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The Southern Hills Preservation Corporation (S.H.P.C.) was established as a private, nonprofit organization in 1986 to provide needed housing services to low- and moderate- income residents of southern Onondaga County. The organization was formed with the assistance and guidance of P.E.A.C.E., Inc., the county’s human services agency. The S.H.P.C. Board of Directors set goals, oversees finances and works with staff to carry out programs.
Southern Onondaga County was targeted as the focus of the organization’s activities because of its rural characteristics, modest average incomes and scattered population. Although the trend toward suburbanization in the 1970s and 1980s has left its mark on southern Onondaga County, the area retains close ties to agriculture.
The increasing number of elderly persons and homeowners in need of major repair and rehabilitation has focused the attention of S.H.P.C. on housing solutions specific to these groups. This is made more challenging by the area’s isolated setting and limited access to services. The organization has developed a range of programs to meet local needs and is constantly looking for ways to expand and improve its offerings.
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Southern Hills Preservation Corporation
“What is it we do?” This was one of the first questions I needed answered when I began working with SHPC in February. I was very clear about my position and my responsibilities but there is so much more to SHPC than even I was aware! First, let me begin by introducing myself. I am Shana Karn and I am SHPC’s new Housing Counselor. I come to SHPC after working in a multitude of grant-funded, community and human service programs. I have a solid knowledge base about the housing market and homebuyer education because I am, also, a Realtor; servicing primarily Cortland County. So, as I acclimate myself to both my new position and SHPC, I will be the first to admit that I am astounded by what it is we do for the LaFayette and surrounding communities!
It would be easy to simply tell you what our vision is: “That all people are housed safely, decently and affordably,” and leave it at that. But what does this really mean—how do we work toward this vision? Through funding received from the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s Rural Preservation Program, the NYS Housing Trust Fund’s HOME and RESTORE programs, the NYS Affordable Housing Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank, SHPC provides grants and loans to people in our communities (LaFayette, Fabius, Marcellus, Otisco, Pompey, Skaneateles, Spafford, Tully and, for some programs, Town of Onondaga).
Of our six current programs, it is our RESTORE and Home Improvement Programs that people are, perhaps, most familiar with. Funds in the RESTORE program are used to improve hazardous conditions which pose threats to health and safety of low-income homeowners. Homeowners (who have owned their home for at least one year) who are 6o years and older can make application for RESTORE funds in order to have work done on their home, such as repair a damaged roof, replace a furnace, update plumbing and electric, or repair a foundation. A recent increase in the income limits means that more seniors are eligible for RESTORE funds than ever before. A single person household can have a maximum income of $34,150; a two person household--$39,050 and still be eligible for these funds.
Our other Home Improvement Programs, including our Revolving Loan Fund, have different eligibility requirements. It is my job to assist homeowners in completing and submitting applications in order to determine their eligibility.
SHPC’s services don’t begin and end with our Home Improvement Programs. We, also, offer First Time Homebuyer Education in both group and one-on-one settings. The newest class, Destination Home, will be offered periodically throughout this spring, summer and fall. Renters who want to purchase their own home should enroll in this class to learn more about the home-buying process. SHPC has grants available for first time homebuyers, one of which provides up to $20,000 toward the purchase price of a home; another provides up to $25,000 toward purchase and repair of a home. Housing counseling services can also include Money Management, Financial Fitness, Credit/Debt and Delinquency/Foreclosure counseling.
Another service offered which helps SHPC make our vision a reality is providing affordable rental housing. Currently, SHPC manages three apartment complexes, located in Tully and Marcellus, which are exclusively for low-income seniors (age 62 years and older) and low-income persons of any age with disabilities.
So, there you have it. Perhaps, now you understand what it is Southern Hills Preservation Corporation does. Maybe you are thinking about that furnace in your cellar that needs upgrading or that broken window in the living room---and wondering if it’s worth calling us. Perhaps, you are a renter who is thinking about the advantages of owning your own home---and questioning if you should call us. Absolutely! For more information, about any of our programs/services, please call today! You can reach our office at 315.677.3863 or stop in and introduce yourself! Our office is located at 2383 Route 11 South, Unit One in LaFayette. I look forward to hearing from you!