Timing, or what some call luck, is when opportunity meets preparation.
When Lynell Bevels shared that Umpqua Bank was assisting home ownership with the assistance of Richmond Neighborhood Housing Service, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I am very familiar with the agency and how they put people in homes because I went through their workshop 5 months ago.
I signed up for the class not for myself, but so I could understand what they do and help spread the word.
In other words, I went through that program so I could be a resource for others. I didn’t know that by going through that experience and sharing it with others I would meet up with people who were searching for the programs they provide.
Here’s what I learned:
- They have programs that have down payment matches (up to 4x’s)
- They have credit repair programs to help you qualify for a mortgage
- They don’t just cover Contra Costa County, but Alameda and Solano County as well (and have contacts elsewhere)
If you’re looking to purchase or get your kids or friends into their own place, they are a tremendous resource.
Lynell Bevels of Umpqua Bank works tirelessly to help the community and it was through an innovative program like those of The Richmond Neighborhood Housing Service that allowed me to bounce back after a devastating loss over 30 years ago.
My life has been one long financial journey filled with adventure. I’ve recently retired early and I now use lessons learned from those lived experiences to teach financial literacy to the youth, young adults, and the mothers who raise them.
Financial Literacy: Monk Says…Learn The Game