Housing Consumer Education Center

Community Teamwork, Inc.
167 Dutton St.
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 459-0551

Housing Consumer Education Center

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As part of the Massachusetts Non-Profit Housing Association network of regional housing agencies, CTI operates a Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) for Northern Middlesex and Essex Counties. The mission of the HCEC is to provide information that helps consumers make informed decisions about their housing situation. The Housing Consumer Education Center is a resource for tenants, landlords, and homeowners and provides information and referrals about housing related issues. CTI's HCEC staff provide expertise in housing search, emergency housing assistance, advocacy, counseling, and education programs. The HCEC offers a variety of programs that address critical housing needs. Visit masshousinginfo.org for information about the statewide network of Housing Consumer Education Centers.

First-Time Homebuyer Classes
Steps to Homeownership is a four-session first-time homebuyer seminar offered in Methuen, Chelmsford, and Salem Massachusetts. Graduates of this seminar receive a certificate that makes them eligible to apply for MHFA low-interest loans, the CTI soft-second loan program, and down-payment assistance from cities throughout the State. Our course structure and materials are approved by MHFA, Fannie Mae and have received the Seal of Approval from the Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund. Each 4-session course is held one night a week. Registration fee is $45 per family and participants earn a certificate good for one year upon completion of all 4 sessions. For more information about our First-Time Homebuyer Classes, call Cathy Dyl at (978) 459-0551, Ext. 296 or download a Schedule for our 2008 Seminars.

Homes for Good Program
The Homes for Good Program is an initiative of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Housing Association (MNPHA). Through a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, the Association and its members monitor the sales of properties that were developed using resources from the Commonwealth. The goal of the Homes for Good Program is to ensure that the homes are kept affordable and available to moderate income, first-time homebuyers. CTI's HCEC is pleased to participate in the Homes for Good Program. For more information, contact Avi Glaser at (978) 654-4200. or visit the Homes for Good web site at www.homesforgood.org.

Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
This program operates under the guidance of the National Consumer Law Center. Homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage obligations 60 days or more are sent letters by the investor or bank and are given the option of seeking the aid of this program. CTI covers North Middlesex and Essex Counties. The goal is to educate borrowers and provide complete financial and budget counseling for referred clients. This counseling may include the submission of loan workout packages to the investor, Freddie Mac, and to banks that are members of the Massachusetts Banking Association. Through mediation and negotiation the project benefits the homeowner by providing a better range of options to prevent foreclosure, the community by avoiding displacement and abandonment, and the mortgage holder through loan modifications and repayment agreements. For more information about Foreclosure Prevention Counseling contact Shirley Buckjune or call (978) 459-0551, Ext. 336

Fair Housing
Housing discrimination for any reason is unlawful and violates everyone's civil rights. It is also prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act. Unfortunately, many people who experience discrimination do not understand their rights or how to go about filing a complaint. They may not even know they've been a victim of discrimination, except for a feeling that "something was not quite right" about the way they were treated. CTI's HCEC works with the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston to provide Fair Housing Education to help increase awareness to discriminatory practices weather intentional or unintentional and promotes equal housing opportunities for individuals and families. Other resources about filing a Fair Housing Discrimination complaint may be found at HUD. For more information about our Fair Housing Program, contact the HCEC Director at (978) 459-0551, Ext. 331.

Home Modification for the Disabled
The intent of the Home Mod Program is to modify homes for improved access to allow people to continue to live independently in their communities. Based on income eligibility, homeowners and landlords in Northern Middlesex and Essex Counties may apply for $1,000 up to $25,000 (inclusive of borrowers fees) in a deferred payment loan or amortized loan for access modifications to the principle residence of elders, adults with disabilities and families with disabled children. . The homeowner hires a contractor of their choice to modify their home. It is important to note that this program does not provide reimbursement for modifications completed prior to loan approval. For more information, download the Home Modification Informational Brochure or contact Deborah Mullins, Home Modification Coordinator at (978) 459-0551.

Emergency Assistance Programs:
RAFT, FEMA and Advocacy
CTI's Housing Consumer Education Center is also the hub for emergency assistance programs such as RAFT, Rental Assistance for Families in Transition, FEMA, emergency funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management Association and Advocacy, where individuals and families turn when they need things outside of traditional programming. Through the Housing Consumer Education Center, these emergency programs provide help to families experiencing temporary financial setbacks. They provide assistance with rent or security deposits to avoid homelessness, transportation, moving costs, medical needs, prescription fees, and more. Advocacy funds are also used to temporarily house families made homeless through fires or other disasters. For more information about any of these emergency assistance programs, Call Patty Puglisi , HCEC Director at (978) 459-0551, Ext. 331.