Good Neighbor Stories

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Mon, 22 May 2017 18:17:00 -0500

Home is where the heart is. In Jaimi Jones’ case, it was also where mold and mildew were. Jaimi, a renter, was worried about the health of her two teenagers but didn’t think she could afford to buy her own house.

Like millions of Americans, Jaimi dreamed of being a homeowner. Fortunately for this Atlanta- area single mom, she found the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP) which is supported by State Farm.

Jaimi, the ever-protective mother, surveyed the new neighborhood before she purchased the home from ANDP. She spoke with several neighbors to make sure her family would feel safe and happy in their new suburban community. She purchased the home with down payment assistance from ANDP making the payments more affordable.

“I pay less with my mortgage payment than most pay for rent,” Jaimi says. “But I’m most happy about the healthier environment for my children.”

The proud first-time homeowner can finally breathe a mold-free sigh of relief.

Vet gets the assist he needs

Chad O’Brien, a U.S Army vet, was deployed twice to Iraq in his five years of service. Now stateside, he wanted to provide a stable home for his two young daughters. But to afford the payments, he had to take side jobs in addition to his new career in local government. This took him away from his children.

“It was a win-lose situation, and after his service to his country, he deserved a win-win!” shared John O’Callaghan, President & CEO of ANDP.

Chad was able to purchase a home with the help of ANDP’s Veterans Affordable Home Purchase Program. He now has a mortgage payment $300 a month less than his previous rent payment. The savings means no more side jobs and a shorter commute. But even more important, this means more time with his little girls. Chad got his win-win!

Neighborhoods changing dramatically

Tracey Smith looked around her neighborhood and was scared. “My neighbors and I were worried about vandalism and squatting and how that could impact our home values,” says Tracey, a homeowner in a development that was foreclosed on before the community was complete. “Our home values were already falling because of the foreclosure crisis.”

“But then ANDP bought the available homes and helped homebuyers with down payment assistance,” shared Tracey. “It really changed our neighborhood outlook. We’re creating a sense of community, a sense of family and we look out for one another.”

Since 2007, ANDP has shifted all organizational programs to focus on neighborhood and homeowner recovery. 525 single-family homes and apartment units have been saved because of the ANDP foreclosure redevelopment program.

In the case of Douglas County, a suburban area of Atlanta, the impact was significant. ANDP conducted a study on the impact of its acquisition, rehab and repopulation of 53 homes in the county. The study showed an investment of $2.3 million in rehab of 53 homes. This investment resulted in a $14.6 million increase in values for surrounding properties.

Tracey’s neighborhood, in Douglas County, is now completely full. Empty lots have been developed and empty homes have been purchased. She looks around at her neighborhood and is full of pride.

*Homeowner’s last names have been changed to protect their privacy.

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From Peaceful Protest to Enduring Relationship

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:00:00 -0600

En Español

It was 1980. A group of Chicago community activists wanted to improve the city’s neighborhoods. So they took a little trip down Interstate 55.

The group hopped on a bus and headed south. They saw everything from skyscrapers to miles of corn fields along the way.

Two hours later they were at their destination. State Farm Headquarters in Bloomington, IL

Volunteers poured out of the bus expecting a peaceful demonstration. They wanted the biggest insurer to join their efforts in strengthening Chicago communities.

“It was quite a twist of fate. We were pleasantly surprised by the warm and respectful welcome,” shared Bruce Gottschall. In 1975, Bruce founded Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS). This organization was formed to address the deterioration of Chicago’s neighborhoods.

“All parties agreed to continue an open dialogue in the future,” Bruce continued. “We were hopeful for a strong relationship with State Farm.”

This new relationship allowed State Farm to connect with Chicago’s communities at a grassroots level. They heard first-hand about the wants and the needs of community-conscious homeowners.

“35 years and millions of donated dollars later, the relationship is still going strong,” shared Bruce. NHS is one of the company’s longest standing philanthropic relationships.

"But the relationship is rich and extensive, more than only the financial donations,” Bruce said. “For years, agents and employees have volunteered their time and talents.”

NHS hosted their inaugural NeighborWorks Day event in 1988. This day brings together hundreds of volunteers from the corporate and local level. During the service day they all complete various projects in NHS neighborhoods.

State Farm also formed an internal planning committee to work with residents to plan NeighborWorks Day projects in 1988. Since then, State Farm has integrated several safety programs with NeighborWorks Day.

In 1998, NHS organized the Chicago Home Safety Partnership Taskforce to prevent fire losses and improve homes. More than 25 State Farm agents oversee the homeowner insurance education part of NHS’s New Homebuyer Education program.

“Turns out having a Good Neighbor spirit turned a protest situation into an open dialogue,” remembered Bruce. “That day created years of opportunities for both organizations and helped thousands of people along the way.”

One Home at a Time

Tue, 17 May 2016 00:00:00 -0500

When a vacant home in Madee’s Milwaukee neighborhood was up for sale last year, his uncle told him and his brother to go for it. Madee’s uncle is a contractor who works with ACTS Housing. He thought the young men would like living close to their parents.

The brothers went to the ACTS Housing raffle in June, 2015 thinking the home could be a fixer-upper. The young men believed this could be their opportunity to own a home. They put their names into the raffle and Madee ended up winning. Now all he had to do was come up with $3500.

He was nervous about next steps but ACTS was by his side. ACTS Housing put together a deal for Madee to buy the house. They coached him about his finances and grants. They also recommended contractors and provided him a loan for repairs.

By working with homeowners like Madee, ACTS Housing fills a gap in the housing market. Often, vacant and vandalized houses are tough to sell. ACTS families turn these houses into homes. Since 2008, ACTS has helped families purchase and rehab 915 houses in the city.

The new homeowners also save money switching from renting to owning. ACTS Housing makes a difference by strengthening neighborhoods and making homeownership dreams a reality.

Madee received a $2,500 grant and a loan from ACTS to support the renovations. Madee pays only $360 a month, not including utilities, for his home. Compared to the monthly average rental cost of $700, this is significant savings. For Madee, it’s not just about the savings. He explained, “I am proud to be a homeowner!”

Creating a Safe Neighborhood

Madee is living with his parents while he completes his home and hopes to move in soon. He shared that the neighborhood is a quieter place than when he was young. Madee explained, “The area has a promising future. When I was young, crime was bad. One time a bullet even penetrated my parents’ house. But now, I feel safe in my neighborhood.”

Now, many families call his neighborhood home. Businesses moved into the area and police patrol more often.

Madee wants to help keep the peace by starting a community watch. He also hopes others will buy vacant homes in his neighborhood to keep building up the area.

“I would recommend to others that they try this process,” the new homeowner shared. “You just need to plan a scope of work and stick to it.”

Learn more about the current state of American Neighbors @ www.statefarm.com/neighbors