Guidewell Financial Solutions (also known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware, Inc.) has begun helping Baltimore City residents gain financial skills and prepare for homeownership. The nonprofit agency recently opened a West Baltimore branch located in the Connexion Point Church at 3816 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229. It also plans to hold homeownership workshops the third Saturday of each month.
Guidewell Financial President and CEO Helene Raynaud says, “We welcome this opportunity to financially inform and empower Baltimore City residents. We have been a part of the Baltimore area landscape for more than 50 years. This new endeavor will allow us to reach City residents where they live. We are delighted to play a part in the neighborhood and to provide these clients with a path forward.”
Guidewell Financial recently became one of the Baltimore Housing, Office of Homeownership’s approved agencies. This will allow the nonprofit to issue homeownership certificates to consumers who are interested in purchasing homes in Baltimore City. These certificates are required for buyers to apply to participate in homeownership incentive programs offered by Baltimore City and Maryland State.
To qualify for either homeownership certificate, buyers must first complete the eHome America online course or a Baltimore City homeownership workshop. They need to then schedule and attend a one-on-one follow up counseling session at an approved Baltimore City agency. Guidewell Financial’s counseling sessions take place at the new Edmondson Avenue branch.
Community Relations Manager Chesca Stein says, “The workshop and follow-up session will inform you about the home buying process, and the certificates enable you to apply for settlement assistance from the city and to the State's Maryland Mortgage Program. Qualified buyers who receive both certificates may be able to combine these programs. Your counselor will guide you in considering your options.”
The agency’s first Baltimore City homeownership workshop will take place on Saturday, March 25, from 10 AM – 4 PM, at the Nate Tatum Community Center. The Center is located at 2001 Barclay Street, Baltimore, MD, which can be reached by car or bus. Workshops are currently free of charge thanks to a grant the agency received.
The eHome America online course and homeownership workshops are structured to provide enrollees with a clear understanding of the home buying process. Stein says, “Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments most of us will ever make, and there are lots of moving parts. We want participants to understand how everything works and be able to make informed decisions. For this reason, we cover the four C’s –credit, capacity, capital, and collateral. Buyers learn how to prepare financially, obtain and review their credit reports, apply for financing, survive closing, and much, much more.”
When Baltimore resident Jermilla Burnside heard about the homeownership workshops at a recent community outreach event, she immediately signed up to take part. She says, “I have wanted to have my own home for some time, so this is just what I need. The presenters from Guidewell Financial gave us useful information and really seemed like they wanted to help. I look forward to learning more about how to manage my money and what I should and shouldn’t do, so I’m better prepared to buy and own.”
Baltimore City residents who wish to attend Guidewell Financial’s March 25 homeownership workshop can register here or call Stein at 443-514-0609. To make a financial or housing counseling appointment, consumers can call 1-800-642-2227 or visit the agency website.
About Guidewell Financial Solutions
Guidewell Financial Solutions (also known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware, Inc.) is an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that helps stabilize communities by creating hope and promoting economic self-sufficiency to individuals and families through financial education and counseling. Maryland License #14-01 / Delaware License #07-01
