J2H Classes and Events

JOURNEY TO HOMEOWNERSHIP (J2H) CLASSES AND EVENTS

J2H Classes:

Registration is required for all classes!   

POLK COUNTY, IOWA CLASSES:

Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (in-person at The NFC Offices – 4908 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, IA 50310) Click here to register! *** Tickets open starting March 11th, at 8:30 AM *** 

Speakers:

- Dan Warfel: Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity Director of Family Services: Escrow, what it is and why it’s important and what to know about property taxes. 

- Dora Sedeño: Veridian Credit Union Financial Coach and Community Inclusion Coordinator: Veridian’s IDA program for match savings

- Missy Harkin: Community State Bank Security and Community Development Officer: What goes into a mortgage payment

- Stephanie Moris: RACI (Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa) Director: RACI’s mission, who they are, and the services they offer

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (in-person at the John R. Grubb YMCA (Enrichment Room) – 1611 11th Street Des Moines, IA 50314) Click here to register! *** Tickets open starting March 22nd, at 8:30 AM ***

Speakers:

- Blake Newton: Country Financial Insurance: Why homeowner’s insurance is important and what it typically will and won’t cover

- Missy Harkin: Community State Bank Security and Community Development Officer: What goes into a mortgage payment

- Kari Stone: RE/MAX Precision Realtor: What it means to work with a realtor

- Kent Johnson: Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families Financial Empowerment Center Financial Coach: EKD’s services and how to better watch your credit

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (in-person at HOME Inc. – 1618 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50314Click here to register! *** Tickets open starting April 12th, at 8:30 AM ***

Speakers:

- Blake Newton: Country Financial Insurance: Why homeowner’s insurance is important and what it typically will and won’t cover

- Missy Harkin: Community State Bank Security and Community Development Officer: What goes into a mortgage payment

- Kent Johnson: Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families Financial Empowerment Center Financial Coach: EKD’s services and how to better watch your credit

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (in-person at the Franklin Ave. Library – 5000 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, IA 50310Click here to register! *** Tickets open starting April 19th, at 8:30 AM ***

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (in-person at the South Side Library – 1111 Porter Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315Click here to register! *** Tickets open starting May 17th, at 8:30 AM ***

Saturday, June 1st, 2024 | 10 AM - 12 PM (in-person at the Central Library – 1000 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309Click here to register! *** Tickets open starting May 20th, at 8:30 AM ***

 

LINN COUNTY/CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA CLASSES:

Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (in-person at The Hub - 1800 1st Ave NE Suite LL1 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 ) Click here to register! *** Tickets open starting February 26th, at 8:30 AM ***

Wednesday, June 12th 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (in-person at The Hub - 1800 1st Ave NE Suite LL1 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 ) Click here to register! *** Tickets open starting February 26th, at 8:30 AM ***

 

Questions: Contact Bridgett Robinson or call 515-273-1373.

 

J2H DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Journey to Homeownership (J2H) Program is an affirmative asset initiative for eligible homebuyers in the NFC lending areas. The program focuses on overcoming the systemic barriers for African American in homeownership by providing down payment and closing cost assistance, combined with the intention of addressing other barriers through community partnerships.

 

LINKS TO RESOURCES THAT INFORMED THE CREATION OF JOURNEY TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

Link to One Economy Reports

Link to UnDesign the Redline through the Polk County Housing Trust Fund

Link to Mapping Exclusion through the African American Museum of Iowa

Link to NFC's Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

NFC knows that our programs may not fit a borrower’s exact situation but there are several other programs throughout the community that may fit your needs. Though this program is originally being launched to serve African American households, it will be extended to other communities of color in the future.

This program is made possible through the CDFI Fund and donors to date: Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, MDRC at The Bridge, and private donations.

AMBASSADORS & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: 

We want to thank all of our ambassadors for joining us in the effort to close the gap in Black/African American homeownership, without our ambassadors and local organizations; we would not be able to do this work on our own!

  • Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families at the Polk County Financial Empowerment Center – Des Moines, IA
  • Urban Dreams – Des Moines, IA
  • The Bridge at Meredith Reform Church – Urbandale, IA
  • Beacon Ministries – Cedar Rapids, IA
  • United We March Forward – Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Mid-American Energy – Des Moines, IA
  • Drake University – Des Moines, IA
  • HOME Inc. – Des Moines, IA
  • Country Financial Insurance – West Des Moines
  • Linn County Public Health – Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Veridian Credit Union – Des Moines, IA
  • Ratliff Real Estate – West Des Moines, IA
  • Community State Bank – Ankeny, IA
  • HUD – Des Moines and Nebraska chapter
  • Iowa Finance Authority – Des Moines, IA
  • Horizons – Cedar Rapids
  • 1 Source Solar – Des Moines, IA
  • Polk County Housing Trust Fund – Des Moines, IA
  • Brooks Homes – Des Moines, IA
  • REMAX Concepts – Des Moines, IA
  • The Director’s Council – Des Moines, IA
  • Ibbarra Realty – Des Moines, IA
  • Collins Credit Union – Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Iowa Legal Aid – Des Moines, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA

 

Upcoming training opportunities:    

If you are interested in becoming an ambassador, please contact Bridgett Robinson to get on the schedule for training!

What is an ambassador?

Non-profit organizations, churches, educational institutions and community groups will sponsor Journey to Homeownership classes or events and serve as Ambassadors. Sponsor organizations (Ambassadors) may receive a stipend for marketing, coordinating and leading a class or event.  Ambassadors will provide information and resources on historical and current barriers to homeownership and information on programs and initiatives to over-come barriers through community partnerships.  

Click here for information on HUD Approved Homebuyer Education Resources.