Welcome to NAYA Family Center Homeownership News
Our quarterly newsletter provides updates about NAYA Family Center's Homeownership Program and other community resources for renters, home buyers and homeowners.
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Enjoy,
The NAYA Family Center Homeownership Program Team
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Free Tax Assistance at NAYA Family Center
Appointments Available for Free Tax Filing and Expanded Services, Call Today!
NAYA
Family Center's free tax site will be open again this coming tax
season, to prepare and file taxes for free and help community members
claim valuable tax credits, such as the Earned income Tax Credit for
lower-income families, which is increasing to more that $5,000 this
year.
You can expect the same free electronic tax filing that
allows you to receive your refund in as little as 10 days if using
direct deposit, or 3 weeks if you prefer a paper check.
The Tax Site will be open from February 3rd-April 15th
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-8:30pm and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 9am-1pm.
Call to make your appointment as soon as possible.
For more information, or to make your appointment, call NAYA Family
Center Tax Advocate and Tax Site Coordinator Irena Solomon at 503-288-8177 x280,
or irenas@nayapdx.org
For
more information about the Tax Site, click here.
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Affordable Homeownership Opportunities Open House
Do you have an income of $20,000-$40,000 per year? Want to know about unique and affordable homebuying options in Portland?
Local non-profits offer low-to-moderate income households the opportunity to own their own home. Join us to learn more about these programs and how education and coaching with NAYA Family Center Homeownership Program can help you reach your goals.
Meet staff from each of these organizations and learn how to take the next step:
* Clackamas Community Land Trust
* Proud Ground
* Portland Metro Habitat for Humanity
* HOST Development
Affordable Homeownership Opportunities
Open House
Tuesday February 23rd
5:30-6pm Dinner
6pm-7:30 Presentation
at NAYA Family Center
5135 NE Columbia Blvd
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The 2010 Census
Help our Community Thrive!
Identifying
as Native American on the 2010 Census will help ensure that our
community receives quality, culturally specific services and programs.
Please identify as Native American if you are the descendant of
American Indians or Alaska Natives and you feel culturally connected to
the Native American community. You do not have to be enrolled in a
tribe or meet blood quantum requirements to identify as Native
American. There is also space on the Census to write in and recognize
the name of your tribe.
The Census questionnaire will be sent out by mail in March. Make sure you return the completed form by April 1, 2010.
With
every person counted, we will strengthen our community and give us a
bigger voice in decisions that affect our lives and families.
Confidentiality Federal law protects the personal information you share during the Census
* Violation would result in a jail term of up to five years, and/or a fine of up to $250,000
*
By law (Title 13, U.S. Code), the Census Bureau cannot share an
individual's answers with anyone, including the tribal government,
tribal programs, or any other tribal, federal or state entity.
For more information or questions, please contact Chelsea Turner, MSW
Intern at 503-288-8177x298 or chelseat@nayapdx.org
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Community
Resources for Renters, Homebuyers and
Homeowners
Portland's
Fix-it-Fair
Free
Event with Resources for Renters and Homeowners
The
Fix-It Fairs are free events designed to save you money and connect you to
resources. Join your neighbors and talk to the experts about how to spend less
and stay healthy! Free lunch and childcare. To learn more visit the City of
Portland's Bureau of Sustainability website
Saturday,
January 30th, 8:30am-2:00pm
Parkrose
High School
12003
NE Shaver Street
City of Portland
Treebate Program
Plant Trees and Save Money on Your
Utility Bill!
Portland is
offering a rebate of up to $50 to residents who plant a tree in their yard. It's
true! Just by planting a tree, you may be able to receive a credit on your
utility bill! The program will be available for trees planted between September
2009 through April 2010. Be sure to save those receipts and submit them along with this form by May 1, 2010 to:
Environmental Services
Treebate
1120 SW 5th Avenue, Room
1000
Portland, Oregon
97204
For more information and details about the Treebate Program
click here
Increased Income Limits for Multnomah County Weatherization Programs
More Families are Eligible for Free
weatherization Services and grants might be available to you! The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (the congressional economic stimulus
act) made up to $6,400 per home available to provide these services:
- Ceiling, wall, and floor insulation
- Energy-related minor home repairs
- Energy conservation education
- Fix leaky windows, door gaps, other air leaks
- Furnace repair and replacement
- Heating duct improvements
The maximum income levels for this program have been increased to the
following levels:
Family Size Annual Income
1 $21,600
2 $29,140
3 $36,620
4 $44,100
5 $51,580
6 $59,060
The Multnomah County Weatherization department is encouraging people with
all age of homes to apply because insulation can be moved, damaged, or compacted
over time. The newer your house is, the less likely that it will need
improvements, but you may still benefit from the energy conservation education.
These
services are entirely free but there is a limited amount of money.
If you have additional
questions, contact Multnomah County Weatherization at 503-988-6295
x22312
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Free Lead Poisoning Prevention Workshop for Renters and Homeowners
Was your home built before 1978? Do you have young children at home?
Local non-profit Community Energy Project will offer a workshop at NAYA Family Center for those for those who want to know more about lead poisoning prevention methods, testing and cleaning.
NAYA Family Center
5135 NE Columbia Blvd
Thursday, February 18th
Dinner Served: 5:30
Workshop: 6-7:30pm
Click here to view flyer
To register contact Jen Matheson at
503-288-8177x297 or jenm@nayapdx.org
And learn about other resources including the
Portland Regional Lead Hazard Control Program that can provide financial assistance to
reduce lead-based paint hazards in housing
occupied by qualified low and moderate
income households.
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Financial Wellness
Realize your Goals and Calm your Financial Stress
__________________________
"Everyone should feel in control of their own finances-whether or not you are in debt. Financial Wellness really helped!"
New Homeowner, January 2010 ________________________
Contact Ben Helgren at NAYA
Family Center for coaching and classes related to money management. Ben's non-judgmental approach will guide you through your path to financial wellness.
Upcoming Classes:
-March 1, 8, 15 and 22
-May 3, 10, 17 and 24
The four part class takes place over four Monday evenings from 6pm-8:30pm at the NAYA Family Center.
Class reservation is necessary and dinner is provided.
Ben Helgren, Financial Skills Coach at 503-288-8177x273 or benh@nayapdx.org
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Ready to Learn More about Homebuying
Pathways Home: Homebuyer Education Classes at NAYA Family Center
NAYA Family Center's Pathways
Home is a two part Home buyer Education Class, where you'll learn about the
steps to successful home buying.
NAYA's Homeownership
Program offers culturally specific services and strives to provide the best information and resources relevant to Portland's Native American community.
This is a two-part class on Saturdays from 9am-3pm, free breakfast and lunch is
served. This class is a total of 12 hours.
Click here for more information on upcoming classes: -January 23rd & 30th -February 6th & 13th -February 20th & 27th -April 10th & 17th -April 24th & May 1st To register for upcoming classes, please contact Anna Steirer at 503-288-8177x289 or annas@nayapdx.org.
_________________________
"I
have already recommended the program to other people who shared the
same outlook as me. I didn't think it was possible to own my own home
and thanks to Sharon and NAYA, my family's dream has come true!"
New
Homeowner November 2009
_________________________
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