Lance Queen

I have just finished up my 2nd year of service with Americorps/LISC at the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition in Lansing, MI. While at the GLHC I was given the opportunity to implement 3 wonderful programs to assist our community. The first (my favorite) is the Tuesday Toolmen program. The Tuesday Toolmen program utilizes senior citizens who volunteer to assist other senior citizens of low to moderate income whom are homeowners with FREE minor home repairs and home modifications to help them remain in their homes safely. Since start up (March of 2010) I recruited 14 volunteers (with the help from RSVP) and we have logged in just about 300 hrs. Together we have assisted 51 homeowners and saved them just about $50,000 in home repairs and modifications. We installed numerous grab bars, ext lights w/motion detectors, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, 12 wheelchair ramps which made an immediate impact in their lives. I have also implemented a foreclosure prevention counseling program. Being an experienced and certified housing counselor for the past three years I was able to implement, manage, and counsel a successful foreclosure program which has assisted 26 homeowners. Of the 26 cases to date 12 have been able to remain in their homes due to a workout plan of some sort. 6 cases are still in process. Our start up date was Oct of 2010. The final program I implemented is our Home buyer education program. With this program we educate first time home buyers with information that pertains to every step of the home buying process from Obtaining a Mortgage to Managing you Money. The Workshops are 6 hours and upon completion attendees are awarded a certificate of completion that can be used for down payment assistance. To date we have issued 16 certificates. To my knowledge 6 of the 16 have purchased homes for the first time. My time with the Americorps/LISC program has been priceless, from the start of my service 2 years to do was make a difference in the non-profit sector by helping as many less fortunate people as I could. I strongly feel I have accomplished my goal. I am confidant that the programs I helped create will not only assist the community but add a few jobs to the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition and will continue to operate with success.