 Survey of Consum-

“A smile is everything to me. It’s something that you have to pass on to others because you never know when it could make a difference in someone’s day.” — Valetta Frazier

er Finances, at the lowest income level, the average homeowner has 40 times more net worth than a median renter. Buying a home is one of the most crucial steps someone can take to start building their wealth. One of the ways CHN makes homeownership possible is through its Lease Purchase Program, which provides a 15-year pathway to homeownership for families who may not otherwise be able to afford to purchase a home. The program is successful because of the quality of the homes CHN develops, the long-term engagement and relationships CHN establishes with its residents and the comprehensive internal structures CHN has put into place to ensure resident success. The Lease Purchase Program embodies what CHN believes in — it is the “Power of a Permanent Address” that leads to economic security, opportunities and choices for families. In this feature, we share how the Lease Purchase Program forever changed the lives of Valetta Frazier and her four children.

A New Lease on Life Valetta, a 40-year-old Cleveland native, grew up moving around various neighborhoods throughout the city. Regardless of what life handed her, she persevered, determined to provide the best life possible for her and her children: Demann, 24; Dellorise, 23; Dakarai, 14; and Dakota, 7. Valetta attended CMSD technical school, where she studied medical billing and received a STNA certificate. Valetta was renting a single-family home on Superior Avenue with her first child when her niece told her about CHN’s Lease Purchase Program. This was a dream come true for Valetta — a way for her to not only own her own house, but also provide her children with a permanent place to call home, a place she hopes to pass down to them one day. She eagerly applied and was accepted into the program. Those who participate in CHN’s Lease Purchase program rent one of the organization’s lease purchase homes and, within 15 years, can purchase the home.

CHN Housing Capital Goes Live! CHN Housing Partners is proud to announce the launch of CHN Housing Capital. A community-based lender, CHN Housing Capital provides the Believe Mortgage, down payment assistance and home repair programs. The mission of CHN Housing Capital is to provide homeownership opportunities to low-income communities, low-income

people and communities of color that lack equitable access to capital and financial services. CHN knows the importance of housing stability, and we know that homeownership builds generational wealth. Through CHN Housing Capital’s lending capacity, as well as partnerships with Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland and the Cuyahoga Land Bank, CHN Housing Capital is making

homeownership more accessible to those who are not able to secure loans through large banks. You can learn more about CHN Housing Capital at chnhousingcapital.org. Please spread the word to those you know who are interested in buying or repairing a home, and when you are ready for homeownership, CHN Housing Capital will be here for you.

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C H N H o u s i n g P a r t n e r s / 2021 Lease Purchase Resident Newsletter

Valetta (center) with her two youngest children, Dakarai (left) and Dakota (right).

Valetta (right) and her eldest son, Demann (left)

“Community is huge, it helps shape who you are, how you raise your family and how much you engage and get involved in things.” — Demann Frazier

During that time, CHN helps its residents prepare financially and guides them through the homebuying process. With CHN’s help, Valetta was able to make a plan and put herself in a position to purchase her home. Through CHN, she was able to open an Individual Development Account (IDA), a program, where if she consistently saved $500 over a six-month period, she received a $4,000 match. This money was then applied to the purchase of her home. Valetta’s sales coach, Annie Ervin, says Valetta was excited to purchase her home and easy to work with, especially when it came to providing updated documentation needed to assess her readiness to buy. Valetta purchased her home in December 2020. Valetta’s oldest son, Demann, says his family moved into the home when he was in fifth or sixth grade. From the minute he walked in, he loved it. “When we first moved in, I felt very ex-

cited because everything was brand new,” Valetta says. “It looked new. It smelled new. Everything was new.” The family’s favorite part of the house is the living room. “When we were growing up, family time was spent in the living room,” Demann says. “That’s where everyone gathered.” In addition to providing the Frazier Family with a permanent place to call home, CHN also offered Demann opportunities to get involved in the community and help set himself up for success. He participated in CHN’s first resident summer work experience opportunity. In 2014, CHN partnered with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) to bring new experiences to CHN residents via the Summer Youth Employment Program. Demann worked at Ginn Academy as a maintenance assistant. He reported to the custodian’s office and cut the school’s grass. Valetta says CHN’s opportunities for

youth are awesome for young residents. Demann also attended high school at Ginn Academy, an all-male school where he played sports, including football. He received a scholarship to college and attended West Point. He graduated in May 2021. While Demann doesn’t plan on moving back to Cleveland, he recalls the best part of growing up in the city is the people. “Community is huge, it helps shape who you are, how you raise your family and how much you engage and get involved in things,” he says.

Have family or friends interested in CHN’s Lease Purchase Program? They can find out more information at the “Find a Home” section of CHN’s website, chnhousingpartners.org.

chnhousingpartners.org

Beginnings of a Bright Future S

ince 2014, CHN has engaged youth living in our homes with enriching summer employment experiences through our Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides internal and external partner opportunities. In partnership with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), CHN has served hundreds of young CHN residents through the program. In 2020, despite COVID-19, we were determined to provide the same quality youth opportunities as in previous years.

Check out the CHN youth who worked with us and our partners in 2020. Throughout July and August, these youth stepped up big and went to work amid all of the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. Striving to gain new experiences and make some money, these young individuals entered a workplace when most adults were working remotely f rom home. Therefore, we think it is important to recognize these young people, particularly for their adaptability, resiliency and determination. While we employed fewer individuals last summer, we learned so much about these young people and their bright futures.

While COVID-19 presented challenges, including reducing the number of available employment opportunities, it also offered a chance to more deeply connect with each participant. We were able to interview all youth virtually and invite parents and guardians to join us to learn more about the type of opportunities we strive to provide, as well as our expectations. This new approach led to more meaningful connections and experiences between CHN residents and staff.

Pasauell

Ronald

Caya

Years in Summer Program: 1

Years in Summer Program: 2

Construction Site Assistant, CHN

Customer Service Center Assistant, CHN

Youth Artist, CHN

Q: If you could meet one person from history, who would it be?

Q: In the next 5 years, what is one thing you that hope to accomplish?

Pipeline Intern, Cleveland Police Foundation

A: Malcolm X

A: I hope to wake up happy, next to my significant other with a stable job.

Q: In the next 10 years, what is one thing you hope to accomplish? A: I want to help my community and help youth with things that I have struggled with so they won’t have to go through that.

A: Positive role models keep me motivated.

Q: In the next 10 years, what is one thing you hope to accomplish?

Q: If you could meet one person from history, who would it be?

A: I want to be happy. If nothing else, I want to accomplish that.

A: Michael Jackson

Q: From all of your life experiences, what is one life lesson that you have learned and would like to share with others?

A: That anything you put your mind to, you can do it.

A: You’ve survived every bad day life has thrown at you, this is no different.

C H N H o u s i n g P a r t n e r s / 2021 Lease Purchase Resident Newsletter

Q: What motivates you to be the best you?

Q: In the next 5 years, what is one thing you that hope to accomplish? A: I hope to be a mental health therapist and tattoo artist. Q: In the next 10 years, what is one thing you hope to accomplish? A: I hope to start my own business.

When others could not work, these young adults stepped up amid a pandemic and made a difference in their communities through CHN’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

Terrell

Laila

Robert

Rokiya

Years in Summer Program: 3

Years in Summer Program: 2

Years in Summer Program: 1

CRC Administrative Assistant & Maintenance Mobile Crew Member, CHN

Sales & Marketing Intern, Great Lakes Publishing

IT Intern, Great Lakes Publishing

Public Safety Career Pipeline Intern Cleveland Police Foundation

Q: Who is someone that you admire & why? A: My mother because she always tells me right and will never put me in a bad position. She’s always hard on me because she wants the best out of me. Q: If you could meet one person from history, who would it be? A: Kobe Bryant Q: In the next five years, what is one thing you that hope to accomplish? A: Get my first degree. Q: From all of your life experiences, what is one life lesson that you have learned and would like to share with others? A: Never give up on what you believe no matter what anyone tells you.

Human Resources Intern, Medical Mutual of Ohio

Q: Who is someone that you admire and why? A: My mom is someone I admire. She always raised me to give “110%” on anything I commit myself to, whether that be a job, hobby or a chore, I need to give it my all and then some. Q: In the next five years, what is one thing you that hope to accomplish? A: I want to be established. No matter what my career path is or where I live, I want to be on the road to success. This is my short-term and long-term goal for life. Q: From all of your life experiences, what is one life lesson that you have learned and would like to share with others? A: I learned to not judge people based on what you see. I have gained so many experiences and friends by not judging the circumstances. It is a skill I feel you need to have in order to live a happy life.

Pipeline International, Cleveland Police Foundation

Q: If you could meet one person from history, who would it be? A: Martin Luther King Jr. Q: In the next five years, what is one thing you that hope to accomplish? A: I hope to graduate high school with both a regular and I.B. diploma. Q: : In the next 10 years, what is one thing you hope to accomplish? A: I hope to successfully enter my career of choice, living a great life with no worries and no regrets. Q: From all of your life experiences, what is one life lesson that you have learned and would like to share with others? A: One life lesson I had to learn was work now and play later.

Q: Who is someone that you admire & why? A: My mom because she motivates me and is always there whenever I need her, and I really love her for that. Q: In the next five years, what is one thing you that hope to accomplish? A: I hope to graduate high school, be in college, and hopefully, working a good job. Q: In the next 10 years, what is one thing you hope to accomplish? A: I hope to get a house, car and job working with the police and helping my mom. Q: From all of your life experiences, what is one life lesson that you have learned and would like to share with others? A: Try new things, never give up and believe in yourself.

chnhousingpartners.org

Becoming a Homeowner Meet Your Homeownership Team

CHN residents reveal their paths to homeownership and what it means to them to soon have a permanent place to call their own. Curtis (left) with his youngest son, Marquez (right)

Kate Carden

Director of Financial Mobility kcarden@chnhousingpartners.org 216-325-1150

Dana Arrington

Director of Homeownership & Sales, President of CHN Housing Capital darrington@chnhousingpartners.org 216-774-2402

Nina Holzer

nholzer@chnhousingpartners.org 216-325-5437

Annie Ervin

aervin@chnhousingpartners.org 216-664-6466

Tania Santos

tsantos@chnhousingpartners.org 216-912-2212

Cynthia Rodriguez

crodriguez@chnhousingpartners.org 216-912-2216

Diane Wright

dwright@chnhousingpartners.org 216-672-3552

Susan Horton

shorton@chnhousingpartners.org 216-774-2333

Melissa Branch

mbranch@chnhousingpartners.org 216-325-1158

Candace Williams

cwilliams@chnhousingpartners.org 313-335-3227

Breauna Goldsby

bgoldsby@chnhousingpartners.org

Industrious Essential Worker Curtis Clemis, a father of four who has served as an essential worker during the challenging times of COVID-19, joined CHN’s Lease Purchase community five years ago and is currently in the process of purchasing his home. He learned about the program through friends, but it was his cousin, who had already purchased her home from CHN, who encouraged him to apply for the Lease Purchase Program. “It’s the best program because it’s a good way to help people own their houses,” he says, adding that the experience has helped him learn responsibility concerning budgeting and saving and make positive chang-

“It’s the best program because it’s a good way to help people own their own houses.”

C H N H o u s i n g P a r t n e r s / 2021 Lease Purchase Resident Newsletter

— Curtis Clemis

es to affect his financial future and help him buy his home. Prior to moving into his CHN home, Curtis had only ever rented. After moving into his CHN home, he was determined to remain there and eventually purchase it. He wants the opportunity to call it his and be able to provide for his children’s futures. Curtis says that being able to call a place “home” means having a comfortable, safe and enjoyable environment. He reflects on his family’s experiences over the years and recalls that the kitchen is so special because it is the gathering place for so many moments. Being a part of CHN’s Lease Purchase Program has made a huge difference in the lives of Curtis and his children. For Curtis, the power of a permanent address cannot be understated. “Take full advantage of the program,” he says to those who have just joined the Lease Purchase Program or are just a couple of years into it. “If there’s something that you need, don’t be scared to ask for help from CHN.”

Lakia (right) with her two sons, Donta (left) and Tavion (center)

Your Keys to Qualifying for a Mortgage Loan

ON-TIME RENT 18 months

Successful Entrepreneur Lakia Johnson, a mother of two, is a phlebotomist turned entrepreneur — providing spa parties for young ladies. She’s managed professional ambitions while raising two boys and partnering with CHN throughout the last 12 years to become a homeowner.

“Being here motivated me to have my own business — the security made a difference.”

been running for three years. She has an office in her home. “Being here motivated me to have my own business — the security made a difference, she says. “There’s nothing like having your own home.” Her advice to those new to the Lease Purchase Program is to learn about all of the other programs available at CHN — attend meetings, stay updated and take advantage of everything that CHN has to offer.

#2 CONSISTENT INCOME 24 months

DEBTS Under 45%

— Lakia Johnson

Her motivation to apply for CHN’s Lease Purchase Program came from her experience living in a small, two-bedroom apartment with her oldest son. At the time, she also was expecting her second son. She discovered the Lease Purchase Program through friends and thought it was a good opportunity for her family. She felt like the program was reasonable and, from what she heard about the cost of rent, she could have the opportunity to save money to eventually purchase her home — a possibility she was very excited to pursue. “It was the best decision I ever made,” she says, adding that the day she received the keys and walked in her home, it was like a breath of fresh air. For Lakia, home means a peaceful, comfortable place. It also has allowed to her fulfill her dream of owning her own business. As of 2021, her business has

#4 SAVINGS $1,200

#5 HOMEBUYER’S EDUCATION Certified

chnhousingpartners.org

Maintenance 101 “How To” Inspections: The Maintenance Department will be glad to schedule you a “How To” inspection with one of our maintenance managers. These appointments are approximately one hour and focus on how to: Change your furnace filter Identify where your main water valve is located and how to shut it off in case of an emergency Change batteries in your thermostat, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Preventive Maintenance Visits (PMVs) The CHN Maintenance Department schedules annual PMVs on all our properties. If you have not already been contacted or scheduled, you will be contacted in the upcoming weeks or months. These visits will include general inspections of the property to ensure all systems are working properly, including: • Electrical outlets (GFCI) and switches • All doors and windows, including garage

Operate your emergency key release on your overhead garage door (if you have one) Identify appropriate settings for your furnace and hot water tanks, as well as what to do in an emergency

Managers will also be able to answer any questions you have regarding your home. Clean and Tune Appointments

Furnace clean and tune appointments are available if weather permits. Appointments will be one hour with our HVAC technician to ensure that your furnace and A/C units are working properly and to prevent future maintenance issues. To schedule a “How To” inspection and/or clean and tune appointment, please contact the Maintenance Department at 216-574-7110 and a customer serve representative will be happy to assist you.

Making a Maintenance Request If you are experiencing a maintenance emergency, call the hotline at 216-574-7110 at any time. Most repairs are completed within 72 hours (exceptions include extensive repairs such as roofing or major sewer work). Please note, only emergency calls are accepted after 5 p.m. and on weekends. For all non-emergencies, CHN will contact you within 24 hours to schedule repairs. To ensure quality service, please:

• All plumbing fixtures and drains

Make yourself available to the contractor.

• All exterior components (roofing, siding, gutters)

Provide a daytime and evening phone number.

As a reminder, we have $25 missed appointment fee.

Make sure someone who is at least 18 years old is present, or the technician will not be able to enter your home for the repair.

Always write down the name, company and phone number of the technician.

C H N H o u s i n g P a r t n e r s / 2021 Lease Purchase Resident Newsletter

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Return all calls to set up an appointment immediately.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips Spring Change Furnace Filter Fertilize Lawn Clean Flower Beds & Plant Flowers

Summer Clean Windows Trim Shrubs and Clean Flower Beds Wash Porch and Siding

Fall Change Batteries in Some Detectors Remove Leaves and Debris from Gutters Check Furnace Filter

Winter Test Heating System Monitor Thermostat & Furnace

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Make Sure Air Ducts are Not Covered or Blocked

CHN & DigitalC Get Residents Connected

igitalC is focused on connecting families to affordable internet access through its community based internet service, EmpowerCLE. First launched in 2019, EmpowerCLE began connecting residents in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood and has since expanded service to the Buckeye-Woodhill, Central, Clark-Fulton, Glenville, and Hough neighborhoods. The 50Mbps service, priced at $20 a month, offers families the ability to work from home, connect reliably to schools and visit with their doctors online. For those families that need financial assistance, subsidies may be available to assist so no family is left unconnected. “It is not only our job, but also our mission to promote upward financial mobility through connecting our customers to the world’s resources. And that begins with a reliable connection to the internet,” explains Candice Dubose, DigitalC/EmpowerCLE Director of Sales and Marketing. As part of their commitment to making internet access accessible to everyone, EmpowerCLE service does not require a credit check or contract. In addition, customers are not charged an equipment or installation fee. A recently connected Hough resident looks on as the EmpowerCLE installation team finishes his connectivity.

Have family or friends interested in CHN’s Lease Purchase Program? They can find out more about EmpowerCLE by calling 216-7773859 or visiting empowercle.org. chnhousingpartners.org

2999 Payne Ave. #306 Cleveland, OH 44114

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND, OH PERMIT NO. 2272

CHN Community Snapshot Meet Caya, an aspiring artist and participant in CHN’s Summer Youth Employment Program, who spent four weeks learning about CHN and creating a painting that CHN could share with residents. On pages 6 and 7, discover more about Caya, as well as six other young adults who are making a difference in their communities.