are you eligible?
To be eligible for our program you must meet the following criteria:
1. You are in a low-income bracket (household income is based on the Area Medium Income).
2. Your family must have legal guardianship of minor children (under 18 years of age).
3. You are currently employed full-time.
4. You possess a strong desire and motivation to do the hard work to eventually own your own home.
Programming is the Key to Succuss.
Each family is required to create a Personal Development Plan (PDP) to achieve the goal of qualifying for a mortgage and purchasing a home after 3 years in the Open Hearts Place Program. This plan can include: increasing work skills via training and further education opportunities; analyzing the family’s current income, living expenses and debt leading to increased savings, and developing a workable budget that helps the family transition from Survival to Stable and eventually to Thriving status.
To assist the family in their Personal Development Plan we have created a Team of Allies. They are 1) a Case Manager to work with each family. This person is also an employee of Blue Ridge Community Action, 2) a volunteer who acts as a financial coach and 3) another volunteer who has professional experience in working with families in poverty for over 40 years in the Burke County area and who has expansive knowledge of agencies and services to assist the families. Each family is required to meet with the Allies at least once a month to review progress on the PDP. At times, it is necessary to meet weekly or bi-weekly depending upon the family’s progress.
Other ways to assist the OHP family is to connect them to programs in Burke County. Some of these programs are First Time Home Owners Class through Olive Hill Community Economic Development, Circles and Career Coaching at WPCC for adults. For the children opportunities for summer camp and tutoring when needed.
1. You are in a low-income bracket (household income is based on the Area Medium Income).
2. Your family must have legal guardianship of minor children (under 18 years of age).
3. You are currently employed full-time.
4. You possess a strong desire and motivation to do the hard work to eventually own your own home.
Programming is the Key to Succuss.
Each family is required to create a Personal Development Plan (PDP) to achieve the goal of qualifying for a mortgage and purchasing a home after 3 years in the Open Hearts Place Program. This plan can include: increasing work skills via training and further education opportunities; analyzing the family’s current income, living expenses and debt leading to increased savings, and developing a workable budget that helps the family transition from Survival to Stable and eventually to Thriving status.
To assist the family in their Personal Development Plan we have created a Team of Allies. They are 1) a Case Manager to work with each family. This person is also an employee of Blue Ridge Community Action, 2) a volunteer who acts as a financial coach and 3) another volunteer who has professional experience in working with families in poverty for over 40 years in the Burke County area and who has expansive knowledge of agencies and services to assist the families. Each family is required to meet with the Allies at least once a month to review progress on the PDP. At times, it is necessary to meet weekly or bi-weekly depending upon the family’s progress.
Other ways to assist the OHP family is to connect them to programs in Burke County. Some of these programs are First Time Home Owners Class through Olive Hill Community Economic Development, Circles and Career Coaching at WPCC for adults. For the children opportunities for summer camp and tutoring when needed.
how to apply
Currently OHP is not accepting new applications. As we progress through our next phases of development, we will include a link to the application. Please keep checking.