This month I'd like to introduce you to Madeline (Maddie) Jaks, a housing counselor in our Troy office.
As a Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) certified housing counselor, Maddie's role includes facilitating several workshops for those we serve. Please click on the links below to learn more about each of the programs.
We help homeowners learn more about buying and maintaining a home. Choose between two options: low-cost in-person workshops, or a self-paced online course.
We offer our free workshops for individuals and families seeking to gain the knowledge and expertise to reach their financial goals.
Most recently, Maddie has been able to revamp our Renter Readiness program. Renter Readiness is a free monthly workshop series designed to provide valuable information and insight for current and future renters. These workshops give practical and useful guidance around being a successful tenant, protecting your rights, housing affordability and how to recognize and report rental discrimination. Fair housing is your right - use it!
Maddie is also working with one of our AmeriCorps Members on this year's FREE Show Me the Money Day event.
The event is a statewide coordinated effort to promote financial empowerment to those with low- and moderate-income. Information on the event can be found in the sidebar article in this newsletter as well as by visiting
here.
Speaking of AmeriCorps, Maddie's supervisor, C.J. Felton, director of Development, explains how he met Maddie, "I met Maddie in early 2013 during her AmeriCorps service year, and I knew immediately I wanted her on our team at CHN. Since joining us later that year, she has consistently gone far above and beyond what is expected to ensure that our Housing Counseling services meet the needs of the people we serve. Plus, she is just plain fun to be around and is beloved by her coworkers!"
Let's turn to Maddie now and give her a chance to answer a few questions.
What is a MSHDA certified housing counselor? What was involved in getting certified?
MSHDA certifies housing counselors annually through its Housing Education program. This entails a week-long process which covers mortgage math (I love math!), household finance, pre- and post-purchase education, foreclosure prevention and Fair Housing training, followed by a final examination. Once certified, counselors are required to complete continuing education credits on an annual basis.
How do you specifically work with the community?
I facilitate workshops several times per month 
on a variety of topics, ranging from basic budgeting and credit repair to Fair Housing and tenant rights. I also facilitate ongoing online homebuyer education through eHome America and meet one on one with clients working toward their goal of owning and maintaining their home. I also attend stakeholder meetings to provide information about our services to the community.
How did you become involved with CHN?
I was serving with AmeriCorps at the Lighthouse of Oakland County and worked closely with an AmeriCorps member who was serving at CHN. He alerted me that a housing counseling position was open at CHN and encouraged me to apply. So I did, and here am still here four years later!
Any parting words of wisdom?
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
I am grateful for Maddie's work, as well as the work of all CHN team members.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
