At the October 15, Meeting, the members and guests heard a presentation from the scheduled speaker, Simona Ramirez, Program Coordinator, under contract with the City of Lynwood for the administration of the following programs:

  • CalHome Funded First Time Homebuyer Program
  • CalHome Funded Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program

Simona mentioned that the City of Lynwood successfully competed to obtain these grant funds for the benefit of Lynwood residents that qualify. For example, the City of Lynwood's Housing Division administers the CalHome Program to assist households that have incomes less than or equal to 80% of the area's median income to purchase homes. The current maximum income limits are set for the size of the household, from one person to 6 persons. As an example, for two persons, the income limit is $51,850. The incomes are adjusted annually. The program requirements are listed as follows: homebuyer education (an 8 hour course); credit requirements (minimum FICO score of 640); buyer's down payment (at least 1%); and maximum loan amount ($60,000).

There were a number of questions from the audience, as to how the loan program would work for specific cases. Also there were several questions as to how the housing rehab program works and what type of repairs is permitted.

One comment was how much outreach and public information is being done by the city to help residents know about the two programs, and for residents to be informed about the qualifications.

 

Announcements and Presentations Before the Speaker Club President Martina Rodriguez and Daniel mentioned the Mayor's State of the City Address event that was held in the evening of Thursday, Oct 15. (Note that this important and enjoyable event was well-attended by Rotary members and their guests.)

Also, it was mentioned that the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Ricardo Lara Linear Park on Saturday, Oct 10 at 11 am at the corner of Fernwood Ave. and Gertrude Drive was attended by 250 persons!

 

 

Daniel Miller / Omar Franco

Public Relations and Community Outreach for Lynwood Rotary