Dreams Become Reality Through Neighborworks

UCC students who meet financial eligibility qualifications can obtain financial assistance in addition to their student loans and grants through a little known local program. NeighborWorks of Roseburg has been assisting local families to overcome financial shortfalls for 20 years.

Federally funded and non-profit, the program helps low income families obtain housing, education or assistance in creating small businesses.

“A majority of our clients are using the program for college, around 33 percent,” said Rebekah Barger, NeighborWorks’ Independent Development Account Program Manager.

By investing $2000, clients can gain substantial revenues to obtain their dreams through NeighborWorks’ Dreamsaver matching funds program. NeighborWorks will match clients’ invested funds, paying them three dollars for every one dollar deposited, up to $6,000. However the time frame for the savings can be no more than three years and no less than six months.

The program has assisted in locating affordable housing for over 700 people who were in need. The program has also created 450 housing units with 398 of them being low income rentals; 52 of these units belonging to first time home owners.

Currently the program is in the process of developing another 97 homes locally, 75 of which will be low income rentals.

Unaffected by state budget cuts, NeighborWorks receives a guaranteed $5 million annually in state funding. The program makes funds available to help Oregonians overcome economic hardships. 

“Funding is predetermined by Oregon state tax credits,” said Barger.

More information on how to take advantage of the program may be found by calling NeighborWorks of Roseburg at 541-673-4909, or visiting them online at www.nwumpqua.org.

The Mainstream is a student publication of Umpqua Community College.