05/11/2012 – DST, DeSTI, CHA Host Financial Seminar; RSVP By May 23
Posted on 16. May, 2012 by cmarsh in News
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter, and the Sorority’s 501 (c) (3) entity, Deltas Serving Together Inc. (DeSTI), are partnering with the Chattanooga Housing Authority to present the Delta Challenge – DST’s Homeownership 2012 Initiative Seminar.
This free event will take place Saturday, June 2, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at CHA’s central office at 801 N. Holtzclaw Ave. A continental breakfast will be served at 10 a.m., and lunch will also be provided.
This is the seventh year the Deltas have hosted this seminar, which targets prospective first-time homebuyers. This year’s theme is “Building A Strong Financial Foundation.”
The seminar will feature a panel of experts discussing practical ways families can overcome financial barriers to homeownership. Guests will also have an opportunity to visit several booths where they will receive information on credit repair and counseling, homebuyer’s education and available homeownership assistance.
“This is actually the second year the Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter has worked with CHA to offer this seminar,” said Ruby Key, the East Tennessee State Coordinator for Delta Sigma Theta’s Homeownership Initiative. “On a national level, the sorority created the Delta Challenge to provide families with the tools and information they need to become successful homeowners and build wealth. By joining forces with CHA, we’re able to identify those families with the greatest need.”
DeSTI President Stephanie Orr encourages all prospective homebuyers to take advantage of the seminar. “This collaborative effort between DeSTI, Delta and CHA has tremendous benefits. Together, we’re promoting economic wealth and stability for the citizens of Chattanooga. Free financial seminars of this caliber allow individuals to gain practical knowledge about becoming a first-time homeowner,” she said.
June is designated as National Homeownership Month. CHA offers homeownership programs for both public housing residents and participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). Since 2004, the agency has assisted 43 clients in becoming homeowners.
“CHA continues to promote family self-sufficiency and upward mobility among our residents,” said CHA Director of Resident Services Carol Johnson. “We sent a direct mailing to several hundred public housing and Section 8 households in an effort to encourage our clients to attend this event. Many of them have the desire to one day own their own home, but they are often discouraged by low credit scores and other financial roadblocks. We’re hopeful this seminar will show them how they can begin to overcome those barriers.”
Along with the Deltas, DeSTI and CHA, Key Bonding is a longtime co-sponsor of this event. Other partners include the Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, Partnership for Families, Children & Adults-Consumer Credit Counseling Division, BB&T, Chattanooga Human Services, 28th Community Development Corporation, Church Koinonia Federal Credit Union and SunTrust Bank.
Those wishing to attend the financial seminar must RSVP by calling (423) 752-4828. The deadline is Wednesday, May 23.
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