Read below, or click on one of the following:

Press releases:

(For the latest news and updates, please visit the Peaks Island library, or read our articles in the Island Times and Peaks Island STAR)

Home Start Increases Energy Efficiency, Seeks Qualified Applicants to Purchase 18 Luther Street for $170,000

Home Start is pleased to announce that its 18 Luther Street property will get new windows and a furnace, thanks to the continued generosity of the Peaks Island Fund. The property is also for sale for $170,000—the first homeownership opportunity on Peaks that is permanently affordable via deeded covenants.

Applications will be accepted during the month of August, which are available here and the library on Peaks. In addition to meeting Home Start’s eligibility requirements, applicants should qualify for HOMEPORT, which provides a 0% interest down payment loan of up to $30,000. Applications for HOMEPORT are at the City of Portland, or 874-8698 (Mary Davis). The following combines Home Start and HOMEPORT income guidelines:

# in Household	Income Min. – Max.
One	$25,250 - $40,500
Two	$28,950 - $46,300
Three	$32,600 - $52,100
Four	$36,300 - $57,850
Five	$39,100 - $62,500

If a qualified candidate is not found, the home will be offered to eligible tenants as a rent-to-own or year-round rental. Home Start is working with Genesis Community Loan Fund and Volunteers of America Northern New England to build two energy-efficient rental homes next to 18 Luther St.

Home Start, offering quality, affordable housing to Peaks Islanders, meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Fay Garman House kitchen. The next meeting is August 25. For more information, contact Ellen Mahoney at 776-0327 or edandellen@maine.rr.com.

###

Board of Directors meeting minutes:

(These are Microsoft Word documents--please contact us if you do not have access)

July, 2011

April, 2011

February, 2011