Neighborhood Housing Services Of The Lehigh Valley Inc

Programs: Affordable housing and home ownership program. Nhs of the lehigh valley distributes program information and administers the home ownership outreach program (hoop) in the city of allentown, city of bethlehem, city of easton, and lehigh and northampton county. The staff qualifies applicants for this homebuyer mortgage program. Nhs of the lehigh valley facilitates and originates soft second mortgages or grants to assist with down payment and closing costs.

housing rehabilitation assistance. Low interest loans or grants for code abatement and other essential home loan improvements are made available to low to moderate income customers residing in the neighborhood and regional service areas of nhs of the lehigh valley. There is a set 5% interest rate for the rehabilitation loan program and a 0% interest deferred loan for the northampton county deferred loan rehab program, which is forgiven if the homeowner lives in their home for a period of 5 years after the rehab is completed. Some of these loans are deferred in that payment will be made when the homeowners either cease living in the property or sell the property. Nhs of the lehigh valley secures the loans by a lien against the property and establishes repayment on a monthly amortization basis.

the organization also provides counseling and education services. Financial counseling: nhs of the lehigh valley provides financial counseling and/or referrals for consumers with budget, credit, or home ownership needs. Information is provided on the variety of loan programs available through local municipalities and other agencies. Early foreclosure intervention counseling and assistance to residents with credit problems are also available. Rehabilitation counseling: nhs of the lehigh valley offers consultation services including, but not limited to, finding contractors, preparation of job specifications and cost estimates, assistance with emergency repairs, maintenance and financing. Community education: nhs of the lehigh valley works with neighborhood residents and other non-profit organizations to address such issue as noise, littering, parking, zoning, crime, street lighting, sidewalk and street repair, traffic control signals, recreation needs, neighborhood appearance, and affordable housing initiatives. Other educational needs are referred to appropriate social service agencies.