Community Action House provides courses, services, and counseling at no cost to community members for home buying education, financial capability, and foreclosure intervention. Class curriculum meets the requirements set by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is facilitated by certified housing counselors.
Classes are facilitated by certified, trained staff. Presenters from local businesses, financial institutions, and municipalities are invited to provide participants with specialized information based their expertise and class topics.
Financial Capability Courses
Home Much Home Can You Afford?:
Tuesday: 1/14/25 5:30-7:00 & 3/18/25 5:30-7:00 (in person), Individual appointments offered!
Guests will gain an understanding of how much house you can afford while maintaining financial stability. Guests will explore how your current earnings determine your maximum affordability.
Invest In Your Future:
12/3/24 from 5:30-7pm (in person), Individual appointments offered!
Guests will learn about IRAs and 401(k) plans. You will learn practical strategies for building wealth by exploring stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs. You will get a basic understanding of risk management, compound interest and portfolio diversification to help you make informed investment decisions.
Protect Your Wallet, Protect Your Future:
12/10/24 5:30-7pm (in person), Individual appointments offered!
Guests will gain an understanding of how credit and debt work, empowering you to make informed financial decisions. Guests will also learn how to avoid scams and strategies to safeguard personal finances.
Spend Less, Save More, Stress Less:
11/05/24 5:30-7pm (in person), Individual Appointments offered!
Guests will explore practical strategies to manage your money effectively and build financial habits. Guests will learn how to avoid common financial pitfalls, plan for future needs and make informed spending decisions.
Align Your Goals, Unlock Your Income:
10/08/24 5:30-7pm (in person), Individual Appointments offered!
Guests will leave with the tools to set clear, actionable goals and unlock your earning potential. Guests will focus on personal and financial growth empowering you to take control of your future.
"The thing that helped me the most was recognizing how I spend and save money. I really needed this class - it was a good eye opener. I learned a lot of useful information. Thanks a lot!" - Jamell McClendon, Financial Capabilities Participant
Savings Club
Savings Club is a 6 month program that helps you build an emergency fund and develop a habit of saving. Through one-on-one financial counseling, free workshops, and peer support, you'll learn strategies for regular saving and receive a 2:1 match for every dollar saved.
Attend free financial wellness workshops
Establish and grow an emergency fund
Receive a financial match of up to $300
*Participants must save every month of the program to qualify for a financial match. Funds must be saved in a designated savings account. A match will be provided for each dollar saved up to $150, per household.
"I really enjoyed the homebuyers course and I am confident that it will give me the courage to finally buy a home and end the generational hindrance of renting." - Raquel Dawson, Homebuyer Education participant
Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Education Workshops help educate individuals and families about the home purchase process, including credit, affordability, taxes, real estate, home inspections, mortgages, and insurance. These workshops are free of charge.
2024-2025 Schedule
2-Session Workshops
February Homebuyer Education
Session 1: Tuesday 2/11/25 from 5:30-8:00pm
Session 2: Tuesday 2/18/25 from 5:30-8:00pm
1 Session Workshops
November Homebuyer Education
Saturday 11/9 from 9:30-2:30 (Zoom)
Foreclosure Intervention
What we offer
Foreclosure Intervention Counseling offers 1-on-1 help with understanding options, as well as assist in communicating with your mortgage company or lender, and provide ongoing referrals and support. All individual counseling is offered free of charge.
Forbearance and home retention information and options
Loan modifications, navigating negotiations with lender and mortgage company
Individualized housing counseling, including budgeting
Group courses and workshops at no cost to area residents
We can help you understand your options, develop realistic paths forward, assist in communicating with your mortgage company or lender, and provide ongoing follow up, referrals, and general support.
Need assistance through alternative methods due to disability or other barriers?
We can help, contact us! Class curriculum meets the requirements set by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is facilitated by certified housing counselors.
Additional Services
eHome America
Community Action House now partners with eHome America to provide online, self-paced Homebuyer Education. This is an online course in both English and Spanish that satisfies the education requirement for many down payment assistance and loan programs. Pay a $99 fee and take the course in your home at your own pace. You will be required to talk with a Community Action House Housing and Education Specialist prior to receiving your certificate. Click here to get started!
Develop a spending plan, and create a monthly budget!
What Participants are Saying
"It was great to be able to talk to people who know their stuff with regards to gardening, painting, electrical, and plumbing. I had many questions answered and have already started applying some of what I've learned. I'm observing things in my house with a knowledgeable eye now." - Jovanna Mendoza, Home Maintenance Class participant
“Thank you for the insurance information, the credit information and everything else. I do not know any other place I could find what I learned here. I am joining you again in May. This was so crucial!” - Robert Bauer, Financial Management Class participant
