What does WSNHS do? (7 staff, $730K)

[kernwatch]

I have long watched in alarm as West Side Neighborhood Housing Service (WSNHS) has been highly ineffective on the struggling westside, repeatedly commiting 'housing malpractice'. Meanwhile WS home ownership has plummeted & blight has taken over in ever more neighborhoods.

WSNHS has finally updated their 2005 data on the NeighborWorks website (www.NW.org). But once again the data raises as many questions as it answers. Indeed, in the context of US banks & the financial market "doctoring" their data, it again appears that WSNHS is doing the same.

In the 2005 report, the WSNHS administrative budget was $580K with 6 full time, 2 part-time staff. Now it is $730K, with 7 FT, 2PT staff.

Yet this year WSNHS has worsened its pattern of having more foreclosures than deeds filed on the County Clerk's site for new owners. In 2008 so far WSNHS has had 5 clients go into foreclosure, but only one deed for a potential new home owner. In 2006 & 2007 the pattern was about two foreclosures per new home owner.

Because I am a longtime critic of WSNHS, they forbid me being a "$2 member", entitling me to get 'inside information' or answers to public issues.

Who does WSNHS answer to?


SUMMARY:

http://nfs.nw.org/report/nworeport_p...spx?orgid=8133
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.

Street Address: 359 Connecticut St.
Website: www.wsnhs.org
Linda Chiarenza, Executive Director, Email: lchiarenza@wsnhs.org

Staff Size: Full Time: 7 Part Time: 2

Total Operating Expense (1/1/2007): $730,434

Invested $481,448 in the community through West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.'s revolving loan fund, which leveraged $7,899,758 from conventional lenders and other sources.

Total direct investment in the community is $8,381,206. Can this be true? In comparison, the 28 staff & resulted in $3.4 million "direct investment". . . .

Background
Founded in 1980 to stop the decline of the West Side of Buffalo, New York, and to rebuild housing stock and promote reinvestment in the neighborhood. Primary objective is to promote home ownership . . . . Involved in identifying and solving neighborhood housing problems, West Side NHS provides safe and affordable housing for low to low-moderate income families.
Accomplishments in FY 2007

Provided 142 families with pre- and post- purchase housing counseling How many purchased houses? Where?.
Rehabilitated or repaired 29 rental or owner occupied units (1-4 units). How many were rehabbed, Vs "repaired"? How much funding did WSNHS provide?

Assisted 113 families in purchasing a home through homeownership counseling, downpayment, closing cost or financing assistance. WSNHS has a citywide contract with HSBC Bank: how many new home owners were on the WS?

. . . .

Board of Directors Name Board Role/Title Sector Company/Organization Job Title
Margaret Alfano, Board Member, Resident
Dana Bobinchek, Board Member, Local Government
Nick Bonifacio, Board Member, Resident
Louis DiPasquale, Board Member, Resident
Scott Dunlop, Board Member, Resident (Tops Markets)
Harvey Garrett, Board Member, Resident
Robin Johnson, Board Member, Business, Vilardo Printing
Ramon Morales, Board Chair, Financial Institution, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank
Katherine Orlando, Board Member, Resident
Michael Pierro, Board Vice Chair, Business, Mineo & Sapio Meats
Jonathan Rivera, Board Member, Resident
Peter J Savage, III Board Member, Resident
Kelly Scarsella, Board Member, Business, HSBC Bank
Stephen Scello, Board Treasurer; Board Member At Large, Financial Institution, Citizens Bank

NHS of S Bflo:

http://nfs.nw.org/report/nworeport_p...spx?orgid=8158

Neighborhood Housing Services of South Buffalo, Inc.

Staff Size: Full Time: 28
Total Operating Expense (1/1/2007): $1,640,243
Total direct investment in the community is $3,298,406.

[WNYresident]

Is this federal money being used, county or city?

Staff Size: Full Time: 7 Part Time: 2

Total Operating Expense (1/1/2007): $730,434

I wanted to go see what type of offices this place had so I used Google...



They must pay rather well or are helping some rather high end clients...

What type of car is this parked in front of that office?




Looks like a patronage pit.

[kernwatch]

"Res":

I do not know the sources of all their funds, which include NYS & city funding in addition to funds from the national mechanism "Neighborworks" (SEE: www.NW.org), which undoubtedly has much federal funding.

The car in front of the office is likely owned by the longtime Exec Dir.

I'd suggest that you email ED Linda Chiarenza with your funding questions. She long ago stopped answering any of my qustions, even taking me to court on perjured charges for challenging WSNHS inaction by a foreclosed-client who kept returning with nighttime catfood deliveries to her former house several doors from mine, attracting rats.

That client Joanne McGrath is now on the In-rem list for the third time at 20 Arkansas, bought for $12K cash, as she walked from $60K in HUD-insure & WSNHS mortgages at 84 Manchester.

Too often when WSNHS enters a neighborhood they do more harm than good.

But they are 'politically protected'.

[WNYresident]

Home Improvement Rehab-Loan Program

Our Goal is to improve and stabilize our community through home rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Loan
A low interest loan (0% to current bank rate) approved up to $30,000, used to address Property Maintenance Code violations, Lead-Based Paint hazards and Federal HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) issues.
Emergency Loan
A low interest loan (0% to current bank rate ) approved up to $5,000. This loan is designed for emergencies only (i.e. new furnace, water/sewer service, foundation problems, etc.) and will be determined by the Executive Director and Loan Chairperson of the agency.

Pre-qualification Guidelines

• Home must be owner occupied.
• Applicant must meet income guidelines.
• Home must be insured.
• Home must be located in the West Side Service area.

What do You Need to Apply?

• $50.00 application fee.
• Name, Social Security numbers & date of birth for all in household.
• Deed to property.
• Mortgage information.
• Payroll stubs for past two months.
• Current Monthly bank statements.
• Most Recent Federal Tax Return.
• Proof of all expenses: credit cards, loans, etc.
• Water, Sewer and property tax receipts.
• Utility Bills: Two copies of each most recent bill.
• Proof of all income.

[WNYresident]

Closing Costs Assistance Program

What is the Closing Cost Assistance Program?
The Closing Cost Assistance Program is a low interest rate loan that can assist first time home buyers with the funding of reasonable closing costs normally associated with the purchase of a home.

What are some closing costs that can be included in the loan?
Some closing costs may include: down payment, insurance, title search, survey, appraisal, filling fees, city and/or county property taxes, water and sewer, points and legal fees.

What are the terms of the loan?
The maximum loan amount is $5,000.00 for closing costs. The interest rate ranges between 1%-5% for a period of up to 15 years, based upon mortgage qualification requirements and income guidelines. All loans are secured by a mortgage.

* Funding is limited and on a first come first served basis.

Guidelines for the Closing Cost Assistance Program

• The applicant must purchase their home in the Niagara District of the West Side of Buffalo.
• The Applicant must be a first time home buyer and be purchasing the home as his or her principal place of residence.
• The applicant must remain in the home until the down payment loan is repaid. If the applicant moves out of the home, the loan must be paid in full.
• The applicant is required to have at least 2% or $500.00 of their own funds invested, whichever is higher for down payment.
• The applicant must qualify for a mortgage loan with an approved financial institution
  (No owner held mortgages!)
• Applicants must take a Homebuying Education Course.

What you need to apply for the Closing Cost Assistance Program?

• $50.00 money order for application fee.
• Name, social security number, & date of birth for all household members.
• Most current Payroll stubs for at least 2-months including name & address of employer.
• Proof of additional income (SS, SSI, Pension, alimony, child support , etc.)
• Proof of all income for persons living in household 18 years of age and older.
• Current monthly statement for all bank accounts.
• 2-years federal tax returns (all schedules) or have form 1722 from IRS(1-800-829-1040.)
• Any Legal Document(Divorce, separation papers, etc.)
• Good Faith Estimate of closing cost.
• Copy of mortgage application and pre-approval including amount of the mortgage.
• Copy of HUD-1 Form
• Copy of Purchase contract.

[WNYresident]

Home Ownership Education Classes

This program educates first time home buyers about the homebuying process. There is no restriction on where you are in the buying process, although we encourage education before a purchase contract is signed and before applying for a mortgage.

HOME OWNERSHIP PRIVILEGES
Many benefits are offered to class participants. We will provide you with great materials at the class that can be an asset throughout the homebuying process and beyond. We offer unlimited counseling; clients can meet with our counselor for as long as necessary to prepare for home ownership.
We will also be collecting necessary documents to apply for a mortgage, which will be kept in a file at no extra charge.
We can also serve as intermediaries between you and the home buying team in the homebuying process.
We will try to answer all your questions and if we don't know the answer we will find it, so do not hesitate to ask.
After completing the course, you will receive a certificate and a copy of your credit report!
You will also be invited to future workshops:

• Minor home repair!
• Home decorating on a budget!
• Landlord & Tenant Responsibilities!
• Post Purchase!

HOME BUYING EDUCATION CONTENT:

• HOMEBUYING PROCESS STEPS
• ASSESSING READINESS
• BUDGETING AND CREDIT
• FINANCING YOUR HOME
• INSPECTING YOUR HOME
• SHOPPING FOR A HOME
• INSURING YOUR HOME
• THE CLOSING PROCESS
• HOMEBUYING TEAM
• MAINTAINING YOUR HOME

[WNYresident]

Mini Home Repair

The Minor Home Repair (MHR) Program is funded by the NeighborWorks® America program and sponsored by West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. This program is designed for low-income seniors and the disabled on the West Side of Buffalo who are unable to perform minor home repairs by themselves. If you are a qualified homeowner you may be eligible for up to $150.00 in free repairs.

Applicants are eligible for a grant of up to $150 that is used to pay the labor on minor home repairs such as fixing a broken step, replacing a screen door, repairing a leaky faucet, or addressing other "Quality of life" issues. Any cosmetic or major repairs will not be funded through this program (i.e. painting, major plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc.) WSNHS will supply a reliable and dependable handyman to perform the repairs.

The wonderful part about the MHR Program is that all you, the homeowner, pay for is the cost of the necessary materials.

[WNYresident]

WSNHS Aquisition Rehab Program

The Acquisition/Rehab Program provides eligible clients the opportunity to purchase a rehabbed home owned by West Side NHS, Inc., a certified Housing Development Organization (CHDO), at an affordable price in the West Side of Buffalo.

What is the process?

1. Find out if you are eligible
* To apply for the program
* To get a mortgage
2. Apply to the Acquisition/Rehab Program
* Must bring proof of income
* Must make a $500 deposit
* Must sign a Sales Contract
* Must take the Homebuyer Education Class
3. Work with lending institution of your choice
* Get pre-approved for a mortgage
* Fill out a mortgage application
4. Bring a copy of the mortgage commitment to WSNHS.
* Rehab begins
* WSNHS applies for eligible subsidies
5. Closing Date
6. Move In!

To Qualify:

* The Applicant must purchase a West Side Neighborhood Housing Services home in the Niagara District of the West Side of Buffalo.
* The Applicant must be a first time home buyer and be purchasing the home as his or her principal place of residence. They must remain in the home for 10-15 years. If the applicant moves out of the home, subsidies must be paid in full.
* The applicant must qualify for a mortgage loan with a financial institution.
* The purchaser is required to have a $500.00 deposit for their down payment.

**No Owner Held Mortgages!**
**Applicants Must Take a Home Buyers Education Course**


To Apply:

* Name, social security number, & date of birth for all household members.
* Payroll stubs for at least 2-months including name & address of employer.
* Proof of additional income(SS, SSI, Pension, alimony, child support , etc.)
* Proof of all income for persons living in household 18 years of age and older.
* Current monthly statement for all bank accounts.
* 2-years federal tax returns (all schedules) or have form 1722 from IRS (1-800-829-1040)
* Any Legal Document(Divorce, separation papers, etc.)

After Qualifying:

* A $500.00 Deposit.
* Sign a sales contract.
* Copy of Good Faith Estimate of closing cost.
* Copy of mortgage application or pre-approval including amount of the mortgage

[WNYresident]

WSNHS Foreclosure Prevention Program

• Early Intervention
• One-on-One Counseling
• Confer with lenders on client's behalf
• Post Purchase Classes/Financial Fitness
• Referals to a HOPE line and other resources

[WNYresident]

SHOP Buffalo (Special Home Ownership Program)

HSBC Mortgage Corporation (USA) and HSBC Bank USA, in partnership with Freddie Mac and West Side NHS, are pleased to announce the Buffalo Special Home Ownership Program. This innovative approach to affordable lending will assist potential homebuyers with purchasing homes within the city of buffalo.

Program Highlights:

* HSBC Mortgage Corporation (USA) will provide:
o Up to $3,500 in closing cost assistance with our
enhanced Community Works® loan program.
OR
o A .75% interest rate discount off current markrt interest rate on our
Community Works® loan program.

* Freddie Mac Affordable Merit Rate Mortgage is available for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit. After 24 on-time mortgage payments have been received, the customer is eligible for a 1% interest rate reduction.

Requirements:

* Borrower's income must be at least 80% or less of the HUD Median Income Limit or borrower must purchase in qualified census tracts

[WNYresident]

our combined family income cannot be more than:

family size	family income
	1.	$49,800
	2.	$56,880
	3.	$64,080
	4.	$71,160
	5.	$76,800
	6.	$82,560
	7.	$88,200
	8.	$93,960

for example:
In a household of 4, the combined income of all
household members must not exceed $71,160 to qualify.

** income limit increase as household size increases**

[WNYresident]

Lets say one day you wake up and your the Mayor of Buffalo.

Your job is to look at various programs that seem to be a complete waste of money. Whether it's federal money, state or local..


What questions would you ask the people working for this little government program with a Jaguar parked in front of the building?

They make some nice cars

[OldTymeRevival]

WSNHS Board of Directors: Name Board Role/Title Sector Company/Organization Job Title
Margaret Alfano, Board Member, Resident
Dana Bobinchek, Board Member, Local Government (Mayor's Representative)
Nick Bonifacio, Board Member, Resident
Louis DiPasquale, Board Member, Resident
Scott Dunlop, Board Member, Resident (Tops Markets)
Harvey Garrett, Board Member, Resident
Robin Johnson, Board Member, Business, Vilardo Printing
Ramon Morales, Board Chair, Financial Institution, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank
Katherine Orlando, Board Member, Resident
Michael Pierro, Board Vice Chair, Business, Mineo & Sapio Meats
Jonathan Rivera, Board Member, Resident (son of Niagara District Council Member David Rivera)
Peter J Savage, III Board Member, Resident (City of Buffalo Corporation Council and failed Niagara District Council Candidate)
Kelly Scarsella, Board Member, Business, HSBC Bank
Stephen Scello, Board Treasurer; Board Member At Large, Financial Institution, Citizens Bank

++++

So, you think Bobincheck takes back the results of these board meetings to Casey (she's his right hand) and Brown and reports that the WSNHS is doing all it can? Savage, the same? He reports to the Mayor and Casey on any number of items affecting the City- especially his West Side. Hopefully Rivera is there not only representing the good work his father wants to do in the district, but also to do the right thing as he sees it. He's always posturing himself as an up and coming community leader- lets see if he can do that!

[CSense]

What questions would you ask the people working for this little government program with a Jaguar parked in front of the building?

They make some nice cars

Wouldn't have to, already know they are a waste of taxpayers time and more importantly money.

[mesue]

Lets say one day you wake up and your the Mayor of Buffalo.

Your job is to look at various programs that seem to be a complete waste of money. Whether it's federal money, state or local..


What questions would you ask the people working for this little government program with a Jaguar parked in front of the building?

They make some nice cars

Well, that depends... Is that a Ford Jaguar or a Jaguar? The Ford Jaguars were cheaper and ... well ... Fords. Need I say more?