Barnes Recognized as 2014 Women of Excellence

Vequitia Barnes, a 2014 Women of Excellence

                                                                                                                                                        

United Housing, Inc. is excited to announced that Vequitia Barnes was nominated and selected as a 2014 Woman of Excellence by The New Tri-State Defender. Barnes, National Foreclosure Mitigation Counselor at United Housing, was recognized with the award during a Champagne Brunch and Awards Presentation at the Memphis Botanic Gardens on April 26, 2014.

“Vequitia is very deserving of this award, and we’re proud to have her on our team,” said Tim Bolding, Executive Director at United Housing, Inc. “Her enthusiastic and professional work ethic does not go unnoticed at United Housing, and we’re thrilled that the community has recognized her as a 2014 Woman of Excellence.”

Over the past seven years, the New Tri-State Defender has recognized more than 300 African American professionals and community leaders. This year, 110 nominations were received and 50 women were chosen as the 2014 Women of Excellence. Each honoree was chosen for their ability to motivate and inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and personal contribution to the community.

Barnes has served as United Housing’s National Foreclosure Mitigation Counselor for 1 year, and is also involved in various community efforts. Her community work includes assisting Felecia Bean Catering with its Annual Feed the Homeless and Hungry Thanksgiving day, as well as the Best in Black Awards.

About The Tri-State Defender

The Tri-State Defender is one of the longest, continuously published African-American papers in the United States. It was very active in the Civil Rights Movement and is aimed at the African-American market not only in Memphis, but also in nearby areas of Arkansas and Mississippi. The Tri-State Defender was founded by John Sengtstacke, publisher of the flagship paper Chicago Defender and publisher of the Tri-State Defender until his death in May, 1997. The Tri-State Defender is part of the Real Times LLC newspapers. For more information, visit: http://www.tsdmemphis.com

United Housing Presents the 11th Annual Housing Fair!

United Housing invites you to the 11^th Annual Housing Fair, sponsored by Cort Furniture, Magna Bank and Clear Channel Media, at 2082 Adderley Lane in the Wolf River Bluffs development (intersection of James Rd. and Mclean Blvd) on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will provide attendees the opportunity to explore affordable lending products available in Memphis and Shelby County, showcasing local lenders, real estate professionals and other housing-related service providers. Additionally, educational materials, door prizes and children’s activities will be offered during the event.

United Housing invites anyone involved in the lending and housing industry to purchase a booth for this year’s event. As a vendor, you’ll be able to pass out information about your products and services to the public. If you are interested in purchasing a vendor booth for the event, please contact Amy Schaftlein at (901) 728-6937 or aschaftlein@uhinc.org to receive a booth contract. For general booth information and prices, see the content below.

Cort Furniture, Lead sponsor

Magna Bank, Builder Sponsor

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, Builder Sponsor

11^th Annual Housing Fair

Booth Contract Info

Booth information: 1 8ft. table and two chairs

_________  $1,000 or $500   – Sponsor: Exclusive booth space and logo recognition

_________  $20.00                – Business Partner: One booth

_________  $10.00                – Government Partner: One booth

_________  $   .00                 – Nonprofit Partner: One booth

Booth space is limited.  Please contact Amy Schaftlein as soon as possible to reserve your space.

*Booth slots will be available through April 21*

United Housing Crawfish Boil

United Housing invites you to join us for a special Crawfish Boil at the United Housing office (2750 Colony Park Drive, Memphis TN) on Friday, March 14 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The event will celebrate our major partners whose support has enabled United Housing to hit the 20-year milestone of making a difference in the Mid-South. We’ll provide crawfish and refreshments for attendees to enjoy, and Sue and the Lenders band will be on site for live music.

A few of the many partner organizations and supporters we’ll recognize during the event include:

·       United Way of the Mid-South

·       Magna Bank

·       Jimmie Hopson, Crye-Leike

·       Shelby Residential and Vocational Services

·       Meritan, Inc.

·       Plough Foundation

·       Assisi Foundation

·       City of Memphis and Shelby County

·       Tennessee Housing Development Agency

We’d like to thank all of our event sponsors, including our Title Sponsor Magna Bank and Presenting Sponsors Community Mortgage and BenchMark Mortgage LLC. A big thanks to Teresa Cheeks Wilson and ERA Real Estate for sponsoring refreshments for the event.

For more information or to RSVP to this special event, please contact Amy Schaftlein at (901) 728-6937.

United Housing Awarded $10,000 from the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis

United Housing, Inc. has received a $10,000 grant from the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) as part of the organization’s 15th Annual Grants Showcase and Volunteer Recognition event. The grant will be used to help cover the cost of United Housing’s Homebuyer Education and Counseling program, which is based on nationally approved curriculum and tailored to address the unique circumstances of the Mid-South market.

 

“This is the first time we’ve received funding from the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis and I believe it’s the start of a strong partnership between both organizations,” said Tim Bolding, Executive Director of United Housing. “The initial investment that the Foundation has made in our effort to assist homebuyers in the region will help us meet our goal to counsel more than 600 individuals and families, as well as help more than 200 individuals purchase homes this year.”

The purpose of United Housing’s Homebuyer Education and Financial Program is to encourage self-empowerment and self-sufficiency, provide the tools for families to become financially stable and in doing so, strengthening families and neighbors for a greater Memphis. Clients who take part in the Homebuyer Education program must complete the course and one-on-one counseling before earning their Homeownership Diploma. This designation provides participants access to lower mortgage interest rates and down-payment assistance.

United Housing’s programs also help preserve and support the economic and cultural diversity of the community – 61% of clients are women, 58% are African-American, 15% are Latino, and 32% are female-headed, single parent households.

“The Women’s Foundation is proud to have United Housing as a new grantee partner focused on providing quality housing for low income women,” said Shante K. Avant, Deputy Director of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. “Stable housing is a key component in helping a woman and her family become economically self-sufficient and we support the work of United Housing and the impact their organization has made in changing the lives of families in our community.”

About The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis

Founded in 1995, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to encourage philanthropy, foster leadership among women and support programs that enable women and children to reach their full potential. The organization has invested a total of $14.9 million into the Memphis community and serves 17,000 people annually. For more, please visit www.wfgm.org.

United Housing Celebrates Completion of First Market Rate Homes in Wolf River Bluffs

Nonprofit hosts special guests including Mayor Luttrell to commemorate day

United Housing Inc. officially unveiled the first four homes for purchase in the organization’s Wolf River Bluffs development during a  ceremony on November 14. Located in Frayser, the first phase of the Wolf River Bluffs development will include 34 single-family homes that feature eco-friendly amenities and a universal design to ensure functionality, mobility and accessibility for all people.

“What an exciting day for our team, board members and city officials to celebrate the tremendous progress we’ve made on this project,” said Tim Bolding, Executive Director of United Housing, Inc. “We’re thrilled to have completed our first four market rate homes and are proud that they will offer significant energy savings to residents. With easy access to Midtown and Downtown Memphis and plenty of parks and trails nearby, it’s clear that our Wolf River Bluffs neighborhood is a true gem in Memphis.”

During the special unveiling event, Bolding welcomed attendees and introduced Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, who spoke about the significant advantages of the eco-friendly neighborhood and what it meant for Memphis and Shelby County. Afterward, several individuals involved with the neighborhood joined Bolding and Mayor Luttrell to cut a ribbon to signify the official completion of the four homes.

Afterward, guests were able to tour the homes, which each offer three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a great room and eat-in kitchen housed within 1,500 square feet. The homes are also Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) EcoBUILD certified and feature solar panels by Sharp Manufacturers, high-efficiency windows and Energy Star appliances.

  

United Housing to Host Wolf River Bluffs Development Open House

United Housing invites you to join us for a special open house in our Wolf River Bluffs development this Thursday (11/14) at 2 p.m. in Frayser. The event will take place at 2082 Adderley Lane, which is located near the intersection of James Rd. and McLean Blvd.

This special event will unveil the marketable homes we’re building and celebrate the progress we’ve made in the Frayser neighborhood. The ceremony will begin with opening remarks from Tim Bolding and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell. Afterward, guests will be able to tour the first completed marketable home, which features many energy-efficient components.

When completed, the Wolf River Bluffs development will consist of 34 single-family marketable homes that are Memphis Light, Gas and Water EcoBUILD certified and feature an eco-friendly design with solar generated electricity.

For more information or to RSVP to this special event, please contact Amy Schaftlein at (901) 728-6937.

United Housing Transfers Wolf River Bluffs Home to Meritan

United Housing Inc. officially transferred a home in its Wolf River Bluffs development to longtime partner Meritan during a recent ceremony. Located in Memphis, Meritan is a private, not-for-profit agency that provides home health, personal care, and intellectual and developmental disability services. 

“This is the first home completed for Meritan by United Housing,” said Tim Bolding, Executive Director of United Housing, Inc. “It’s rewarding for our team to partner with such a tremendous organization and we’re excited to start building more homes for the individuals served by Meritan.”

During the special event, Deborah Cotney cut the ribbon to signify the completion of the home, which is named Deborah Cotney Cottage. Cotney is the former Executive Director of Meritan and the home was named to honor her thirty years of service to the agency. Afterward, guests were able to tour the home’s interior, which was built to accommodate three individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

United Housing has worked with Meritan for several years on the common goal to increase livability among the most vulnerable populations in Memphis. Both organizations are United Way of the Mid-South agencies and members of the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence and the Nonprofit Leadership Collaborative.

“Meritan is proud of our partnership with United Housing,” said Melanie Keller Meritan’s Executive Director. “Our combined efforts are resulting in community housing and support for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We feel our relationship exemplifies how two nonprofits with seemingly different missions can join together to serve our community. We look forward to continuing to work with United Housing on future projects.”

After the event, Bolding announced that United Housing was awarded a three million dollar grant from The Tennessee Department of Economic Development’s 2008 Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds. The money will be used to build 16 homes for individuals served by Meritan and SRVS, which provides services to people with disabilities.

About Meritan

Established in 1961, Meritan is a private, not-for-profit agency accredited by the Council on Accreditation and holds licenses in Tennessee to provide home health, personal care, and intellectual and developmental disability services.  The agency also provides senior employment services in Tennessee and holds child placement licenses in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia. For more information, please visit www.meritan.org.