NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF SOUTHERN NEVADA INC

Since 1992 Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada (NHSSN) has been providing affordable rental housing (159 units), housing counseling and education, down payment assistance programs for home purchase, and mortgage modification/loss mitigation counseling. In addition to the programs that NHSSN offers, we acquire and rehabilitate properties for resale to low- to moderate-income (LMI) homebuyers.

There is a critical need for affordable housing in Southern Nevada. NHSSN helps by offering affordable rental housing; access to down payment assistance programs; and the sale of rehabbed single-family homes to LMI owner-occupants.

NHSSN serves a diverse client base with the majority of our clients self-identifying as a minority. 59% of our clients identify as Hispanic, and 21% identify as African American or Multi-Race and African American. We provide programs and services in English and Spanish.

Since inception:
• Through Homebuyer Education we have educated 7,942 households.
• With Pre-purchase Counseling we were able to assist 4,345families.
• Our Organization has helped more than 1,900 families by providing down payment assistance.
• Post-purchase counseling has helped 1,742 families be better informed homeowners.
• We have saved 2,488 families from foreclosure.

NHSSN maintains accreditation through the United Way of Southern Nevada. We are a HUD-approved local housing counseling agency and adopter of the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling. Our agency is also a NeighborWorks America affiliate organization and as such, have received their highest rating, exemplary.

LINES OF BUSINESS:

Affordable Rental Housing – NHSSN owns and rents 159 affordable housing units scattered throughout Clark County, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as single family homes. These units are available to LMI renters earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.

Pre- Purchase Housing Counseling – This one-on-one comprehensive, confidential financial counseling and coaching is provided at no cost to the consumer and includes a complete in-depth budget analysis and suggested financial action plan to help clients meet their goal of homeownership.

Pre-Purchase Education – Our homebuyer program includes one-on-one financial counseling, coaching, and education and the 8-hour HUD approved pre-purchase homebuyer training course to prepare consumers for homeownership.

Down Payment Assistance Programs – NHSSN administers down payment assistance programs for LMI homebuyers.

Post-Purchase Housing Counseling allows the client to have their questions answered by a neutral third party for issues such as refinancing.

Post-Purchase Education – is required for all who receive down payment assistance, which allows NHSSN to ensure homeowners are current on their mortgage and offer assistance to any that may be experiencing challenges.

Acquisition/Rehab/Resale – NHSSN acquires single-family homes to rehab and sells to LMI owner-occupants. Each rehabilitation and resale revitalizes the neighborhood and adds value to the neighborhood: An improved appearance of the neighborhood after a blighted home or eyesore is rehabilitated. The value of the rehabbed home may help increase the value of other homes in the neighborhood or potentially spur other home improvements. The new homeowner has a stake in the neighborhood and will want to see the neighborhood improve and prosper, even if only from an economic standpoint of increasing the value of the home. The most important element is for the new owner-occupant to have an asset which is expected to grow in value and provide future financial security and stability.

Revolving Fund – NHSSN has raised funds to build affordable housing for sale to LMI families. NHSSN is using modern technology to construct green housing that matches the architecture of the neighborhood, but at a price that allows hard working families to purchase their first home.

Loan Modification / Loss Mitigation Counseling – This comprehensive counseling service provides assistance to prevent or resolve mortgage delinquency and to avoid foreclosure. Homeowners receive an in-depth financial and housing analysis, information regarding their rights and responsibilities, the rights and responsibilities of the servicer/lender, options for consideration such as modification, forbearance, mediation or short sale, and specifics regarding the foreclosure process. Our housing counselors provide guidance and assistance to evaluate all options available to the homeowner, from contacting the lender to submitting a viable workout package to avoid foreclosure or providing direction to transition to affordable housing.

Community Building and Engagement (CB&E) – CB&E activities are grass-roots efforts throughout the communities that we serve to improve neighborhoods and the quality of life in communities who neighborhood events. Members receive leadership training to take their knowledge back to their neighborhoods and communities to create positive change.