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Conference, Nehemiah in Public/Private
Partnership By Dana Bykowski On December 27, 2001, Nehemiah Corporation of California, a non-profit community development group, provided their 100,000th down payment gift to the McMichael family of Louisville (KY). Nehemiah Corporation founder Don Harris established The Nehemiah Program in 1997. It was established to provide gift funds for down payment and closing costs (of any resale or new property) to qualified buyers using an eligible loan program, such as an FHA loan. Gift funds of 1 percent to 6 percent of the contract sales price can be requested, depending on the particular needs of the buyer. Given the unique structure of the program, individuals and families can often move into their new home with as little as 1 percent of the sales price in reserves. Michael and Staci McMichael moved into their new home located in Southwestern Jefferson County. It was a milestone event for them, as well as for Nehemiah. Harris and the McMichael family were recently featured on NBC's Today Show, highlighting this momentous occasion. The McMichael family received the $2,600 down payment plus closing costs on the one-story house from Nehemiah Corporation. In addition, Harris pledged to give $100,000 to the city of Louisville for redevelopment programs and housing initiatives. Mr. McMichael, a 30-year old animal control officer and volunteer firefighter, thanked Mr. Harris on the Today Show, " I want to thank Nehemiah right now, because if it weren't for them, this would not have been possible, and we wouldn't have done it." Harris started this program at time when government funds for housing and affordable housing programs were disappearing throughout our nation, and along with them, the dream of affordable home ownership. Now, The Nehemiah Program is the largest privately funded down payment assistance program in the nation. Since its conception in 1997, this program has helped more than 82,000 families gain access to safe and affordable housing. CitiesFirst®, the newly created public/private partnership initiative between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Nehemiah Corporation, serves as a vehicle for urban renewal and economic empowerment by providing affordable housing opportunities to families and individuals. The purpose of CitiesFirst® is to utilize mayor and community leaders to generate public awareness of The Nehemiah Program goals by bringing together local businesses, community organizations, and members of the lending and financial services communities to discuss and implement strategies for strengthening our urban communities. This is an opportunity for Mayors, local housing officials, and government agency partners to work together with CitiesFirst® to provide affordable housing programs and provide Mayors with access to funding and technical assistance to help transform cities, shape federal policy and promote sustained growth and stability. For more information about CitiesFirst®, please contact CitiesFirst® Managing Director, Dana Bykowski at the U.S. Conference of Mayors 202-861-6764. |
