Way Finders

How/where/when will your homeownership story begin? For many people, it’s with us! Learning, getting inspired, getting connected. Are you ready? Way Finders’ First-time Homebuyer Workshop, offered fully in Spanish, will be held in person on two Saturdays in August (8/3 and 8/10) at our Springfield Housing Center from 9 am to 2 pm. The cost is $50 per household. To register: https://zurl.co/UdGq You’ll learn how to find a home that works for your buying power—and how to finance, purchase, and maintain it. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate needed to pursue several down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products. Join us! Or spread the word to someone who you think might want to join us!

Two key takeaways from the 2024 Fair Housing Trends Report, compiled each year by the National Fair Housing Alliance to track grievances under the Fair Housing Act (the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability)? * - More than half of all complaints (53%) were about disability-based discrimination. - The vast majority (83%) of complaints were rental-related—although 2023 also saw an alarming surge in complaints of harassment against protected classes (including people of color, immigrants, and people receiving housing assistance). Click here to read the full report, including an interactive map highlighting key findings by state. https://zurl.co/M6Xf Way Finders’ Fair Housing program offers education on fair housing rights and how to respond to housing discrimination. To learn more, contact Fair Housing Manager John Fisher at jfisher@wayfinders.org or 413-233-1609. Or contact the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center. *Note that in Massachusetts, residents have additional protections from housing discrimination. These are based on marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, and receipt of public assistance, housing subsidies or rental assistance.

New affordable housing underway in Ludlow! On June 28, 2024, Way Finders CEO Keith Fairey was joined by Way Finders board members, staff, project funders, elected officials and other dignitaries to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Greenstead Grove affordable housing development in Ludlow, MA. Greenstead Grove will create 43 units of affordable housing and is slated to be complete in the summer of 2025. Read more. https://zurl.co/TUeB

Way Finders’ Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program revolves around—with great success—a one-on-one mentorship model. Clients work closely with the same staff person for up to five years in pursuit of their goals for greater economic mobility. But, twice a year, the FSS team likes to mix it up. That’s when they host meetings of their Program Coordinating Committee, with the goal of encouraging participant feedback to help shape the future of the FSS program. Get the scoop on this effort from FSS Advisor Evelyn Baez and FSS Program Specialist Sonia Colon. Read more. https://zurl.co/wRlP

Please note that Way Finders��� offices and Housing Centers will be closed Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.

The biggest investment most people will ever make in life? A home purchase! Calling all local homeowners/investors! Don’t miss our Homeowner Workshop and Celebration, where we’ll cover how to maintain and protect your new home. It’s a fun-filled morning of interactive learning and home care demonstrations from our partnering presenters. Held in person on Friday, June 28, from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Lunch and raffles provided. Free and open to the public. Register in advance: https://zurl.co/S8rm Note: Satisfies the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) Post-Purchase workshop requirement.

Are you excited to begin your homeownership journey after our June resource fair for first-time homebuyers? Let’s kick it into high gear! Sign up now for Way Finders’ First-Time Homebuyer Workshop to become a certified first-time homebuyer. Held as a three-part Wednesday webinar series on July 10, 17, and 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Delivered by trained professionals, the workshop will help you learn about financing, purchasing, and maintaining a home. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate needed to pursue special mortgage products and down payment assistance programs. The cost is $50 per household. To register: https://zurl.co/4rKF

Because Fair Housing and Civil Rights are an ongoing conversation—the need for such education and awareness never stops! Buoyed by the success of our April conference, Way Finders is pleased to offer a bonus round of workshops via Zoom: - Thursday, June 27, from 9:45 am to 4 pm - Sign up in advance, free and open to all - Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eMNnPZDF

Juneteenth: A celebration of freedom! Please note that Way Finders’ offices and Housing Centers will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in honor of our nation’s second day of independence. Learn more about the origins and history of Juneteenth: https://zurl.co/5O61

Bonus conference alert: Fair Housing and Civil Rights 2024! Way Finders presents a free one-day virtual event on Thursday, June 27, from 9:45 am to 4 pm. Inspired by the success of our April conference, we are keeping the conversation going. Register now for this special bonus day of online workshops: - Some Guidance From HUD: VAWA, Advertising on Digital Platforms and Tenant Screening - Housing Tenants with a Mental Health Diagnosis - Understanding and Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace & Beyond Free and open to all. Advance registration is required: https://zurl.co/8ejZ