Preserving the American Dream is the theme for the NHS of East Flatbush’s Three Year Strategic Plan. The dream of homeownership is currently under assault and we at NHS of East Flatbush continue to believe that proper planning and the right mortgage products result in the building of wealth and stable neighborhoods. NHS of East Flatbush has long served communities with products and programs that assist in creating and preserving homeownership. In today’s uncertain economy and mortgage crisis, the management of NHS of East Flatbush has identified that strengthening our core business and addressing the needs of the community are essential. We will primarily focus on three initiatives: Going Green, Homeownership Preservation & Homeownership Services

Going Green

New to this year’s plan is the incorporation of environmentally friendly initiatives into our core programs. Included in the planning is the launch of a Green Initiative new lead safe work practices initiative in collaboration with Environmental Education Associates. “Energy Smart Communities”, is collaboration among the Pratt Center, NHSNYC Construction Services and Lending Departments, and NHS of East Flatbush. The goal of these programs is to respond to the need of the community to create environmentally safe and energy efficient alternatives that result in cost savings.

Homeownership Preservation

NHS of East Flatbush will continue to focus on maintaining existing funder relationships while exploring new sources of revenue. In 2010, NHS of East Flatbush plans to leverage its programs and initiatives to support neighborhood preservation. The demands for foreclosure intervention and prevention services have increased dramatically in Brooklyn, specifically within East Flatbush, Flatbush & Canarsie. We continue our work with the Center for New York City Neighborhoods (CNYCN), the New York State Division of Housing Community Renewal (DHCR) and our Neighborhood partners: Erasmus Neighborhood Federation (ENF) & Flatbush Development Corporation (FDC) to combat foreclosure in our service area. We are also providing home improvement loans and grants to Brooklyn residents.

Homeownership Services

Our plan reflects the continued need in the community for programs and services to address the needs of future and existing homeowners. Despite the state of the economy, there is still a demand for various first time homebuyer programs. Essential to our plan is the marketing of cooperative and multifamily properties within Brooklyn. The plan calls for the sale of over 125 units for a total of over $21.5 million in investments. We will focus on aggressive marketing strategies to sell these units, created by reputable developers and supported by New York City and New York State, to responsible homebuyers and will incorporate required homebuyer/landlord education.