LaGrange City Councilman Nathan Gaskin is launching his “Building Forward” housing initiative to help address housing challenges for first-time home buyers, current homeowners, local contractors, landlords, and small affordable housing developers.
”We cleaned it up—now let’s build it up. The “Building Forward” housing initiative is about more than homes; it’s about creating opportunity,” said LaGrange City Councilman Nathan Gaskin. “I want to help first-time buyers become homeowners, providing critical home repairs for existing homeowners, assisting landlords with upgrades to improve rental housing, and empowering our local contractors to grow and expand their businesses. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant District 2 that will thrive for generations to come.”
Gaskin’s initiative will focus on the following areas:
– Helping first-time homebuyers. Gaskin is partnering with local organizations to help connect community members with opportunities for down payment assistance and credit counseling.
– Providing critical home repairs and upgrades. Gaskin plans to connect homeowners to resources that will help with home repairs and upgrades, including grants and low-cost loans.
– Creating opportunities for local contractors. Gaskin plans to connect local contractors with free financing options to help local contractors finance their home improvement projects.
– Loans for landlords. Gaskin plans to connect landlords to resources that will ensure their tenants have a safe place to live with reduced energy burdens.
– Affordable Housing Developers. Gaskin plans to introduce below market-rate, flexible loans for small to mid-size affordable and workforce housing developments.
Councilman Gaskins is also working with the non-profit Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) to help offer unsecured Green Home Loans which are approved based on ability to pay, not credit scores. SELF’s Founder, Doug Coward, said, “We specialize in financial inclusion and helping low- and moderate-income homeowners gain access to low-cost and accessible loans for critical home repairs and upgrades.” SELF also has additional financing programs for Landlords and small Affordable Housing Developers.
There will be an informational meeting for Gaskin’s initiative Saturday, April 19th, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at 134 Main Street in LaGrange. This event is free and open to the public.
The following organizations are community partners with Councilman Gaskin’s “Building Forward” housing initiative: Communities of Tomorrow, SELF, Creating Sustainable Communities, Truist Bank, Griffin Modern, H.E.R, The Rail District, and local Realtor Deena Simmons from EXP Realty.
