mission thankful, <3
Who We Are:
Here at Thanksgiving Garden, we give thanks for our New Project: Mission Hope for a Tree. Hope for a Tree is about purchasing abandoned, blighted, and urban home sites and developing/improving the infrastructure needed to set the stage for sweat equity and volunteer-based homeownership programs for low-income to no persons and families. These units will be decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings. We will also cultivate family sustaining gardens and teach maintenance for each family enrolled.
“HOPE FOR A TREE”
Executive Summary
We understand, there is nothing more important than family. Family thrives in a safe and loving home. But, many families right now, are without a place to live. All across America and the world, the growing crisis of homelessness continues to affect over half a million people. “Hope for a Tree” is a stand against homeless, designed to provide sustainable living and resources through a comprehensive self-help homeownership program. Our mission is to empower families experiencing homelessness to stand up and fight back, and rebuild confidence, dignity in self and family morale. By transforming lives through housing, we aim to address not just the symptoms of homelessness, but its root causes like of community, lack of resources, and financial illiteracy.
Needs Statement
According to recent statistics, over 500,000 people in our country are experiencing homelessness, with many lacking access to nutritious food, job training, and stable housing. These challenges create a cycle of despair that perpetuates poverty, and isolation. Our community is rich in resources and passion, yet many that are homeless feel disconnected and hopeless.
Imagine Sasha, a 30-year-old, mother of one, who lost her job and home due to domestic abuse and lack of resources. Living in a shelter, she struggled with feelings of worthlessness and a lack of control over her future. She lost her daughter, her friends, and even her health, physical and mental. That was me. I had no where to go. I had no support, no family, no resources. “Hope for a Tree” will provide the forgotten soldiers, the failed mothers, the lost addicts who need a second chance, the elderly who never got their big break, the ex convict turning over a new leaf, the expat looking for a home away from home, an environment to learn & help cultivate their own homes, instilling a sense of purpose and community.
Project Description
“Hope for a Tree”
$5 Million Self-Help Homeownership Initiative Using Sweat Equity
**Overview**
Tis Self-Help Homeownership Initiative is a $5 million program designed to help low- and moderate-income families achieve homeownership by using a sweat equity model. This approach allows participants to contribute their labor during the construction or renovation of their homes, reducing overall costs and fostering a deeper sense of ownership. Over five years, the initiative aims to support 200 families, including but not limited to minorities, veterans, and single-parent households, while revitalizing underserved communities.
**Objectives**
The project’s main goal is to create affordable, sustainable housing for families that might otherwise be unable to purchase a home. By leveraging sweat equity, participants can contribute up to 500 hours of labor, reducing construction costs and eliminating the need for a large down payment. Additionally, the initiative will strengthen communities through homeownership and empower families by offering financial literacy and homeownership training.
**Key Components**
1. **Sweat Equity Contributions**
Participants will work on their homes and, in some cases, assist in building homes for others. Their labor can include activities such as:
- Assisting with home construction (e.g., painting, landscaping, farming and carpentry).
- Contributing to community-based projects, which enhances local infrastructure.
- Partnering with skilled labor professionals to learn new skills.
This model not only reduces the cost of home construction but also gives homeowners a sense of pride and accomplishment in their property.
2. **Affordable Financing and Assistance**
The initiative will provide:
- **Low-interest mortgages**: Affordable financing options tailored to the needs of participants.
- **Down payment assistance**: Grants and subsidies will be available to ensure homes remain affordable for low-income families.
- **Matched savings program**: A 3-to-1 match for savings, encouraging participants to save for closing costs and other homeownership expenses.
3. **Community Partnerships**
Collaboration with organizations and local housing authorities will be key to the program's success. These partnerships will provide:
- **Volunteer Support**: Local volunteers, corporate sponsors, and skilled tradespeople will work alongside participants.
- **Training and Mentorship**: Families will receive construction and financial education, ensuring they are equipped for the responsibilities of homeownership.
4. **Financial Literacy & Homeownership Education**
Comprehensive workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions will be provided to prepare families for the financial responsibilities of owning a home, focusing on:
- Budgeting and savings.
- Understanding mortgage terms.
- Home maintenance skills.
5. **Post-Purchase Support**
Long-term success is a priority, so ongoing support services will be provided:
- **Home Maintenance Assistance**: Training on maintaining homes, preventing costly repairs.
- **Financial Coaching**: Continued counseling to help families budget and save, preventing foreclosure.
**Expected Outcomes**
The initiative will:
- Enable 200 families to achieve homeownership.
- Foster community revitalization by targeting areas with high vacancy rates and economic distress.
- Generate an estimated $4 million in volunteer labor contributions, reducing construction costs and improving affordability.
- Increase long-term financial stability for low-income families by equipping them with financial and home maintenance skills.
Funding Allocation
$2 Million: Construction materials, skilled labor, and participant training
Program Components:
- Number of Homes: 200
- Average Cost per Home: $10,000 (due to sweat equity and volunteer labor reducing traditional construction costs)
Construction Cost Breakdown per Home:
1. Building Materials: $6,500 per home (65%)
- Lumber, roofing, and insulation: $3,500
- Plumbing and electrical materials: $1,500
- Doors, windows, and fixtures: $1,000
- Paint and finishes: $500
2. Contracted Skilled Labor (Limited): $1,500 per home (15%)
- Some tasks such as electrical, plumbing, or structural work will require licensed professionals.
- The initiative will rely on local partnerships and donations to reduce labor costs, but critical skilled labor will still need to be paid.
3. Tools and Equipment: $500 per home (5%)
- Tools for the sweat equity participants, such as hammers, drills, saws, and protective gear.
- Maintenance costs for larger equipment such as cement mixers, trucks, etc.
4. Site Preparation and Infrastructure: $1,000 per home (10%)
- Includes land clearing, grading, utility hookups (water, gas, electricity), and basic landscaping.
- Infrastructure improvements (roads, sewer systems) will be addressed in partnership with local municipalities.
5. Permit and Inspection Fees: $300 per home (3%)
- Includes city permits for construction, safety inspections, and certification of occupancy.
6. Contingency Fund: $200 per home (2%)
- A buffer to cover unforeseen expenses such as material price increases or delays.
Overall Summary:
- Materials: $1,300,000
- Skilled Labor: $300,000
- Tools & Equipment: $100,000
- Site Prep & Infrastructure: $200,000
- Permits & Inspections: $60,000
- Contingency Fund: $40,000
- Total: $2,000,000
Cost-Saving Measures:
- Sweat Equity: Participating families will contribute labor, reducing the overall cost of construction. Tasks like painting, landscaping, and basic carpentry can be done by unskilled labor with proper guidance, saving approximately 20-25% on labor costs.
- Volunteer Support: Volunteers from the community and partnerships with nonprofit organizations (e.g., Habitat for Humanity) will also help lower construction expenses.
This breakdown assumes that major costs like land acquisition are handled separately or donated. It focuses on optimizing construction costs through sweat equity and community involvement.
$1.2 Million: Affordable financing and down payment assistance
Program Components:
1. Down Payment Assistance Grants: $900,000 (75%)
- Purpose: Provide direct financial support for low-income families to reduce or cover the cost of their down payment, making homeownership more accessible.
- Allocation: This fund will be used to provide grants of up to $15,000 per family. With $900,000, approximately 60 families can receive this full amount.
- Focus: Prioritize minority families, veterans, single parents, and individuals with disabilities to ensure equitable access.
2. Low-Interest or Zero-Interest Loan Subsidies: $180,000 (15%)
- Purpose: Provide subsidies that reduce the interest rate on mortgages, making monthly payments more affordable for low-income homeowners.
- Allocation: This amount will be used to subsidize loan interest for at least 50 participants, reducing the cost of borrowing for first-time homeowners.
- Structure: Subsidies could bring interest rates down by 1-2%, with targeted assistance for families that show a high need.
3. Matched Savings Program: $90,000 (7.5%)
- Purpose: Encourage participants to save toward their down payments through a 3-to-1 matching program, where for every dollar a participant saves, the program contributes three dollars.
- Allocation: Support for up to 45 families who can save at least $1,000. For each $1,000 saved, the program will contribute $3,000, helping these families build toward a $4,000 down payment.
- Impact: This initiative builds financial discipline while assisting participants in reaching their homeownership goals.
4. Closing Cost Assistance: $30,000 (2.5%)
- Purpose: Help cover the costs associated with closing on a home, such as attorney fees, appraisal costs, title insurance, and loan origination fees.
- Allocation: Provide up to $1,500 per family to assist with closing costs for approximately 20 families, focusing on first-time buyers in underserved communities.
Overall Summary:
- Down Payment Assistance: $900,000 (60 families)
- Loan Subsidies: $180,000 (50 families)
- Matched Savings Program: $90,000 (45 families)
- Closing Cost Assistance: $30,000 (20 families)
Cost-Saving and Efficiency Measures:
- Leverage Public and Private Partnerships: Collaborate with local credit unions, housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations to increase the impact of each dollar. For example, matching grants with state or federal programs (such as the FHA or VA home loan programs) can extend the reach of the initiative.
- Financial Education and Counseling: Ensure that recipients of down payment assistance also participate in financial literacy programs, reducing the risk of foreclosure and fostering long-term financial stability.
This budget emphasizes a balanced approach, combining direct financial assistance with long-term support mechanisms to ensure successful and sustainable homeownership for participants.
$500,000: Financial literacy programs and post-purchase support
Program Components:
Financial Literacy Workshops: $200,000 (40%)
Purpose: Provide educational workshops that teach participants budgeting, credit repair, debt management, and the basics of homeownership.
Allocation:
Cost of professional instructors, materials (printed guides, workbooks), and online learning platforms.
Hosting monthly workshops for 200 families over five years.
Structure:
In-person workshops: Costing an average of $1,000 per workshop for space, materials, and facilitators.
Online workshops and tools: $50,000 to develop and maintain an online portal with self-paced courses, webinars, and access to financial tools.
Impact: The goal is to ensure all participants are financially prepared for homeownership and have a solid understanding of budgeting, savings, and maintaining good credit scores.
One-on-One Financial Counseling: $100,000 (20%)
Purpose: Offer personalized financial counseling to help participants overcome individual financial challenges and better prepare for homeownership.
Allocation:
Funding will cover certified financial counselors who provide individualized advice for credit improvement, debt management, and long-term financial planning.
Counselors will meet with families both before and after purchasing their homes to provide tailored support.
Structure: Each family can receive up to five hours of counseling, costing approximately $200 per family (targeting 500 sessions across participants).
Post-Purchase Support & Home Maintenance Training: $150,000 (30%)
Purpose: Offer post-purchase support services to help families maintain their homes, avoid foreclosure, and ensure long-term success.
Allocation:
Funding will cover home maintenance workshops, ongoing counseling, and the development of a resource guide for new homeowners.
Provide maintenance skills workshops (basic plumbing, electrical fixes, and general upkeep) to help participants take care of their properties and prevent costly repairs.
Structure:
Home maintenance workshops at a cost of $500 per session, conducted quarterly for a total of 20 workshops over five years.
A digital resource library ($20,000) offering videos, guides, and DIY maintenance tips accessible to all participants.
Follow-Up and Foreclosure Prevention Counseling: $50,000 (10%)
Purpose: Monitor families post-purchase to offer early intervention and foreclosure prevention counseling if financial hardships arise.
Allocation:
Provide professional foreclosure prevention services, covering topics such as loan modifications, financial hardship counseling, and refinancing options.
Counselors will monitor and check in with each family annually, with special attention to those in distress.
Structure: Aim to provide foreclosure prevention services to at-risk homeowners, with sessions costing an average of $250 each (targeting 200 sessions).
Overall Summary:
Financial Literacy Workshops: $200,000 (40%)
One-on-One Financial Counseling: $100,000 (20%)
Post-Purchase Support & Home Maintenance Training: $150,000 (30%)
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling: $50,000 (10%)
Efficiency and Cost-Saving Strategies:
Leverage Existing Resources: Partner with local financial institutions, housing authorities, and nonprofits to reduce costs for workshop venues, educational materials, and counseling services.
Online Tools: Develop a cost-effective, scalable online platform that participants can access for financial literacy courses, reducing the need for ongoing in-person workshops.
This budget provides a well-rounded approach, combining proactive financial education with post-purchase support to ensure participants are fully prepared for homeownership and equipped for long-term success.
$800,000: Administrative costs, project management, and partnerships
Program Components:
Salaries and Personnel Costs: $400,000 (50%)
Purpose: To cover the salaries and benefits of staff members managing the day-to-day operations of the initiative, including program managers, financial officers, and administrative support.
Allocation:
Project Manager(s): Oversee the initiative’s overall implementation, manage timelines, and coordinate between various teams and external partners. Estimated salary: $80,000 per year for 2-3 years = $240,000.
Administrative Support Staff: Responsible for documentation, reporting, and participant communication. Estimated salary: $50,000 per year for 2 years = $100,000.
Financial Officer: Oversees budgeting, financial compliance, and reporting. Estimated salary: $60,000 for 1-2 years = $60,000.
Operational and Office Expenses: $150,000 (18.75%)
Purpose: To cover the cost of maintaining an office and other operational expenses, including rent, utilities, office supplies, and communication tools.
Allocation:
Office Rent: $3,500 per month for 2 years = $84,000.
Utilities and Office Supplies: Estimated at $1,500 per month for 2 years = $36,000.
Technology and Communications: Purchase of computers, software subscriptions, and phone services for staff = $30,000.
Legal and Compliance Costs: $75,000 (9.4%)
Purpose: Cover legal expenses for contracts, compliance with housing regulations, and ensuring proper use of funds.
Allocation:
Legal Counsel: To review contracts, partnership agreements, and ensure the initiative complies with local, state, and federal housing laws. Estimated cost: $50,000 over the course of the program.
Compliance Monitoring and Reporting: This includes auditing, annual reports, and compliance with HUD, grant requirements, and other regulatory bodies. Estimated cost: $25,000.
Partnership Development and Collaboration: $100,000 (12.5%)
Purpose: Foster and maintain relationships with local governments, nonprofit housing organizations, banks, and other key stakeholders to maximize the impact of the initiative.
Allocation:
Partnership Coordination: Staff time and travel for meetings, developing MOUs, and managing partnerships with local entities and national housing programs. Estimated cost: $70,000.
Event Hosting: Hosting community outreach events, workshops, and volunteer coordination activities to engage local partners and participants. Estimated cost: $30,000.
Marketing and Outreach: $50,000 (6.25%)
Purpose: Promote the initiative and attract participants, donors, and volunteers through targeted marketing and outreach efforts.
Allocation:
Advertising and Promotions: Digital marketing (social media ads, Google ads), print materials (flyers, brochures), and community outreach campaigns to raise awareness about the initiative. Estimated cost: $30,000.
Website and Digital Platform Development: Design, development, and maintenance of a program website for information dissemination and participant registration. Estimated cost: $20,000.
Contingency Fund: $25,000 (3.1%)
Purpose: To cover unforeseen administrative expenses that may arise, such as unexpected legal fees, additional staff needs, or rising office costs.
Allocation: A small contingency fund to ensure the initiative has flexibility in the face of unexpected administrative costs.
Overall Summary:
Salaries and Personnel Costs: $400,000 (50%)
Operational and Office Expenses: $150,000 (18.75%)
Legal and Compliance Costs: $75,000 (9.4%)
Partnership Development and Collaboration: $100,000 (12.5%)
Marketing and Outreach: $50,000 (6.25%)
Contingency Fund: $25,000 (3.1%)
Cost-Saving and Efficiency Measures:
Leverage Volunteer Support: Engage volunteers for outreach and administrative support, reducing operational costs.
Shared Office Spaces: Consider using shared or donated office spaces to reduce rent and utility costs.
Partnerships with Local Governments: Work with local governments to secure funding or cost-sharing agreements for operational expenses.
This budget ensures that the program has the infrastructure, staffing, and support necessary to run efficiently while also building strong partnerships and effectively reaching its target population.
$500,000: Community development and volunteer engagement programs
Program Components:
Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination: $150,000 (30%)
Purpose: To recruit, train, and coordinate a large pool of volunteers for the housing initiative. Volunteers will assist with construction (sweat equity), outreach, community engagement, and event planning.
Allocation:
Volunteer Coordinator(s): Salary for 1-2 full-time staff responsible for managing the recruitment and coordination of volunteers. Estimated salary: $70,000 over two years.
Volunteer Training Programs: Provide resources to train volunteers on tasks related to construction, outreach, and community engagement. Estimated cost: $30,000 for materials, certifications, and workshops.
Volunteer Recruitment Campaigns: Use of digital platforms, local media, and outreach efforts to attract volunteers. Estimated cost: $20,000 for promotional campaigns.
Volunteer Management Software: Implement or subscribe to a software platform to manage volunteer hours, scheduling, and communication. Estimated cost: $30,000.
Community Outreach and Engagement: $125,000 (25%)
Purpose: Strengthen community involvement in the housing initiative through workshops, town hall meetings, and partnerships with local community groups.
Allocation:
Community Liaison: Hire a liaison to build relationships with community leaders, churches, and civic organizations to increase participation and collaboration. Estimated salary: $60,000.
Outreach Materials and Events: Develop and distribute materials (flyers, brochures) to inform the community about the initiative and hold community events to foster involvement. Estimated cost: $40,000.
Community Meetings and Workshops: Host town halls and focus groups to get input from local residents and address their needs. Costs include space rental, refreshments, and speakers, estimated at $25,000.
Neighborhood Revitalization Projects: $100,000 (20%)
Purpose: Engage volunteers and local residents in small neighborhood improvement projects that enhance the community and make the area more attractive for homeownership.
Allocation:
Beautification Projects: Organize community-wide projects like park cleanups, street beautification, and creating community gardens. Costs include tools, materials, and permits. Estimated cost: $60,000.
Public Art and Murals: Engage local artists and volunteers in creating murals and public art installations to beautify the neighborhood. Estimated cost: $40,000.
Volunteer Recognition and Retention: $50,000 (10%)
Purpose: Ensure volunteers feel appreciated and incentivized to continue supporting the initiative.
Allocation:
Recognition Events: Host annual volunteer appreciation events (luncheons, award ceremonies) to celebrate their contributions. Estimated cost: $20,000.
Volunteer Incentives: Provide T-shirts, certificates, and other branded merchandise as incentives for participation. Estimated cost: $15,000.
Volunteer Recognition Programs: Highlight key volunteers in newsletters, websites, and social media platforms. Estimated cost: $15,000.
Capacity Building and Leadership Development: $50,000 (10%)
Purpose: Develop leadership skills among volunteers and community members to create long-term sustainability in the initiative.
Allocation:
Leadership Training Programs: Offer training sessions on leadership, project management, and community organizing to key volunteers and local leaders. Estimated cost: $30,000.
Capacity Building Resources: Provide manuals, webinars, and mentorship programs to enhance community leadership. Estimated cost: $20,000.
Partnerships with Local Organizations: $75,000 (15%)
Purpose: Build strong partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and civic groups to leverage additional resources and expand the initiative's impact.
Allocation:
Collaborative Projects: Co-organize community development and volunteer efforts with other local organizations. Estimated cost: $50,000.
Grants and Matching Funds: Provide small grants or matching funds to partner organizations that align with the initiative’s goals. Estimated cost: $25,000.
Overall Summary:
Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination: $150,000 (30%)
Community Outreach and Engagement: $125,000 (25%)
Neighborhood Revitalization Projects: $100,000 (20%)
Volunteer Recognition and Retention: $50,000 (10%)
Capacity Building and Leadership Development: $50,000 (10%)
Partnerships with Local Organizations: $75,000 (15%)
Efficiency and Cost-Saving Strategies:
Leverage In-Kind Donations: Seek donations of tools, materials, and event spaces from local businesses to reduce costs.
Utilize Digital Platforms: Use social media and email campaigns for outreach and recruitment to save on traditional marketing costs.
Partnerships: Collaborate with local government agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations to reduce costs and share resources for community projects.
This sweat equity-based initiative will provide affordable housing, create stronger communities, and give families the pride and confidence that comes from building and owning their own homes.
Evaluation Plan
We will measure our success through both quantitative and qualitative metrics, including:
Number of participants who complete the program.
Increase in housing security among participants (measured through surveys).
Home placement ratesdut.
Testimonials and stories of personal transformation.
Conclusion
“Hope for a Tree” is not just a program; it’s a lifeline. By investing in sustainable housing and agriculture, we can offer individuals experiencing homelessness the tools they need to reclaim their lives. Together, we can cultivate hope, self-sufficiency, and resilience in our community. We respectfully request your support to bring this vision to life and change lives one seed at a time. We are committed to taking significant actions to address discrimination, working to dismantle segregation patterns and cultivate inclusive communities that are free from barriers restricting access to opportunities based on protected characteristics. Specifically, the goal of affirmatively advancing fair housing involves proactive measures that collectively tackle major disparities in housing needs and access to opportunities. This includes transforming segregated neighborhoods into genuinely integrated and balanced communities, converting racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas rich in opportunity, and ensuring adherence to civil rights and fair housing laws. The responsibility to actively promote fair housing applies to all activities and programs of participants involved in housing and urban development.
Goals and Objectives
1: Support Underserved Communities
Fortify support for underserved communities and support equitable community development for
all people.
1A: Advance Housing Justice
Fortify support for vulnerable populations, underserved communities, and Fair Housing
enforcement.
1B: Reduce Homelessness
Strengthen Federal, State, Tribal, and community implementation of the Housing First approach
to reducing the prevalence of homelessness, with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness.
1C: Invest in the Success of Communities
Promote equitable community development that generates wealth-building for underserved
communities, particularly for communities of color.
Strategic Goal 2: Ensure Access to and Increase the Production of Affordable Housing
Ensure housing demand is matched by adequate production of new homes and equitable access
to housing opportunities for all people.
2A: Increase the Supply of Housing
Enhance HUD's programs that increase the production and supply of housing across the country.
2B: Improve Rental Assistance
Improve rental assistance to address the need for affordable housing.
Strategic Goal 3: Promote Homeownership
Promote homeownership opportunities, equitable access to credit for purchase and
improvements, and wealth-building in underserved communities.
3A: Advance Sustainable Homeownership
Advance the deployment of tools and capital that put sustainable homeownership within reach.
3A: Major Initiative: Expand Homeownership Opportunities
Promote financing for innovative ownership models to increase the availability of affordable
housing.
3B: Create a More Accessible and Inclusive Housing Finance System
Advance new policy, programs, and modernization initiatives that support a more equitable
housing finance system. Promote the preservation and creation of affordable housing stock.
Strategic Goal 4: Advance Sustainable Communities
Advance sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience and energy efficiency,
promoting environmental justice, and recognizing housing's role as essential to health.
4A: Guide Investment in Climate Resilience
Invest in climate resilience, energy efficiency, and renewable energy across HUD programs.
4B: Strengthen Environmental Justice
Reduce exposure to health risks, environmental hazards, and substandard housing, especially for
low-income households and communities of color.
Page 5 of 804C: Integrate Health and Housing
Advance policies that recognize housing's role as essential to health.
To purchase home sites and develop or improve the infrastructure needed to set the stage for
sweat equity and volunteer-based homeownership programs for low-income persons and
families.
3. Changes from Previous NOFO
The following changes have been made from the previous NOFO:
• Plan to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing and Experience Promoting Racial Equity are
no longer rated subfactors.
• Narratives (not to exceed 2 pages) must be provided for Advancing Racial Equity,
Affirmative Marketing, Experience Promoting Racial Equity, and Affirmative Furthering
Fair Housing. Please see Section III.F for more details.
• The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Preference Point is no longer
offered. Applicants working with HBCUs may select the Minority Serving Institutions
(MSIs) Preference Point.
• Rural Partners Network Community Network and Rural Partners Network Preference
Points are offered for this NOFO.
• Explanation of what is considered a default under the SHOP program as referenced in
Section VI. Award Administration Information, B. Administrative, National and
Departmental Policy Requirements and Terms for HUD Applicants and Recipients of
Financial Assistance Awards, Remedies for Noncompliance.-