Help in the Face of Crisis

Local nonprofit reaching out to more moderate-income families

The foreclosure issue in central Ohio may have taken a backseat to news of skyrocketing gas prices, a shaky economy, and political turmoil, but the problem remains. In fact, more and more middle class residents are finding themselves in a budget crunch.

One organization working hard to reach out to low and moderate income families in need of housing counseling is Columbus Housing Partnership (CHP), a private, nonprofit organization that provides quality, affordable housing and related services to low and moderate income households. Their mission is to help families avoid foreclosure when possible, and assist them with the transition to new housing if they do lose their home.

Over the past 15 years, The Columbus Foundation, its supporting foundation and donors have awarded grants totaling nearly $1.9 million to support Columbus Housing Partnerships and their programs.

"What some people see as a budget crunch, we see as the initial warning signs of a potential home foreclosure," explained Amy Klaben, president and CEO for CHP. "It is critical that people recognize these signs early and seek help from an organization like CHP before their homes is at risk."

CHP collaborates with all major local media outlets to spread the message of their free services. Recently, they’ve introduced a grassroots effort to get marketing materials and literature in more moderate neighborhoods. In addition, they are teaming up with local faith leaders to drive the message home through the faith community, one of the first places people turn when times get tough.

Recent studies have shown the better educated the buyer, the greater the change for long-term stability in the home. To this effect, CHP offers free homebuyer education classes, focusing on budget, navigating the loan process and the importance of credit.