The Power of a Permanent Address
CHN leverages the power of affordable, stable housing to change lives and improve communities.
What can we help you with?
CHN’s mission is to leverage the power of affordable, stable housing to change lives and improve communities.
We are a nonprofit affordable housing developer and housing service provider and residential lender working to build more equitable communities, improve housing affordability and preserve and expand the supply of affordable housing in our region.
Homeownership
At CHN, we believe homeownership is possible for everyone. Whether you’re ready to own a home, or are looking for support on your homeownership journey, we’ll work with you every step of the way.
7,100+
Energy Savings
Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, we offer federal & utility-funded programs to help increase your home’s energy efficiency and keep more money in your pocket through energy savings.
60,000
Lease Purchase
CHN’s Lease Purchase program helps families transition from renting to homeownership. By combining affordable rent with support services and a clear path to purchase, we’re making the dream of owning a home a reality.
3,200
CHN allowed me to get out of a very difficult situation. It allowed me to find a home where I can hear the rain at night, walk to the park with my children, and give them a wonderful, active life.
Michael Jefferies was born with cerebral palsy, but the effects of his disease never stopped him from facing life with a positive, forward thinking mindset. Michael grew up moving from home to home, and his family often discouraged him from taking steps forward. However, Michael refused to give in to these negative messages, and always believed in the power of a permanent address.
As a young adult, Michael began filling out housing applications and soon came in contact with CHN. CHN not only provided Michael a stable home, but built him a home to accommodate his disability. Michael found more than a home with CHN, he found a permanent address so his oldest daughter could receive her Bachelors in Business Administration and he could work for 21 years at the Ohio Library for Blind and Disabled.
As a CHN resident, Michael has been able to work with a financial counselor to ensure his long term stability. With the help of a CHN Financial Counselor, Michael has been able to raise his credit score 148 points, eliminate his debt, and save for $1,200 for a down payment. Michael will become a homeowner next year.
“My financial counselor has given me attainable target points that help me stay focused and reinforce my belief that anything is possible through hard work and a positive, stable environment”.
Before coming to CHN, Danelle was searching for an affordable home for herself and her three children but was held back by her credit history.
The four of them were temporarily staying with her sister and her family in a small home when a friend told her about CHN’s Believe Mortgage. Danelle contacted the CHN team, who helped her prepare for and secure a mortgage. Danelle purchased her family’s first home in 2023.
Today, she and her three children live in a three-bedroom house in Cleveland’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Danelle is working to add personal touches to the home and convert the finished attic into an additional bedroom. Her kids now have a big yard to run around in with their dogs. The family is enjoying the extra space they now have, and most importantly, the stability that comes from having a home to call their own.
CHN was always there when I needed help. I couldn’t have done any of this without them.
Over a decade ago, Arnetta Pryor could not have imagined herself as the homeowner, landlord and college graduate she is today. Back then, she was homeless and struggling with addiction. A judge’s decision to send her to treatment instead of prison was the beginning of her fresh start.
“Upon being introduced to CHN in 1999, I took every home maintenance and finance course offered,” says Arnetta. She began meeting with counselors to help her overcome large medical bills after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “They helped me clean up my credit, plan a budget and prepared me to own my own home through the Lease Purchase program. I’d finally gotten the opportunity to see what I could do on my own.”
Arnetta now has three bank accounts—one for her mortgage, one for bills and one for savings and emergencies.
In 2004, Arnetta decided to go back to school after 30 years. “Now I have my AA in Business Administration from Tri-C and will be attending CSU to complete my BA in Business Administration.”
Homebuyer Basics Class
Financial and Homeownership Classes
Interested in buying a home but unsure where to start? Sign-up for CHN’s Homebuyer Basics course!
During this free introductory class, our HUD-certified counselor will provide an overview of the homebuying process, including (but not limited to): improving your finances and getting mortgage-ready, the key players you’ll meet/work with, and researching financing options and first-time homebuyer programs. You will also learn about local resources and programs to help you in your homeownership journey and have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Note: No certificate is issued upon completion of this class.
Please click the button below to view class dates and times.
Additional Classes
CHN’s Homebuyer Education course is an 8-hour series that is geared towards households that are actively in the homebuying process. This free, instructor-led series is designed to meet HUD and National Industry Standards for Homebuyer Education and provides the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term homeownership.
Note: This course fulfills education requirements for HUD-approved down payment assistance and first-time homebuyer programs. Upon completion of the 4-part series, you will receive a Homebuyer Education certificate (valid for one year from course completion date).
Unable to make these sessions? We also offer self-paced education and counseling through the Framework online homebuyer education platform (fee-based service).
Dates: TBD
Virtual: All classes are held virtually from 6 - 8 pm. A Zoom link will be sent out ahead of time. Please click the button to view class dates and times.
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Developing a budget and spending plan
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Setting SMART financial goals
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Strategies for building savings
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Understanding credit and credit reports
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Financial wellness and improving your relationship with money
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And more!
Many of these topics can be tailored to your organization’s target audience.
If you are a local organization looking to partner on financial capabilities group education and would like us to offer classes to your clients, please contact Nina Holzer at nholzer@chnhousingpartners.org
Framework is a $75 online course that you can take at your convenience. To get started visit FRAMEWORK™ or to learn more view this short Overview Video.
This course meets counseling requirements for HUD homebuyer programs.
Energy Savings
Housing Services
Lower your energy use and energy bills through our Energy Savings programs!
Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, we offer federal & utility-funded programs to help increase your home’s energy efficiency and keep more money in your pocket through energy savings.
Services may include: furnace repair or replacement, insulation, hot water tank repair or replacement, energy burden refrigerator/freezer audit, minor plumbing repairs, client education on energy conservation, LED bulb installations and more!
All improvements are provided based on income qualifications and a home energy inspection.
Tip: Already applied to HEAP or PIPP? You automatically qualify for energy services programs!
How to Apply
- Apply via CHN's Application Portal
Afterwards you'll get an email prompting you to create an account in our portal. - Already started an application? Log in to the CHN Portal.
- OR print the appropriate application below and mail it back or drop it off at our droboxes at 2999 Payne Avenue, near Suite 134.
Are you a contractor?
Calling all Northeast Ohio contractors! We need your help with our energy conservation program. We're committed to helping residents save money and lower their energy consumption. Apply below:
Development
& Construction
CHN offers property management and maintenance services to owners of housing financed through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and various HUD capital and subsidy programs including HOME, Section 8, HUD PRAC, Hope VI, and Supportive Housing Program (SHP).