Homebuyer Incentive Program
The creation of a Homebuyer Incentive Program creates an infrastructure for low-income public housing families that encourages stable home ownership, supports neighborhood economic development and provides a variety of resources for children, youth and adults. Homeownership improves our sense of place and our sense of pride. It adds new investment to our cities and allows us to restore hope and equal opportunities for the entire community.

Providing low-income families the opportunity to own their own home helps create safe, viable and vibrant neighborhoods; it builds neighborhoods of choice, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity or income. It provides families the opportunity for personal growth, and the ability to become valuable, respected and contributing members of their neighborhoods and the community as a whole. An adequate supply of affordable housing will have a positive effect on business investment and growth. The Homebuyer Incentive Program provides the mechanism that will prepare low-income families to become long-term homeowners.

Affordable Housing: Indicates that a household spends no more than thirty percent of its annual income for housing. Families who pay more than thirty percent of their income for housing are considered cost-burdened and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care.

Homebuyer Incentive Program: Provides the mechanism by which low-income public housing families may be prepared to become homebuyers, with a strong emphasis on successful, long-term ownership of the home.

Qualifications for Homeownership: All eligible public housing families will be provided the opportunity to participate in the Homebuyer Incentive Program based on the following criteria:

	Current resident of RIHA
	Continuous RIHA resident for a minimum of one year
	Must be in good standing with RIHA management. Factors which will be considered include:
	1.  Prompt payment of rent 2.  Good neighbor, no substantiated complaints 3.  Complies with lease agreement 4.  Participants in community programs 5.  Makes sure children attend school, if applicable 6.  No un usual resident-caused damage to unit 7.  No major housekeeping complaints 8.  No criminal activity for a minimum of three years
	Interested in homeownership and in participating in the Homebuyer Incentive Program

Waiting Lists: Separate waiting lists will be maintained for each unit size (number of bedrooms) for which the household is qualified. If the household is eligible for more than one unit size, the family must declare the desired unit at the time of application.

Organization of Waiting Lists: Within each waiting list, priority will be given to residents based on:

	Households continuously occupying a Valley Homes unit since the date of HUD approval of the application for demolition
	Household income
	1.  Equal to or greater than 50% but less than 80% of the median income for the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island metropolitan area for household size. 2.  Equal to or greater than 30% but less than 50% of the median income. 3.  Less than 30% of the median income
	Initial date of continuous occupancy of any RIHA low-rent public housing unit (original move-in date).

Timeframe: Participants must complete the Homebuyer Incentive Program and a home-purchase transaction within five years of moving into a Homebuyer Incentive Program unit; however, the timetable may be extended if the household is making adequate progress toward homeownership for a period of one year on up to two occasions. In no event should a participant remain in the program for more than seven years.

Removal from Program: Should a participant household be determined to fail to make adequate progress in a 24-month time period, it will be removed from the program and be required to move from the Homebuyer Incentive Program unit. The household will be allowed to retain its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.

Routine Home Maintenance: Every Homebuyer Incentive Program participant will be responsible for the care and maintenance of its home and property as if the household owned the property. Participants will learn interior and exterior care and maintenance activities including;

	Maintaining good housekeeping
	Painting
	Resetting circuit breakers
	Testing smoke and fire detectors
	Unclogging plumbing fixtures using a plunger
	Changing central heat/air conditioning filters
	Keeping the outside air conditioning unit clean and free of debris or obstruction
	Mowing grass
	Watering the lawn, shrubs and plants
	Edging walks and drives
	Trimming around trees, buildings and fences
	Trimming shrubs
	Planting and cultivating flowers
	Cleaning cutters
	Snow removal
	Locating water shutoff valves
	Locating water heater shutoff valves
	Conserving energy

Counseling and Training: Participants will receive counseling and training in all aspects of household financial management and self-sufficiency including:

	Budgets
	Credit history
	Mortgage affordability
	Home buying
	Home buying terminology
	Mortgages and interest rates
	Homebuyer rights
	Real estate agents
	Home selection
	Appraisals
	Homeowners' insurance
	Settlement and closing costs
	Importance of consistent monthly loan payments
	Home maintenance
	Foreclosures
	Good housekeeping

Escrow Accounts
Many families that are working hard to get ahead and striving to improve their quality of life and break the welfare cycle, sometimes feel as if it is a never ending battle…every time their incomes increase, their rents go up!

As part of the Self-Sufficiency Program, RIHA is helping these hard-working residents save money for their futures to purchase a home, pay for an education or provide funds for other ways of becoming self-sufficient. To accomplish this, RIHA establishes an Escrow Account for each program participant.

An Escrow Account is money that is placed in safe keeping by RIHA for the participant family to collect after completing the Self-Sufficiency Program. When families' incomes increase, their rents will be calculated as normal. RIHA will then take the differences between the old rents and the new rents and place them in the families' Escrow Accounts. This means that the families' rent increases will be coming right back to them! When the participant family completes the program and no member of the family is receiving cash welfare assistance, the amount of the FSS Escrow Account is paid to the head of the family.

RIHA is responsible for calculating, depositing and keeping records of each Escrow Account. RIHA provides each participant family with a report and periodic examination of their Escrow credit.

Neighborhood Networks: 2007 NAHRO Award Winner
RIHA has established fully equipped computer labs at Spencer Towers, home to elderly and disabled residents; Sunset Heights, adult housing; Manor Homes, a family site and; Martin Luther King Center, serving the community. The Neighborhood Network Centers are more than computer training and certification. They represent computer and Internet access for residents who could not otherwise afford or have access to these important communications, educational and information-sharing tools. The class instructors include a public housing resident and a section 8 participant. The program represents a positive partnership with a local community-based organization, enhances lives, and provides resident employment.

The labs are open from 8:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, and from noon to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday. Classes are held three-days per week at each location with both a morning and evening session available. Classes are small, customized to meet the specific needs of the participants, and provide extensive one-on-one assistance. Class participants receive a Certificate of Achievement at the conclusion of each class.

L.I.T.E.S. Program: 2007 NAHRO Award Winner
The RIHA Living Independently Through Expanded Services (LITES) program is designed to develop and deliver supportive services to special needs populations including the elderly and disabled. As part of the fitness program, a physical mobility assessment by qualified and licensed Physical Therapists is conducted. The review is multi-faceted and designed to acquire knowledge about potential physical challenges prior to a resident entering the program. The Physical Fitness Centers include multiple equipment pieces from a weight station to treadmills modified for those who have challenges with balance. Research shows that seniors who stay active cut down their risk of falls and cardiovascular disease by nearly 38%. Individuals who maintain muscle mass as they age feel healthier, stronger, and are less likely to break a hip due to unnecessary falls due to poor strength and coordination.

Recipients of the services include mentally disabled, persons recovering from addictions and long-term Medicaid recipients. The primary function of the program is to identify residents, introduce, communicate, and offer on-site educational programs for wellness, nutrition, and physical fitness while providing direct supervision. The program encompasses resident supportive service activity coordination, development of participant and provider schedules and generates additional supportive services. The goals of the Program are designed to strengthen the community by eliminating nursing home care for elderly and disabled persons; to create a blueprint for a successful wellness and nutrition program and expand the physical and psychological capabilities of RIHA residents by improving their quality of life and enhancing their ability to live independently.

Program activities provided by RIHA include; monthly shopping trips, quarterly resident parties, picnics, visits to local parks, hands-on activities such as crafts and ceramics, a quarterly foot clinic for diabetic residents, medication checks, blood pressure and sugar screenings, on-site life-skills clinics and seminars, visiting musicians, and a host of other activities designed to appeal to every interest and activity level.

The RIHA LITES program serves disabled and elderly public housing residents. Program activities are designed to keep participants active, feeling healthier and stronger. The Program strengthens the community by eliminating nursing home care for elderly and disabled persons. It creates a blueprint for successful wellness and nutrition programs by expanding the physical and psychological capabilities of residents and improving their quality of life and enhancing their ability to live independently.

G.R.E.A.T. Program: 2008 NAHRO Award Winner
RIHA, the Rock Island Police Department (RIPD), Martin Luther King Community Center and the Rock Island-Milan School District #41 collaborate to deliver the federally funded G.R.E.A.T. Grant Program to elementary and middle school kids in Rock Island. The program is designed to encourage positive behavior in school, at home and within the community. It is based on the concept that when children have a safe, secure, peaceful environment in which to learn, they will thrive and have the opportunity to reach their full potential as successful contributing members of their families and communities.

The Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program is a school-based, law enforcement, officer-instructed classroom gang prevention curriculum. The program consists of four components. The middle and elementary school components will be delivered to participating 4th through 8th grade students during the regular school day by two G.R.E.A.T. Program certified RIPD police officers. The after school and summer program components will be delivered by Martin Luther King Center and is open to the entire community.

The three District #41 schools that participate in the program include Edison Junior High School, Rock Island Intermediate Academy, and Frances Willard Elementary School. The program is taught three times over the course of the school year. The G.R.E.A.T. program compliments the already existing District #41 Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) program.

JumpStart After School Program: 2008 NAHRO Award Winner
RIHA, Frances Willard Elementary School and multiple community-based organizations have partnered to deliver the JumpStart after school enrichment program. JumpStart dovetails with the Frances Willard Academic Intervention Program. Jumpstart is available to students four times per week during the school year and runs from 2:45 to 4:45.

Participating students receive a snack and homework assistance the first hour and participate in recreational and enrichment programs the second hour. Enrichment programs are provided by partnering community-based organizations including Boy Scouts of the Illowa Council, Girl Scouts of the Mississippi Valley, American Red Cross, Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center (RIFAC), and multiple University of Illinois Extension Departments including 4-H and the Expanded Food and Nutrition in Education Program (EFNEP). Activities include recreational activities and games, sports, cultural awareness, kitchen safety, nutrition, hands-on food preparation and cooking classes, arts and crafts, field trips, leadership skills training and character building to name just a few.

Annual Bike Give-a-way: 2008 NAHRO Award Winner
RIHA and the Rock Island Police Department (RIPD) partner each year to give away refurbished pre-owned bikes to Manor and Lincoln Homes children between eight and nine years of age. RIPD officers purchase the bikes for the drawing at auction with funds collected by officers from the department, parents, RIHA staff, and the community. The bikes are cleaned courtesy of a local car wash and a lot of RIPD elbow grease. A local bike store donates some of the parts for the repair of the bikes. Police officers, Manor Homes maintenance staff and bike store staff teamed-up to refurbish the bikes. RIPD holds a drawing for the bikes from names submitted by parents, RIHA staff and the RIHA Liaison Police Officer. A bicycle safety rodeo follows the drawing complete with pizza and pop. Each child that received a bike attends the rodeo with their parents along with other children with bikes. Each child, regardless of winning a bike, receives a bike helmet if they did not already own one.

Cultural Diversity Training Program: 2009 NAHRO Award Winner
RIHA partnered with Youth Services Bureau of Rock Island for the development and delivery of the Cultural Diversity Training Program. The role of Cultural Diversity Training is to help people understand that different attitudes and behaviors are more often than not conditioned by culture-values, assumptions and perceptions that are instilled early on in life and are expressed in the way we behave and interact. The goal of the program was to promote understanding, acceptance, tolerance and an appreciation for individuality. The training consists of 2-hours of dialog, problem identification, and idea sharing for five consecutive days for a total of 10-hours of training resulting in problem resolution and mutual understanding.

Garden Growers: 2009 NAHRO Award Winner
There are few things in life that more satisfying and rewarding than eating fresh, healthy home grown vegetables cultivated and produced by your own hard work and care. Flower growers also get great reward.

Initiated by RIHA Resident Coordinators, the Garden Growers Project brings residents from all four RIHA properties together regardless of age, language, physical ability, or cultural background. The gardens are one thing they can all do together. The RIHA Garden Growers Project is customized by the residents and accommodates their desired level of interest, commitment and goals. The project provides residents with full ownership, management and control of the gardens. They can see the beauty of their labors all summer long. Growing their own vegetables allows residents - young and old - to experience firsthand the fun and rewarding benefits of harvesting their own vegetables.

Healing Waters Empowerment Project: 2009 NAHRO Award Winner
Domestic violence is a crime surrounded by shame and guilt - the two things that tend to keep victims silent. Introduced in 2005, the Healing Waters Empowerment Project is a grassroots community-based movement. It is dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence by identifying causes and effects and implementing and supporting programs, activities and events enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families. The Healing Waters Project is committed to creating community awareness about domestic violence and its effects on the family and the community. It also explores ways the community can work together to end the violence.

Healing Waters Empowerment Training Sessions include:

	Storytelling for Empowerment - Participants explored the lives of others and learned to honor their own stories
	"It Takes a Village to Raise a Child" - Participants examined the African proverb and others like it to discuss effective ways to parent their children and discuss what they can do to contribute to the health and well being of other children in their community.
	Creating Beauty That Affects the World - This session specifically encouraged participants to understand how and what they feel about themselves can either create beauty or destruction inside and outside themselves.
	Sticks and Stones and Words that Hurt - Participants discussed the differences between, and the impact of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
	I Am Who I say I am - In this session, participants are encouraged to define leadership and see the potential in themselves and others to lead and achieve success.
	Express Yourself! With Creative Movement - Participants are encouraged to get in touch with themselves and others physically and emotionally through the art of creative movement combined with relation techniques.
	Empowerment for Self-Expression - This session encouraged participants to journal their thoughts and feelings at the end of each session and share their thoughts through poetry and essay at the completion of the program.

Goals of the program include:

	Build and nurture collaborative relationships with adults, youth and families
	Initiate organizing, outreach, education and artistic strategies and actions designed to communicate, empower and educate participants
	Work to improve greater self and group sufficiency and leadership skills to generate personal and social change

Student Tutoring And Mentoring Program: 2009 NAHRO Award Winner
Student Tutoring And Mentoring Program (STAMP) is dedicated to improving the academic success of children living in public housing. It is specifically designed to involve adults in the community in the educational process of their children. It develops adult and teen mentors, and improves the academic success of children in public housing through mentoring and tutoring partnerships with other organizations, business people and community members. The STAMP program provides an opportunity for neighbors to become part of the solution. It helps them develop and implement concrete ways to address the issues of violence, gang activity, illiteracy, and drugs in their neighborhoods based on cooperation, education, self-sufficiency and empowerment. The program creates a sense of community in persons who live in public housing and inner city neighborhoods. Programming includes listening skills, reading for understanding and math competency with the end goal of preparing children to become successful adults. STAMP emphasizes the importance of a good education by empowering parents to become involved in the educational process of their children.

United States Tennis Association: 2009 NAHRO Award Winner
According to a survey conducted by the Rock Island School District, structured sports ranked as high as homework when parents expressed what their children need in an after school program. Sports programs are often the carrot to get kids to do well academically. It teaches teamwork, social skills, leadership, promotes healthy lifestyles, good citizenship and positive self-improvement.

The Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center in conjunction with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) have conducted a successful tennis program locally for over ten years. It has a well established program focused on promoting the sport to children that would not otherwise have the opportunity to become exposed to the sport. Armed with that information, RIHA reached out and established a partnership with the local USTA and incorporated the sport into the already established JumpStart afterschool program. The JumpStart afterschool program is an in-kind collaborative effort by partnering organizations dedicated to providing quality enrichment and life-skills training opportunities to elementary-aged children. Many of the children participating in the JumpStart program live in Manor Homes.

The tennis lessons take place at Frances Willard elementary school. The weekly 1-hour program for 4th graders focuses on basic tennis instruction from Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center. A grant from USTA provides racquets, nets and tennis balls. The goal of the program is to increase access to physical fitness programs and to new activities. It provides new experiences and teaches a new skill set for kids who would otherwise not play tennis.

Similar tennis programs are offered at the Martin Luther King Community Center in Rock Island and Jefferson school in Davenport, Iowa, right across the Mississippi from Rock Island. This summer a tennis tournament between students from each location is scheduled to take place.