COI & CITY OF JAMESTOWN FORM PARTNERSHIP TO ASSIST FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER

The process of homeownership for first-time buyers can be a trying experience. For most, it goes smoothly but not without the usual obstacles; saving for a down payment, finding the right home as well as a bank to approve the mortgage. Such was not the case for Jamestown resident & first time homebuyer, Doloris Bemis.

Doloris is a first-time homebuyer. She completed the HUD Housing Counseling Program offered through Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI) in the spring of 2001. After a meticulous search for the “perfect” house, Doloris finally found a house working with Real Estate Advantage on Hammond Street in Jamestown to share with her dog & cat. Since the home is in need of repairs and within the Jamestown

Home Ownership Rehabilitation Zone, a division of the City of Jamestown Department of Development, Doloris as a first – time homebuyer qualifies for and was referred to the program by COI and rehabilitation on the home will be completed. Ms. Bemis was also referred by COI to Community Inclusion, a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) and program operated by The Resource Center (TRC). Community Inclusion was eligible for federal Community Development Block Grant Funds which are administered by the City of Jamestown to assist first-time homebuyers with closing costs and down-payment assistance.

Due to the repairs needed on the home, a mortgage lender had to be sought out that would work with the grant programs. As Ms. Bemis was a participant of COI’s Housing Counseling Program, COI helped facilitate a partnership with Lake Shore Savings & Loan to process the mortgage.

“Increasing home ownership opportunities within the City of Jamestown has long been an integral part of the City's neighborhood revitalization strategy. The Homeownership Zones and Homesteading Programs operated through the City's Department of Development can assist first-time homeowners with much needed rehabilitation expenses which serve to increase home values and enhance neighborhood quality. The new home of Ms. Bemis is a perfect example of what can be accomplished through the ongoing collaborative partnerships between the public and private sector. We are proud to have played a role in this success story and look forward to more to come in the future.” stated Steve Centi, Director of Development for the City of Jamestown.

“COI’s role is to educate community residents on the process of becoming a homeowner, and help them access applicable grants and financing. It is our goal to empower the residents of Chautauqua County to realize the American Dream of Homeownership. There are several organizations that worked together closely to make this happen for Ms. Bemis and we at COI are very proud to have been able to help facilitate these partnerships.” stated Mindy Mowrey, HUD certified Housing Counselor for COI.

According to the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), homeownership is a priority in revitalizing neighborhoods. Repeated studies have found neighborhoods with a higher proportion of homeowners are safer and more stable. Homeowners also provide a steady tax base for the community. 

According to Ms. Bemis, “I would like to thank COI, Dave Small at Real Estate Advantage, and my good friend Dee Ette Schumacher for urging me to become a homeowner and helping me through the rough spots.”

To learn more about the City of Jamestown, Department of Development’s Home Ownership Zones Program, please contact Dick Fiorello at 483-7658.

For information on the HUD Housing & Mortgage Counseling Program or other programs offered by Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. please call, 661-9430 in the Jamestown area, or visit their website at www.chautauquaopportunities.com.

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