First-time Homeownership: URC Project Good Homes
FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNERSHIP: URC PROJECT GOOD HOMES
The dream of homeownership can best be described by acclaimed actor and activist Wendell Pierce, who once said, “That is the heart and soul of the American dream, homeownership, the idea of being able to buy a house and start to build your family.”
Homeownership should be a dream attainable to all. Unfortunately, that is not always possible for someone returning home from prison. That’s why United Returning Citizens is working to make homeownership possible for Returning Citizens by removing barriers and building affordable housing. URC has streamlined a program that will educate, empower and promote ownership through Project Good Homes.
Breaking down housing barriers for returning citizens
Returning citizens are often locked out of the housing market because of their backgrounds and are ten times more likely to be homeless than the general public. Homelessness after reentry leads to higher recidivism rates. There are several Causes of homelessness among returning citizens, including discrimination from having a background, financial troubles and a shortage of affordable housing.
Project Good Home will help remove those barriers facing returning citizens from finding secure housing. Some barriers include:
- No financial support
- Lack of Financial Education
- Locked out of the housing market
- Unable to attain a home loan
- No funds for a down payment
What is project good homes?
URC recognizes the need in the Youngstown and surrounding areas to establish housing for returning citizens to help overcome barriers and reduce homelessness. Project Good Home allows returning citizens to have affordable housing and help remove those barriers by providing financial assistance and education, mentorship and ongoing support to program members.
Project Good Homes will offer affordable housing by utilizing Tiny Homes, which has become popular over the last few years and is used by other organizations, including Cass Community Social Services in Detroit, Michigan.
Tiny homes, big benefits
URC Project Good Homes will model after a program in Detroit, Michigan, called Case Community Social Services Tiny Homes. Residents first rent their homes, and anyone who remains in the house and program for seven years will be allowed to own the home. URC Good Homes will also provide Individuals with training and mentoring to help them become self-sufficient and homeowners.
Tiny homes are detached single-family dwellings and can offer many benefits, including:
- Low cost
- Affordable to own
- Low start-up cost
- Double the number of homes.
- Low Cost of Utilities
- Pride of home ownership
- Higher quality of life
- Lower carbon footprint
- House, more people on less land
There are also emotional benefits. Living in your own home gives you pride, a sense of belonging, and a feeling of security. URC wants to use all those benefits to help provide returning citizens with a second chance.
Making affordable housing a reality for formerly incarcerated people
Join United Returning Citizens in their efforts to provide secure, safe and affordable housing by donating to the cause. Our upcoming Casablanca Gala is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of a local returning citizen. Grab your ticket and RSVP today.
Your donation today will be used to support URC Project Good Homes, providing our returning citizens with the tools they need to become self-sufficient. Let’s build a better future together!