#GivingTuesdayNOW Video Update
Student Loan Debt Relief
Do YOU have Student Loans?
If you answered yes, please read some important facts to know regarding your Student Loans and how they have been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
- The pause on most federal student loans is automatic and you DO NOT need to opt-in. Eligible federal students are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance from March 13, 2020 until September 30, 2020. Auto-debits are suspended during this period. If you already made a payment after March 13, you can request a refund by contacting your servicer. During this time, interest on most federal student loans will be changed to 0%. Servicers are required to contact you no later than August to remind you that your payments will resume in October, 2020.
- Most, but not all, Federal Loans qualify for these new benefits including the 6-month payment pause and 0% interest. Under the law, federal Direct Loans all qualify as well as Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) that are held by the Department of Education. The Department of Education guidance explicitly states that the 0% interest benefit applies to all federal student loans, but excludes commercially-held FFEL loans, college-held Perkins Loans, and private loans.
- The Department of Education states that suspended payments WILL be counted toward PSLF if you meet all other loan forgiveness requirements. These requirements include if: (1) you have direct loans, (2) were on a qualifying repayment plan prior to the event, and (3) continue to work for an eligible employer. If you have any questions regarding your ability, contact FHR to schedule an appointment with a Certified Student Loan Counselor.
- On March 25, the Department of Education announced a pause on debt collection against borrowers who are in default— including wage garnishment, reduction of tax refunds, and reduction of Social Security and Social Security disability benefits. The pause on debt collection applies only from March 13, 2020 to September 30, 2020. If collections against you were being processed after March 13, you are eligible for a refund on that amount. The Department of Education already announced that it would refund more than 830,000 borrowers approximately $1.8 billion in “Treasury offsets” that were still being processed when the pandemic was declared a national emergency on March 13.
Source: www.savi.com
Mortgage Relief for Homeowners
If you are experiencing a hardship such as job loss, income reduction, or sickness due to COVID-19 and you are no longer able to make your mortgage payment, your mortgage servicer is available to help with mortgage relief options, including:
- Payment relief through a forbearance plan offers a reduction or suspension of your mortgage payments for up to 12 months, offered in increments of up to six months
- Late fee relief during your forbearance plan period
- Repayment options following your forbearance, including a repayment plan to catch up gradually or a permanent loan modification that aims to maintain or reduce your monthly payment
Additionally, foreclosure and eviction relief may be available through the federal CARES Act signed into law on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Contact Your Mortgage Servicer: If you’re concerned about your mortgage payments, take the first step and call your mortgage servicer—that’s the company listed on your monthly statement— to request help. Have your financial information handy when you call and note that many servicers are experiencing increased call volumes and hold times due to COVID-19.
Notice of Continued Operations
Hello valued client. We hope you are doing well and staying safe during these difficult times. Although many businesses have had to close temporarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to offer services to the community. You can continue to contact the main office phone number at 520-318-0993 or send an email to info@fhrinc.net for any questions or other inquiries. Voicemail and email messages will be checked and returned regularly.
Due to recent social distancing guidelines instituted by the CDC and the state of Arizona, FHR’s in-person Homebuyer Education Workshop has been suspended. Fortunately, we can offer the Homebuyer Education Workshop online at a discounted price for FHR’s clients. This online workshop, through eHome America, meets the same requirements for Down Payment Assistance that FHR’s in-person workshop provides. FHR’s in-person Homebuyer Education Workshop will return once it has been deemed safe to do so. Housing counseling appointments are also be conducted telephonically until further notice. Submission of documents can be completed electronically on FHR’s Client Portal on fhrtucson.org or via email. Thank you very much for your support and patience while we adjust to changes in operations to ensure the safety of our clients!
Beyond Affordable Housing – FHR celebrates residents with a holiday gift!
BEYOND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Making the season bright for rental tenants with $100 gift cards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [12/20/19]
Jennie Grabel, Director of Marketing and Communications
FHR & SALT
520-440-0221
jgrabel@fhrinc.net
[Tucson, AZ]: During a time when affordable housing is considered a national crisis two Pima County nonprofits go above and beyond to make their tenants’ seasons a bit brighter. Southern Arizona Land Trust (SALT) and Family Housing Resources (FHR) announced today that they will provide $100 gift cards to each of their rental units for the holidays. These gifts are just one way that SALT and FHR work thoughtfully and diligently to go above and beyond the typical landlord/tenant relationship as nonprofit organizations supporting affordable housing in Tucson. SALT owns and manages 133 rental units and FHR operates 6 rental properties totaling 214 units. Collectively over 350 households will be impacted by this generous and timely gift.
“Understanding that the holidays can be stressful on many levels SALT believes in being a supportive champion for our tenants,” said Jeff Singleton, Executive Director at Southern Arizona Land Trust. “We hope these gifts can make a difference for a happy holiday season.”
“FHR was thrilled to partner with SALT in showing our tenants that we value and appreciate them,” said Meghan Heddings, Executive Director at Family Housing Resources. “We too understand that the holidays can add a lot of extra expenses to those with limited income and we’re happy to make these gifts to each of our units.”
SALT and FHR are sister organizations both founded by the Pima County Industrial Development Authority to work on supporting economic development through housing support and wealth building.
About SALT: Southern Arizona Land Trust is a support organization of the Pima County Industrial Development Authority whose mission is to provide the Tucson/Pima County metropolitan area with affordable housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income households. SALT envisions a Tucson where everyone has housing available to them that is a blessing and not a burden. SALT works to improve the lives of Tucsonans by investing in and revitalizing neighborhoods through the development of quality affordable housing. www.saltproperty.com
About FHR: Family Housing Resources is a support organization of the Pima County Industrial Development Authority whose mission is to create lasting solutions to help individuals and families reach financial freedom through housing support, education and partnership. FHR envisions a community with equal access to quality, affordable housing and pathways to increased wealth and financial freedom. www.fhrtucson.org
Family Housing Resources grants El Rio Foundation $10,000 to support Viva Vecinos Block Party
Family Housing Resources, Inc. (“FHR”), a support organization of the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima (the “Pima IDA”), whose mission is to create lasting solutions to help individuals and families reach financial freedom through housing support, education, and partnership.
The FHR Cares Community Investment Fund was established in 2015 by Family Housing Resources, Inc., and FHR Cares, Inc. both 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organizations in Pima County, AZ. to further support FHR’s mission through offering funding support to partner organizations doing similar mission driven work in the community. In 2019 FHR Cares has awarded $475,000 in gifts to better Pima County and foster lasting community partnerships.
FHR Cares awarded El Rio Healthcare Foundation with $10,000 in sponsorship support for their El Rio Vecinos’ 6th Anniversary fundraising event, Viva Vecinos Block Party. Vecinos translates as neighbors, which is how El Rio Community Health Center was formed in 1970. It was through the cooperation and support of Tucson neighbors and several organizations that a true neighborhood, community, consumer-based health center was established downtown.
The Vecinos is a group of young professionals with a collective goal to help make a difference in our Tucson community. As stewards of this group, members work together to raise money and network with amazing young men and women to benefit El Rio and the Tucson Community. Their annual signature event is the Viva Vecinos Block Party, held annually in downtown Tucson.
“For over 49 years, El Rio Community Health Center has taken pride in empowering patients to take control of their health and make lifestyle changes to ensure a brighter future for themselves and their families. Your kindness positively impacts the health of our community.” Jill Rodriguez, Development Director, El Rio Foundation.
About El Rio Foundation: The El Rio Foundation works to enhance the health of our neighbors through philanthropic support of El Rio Community Health Center.
Family Housing Resources grants general operating support to three local nonprofits
Family Housing Resources, Inc. (“FHR”), a support organization of the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima (the “Pima IDA”), whose mission is to create lasting solutions to help individuals and families reach financial freedom through housing support, education, and partnership.
The FHR Cares Community Investment Fund was established in 2015 by Family Housing Resources, Inc., and FHR Cares, Inc. both 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organizations in Pima County, AZ. to further support FHR’s mission through offering funding support to partner organizations doing similar mission driven work in the community. In 2019 FHR Cares has awarded $475,000 in gifts to better Pima County and foster lasting community partnerships.
FHR Cares awarded three $10,000 grants for General Operating Support for organizations whose missions actively align with the Family Housing Resources mission to create lasting solutions to help individuals and families reach financial freedom through housing support, education, and partnership. The three organizations are Youth On Their Own, Our Family Services and The Primavera Foundation and.
FHR Cares is proud to offer general operating support (GOS) to sustain the day-to-day operations of these organizations. GOS support is a proven best practice in giving and trusts organizations to make the best use of the funding received. Gifts of this kind allows for greater strength and sustainability, and maximum impact of vital programming.
About Youth on Their Own: Youth On Their Own (YOTO) is a dropout prevention program that supports the high school graduation and continued success of homeless, unaccompanied youth in Pima County. The organization was founded in 1986 when Ann Young, a guidance counselor in the Amphitheater School District, noticed that talented and motivated students were dropping out of school due to homelessness and being forced to live on their own without a parent or guardian. Inspired by the students’ tenacity and willingness to stay in school, other school counselors, teachers, volunteers, and community members came together to form YOTO with the goal of helping students graduate. Since then, over 16,000 homeless and compromised students have been empowered to stay in school and pursue opportunities for self-sufficiency.
About Our Family Services- Our Family Services is a Tucson non-profit whose roots go back to the 1950s. Our Family’s mission is to eliminate homelessness and strengthen our community. We do this by providing stability in times of crisis, fostering social connectedness, linking people to support and resources, and engaging our neighbors to tackle tough community issues. http://www.ourfamilyservices.org
About The Primavera Foundation, Inc.: The Primavera Foundation provides pathways out of poverty through safe, affordable housing, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization. Primavera’s vision promotes social and economic justice, while working to build a future in which all people are assured basic human rights, a livable income, and safe, affordable housing. Primavera’s continuum of services over the past 34 years focus on the following four pathways: 1) survival – emergency shelters, drop-in resource centers, homeless prevention and intervention; 2) stability – safe, affordable housing, job readiness skills, temporary and permanent employment, water harvesting, and drug treatment alternative to prison; 3) security – financial education and homebuyer education, financial and housing counseling, and affordable homeownership opportunities; and 4) sustainability – working collaboratively with a variety of multi-sector community partners on neighborhood revitalization, resident engagement, leadership development, education, and advocacy to create greater equity, healthy neighborhoods, and to support collective action around critical policy issues impacting low-income working families. http://www.primavera.org
Family Housing Resources grants $100,000 to Angel Charity for Children
Family Housing Resources, Inc. (“FHR”), a support organization of the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima (the “Pima IDA”), whose mission is to create lasting solutions to help individuals and families reach financial freedom through housing support, education, and partnership.
The FHR Cares Community Investment Fund was established in 2015 by Family Housing Resources, Inc., and FHR Cares, Inc. both 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organizations in Pima County, AZ. to further support FHR’s mission through offering funding support to partner organizations doing similar mission driven work in the community. In 2019 FHR Cares has awarded $475,000 in gifts to better Pima County and foster lasting community partnerships.
FHR Cares awarded $100,000 to Angel Charity to support their continued service to youth in the Tucson community. The $100,000 will go to support a $700,000 grant to Children’s Clinics a nonprofit agency serving children with complex medical needs. Angel Charity for Children, Inc., is a non-profit organization comprised of approximately 150 devoted volunteers representing a cross-section of the Tucson community. Through innovative fundraising, these dedicated ‘Angels’ are committed to providing Pima County’s children with the vibrant future they so richly deserve, and FHR Cares is thrilled to be an active partner and support Angel Charity’s highly vetted process of selecting deserving organizations in our community. “FHR’s Board of Directors and executive team have long admired the dedication, hard work, and professionalism Angel Charity exhibits,” stated John Payne former FHR board member.
Children’s Clinics will utilize their Angel Charity gift for a new facility to better serve their community. “The Angel Charity Center for CARE at Children’s Clinics will provide a unique, sensory-friendly environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other complex medical needs to receive all of their outpatient care in one, convenient location. The addition of this space will create opportunity for Children’s Clinics to serve a new population and expand services to the 7,000 children already receiving care at Children’s Clinics. This innovative new space is the result of love and support from our entire Tucson community and is made possible by gifts from several organizations, including Family Housing Resources. We are proud and humbled to be able to pursue our mission in partnership with many other compassionate community members.” Jared Perkins, CEO, Children’s Clinics.
About Angel Charity for Children: Angel Charity for Children’s mission is to improve the quality of life for children in Pima County. Each year, the Angel Charity general membership selects beneficiaries, and partners with businesses and individuals throughout Pima County to raise funds to fulfill their grant request.
Family Housing Resources grants $70,000 to Nova AZ Bowl to support End Zone for Education
Family Housing Resources, Inc. (“FHR”), a support organization of the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima (the “Pima IDA”), whose mission is to create lasting solutions to help individuals and families reach financial freedom through housing support, education, and partnership.
The FHR Cares Community Investment Fund was established in 2015 by Family Housing Resources, Inc., and FHR Cares, Inc. both 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organizations in Pima County, AZ. to further support FHR’s mission through offering funding support to partner organizations doing similar mission driven work in the community. In 2019 FHR Cares has awarded $475,000 in gifts to better Pima County and foster lasting community partnerships.
FHR Cares awarded Nova AZ Bowl with $70,000 to support the End Zone for Education program which helps regional school districts and their foundations raise money for schools, teachers and students. FHR Cares offered underwriting for funds raised through the sale of 3,000 end-zone tickets. Schools have the potential to secure up to $37,500. The Tucson Unified School District, Sahuarita School District, Salpointe Catholic High School, Flowing Wells School District, Amphi Foundation and Pima Community College Foundation are the 2019 beneficiaries of the program.
About Nova AZ Bowl: The mission of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl is to provide world-class experiences for college student-athletes, fans, and the local community, culminating in a nationally recognized college football competition. The Arizona Bowl is a non-profit organization that strives to inspire youth, engage the community, support local charities, and create positive economic impact in Southern Arizona.
Family Housing Resources grants $100,000 to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Family Housing Resources, Inc. (“FHR”), a support organization of the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima (the “Pima IDA”), whose mission is to create lasting solutions to help individuals and families reach financial freedom through housing support, education, and partnership.
The FHR Cares Community Investment Fund was established in 2015 by Family Housing Resources, Inc., and FHR Cares, Inc. both 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organizations in Pima County, AZ. to further support FHR’s mission through offering funding support to partner organizations doing similar mission driven work in the community. In 2019 FHR Cares has awarded $475,000 in gifts to better Pima County and foster lasting community partnerships.
FHR Cares awarded the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (CFBSA) $100,000 in support of its $4.5 million renovation. Central to the renovation is the installation of an industrial-sized cooler-freezer to better preserve perishable food; redesigning of the parking area to provide semi-trucks with safe access to the cold storage area; and the expansion of the volunteer area and client parking lot. CFBSA’s goal is to complete the renovation by September 2020 in order to better serve the needs of the community.
“For 44 years the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona has fed the hungry and been an inspiring advocate for families and individuals living in poverty,” said Meghan Heddings, FHR executive director. “We are thrilled to be a lead contributor and help this amazing organization achieve its mission of feeding the hungry today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.”
About Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona: responds to the root causes of hunger and seeks to restore dignity, health, opportunity and hope to people living in poverty. Our mission is to change lives in the communities we serve by feeding the hungry today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.