Housing Solutions for the Southwest Inc.

“Form 990 is presented to the board of directors in detail who then approve the form 990 prior to filing it with the irs.”

“All employees and board members are presented with the conflict of interest policy when joining the organization. Whenever a new project or grant is started disclosures concerning conflict of interest are signed.”

“The board of directors is responsible for hiring the executive director. The board interviews qualified individuals for the position; upon agreement from the board members an individual is decided upon; the executive director's salary is determined based on the individual's prior experience and industry salary standards.”

“The executive director is responsible for hiring all employees. The executive director interviews qualified individuals for the position and decides who to extend an offer of employment; the employee's salary is determined based on the individual's prior experience and industry salary standards.”

“The organization's form 990 is available on www.guidestar.org and upon request.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available upon request.”

“The mission of housing solutions for the southwest is to lead the way in providing help, hope, and a seamless system of affordable housing services to our communities in southwest colorado. Housing solutions for the southwest is regarded by our peer agencies, financial supporters and clients as the premier provider of: - new housing developments - homebuyer education - housing counseling - emergency homeless prevention - transitional housing - homeowner rehabilitation - rental assistance - weatherization support to the economically disadvantaged in western colorado”

“Program which helps families and individuals in emergency situations. The assistance can pay for late rent/utilities, car repair and/or insurance, child care or other emergency needs. The goal is to help a family maintain self-sufficiency. Recipients also receive mandatory counseling to help with budgeting, affordable housing search assistance and other needs. Some of the funding sources allow for longer term rental assistance and counseling. Reverse mortgage counseling: seniors wanting to use the equity in their home to either eliminate their mortgage payment or as a means to increase their income are required to have a certificate from a third party counseling agency (hud approved) in order to obtain a home equity conversion mortgage (hecm). We are the only counseling agency in the region offering this counseling service.”

“Transitional housing program specifically to provide comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Housing solutions collaborates with local agencies that provide services and short-term shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault on this program. Also, housing solutions counsels participants and assist with rental assistance and other supportive services. Housing solutions collaborates with the volunteers of america on a short-term housing assistance program, specifically for victims of crime.”

“Housing voucher management: this program is designed for families and individuals to pay 30% of their income toward rent and utilities. Preferences for most of the vouchers include people with a disability, experiencing homelessness or victims of domestic violence. This program is an ongoing assistance designed to work with families until 30% of their income is equal to or less than their monthly rent and utilities. Housing solutions also manages housing vouchers for homeless veterans, youth transitioning from foster care and vouchers for family reunification. Crisis intervention program: the crisis intervention program provides emergency repair or replacement for heating system failures to limited-income residents of colorado. Heating system failures can be extremely dangerous and this program can be life-saving in certain situations. Affordable housing and development: housing solutions is involved in building and developing affordable housing through tax credit projects, foundation partnerships, governmental partnerships, private partnerships and other collaborations. Housing solutions was the non-profit partner that built 61 single family homes in a subdivision called southwest horizon ranch in 1981. Housing solutions exercised the right of first refusal and purchased the property this year and began managing the property as well. The property rents to people with incomes in the 40% to 60% of area median incomes and accepts people with vouchers. Housing solutions also built and manages a 19 unit apartment building for seniors at socorro senior living center. The agency also owns and operates homeward bound, a 5 unit affordable housing apartment operating under the transitional housing model in collaboration with the city of durango which owns the property. The agency partnered with habitat for humanity to provide land and financing for land for habitat to build affordable housing. Also, the agency owns several vacant parcels on which affordable housing opportunities are being explored.”