Tell us a little about Project BRAVO.
Project BRAVO is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that exists to maximize resources for an improved quality of life for the economically disadvantaged residents of El Paso County. We’re committed to putting an end to poverty by mobilizing resources and promoting self-sufficiency as we strive to achieve a better tomorrow for our community.
Our programs and services are free and include the following: utility assistance, GED instruction, scholarships for testing, weatherization, HVAC repair, case management, information, referrals, HUD-certified housing counseling, low-income apartments, patient assistance for free/low-cost medications, glasses, various medical services, and other services for people in poverty.
As this is a spotlight focused on housing counseling, tell us more about the counseling services you all provide.
Our skilled Housing Counselors are HUD certified and trained through NeighborWorks, UnidosUS, and TSAHC. Our main objective is to keep our clients informed of programs and resources available to them throughout the community. We aim to provide safe, affordable, and quality housing opportunities to individuals and families in El Paso County. We provide rental, homeownership and foreclosure prevention counseling.
Tell us about yourself and how you were first introduced to the housing world.
I was initially brought on as a temp for the housing department in 2010. I learned about the programs we offer, along with how we assist people in being successful homeowners and in being financially healthy. I fell in love with what we do for the community and was able to work my way up to being the Lead HUD Certified Housing Counselor. Our program has evolved so much since then, and I am proud to be part of this team.
Walk us through a typical day for you at Project BRAVO.
I start off the day with a meeting with my team to take care of any urgencies that need to be dealt with right away. Then, we discuss our to-do lists and go over any adjustments that need to be made. Next, we deal with any callbacks and emails for at least an hour a day, then start with follow-ups with clients, lenders, and tenants. We then have individual appointments, data entry, and file maintenance. Periodically, we also handle grants, audits, contract renewals, and monthly and quarterly reporting.
What is your favorite thing about the work you do?
My top two favorite things about the work we do are being able to assist a client with saving their home from foreclosure. There is nothing better than that feeling you get when you help a family stay in their home. The other favorite is being able to get a family into their first home knowing that they have received the best guidance, education, and resources to stay in the home for the long run. It’s a very satisfying feeling.
