Organization: WORKING IN NEIGHBORHOODS
Mission: COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO MAKE INFORMED CHOICES FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGH COMMUNITY BUILDING, HOME OWNERSHIP, AND ECONOMIC LEARNING.
Activities: COMMUNITY & HOUSING DEVELOPMENT - Working In Neighborhoods (WIN) revitalizes and brings stability to neighborhoods and communities through construction and rehabilitation of energy efficient homes for first-time homebuyers. WIN provides families with homeownership opportunities and strengthens neighborhoods through homeownership. Since this program began, WIN has built or renovated over 169 homes and sold them to first-time homebuyers. WIN's efforts have increased home values in targeted areas by as much as 25%. In 2019, three homes were sold to first-time homebuyers, and eight are under development. One home was energy efficient retrofitted for a South Cumminsville senior homeowner. WIN also works with residents in the community to implement community improvement projects. 211 residents were involved with South Cumminsville and Beekman Corridor groups (Community Council, Action Team, Community Garden, Fresh Food Project & Beekman Corridor Coalition).
HOUSING COUNSELING AND FINANCIAL LITERACY - WIN provides counseling and education services related to homeownership and financial capability. WIN prepares families to purchase, maintain, and protect their investment in their homes by offering Homebuyer Classes and individual Housing Counseling and Foreclosure/Delinquency Prevention Housing Counseling. WIN offers Financial Stability Workshops that teach people how to be financially responsible, reduce debt and expenses, and develop an emergency savings plan. In 2019, 145 people participated in Homebuyer Classes, 77 individuals received one-on-one pre purchase counseling services, and an additional 45 people received phone counseling to prepare for homeownership. WIN's counseling services worked with 48 families to resolve their mortgage delinquency/foreclosure, and 2 families received other types of post purchase counseling. 20 people actively participated in Individual Development Account Programs. 107 people participated in Financial Literacy Workshops. 20 people were connected to services through the Ohio Benefits Bank. WIN provides Energy Conservation Education teaching families energy efficient behaviors that can lower their utility bills. In 2019, 393 low-income and senior citizens learned how to reduce their usage and save money on their gas and electric bills.
COMMUNITY BUILDING WIN helps neighborhood residents gain awareness and understanding of people, resources, and processes to enable them to network together to develop a common vision for their community and affect positive change. In collaboration with South Cumminsville Community Council, WIN provides After School and Tutoring programs as well as Summer Enrichment Programs for local children in grades K - 12. In 2019, 10 youth participated in WIN's after school program. 40 youth attended WIN's summer camp. 295 youth participated in WIN's youth holiday events.
NTEE category: Housing & Shelter
Secondary category: Community Improvement & Capacity Building