Meeting essential needs through CARES funds
Since the beginning of the pandemic, United Housing has aimed to alleviate our clients’ burdens caused by COVID-19. Over the last year, many grant programs and funding options have become available to nonprofits to help us do just that. UHI secured varied types of aid funding so we can provide emergency support to our clients and maintain housing stability in Memphis. Here are some of the areas in which needs have been met so far:
In November, UHI partnered with the City of Memphis’ Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as other HUD-certified counseling agencies around the city, to launch the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP). CHAP offered mortgage and rental assistance to Memphians who were facing eviction or foreclosure because of the pandemic. While the CHAP programming did not guarantee housing continuity, it did provide needed relief to families across the city, alleviating financial burdens and helping people find housing stability. Through CHAP, UHI was able to help 300 families mitigate eviction and foreclosure.
In addition to its CHAP programming, UHI supported homeowners and renters in Memphis and Shelby County through Emergency Utility Assistance. Individuals who missed MLGW payments due to financial hardship brought on by COVID-19 were able to apply and receive essential funds to cover back payments. Additionally, UHI used its CARES funds to aid in home repair. Over 30 homeowners who have had much needed repairs for quite some time were finally able to make them with assistance from UHI.
One loan recipient shared her story, and it demonstrates the importance of repair funding for homeowners. Before UHI’s help with her home repair, Pam Gray’s mother was living in unsafe living conditions. Her bathroom floor was sinking, creating a fall risk. With the help of UHI, her mom was able to make essential repairs that have impacted their entire family.
“The impact UHI’s home repair loan had on me is intertwined with the impact on my mother,” Pam said. “It has given her self-confidence now [as she can] get around in the bathroom and kitchen. It has also given her dignity and pride, she could do a lot of things herself.”
In its latest effort toward crucial support through CARES funds, United Housing launched its COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Program. The program provides counseling and financial assistance to Mid-South residents facing foreclosure because of a COVID-19 related hardship and was funded in part by the City of Memphis and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. Some applicants to the Mortgage Relief Program may not be eligible for financial assistance, but they are still connected with one of UHI’s HUD-Approved Housing Counselors who will help them create a plan that leads to long-term housing security.
Despite the curveballs 2020 threw, and the challenges that are still arising because of it, United Housing was and is prepared for the job. We remain committed to providing quality housing opportunities to Mid-South residents through financial education, mortgage lending, home building and renovation. But most of all, UHI is dedicated to the support of its clients, whether it is through the purchase of their first home or the fear of foreclosure, UHI promises to be with you every step of the way.
