Happy 4th of July!!!
From all of us at Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.
SUCCESS STORY
Larry, a veteran living on a fixed income, had owned a home more than 10 years ago but rented for the last decade. Interested in becoming a homeowner once again, Larry reached out to a local lender. Fortunately, the lender knew about Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). CCHC is homeownership center that helps people become ready to buy and stay in their homes. CCHC receives funding from OHCS’ Home Ownership Assistance Program to provide down payment assistance, with some funds allocated to veterans. Knowing that Larry’s homebuying budget was tight, the lender made a referral, and CCHC started working with Larry right away. Within a month, Larry completed CCHC's Homebuyer Readiness Class and a counseling session. His counselor introduced ways that Larry could budget his finances to ensure he could cover his monthly bills, including his mortgage, and save for unexpected expenses. CCHC approved Larry for a $15,000 Veteran Down Payment Loan, which was key to helping make his new home affordable and keeping his mortgage payment low in his new home.
FINANCIAL TIPS
Plan for the unexpected
We all hope to avoid experiencing life-changing events like earthquakes, and wildfires. But creating a financial plan before disaster strikes can save you money, stress and time if an emergency happens.
Gather your Vital records- Keep your financial and critical personal, household & medical information together in a safe place that is easy to get to in case of an emergency.
Review your Home/rental & auto insurance coverage policies- Before any disaster strikes, Know where you can find your insurance policies to know what you would be covered for, in case of an emergency.
Create a small cash fund- Natural disasters often wipe out power which may lead you to have to pay in cash for any necessities until power is restored.
Consider Saving money in an emergency savings account- that could be used in any crisis.
Purchase bottled water and long shelf life packaged food to set aside in case of an emergency- It could be that if you wait to purchase these until after disaster strikes, they may no longer be available or may be a lot more expensive to be able to purchase. This can save you money & peace of mind.
HOMEOWNERSHIP
Upcoming CCHC Homebuyer Classes
July 13th & 14Th-(ZOOM) 5:00PM- 8:00PM
August 6th- TD Campus 9:00AM-3:00PM
September 14th and 15th (ZOOM) 5:00PM-8:00PM
Online pre-registration is required for all classes. cost is $30 per household. Contact CCHC for scholarship information. Classes also available in Spanish.
Classes are presented by Columbia Gorge Community College
To register, visit: https://cgcc.coursestorm.com/
Are you a homeowner facing foreclosure due to the pandemic?
You might qualify for a federal program to help you keep your home. Visit the link below to talk to a housing counselor and explore all your options.
Click here to find a housing counselor.
Community Land Trust:
Owning your home through CCHC
Under the community land trust (CLT) Model, CCHC makes homeownership affordable by separating ownership of the LAND from ownership of the HOME. If you buy a house through our program, you buy and own the house. CCHC owns the land. CCHC leases the land to you, as the homeowner, through a long-term ground lease agreement.
Click here for more information.
Interested? Call Dave Peters at (541)296-3398 x118 or Mayra Torecillas at (541)296-3397.
COMMUNITY EVENTS/RESOURCES
July 4th fireworks show & parades
Hood River,OR- Parade begins at 10:00AM & fireworks show begins at 10:00PM. Click here for more information
The Dalles,OR- Parade begins at 10:00AM & fireworks show begins at 10:00PM. Click here for more information.
White Salmon, WA- Parade begins at 1:00PM. Click here for more information

Are you a parent or guardian looking for a summer food program near you? Find a summer site in your community with the USDA Summer meal site finder mapping tool or you can text "Summer Meals" to 914-342-7744 or call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.
Local Food Bank Pantries
Click here to find a food pantry near you & for additional details on hours of operation.
Affordable Connectivity Program
This program offers a discount of up to $30 per month for Internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Click here for more information or to apply.

Affordable Connectivity program is also offered through Verizon, US Cellular, AT&T, & Cricket. Click these links for more information: Verizon US Cellular AT&T Cricket
Farmers Markets
The Dalles, OR- Began the first weekend of June through the second weekend in October. Click here for season details
Hood River- Began May 7th. Click here for details
White Salmon- Begins in July. Click here for more details
Sherman County- Open since April 23rd. Click here for more details
Goldendale- Open starting May 7th. Click here for more details

SNAP Match at Farmers Markets
Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp offer FREE financial education classes

In Person English classes
July 27th- Budgeting & Savings
Aug 3rd- Building, Repairing & Protecting Your Credit
Aug 10th- Basics of Banking
Aug 17th- Dealing with Debt & predatory Lending
 
Virtual English
Sept 28th- Budgeting & Saving

Contact Sonia Chavez to register: soniac@mid-columbiahousingauthority.org
or call 541-370-2291

Classes also available in Spanish. Dates/locations are listed on the Spanish version of our newsletter.
MCHA/CCHC UPDATES
WA Residents: MCHA has funds available to help residents of Klickitat and Skamania counties with a loss of income due to COVID-19 with up to $6,000 for past due rent, mortgage, or utilities. Click here for an application.
OR Residents: MCHA has funds available for residents of Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties for assistance with past due rental, utility, or mortgages. Households must have a documented financial need and lack of resources due to COVID-19. Click here for an application.
Interested in learning more about the services offered through Mid-Columbia Housing Authority & Columbia Cascade Housing Corp?