BCHA honored as Sandpoint chamber's top business
—Courtesy photo Bonner Community Housing Agency officials are presented with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber's Business of the Month Award for March. Pictured, from left, are Denise Marley, BCHA administrator; Molly McLaughlin, BCHA project developer; Clem Hackworthy, BCHA board member and Chamber Ambassador; Chris Bassett, BCHA executive director; Kim Queen, Sandpoint Business Improvement District manager; and Jim McKiernan, Chamber Ambassador.
SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has selected Bonner Community Housing Agency as its March Business of the Month.
BCHA was recognized for its commitment to help living-wage families stabilize their finances, providing many aspects of home-buying ownership education, and assisting the families in finding a home that meets their needs. Chris Bassett, BCHA executive director, was presented with this award by the Chamber Ambassadors at the March 10 chamber luncheon meeting.
BCHA was established in 2007 and works directly with Idaho Housing and Finance Association to provide homebuyer education and develop housing for a living-wage household. The home buyer education classes are held monthly through their “Finally Home” program at BCHA in the Pioneer Square Building, 819 Highway 2, Suite 204, Sandpoint. The classes are taught statewide to hundreds of people each year and designed to help individuals understand the home buying process from start to finish. Topics covered include: budgeting, mortgages, working with lenders and real estate officials, inspections, insurance, title and escrow and many more. Completion of the course can further aid the home ownership dream through various incentives: down payment and closing cost assistance, programs that accept higher debt ratios, and using gifted funds at end.
Funded by IHFA, BCHA also acts as the project developer by acquiring, rehabilitating, and reselling homes throughout Bonner County. Their funds for the housing projects come through a HUD program called “HOME.” Eligible home buyers can benefit from this program with very low down payment ($500), low interest rates, significant subsidy of the mortgage through IHFA, and a brand new home in Sandpoint for a very good price. BCHA is committed to supporting local families with home ownership, raising their family, and investing in their future right here in the community.
Information: BCHA, 208-263-5720 or www.bonnerhousing.org