Blog - HOPE Of Evansville | Homeownership Center

Open Position - AmeriCorps Client Intake

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:34:28 GMT

Position Title: Housing Counseling Intake Specialist

Help us break down barriers to homeownership in Evansville, IN! Streamline our intake process while taking the first step to launch your housing counseling career.

Position Description:

The Housing Counseling Intake Specialist will serve with HOPE of Evansville in Evansville, IN from August 2025-2026. HOPE of Evansville (HOPE) is part of the Housing Counseling Corps initiative of Housing Action Corps, an AmeriCorps VISTA program managed by Housing Action Illinois since 2010. Housing Counseling Corps members receive custom training, support, networking, and post-service employment opportunities in the housing counseling field, in addition to the traditional benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA. Learn more: housingactionil.org/americorps.

HOPE of Evansville provides, promotes, and sustains affordable housing and credit counseling opportunities for low-to-moderate income families. HOPE operates three key affordable housing programs: foreclosure prevention, down payment assistance, and housing development. The Housing Counseling Intake Specialist will streamline our intake system and implement a communication system to engage clients from application to appointment. They will also work on grassroots outreach and marketing projects to help households learn about HOPE’s programs and identify potential pre-purchase clients to work towards homeownership.

We are looking for candidates with a long-term interest in housing counseling or social services. They should be comfortable talking to community members and stakeholders, as well as demonstrate patience when helping clients. Willingness to learn about and improve our systems is a must!

Member Duties

HOPE is dedicated to working with low-to-moderate income households to break down barriers to homeownership. With rising demand for housing counseling services in Evansville, HOPE needs a dedicated VISTA to streamline our intake process to make our programs more accessible to the community and conduct outreach to ensure everyone who needs assistance is aware of our services. The Housing Counseling Intake Specialist will collect staff feedback, research best practices, and implement a centralized intake program to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our services. During service, they will also study for and take the HUD housing counseling certification exam to become a HUD certified housing counselor. To increase the reach of HOPE’s housing counseling programs, the VISTA will create a marketing and outreach campaign that includes attending networking meetings and outreach events.

Additional Position Information:

Service Address: 900 N Main St Evansville, IN 47711-5054

Supplemental Benefits: Yes, TBD

Languages: N/A

Field of Service : Community Outreach, Housing, Neighborhood Revitalization

Skills: Communications, Counseling, Social Services

Car Recommended: No

Foreclosure Prevention Event November 23!

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:58:21 GMT

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Homeowners in Indiana facing financial hardships and struggling to keep up with mortgage payments are invited to attend a free foreclosure prevention education event on Saturday, November 23, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This event is being provided in partnership with HOPE of Evansville and Near North Development Corporation, both HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agencies. This event is designed to provide critical resources and strategies to help homeowners navigate financial challenges and work with their lenders to avoid foreclosure.

The event offers one-hour time slots to ensure personalized support for every attendee. Participants will gain:

• Expert advice on how to communicate effectively with lenders.

• Guidance on available assistance programs.

• Tools to develop a plan for financial recovery.

"Our goal is to empower homeowners with the knowledge and resources they need to address their mortgage challenges and avoid foreclosure," said Tehiji Crenshaw, Housing Counselor from Near North Development Corporation. "We want to ensure families can remain in their homes while finding practical solutions to financial hardships."

A representative from Pigeon Township will also be at this event providing information on how to receive information & assistance from the Trustee’s Office for those experiencing a financial hardship.

How to Participate

RSVPs are encouraged to reserve your one-hour session, but walk-ins are welcome. To sign up, visit this jotform o register or contact us at 812-423-3169.

This event is open to Indiana homeowners of all backgrounds who are experiencing difficulty with their mortgage payments. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the first step toward financial stability and peace of mind.

HomeBoost Grant Available

nikkiw@hopeofevansville.org (Nikki Waller) — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:33:04 GMT

Available now on a first-come, first-served basis

HomeBoost is back for another year through FHLBank Indianapolis. HomeBoost may provide grants of up to $25,000 per household to assist with down payments and closing and counseling costs for income-qualified, eligible first-time homebuyers looking to purchase a primary residence in Indiana or Michigan.

The HomeBoost Down Payment Assistance Program provides down payment assistance grant funding to prospective first-time homeowners who:

-identify as Black or African American, Asian, Hispanic, Indian American or Alaska Native, and/or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; or

-identify as a first-generation homebuyer and meet at least one of the outlined criteria for first-generation homebuyers:

-The parents or legal guardians of at least one borrower do not currently and have not previously owned a home in the United States, or

-At least one borrower has aged out of foster care, or

-At least one borrower has become emancipated.

Eligible households must have a total household income at or below 120% of the local Area Median Income as defined by HUD and must intend to purchase a primary residence in Indiana or Michigan.

Eligible households who wish to use HomeBoost funds must work with a participating Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis member financial institution to submit a request.

For more information, visit: https://www.fhlbi.com/services/community-programs/homeownership-initiatives/homeboost-down-payment-assistance-program/

Water Assistance Available for EWSU Customers

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:55:07 GMT

Enhanced Bill Assistance Program Offers EWSU Customers

Choice: $1,000 in Small Plumbing Repairs or $30 Monthly Credit

In case you missed the announcement, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) customers who qualify for bill assistance now have two options to save on their water bill: Chose to receive up to $1,000 in plumbing repairs or updates made by a certified professional through the Leak Repair Program or a $30 monthly credit on their EWSU bill through the Bill Relief Program. The Leak Repair Program option is designed to reduce water usage and save more money over time.

Starting TODAY, customers may sign up for the new Leak Repair Program and receive up to $1,000 in small repairs to their home water system, including a water-efficient toilet or plumbing fixtures. Or, they can choose the Bill Relief Credit, which will triple, from $10 a month to $30 a month. That means City residential water customers who have active water service and are income-eligible to receive the credit will save up to $360 a year on their water bill.

Customers already receiving the Bill Relief credit have until the end of August to switch to the Leak Repair Program. To learn more, visit ewsu.com/CustomerSupport.

Who’s Eligible

To participate in the Leak Repair Program, EWSU City residential customers must have active water service and a household income that qualified as low-income based on HUD federal guidelines. To be eligible for the Bill Relief Program, City residential customers with active water service must have a combined annual household income of $50,000 or less.

How The Program Works

To apply for the Leak Repair Program, visit ewsu.com/leakrepair to fill out and submit an application form. EWSU will email you to confirm the application was received and will forward the application to Memorial Community Development Corporation (MCDC) to review your financial status and coordinate a home visit assessment with a plumbing contractor through MCDC’s emergency repair program. If needed repairs exceed the money allotted, MCDC will refer customers to other agency repair programs in the community. Customers must meet the requirements of each agency.

To apply for the Bill Relief Program, visit ewsu.com/billrelief to fill out and submit an application form. EWSU will email you to confirm the application was received and whether your request was approved or denied.

Funding for The Program

In 2022, the City of Evansville allotted $4 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan, received during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide direct relief to income-qualified EWSU customers to lighten the cost of their utility bill. The Leak Repair and Bill Relief programs leverage this funding and will be offered through the end of 2026 or until funding is depleted.

Approximately 3,000 applications have been received since the Bill Relief Program launched in 2022; however, EWSU estimates more than 20,000 households could qualify for aid. To learn more, visit ewsu.com/CustomerSupport.

This information came from the Press Release distributed by EWSU on July 15.

State Farm Foundation Gives $10,000 Grant to HOPE

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:26:03 GMT

State Farm Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to HOPE of Evansville for Neighborhood Revitalization through Housing Counseling Services

HOPE of Evansville is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $10,000 grant from the State Farm Foundation. This significant contribution will support HOPE's Neighborhood Revitalization initiative, specifically through the enhancement of Housing Counseling Services, aimed at fostering stronger, more vibrant communities.

For many years, the State Farm Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of HOPE of Evansville, providing both financial assistance and volunteer services. This long-standing partnership has been instrumental in empowering residents through various housing programs and community revitalization efforts.

Josh Calhoun, Executive Director of HOPE of Evansville, expres sed his heartfelt gratitude for the continued support from the State Farm Foundation. "We are incredibly thankful for the State Farm Foundation's unwavering commitment to our mission. Their support over the years has enabled us to make a tangible difference in the lives of many families. This latest grant will further our efforts in neighborhood revitalization and help us provide crucial housing counseling services to those in need."

HOPE provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance to first time homebuyers who qualify and receive housing counseling services. This program is helps low-moderate income homebuyers be competitive in the current housing market. The funds received from this grant will directly support HOPE’s housing counseling services and housing development initiatives in the city of Evansville.

“All of our clients receiving down payment assistance are under 80% of the Area Median Income, which is just over $66,000 for a family of four, and most are first-generation homebuyers,” said Calhoun. “The pre-purchase program offered through HOPE is able to completely shift a family’s financial future, that’s why these programs are so critical to our community, especially now.”

The $10,000 grant will be utilized to expand HOPE's Housing Counseling Services, offering personalized guidance and support to residents as they navigate the complexities of homeownership, foreclosure prevention, and financial stability. These services are a cornerstone of HOPE's mission to build sustainable communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Last year, HOPE provided over $146,000 in Down Payment Assistance enabling $3.4 Million in home purchases within the city of Evansville; successfully prevented foreclosure for 2,230 households throughout the state of Indiana; secured 1.5 Million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for low-income seniors; and began rehabilitation on three buildings in the Jacobsville Neighborhood.

State Farm Foundation's continued investment in HOPE of Evansville underscores its dedication to community development and support for local initiatives that drive positive change. By working together, both organizations are paving the way for a brighter future for Evansville's neighborhoods.

2024 Income Limits for DPA Released

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:22:00 GMT

Income limits from HUD have been released for 2024. See if you qualify

To qualify for HOPE’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program you must be below 80% AMI for Vanderburgh County. These income limits change every year, and 2024 income limits have just been released.

The row labeled “Low (80%) Income Limits ($)” is the maximum income you can have to qualify for DPA based on your family size. Family size is outlined across the top of the chart.

For example, if you are single (1 person on the mortgage) and have one dependent and your gross income is below $53,150, you could qualify for DPA.

Gross income is your income before taxes are taken out.

What counts as income?

Guaranteed hours at your job, this does not include overtime paid.

Child support if it is court ordered and received. Counselors will use a receipt of the last 365 days received child support.

Social Security/SSI/SSDI, pension, retirement income, dividends, etc.

Section 8, TANF, or SNAP benefits do not count as income.

This is not an exhaustive list, our counselor can speak more directly to your situation.

Ready to see if you qualify? Join us for Fair Shot to get started. Starting through Fair Shot will waive the $35 application fee.

2023 Income Limits for DPA Released

Tue, 30 May 2023 16:13:00 GMT

To qualify for HOPE’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program you must be below 80% AMI for Vanderburgh County. These income limits change every year, and 2023 income limits have just been released.

The row labeled “Low (80%) Income Limits ($)” is the maximum income you can have to qualify for DPA based on your family size. Family size is outlined across the top of the chart.

For example, if you are single (1 person on the mortgage) and have one dependent and your gross income is below $55,900, you could qualify for DPA.

Gross income is your income before taxes are taken out.

What counts as income?

This is not an exhaustive list, our counselor can speak more directly to your situation.

Ready to see if you qualify? Join us for Fair Shot to get started. Starting through Fair Shot will waive the $35 application fee.

2022 Income Limits for DPA Released

Fri, 13 May 2022 15:21:00 GMT

To qualify for HOPE’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program you must be below 80% AMI for Vanderburgh County. These income limits change every year, and 2022 income limits have just been released.

The row labeled “Low (80%) Income Limits ($)” is the maximum income you can have to qualify for DPA based on your family size. Family size is outlined across the top of the chart.

For example, if you are single (1 person on the mortgage) and have one dependent and your gross income is below $48,750, you could qualify for DPA.

Gross income is your income before taxes are taken out.

What counts as income?

This is not an exhaustive list, our counselor can speak more directly to your situation.

Ready to see if you qualify? Join us for Fair Shot to get started. Starting through Fair Shot will waive the $35 application fee.

HOPE's Financial Assistance Program is Reopened

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:18:00 GMT

Thanks to a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy Foundation, HOPE is able to provide financial assistance for rent, mortgage, water utility, or debt reduction. With this program, HOPE will also provide budget counseling and participants will have the opportunity to move forward with credit counseling as well.

CenterPoint Energy’s charitable foundation is funded by shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. The Foundation's finances are independent and separate from the company and may not be used directly toward energy assistance.

This assistance is available to people under 80% AMI (see if you qualify here) and are CenterPoint customers.

This application is currently closed. Follow us on Facebook for updates on when it will open again.

Let HOPE Help You Achieve Your 2022 Goals

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 17:15:00 GMT

It’s time to set your goals and achieve them with our Raise the Roof E-Mail Campaign. Each week through January, you will receive self-help information to improve your skills in budgeting, help you climb out of debt, improve your credit score, and make more money in unique side hustles.

Have big goals for 2022? This campaign can be the push and information you need to make those big moves next year. Join us as we share new and innovative ways for you to reach your financial goals.

How do you get started? Sign up with your email address below and start getting tips in your inbox every week. This service is free to you because we have sponsors (listed below).

Is Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Right for Me?

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Facing home foreclosure can be one of the scariest and most stressful experiences you’ll ever go through. And unfortunately, you’re not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic hit American homeowners hard . As the unemployment rate skyrocketed, so did foreclosures. Despite the overall economic recovery during the second half of 2020, the national foreclosure rate rose by 16% in February 2021 alone .

And foreclosure doesn’t just affect those who lose their homes. It also leads to vacant homes that can fall into disrepair, decreasing the value of the surrounding neighborhood.

Foreclosure prevention assistance can help you find a solution where you can stay in your home. Here’s what you need to know about our foreclosure prevention program (FPP) at HOPE.

Foreclosure Isn’t Your Only Option

While it might seem like your only way out is through foreclosure, it’s not your only option. At HOPE, we’re committed to doing everything within our power to help you stay in your home and avoid foreclosure.

That’s precisely why we created a foreclosure prevention program. We recognized that many of our fellow Evansville neighbors were struggling to stay afloat on their mortgage payments. As more and more people lost their jobs due to the pandemic, it became increasingly difficult for those folks to make their payments on time.

Work With Your Lender

One approach we regularly suggest is for us to help negotiate with your mortgage lender. While it might seem that foreclosure is your only option, we can often work with your lender to redefine the terms of your mortgage.

Even if you’re behind on payments, we can help to rearrange your payments and avoid foreclosure. This past-due amount, also known as forbearance , can seem like it will be impossible to pay. After all, if you’re struggling to make current payments, is it even possible to pay the much-larger forbearance lump sum?

We often work with lenders to shift the burden of forbearance repayment to the end of your mortgage period. This helps you stay current and save towards that larger lump sum over a longer period of time.

Get the Foreclosure Prevention Assistance You Need

The threat of foreclosure is incredibly stressful. There are ways to prevent losing your home because of circumstances outside of your control. HOPE is committed to helping you stay in your home and avoid foreclosure - no matter what .

If you’re behind on payments, contact us today to learn how our foreclosure prevention assistance program can help you stay in your home.

Become Money-Wise with Comprehensive Financial Coaching

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Raise your hand if you weren’t taught how to budget or save for a mortgage while you were in school. For many people, this is the case. Learning how to become money-wise can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling just to figure out where this month’s rent is going to come from, it can feel impossible to even consider larger financial goals, such as buying a home.

That’s where comprehensive financial coaching (CFC) comes into play. It’s about learning how to set realistic financial goals and achieve financial freedom by achieving those milestones.

Learn about our comprehensive financial coaching approach and how it can help you set and reach your lifelong financial goals.

What Is Comprehensive Financial Coaching?

At HOPE, we take a comprehensive approach to financial coaching. Our CFC program is sponsored in part by the Wells Fargo Foundation. A CFC approach

Many of the people that work with us are referred to us by Fair Shot Financial Education . Together, we’re committed to helping you become financially savvy so that you can worry less about money and get back to focusing on the things that matter.

We work one-on-one with you to teach you about a wide range of financial topics including budgeting, banking, credit, and even mortgages. You can find out more about whether your income level qualifies you for this life-changing coaching program here.

How Can Comprehensive Financial Coaching Help Me?

We help people just like you figure out how to make things work and become more financially savvy. Whether you’re struggling with credit collections or budgeting for rent, our goal is to come up with realistic goals and solutions tailored to your unique personal circumstances.

We’re also proud to offer financial incentives. When you set and reach your milestone goals, we pledge up to $500 to help you with your cost of living. You can use that additional support to help pay bills, utilities, rent, and even outstanding debt!

Let’s Get Started!

When you’re ready, we’ll set up a series of one-on-one coaching appointments with our resident financial coach, Tony Ajibade. From there, we’ll get to know more about you and what financial goals are best for your situation. For some of our mentees, it might look like finding a better-paying job. Yet for others, the goal can be to pay down outstanding debt.

Whatever your financial situation, our goal is to help you improve your financial well-being, one simple change at a time.

HOPE’s Commitment to Affordable Housing Development

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Historically speaking, there’s been a shortage of affordable housing options for many families living in Evansville. We’re committed to changing that. Our wonderful partnership with the NRP tax credit program has given us the resources needed to change the local affordable housing landscape.

But it’s so much more than just creating affordable housing options - it’s about creating quality communities that last for a lifetime . Here’s how that’s getting accomplished.

Partnerships are Essential

Infusing the community with a diverse selection of affordable housing takes time, dedication, and substantial financial resources. Oftentimes, the lack of affordable housing is a result of developers not receiving the subsidies needed to offset the costs of construction . When this happens, they are forced to raise rental rates to cover their investment.

Our partnership with the NRP tax credit program has allowed us to create affordable housing options across the Evansville area so that no family has to go without a home. These subsidies help cover a significant portion of our building costs so that we can lower rental rates to an affordable price for most of our residents.

Long-Term Community Investment

At HOPE, our goal is to create affordable housing in a way that supports a thriving community. Each of our communities features a diverse array of incomes, which makes them even stronger.

We started our adventure in constructing 40 affordable housing units in 2007. Today, nearly half of the original residents still live in that community, which stands as a testament to the strength and viability of that affordable housing community.

This proves that people understand and appreciate the value of owning their own home - sometimes they just need a helping hand to get one step closer to that American dream.

After 15 years, rental residents get first priority to purchase the home that they’re living in. We support this path to homeownership because it gives the residents time to sort out any credit issues and save up for future homeownership. Think of it like progressive homeownership. They can take advantage of federal funding to help them get on their feet while they rent their potential future forever home.

Join the Movement

We’re always looking for new local community partners to join the cause. Contact us today to see how you can make a difference and help revolutionize the affordable housing landscape in Evansville.

Say Hello To Your New Dream Home: the Homes of Evansville II

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT

The current housing market in Evansville is experiencing a massive shortage of affordable housing , which can keep many local residents from being able to fulfill the American dream of homeownership.

HOPE is committed to providing affordable housing solutions for every person in the Evansville area. Regardless of race, age, or income, we’re here to change the housing market in Evansville so that you can find ( and afford ) the home of your dreams.

Get to know our latest affordable housing development partnership with the NRP: Homes of Evansville II.

Building Communities That Last

At HOPE, we’re committed to building communities that last. The new homes of the Evansville II project are no different. You can choose from a variety of homes, townhomes, and apartments.

By the end of 2021, our goal is to finish the Homes of Evansville II development, which will include nearly 60 new homes for local residents just like you. Each of these spaces comes equipped with kitchen appliances and washer/dryer hookups.

With affordable rental rates and purchase assistance, you can worry less about the roof over your head and get back to focusing on the things that can improve your daily life.

How to Apply

Good news! We’re now accepting applications for the Homes of Evansville II development.

We’ve streamlined the application process to help make your life easier. You’ll need to start by registering for an account . Then, you can fill out an online application for any of our developments from one, central location.

Feel free to explore all of our properties while you’re in the applicant portal. If you do decide to apply for residences within our other developments, you can manage all of your applications within your portal.

Find the Home You Deserve at the Homes of Evansville II

Everyone deserves a home of their own. You shouldn’t have to worry about affordable high-quality housing. Hope of Evansville is committed to building a better community for all! .

FHA Takes Steps to Remove Barriers to Homeownership for Those with Student Loan Debt

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 20:47:00 GMT

FHA Updates Student Loan Debt Policies Making Mortgage Credit More Accessible

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced updates to the monthly mortgage payment calculation for borrowers with student loans (read the full press release here ).

Who it helps

This helps anyone with student loan debt, but the benefits will be felt most by people of color and people ages 25-49. These people are typically first-time homebuyers and make up roughly 80 percent of FHA insured mortgages.

“This announcement enhances FHA’s ability to serve one of its core demographics—first-time homebuyers. Over 80 percent of FHA-insured mortgages are for first-time homebuyers on average each year. FHA estimates that more than 45 percent of these borrowers also have student loan debt, with much of this debt impacting people of color.”

What it does

The new policy calculates the monthly payment based on the actual monthly student loan payment, rather than the previous policy which calculated the payment as one percent of the total outstanding student loan balance. The monthly payment will typically be calculated as lower and therefore it will be easier for people with student loan debt to be accepted for an FHA insured mortgage.

Fair Shot 2021 Schedule Changes

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:00:00 GMT

Fair Shot for June & August have been canceled. We will resume class in July and follow the schedule on our flyer. Remember, if you complete both classes, you will get a coupon to Azzip Pizza as well a free one-on-one financial coaching! Here is our updated schedule.

Eating in College - Without Going Broke

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 18:55:00 GMT

College is a bigger expense than just the tuition. On top of paying for each class, books, housing, you’ll need to eat. If you want to eat more than Ramen & Totino’s next year, you need to have a plan.

First, decide how and who is paying for your meal plan.

Once you’re in school, you may find that working 40+ hours a week while also carrying a full-time class load is too much. Because of this, I typically work a full-time job during the summer and only work ten to twenty hours a week during the semester. This isn’t the case for everyone. My sister, for example, prefers to have a more consistent schedule. She works twenty to thirty hours a week year-round, so she always has a solid income. Deciding on when and how you’ll work is fully personal preference, but it’s something that needs a lot of thought put into it to make sure that your plan is sustainable.

Choose the right meal plan for you

Most universities start first year students with an unlimited meal plan, which can be pricey depending on the school. Fortunately, a lot of schools let you change your meal plan during the first few weeks for no extra charge. My advice, keep the unlimited plan for the first week or so and see how many times it gets used then determine if you’ll be able to use it often enough to make it worth the expense.

Pick up a good side-hustle

Our parents wouldn’t likely think of this one, because a side-hustle wasn’t as much of a thing back in their day. Today, you can sign up to Grub Hub or Door Dash with minimal effort and can sign up to make a quick $10-$20 at any given time so you can grab dinner with your friends. Interested in other side-hustles? We wrote a blog about that during our Raise the Roof campaign last year.

Budget, Budget, Budget (and stick to it)

Keeping track of your income & spending is the #1 way to avoid being broke. Just taking a few hours before you start your semester to plan how money will be spent will make it much easier to keep money in the bank. If budgeting is a tough topic here is an article written by a college student with some great advice .

While paying for college and everything that comes with it can be difficult, it is possible. The more money you have in the bank during college, the easier it will be when you graduate. There’s a lot more that can be done during college to save a bit of money, but these simple tips will help you on your way toward financial independence.

2021 Income Limits for DPA Released

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:51:00 GMT

To qualify for HOPE’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program you must be below 80% AMI for Vanderburgh County. These income limits change every year, and 2021 income limits have just been released.

The row labeled “Low (80%) Income Limits ($)” is the maximum income you can have to qualify for DPA based on your family size. Family size is outlined across the top of the chart.

For example, if you are single (1 person on the mortgage) and have one dependent and your gross income is below $48,750, you could qualify for DPA.

Gross income is your income before taxes are taken out.

What counts as income?

This is not an exhaustive list, our counselor can speak more directly to your situation.

Ready to see if you qualify? Join us for Fair Shot to get started. Starting through Fair Shot will waive the $35 application fee.

Exploring New Rental Opportunities

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 18:08:00 GMT

At HOPE, we have the opportunity to go to work each day and help individuals develop the skill sets that they need to work toward their dreams. We truly are the HOPE of Evansville, bringing fresh outlooks and helping our community grow and prosper.

This year our goal is to expand our community’s housing opportunities even further by offering rentals to individuals. As of now, we provide services in almost every area related to housing, and we know that offering rentals will be very beneficial to our community. We currently have a partnership with the NRP Group, which allows us to refer potential renters, but we do not own any rental units.

Having our own units will open the opportunity for us to have available rentals right away when someone calls seeking immediate housing assistance. This will also allow us to help with down payment assistance and foreclosure prevention as well as overall financial literacy. From building and remodeling homes to selling homes to low-income individuals, most of our basics are covered. Owning rental properties will allow us the ability to meet even more needs throughout our community.

We hope to continue to meet our goals, many of which involve our current programs. In 2020 our Down Payment Assistance program provided three times more assistance than in previous years. We are assisting more individuals and helping them save their homes, while our housing counselor works on foreclosure prevention. Our numbers have been really great, and we are striving to keep this up throughout 2021 while growing towards owning rental properties.

Throughout COVID, we have seen many more individuals in need of rental and utility assistance, and we are proud to continue to provide help and services. We have also adapted to working remotely, from using DocuSign for document signatures to staying on the move with laptops. Our team is here to help members of our community affected by COVID to get back on their feet.

The future of HOPE is very bright, and we are so fortunate to be in a position where we can help our community in times of need.

Understanding Financial Literacy Through HOPE’s Fair Shot Program

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 18:05:00 GMT

From basic budgeting help to foreclosure prevention, our team strives to meet as many of our clients’ needs as possible. We are constantly adjusting our programming to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.

One of the current opportunities we offer to the community is our Fair Shot Program. Fair Shot is a partnership between HOPE and several area banks. Through this program, we offer free financial literacy, taught by professional bankers. Having bankers as instructors is very helpful because they have firsthand knowledge about what banks are looking for in regards to qualifications, home loans, and down payments.

Overall, this program is a great step for those interested in receiving more in-depth counseling through our agency. It has also proven to be very beneficial for low-income residents by providing them with a basic understanding of how credit works, what it means, and tips on how to approach budgeting. We also go in-depth on how to build credit and apply for a mortgage.

There are no income requirements for an individual to attend the Fair Shot classes, so anyone interested in learning more about financial literacy is welcome to join. We offer the classes once a month during the last week of each month. Visit our Facebook page for updated Fair Shot class information and learn how to apply!

HOPE's Pre-Purchase Program

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:04:00 GMT

HOPE of Evansville provides a variety of tools and resources for first-time homebuyers as well as programs and guidance in foreclosure prevention. With over 50 years of service to the community, HOPE focuses on helping, serving, and providing assistance to folks who need homes and those who need help staying in their homes. Our main goal is to assist as many people as possible, so we created a program that would be beneficial to any client needing down-payment assistance; the Pre-Purchase Program.

What is the Pre-Purchase Program?

The purpose of this program is to help those under 80% of the area median income purchase a home through credit counseling, housing counseling, and down payment assistance (DPA). Those who income qualify are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in DPA once they've contributed $1,000 towards the purchase of their home.

How Do I Apply?

Due to COVID-19, we are currently unable to take in-person applications, but you can apply online at our HOPE of Evansville website. Once you submit your application, there will be a $35 fee that has to be paid along with the application. After the application process is complete you will receive a document checklist that will help you organize the necessary documentation such as your banking statements, driver’s license, birth certificate, social security, etc.

Once you have provided us with all of the required documentation and information we will then meet with you one-on-one for a counseling session via a zoom call. During this counseling session, we will go over your credit score and discuss what score is needed for a home loan. As of now, most banks and credit unions are requiring a minimum score of at least 640. Once you have met all financial guidelines, we will guide you as you start the process of contacting banks that accept HOPE’s down payment assistance. We will provide you with a list of those financial institutions as well.

Who Should Apply?

If you are looking to purchase a home within the city limits of Evansville and can provide us with proof that you can spend $1,000 you are then eligible to get up to $10,000 towards your down payment. We want to make sure that you have a comfortable living space, and we are here to help you in any way possible. If you need assistance with your down payment, apply for the Pre-Purchase Program, and feel free to contact Hope of Evansville with any questions regarding your application!

Self Lend - What is it and Does it Actually Build Credit?

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 16:09:00 GMT

The content written in this blog is a personal review of Self Lender. This content is not sponsored by Self Lender and is solely the review of an individual within HOPE who utilized Self Lender.

What is Self Lender & Did it Work for Me?

Self -Lender, now known as Self Lender Loans, is a program designed to help you build credit while saving money.

In July of 2017, while on bedrest for 2 months, I found myself looking for ways to build my credit score. While doing a Google search, I ran across the Self Lender website. I thought it sounded pretty simple, so I signed up.

How does it work? You select a payment plan that fits into your budget, for me it was $50 a month, and that money is automatically deducted from your checking account. Each month Self Lender reports an on-time payment to the credit bureaus, helping to improve payment history.

Pros:

After 12 months, my score had gone up 18 points.

But that’s not all, the money wasn’t just thrown away, at the end of the 12-month period I received a check from Self Lender for $500. Self Lender had deducted their fee, which was $100, and sent my check within 10 business days of my last payment.

Cons:

Like any program involving your credit you must make your payments in a timely manner. While I never missed a payment, I did inquire about what would happen if I did. If you miss your payment you are charged a small late fee of %5 of the payment amounts due. If it is more than 30 days late, the late payment may be reported to the credit bureaus.

Overall, I though it was a very easy way to save money and the perk of gaining a few points on my credit report for simply saving my money was the cherry on top.

Budgeting When You're Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 02:33:00 GMT

This blog was first posted in our Raise the Roof E-Mail Campaign. To receive this and other great tips, sign up here.

Did your monthly budget come out with a negative number? Would you believe me if I told you that I have a tool to make your negative budget work? This tool will not only show you how much money comes in and out each month, but you can use it to tell you when to pay each bill.

We made a tool, you can download it here . Below are the instructions for completing this tool.

1. Monthly Budget Section:

a. Income:

i. Total NET Monthly Income is the amount of money that you receive, after taxes and other deductions (before garnishments) are taken out.

ii. Other Monthly Income includes any child support, extra income from side hustles, and any other form of unrestricted money you receive (food stamps would be considered restricted money, so don’t include that.)

iii. The spreadsheet will automatically populate your total monthly income.

b. Outgoing:

i. Fixed expenses are expenses that will not change from month to month. If you need to add more rows, highlight the entire row by clicking the row number, for example “18”, right click and select “add row.”

ii. Enter the due date of these expenses

iii. You can change the label on the expense as needed, these are simply suggestions

iv. Flexible expenses are expenses that can change from month to month. Your utility bill can be changed to a fixed expense if you utilize budgeting billing with your provider.

v. Once you get to clothing and the rows after, this is what you’d like to be able to spend in each category. For this tool, we are utilizing the “$0 Budget” method and allocating every dollar. When operating on limited income, this budgeting method will keep “surprise” expenses from popping up. This can include new tires for your car and gifts for others. They’re not really surprises, we just know that an extra $500 doesn’t live in your monthly budget, and it’s something we should save for.

vi. Once you complete these columns, your total outgoing and leftover funds will auto populate. If the “Leftover” funds have () around them, that means you’re in the negative. That’s fine, keep going. If this negative number is higher than you’d like, make some adjustments in your flexible spending. Just remember to be realistic.

2. Paycheck to Paycheck Breakdown

a. In the small table to the left of this section, complete the bi-weekly income sections. Your bi-weekly income will automatically calculate.

b. In the paycheck to paycheck breakdown, we’ve populated numbers to be an example. We recommend deleting these numbers. Important note: do not delete rows 39 & 40. These rows have very useful formulas in them.

c. Next, starting with row 7, populate the date you are going to start budgeting. We recommend budgeting on a date that you are paid. In the following rows, enter the weekly dates that follow. If you started the first row on a Monday, continue to start the weeks on a Monday. If you start on a Friday, start the following weeks on a Friday.

d. Enter your paydays. You’ll notice rows 39 & 40 populating at this point, these numbers will change as you enter numbers.

e. In the remaining cells, enter in what date you’d like to pay each bill. If your rent or mortgage is due on the first, populate your rent payment in the first week of every month (or week prior, depending on when dates land).

f. As you populate dates, the formulas should change to tell you how much money you should have left at the end of each week. If row 40 is in () that means you are in the negative, and you should see which bill can be moved, or a way to make some extra money in a side hustle that week.

If you have any questions about using this tool, you can reply to the Raise the Roof E-Mail campaign with your questions and someone will get back with you shortly.

COVID19 Emergency Assistance Program Reopened at HOPE

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 20:04:00 GMT

The applications for Emergency Financial Assistance are closed. Please follow us on Facebook for updates.

The City of Evansville has allocated to HOPE of Evansville CDBG funds to provide emergency financial assistance to people within the city of Evansville. Due to high demand, application for this program will only be accepted during regular business hours (8:30-5) the 1st of each month. Only a limited number of clients will be accepted each month. To reduce wait time, there will not be a waiting list for this program.

HOPE is now accepting applications for these funds. In order to qualify you must

Financial assistance is based on eligibility and need. This assistance requires documentation and can take 3-5 weeks to process after all information is received.

Approved households may have up to six months of past due rent and utilities bills brought current. Each household may only receive assistance once from this grant including CDBG COVID grant funds available through other agencies.

If you require assistance before the end of the month you apply, we recommend you contact 2-1-1 for alternative options.

Click here for a list of required documents needed in order to receive assistance.

Time to Raise Your Roof - Sign Up Today

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 19:45:00 GMT

It’s time to set your goals and achieve them with our Raise the Roof E-Mail Campaign. Each week, for 9 weeks, you will receive self-help information to improve your skills in budgeting, help you climb out of debt, improve your credit score, and make more money in unique side hustles.

Have big goals for 2021? This campaign can be the push and information you need to make those big moves next year. Join us for these 9 weeks as we share new and innovative ways for you to reach your financial goals.

How do you get started? Sign up with your email address below and start getting tips in your inbox every week. This service is free to you because we have sponsors (listed below).

Using Halloween Candy for Holiday Baking

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 13:00:00 GMT

Nikki Waller , Director of Financial & Relational Development

Ready to save some money on your upcoming holiday festivities?

Every year my kids bring home a pillowcase full of candy and I usually end up throwing half of it away after getting onto them for having a tummy ache. How do they not remember what happened last year?

Anyway, aside from my parental frustrations, I’ve decided to use it as an opportunity to save some money.

As SOON as your kids get home, divide out the candy between the candy branded for Halloween and not. All non-Halloween branded candy can be used as stocking stuffers in December.

Next, pull out the candy you need for your upcoming recipes. I have no shame during the holidays and I’ll bake 3 or 4 of the same dish and freeze it until the day before the party. I never have time or energy to make the dish before the party, so I love having it ready on hand. It gives me extra time to make my festive ugly holiday sweater.

I hope these recipes give you some great ideas to start. Save this candy through the holiday season so you have the main ingredients on some quick dishes for all those upcoming holiday parties (socially distanced, of course).

Hershey Bars

Traditional favorite, chocolate dipped pretzels

Or some super chocolate Hershey bar cookies

Variety of Candy

Candy bar pie

Candy cookie bars

Candy bar pie

Starbursts

Starburst mousse pie (WHAT?!)

Starburst chewy rice crispy treats

Starburst sugar cookies

Kit Kats