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PATHWorks Newsletter: January 2025
New Leadership - Success Stories - Employment - Finances - Asset Building - Housing Works Updates - Resources
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HOUSING WORKS WELCOMES NEW LEADERSHIP | |
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Housing Works Welcomes New Executive Director
Lynne McConnell
Housing Works is excited to announce that Lynne McConnell has officially joined the organization as Executive Director, starting early December 2024. McConnell, formerly the Housing Director for the City of Bend since 2017, took over from David Brandt, whose last day as Executive Director was December 6th. Brandt retired after six years of leadership during which Housing Works experienced significant growth and development.
Housing Works, the largest provider of affordable housing in Central Oregon, manages more than 2,000 units in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties. McConnell's diverse experience in housing and community services makes her an ideal fit for leading this organization. Prior to her role with the City of Bend, she was the Deputy Director of Community Services for NeighborImpact and has also led multiple nonprofits in Alaska. Her legal background includes serving as a staff attorney for Legal Aid, and she holds a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon.
“Working for the City has been wonderful, and I’ve been successful there, and I’m proud of that,” McConnell said, “but Housing Works is a really interesting organization that I have partnered with on many initiatives. It was a place and a position I felt called to.”
Laura Craska Cooper, Housing Works’ board chair, praised McConnell’s qualifications. “Lynne brings extensive knowledge of the development landscape and an understanding of Central Oregon’s unique challenges. She also brings experience in building a team and managing a complex organization. She shares our passion for our mission: Fostering dignity through housing. Housing Works has very high standards, and the board is confident she will maintain them.”
The board also expressed gratitude to David Brandt for his years of service. Cooper thanked departing Executive Director David Brandt for his contributions. “David drove significant growth in the Housing Works portfolio, adding several beautiful and significant new properties to the region,” Cooper said. “We wish him well on his ‘re-retirement’.”
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Housing Works Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer
Marat Saks
Housing Works is excited to welcome Marat Saks as our new Chief Financial Officer. Marat succeeds Geoff Wall, whose legacy of advocacy and financial stewardship has shaped Housing Works’ reputation for over a decade. With a shared commitment to financial excellence and a mission-driven approach, Marat is well positioned to lead Housing Works into the future.
Before joining Housing Works, Marat was the CFO for manufacturing startups in Seattle, Washington, and Bozeman, Montana. He also has extensive experience as a forensic accountant working previously with two national consulting firms, and as a CPA with a New York-based firm. Marat holds a law degree from Fordham University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the College of Staten Island (CUNY).
Marat’s unique skills and passion for community service make him the perfect fit for Housing Works. With his strong financial leadership, our affordable housing portfolio and the Housing Choice Voucher program are in more than capable hands.
Welcome aboard, Marat!
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Celebrating Two of Our Participants' Recent Home Purchases!
Two of our PATHWorks particpants recently closed on their first homes! Read about their stories below.
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Andrea's life took an unexpected turn when she found herself divorced and living with her two children in a room in her parents' home in the beginning of 2020. Her luck turned around when she got approved for an affordable apartment home and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance program within the same week a short time later. This marked the beginning of a new chapter as she moved into her own space, providing a fresh start for her and her children.
Eager to secure a brighter future, Andrea joined the PATHWorks program in April 2021. With a clear vision for her future, she set out to increase her income, decrease debt, increase savings, and prepare for homeownership. Andrea accomplished all these goals and much more!
Andrea's employment journey was marked by persistence and flexibility. Initially, she worked part-time in the medical field as a front desk receptionist but knew she needed more income to reach her long-term goals. A few months later, she secured a bookkeeping position with a property management company, which offered better pay. While this role wasn't her ultimate dream job, it was a crucial step forward. She furthered her education by enrolling in online bookkeeping courses and earning certification.
Throughout her time in the PATHWorks program, Andrea improved her financial skills. She completed FDIC MoneySmart Financial Education, developed a budget, and created a debt payoff plan. Andrea enrolled in and made consistent deposits through the VIDA matched savings program, demonstrating her commitment to building a stable financial future.
Despite her progress, Andrea faced setbacks, including being denied the opportunity to purchase a home when she applied the first couple of times. But instead of letting the rejections discourage her, she used the feedback she received to improve her financial standing. By using funds from her VIDA savings and FSS Escrow, Andrea was able to reduce her debt significantly. Her persistence in overcoming financial challenges was key to keeping her dream of homeownership alive.
In September 2023, after two years of striving to earn enough to qualify for homeownership, Andrea made a bold move and switched careers. She found a job she truly loves as a dental assistant! In her new role, Andrea is earning a higher income while receiving on-the-job training and working toward becoming a Certified Dental Assistant—a milestone that could lead to a well-deserved raise. This career shift has also allowed her to achieve a better balance between work, family responsibilities, and her personal goals.
With her new income, debt decreased, money in her savings, and a high enough credit score, Andrea reapplied to Habitat for Humanity and was thrilled to be accepted! Andrea's stable financial position allowed her to released her HCV rental assistance. In October 2024, Andrea became a proud homeowner, a dream she once thought was beyond reach.
"I faced setbacks, but I never gave up," Andrea reflected. "I knew owning a home would provide stability for my family. I'm grateful for the support and guidance throughout my journey."
Andrea’s success extends beyond just buying a home. She has found a career that excites her and allows her to support her family. Her children now thrive in their new home, surrounded by love and stability.
Andrea's story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance, resilience, and a clear vision for the future. Her journey from adversity to homeownership is an inspiration, proving that with determination, dreams can become reality.
Please join us in celebrating Andrea’s incredible achievement and wishing her continued success on her journey.
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Megan’s journey with Housing Works began when she received a project-based voucher for Moonlight Townhomes in Bend. As a single mother of three and a small business owner running a cleaning service, life was anything but easy. Securing affordable housing gave Megan the stability she needed to focus on her future. With this foundation, she could finally start dreaming of bigger goals—improving her finances, growing her business, and one day, becoming a homeowner.
By June 2022, with her two older children living independently, it was just Megan and her 14-year-old son at home. She was concerned about her housing situation due to the change in her family size, but with the help of her Housing Works specialist, she navigated the challenges and was able to stay in her unit. This provided the steady home base Megan needed to launch into the next chapter of her journey.
At the time, Megan had strong credit but hadn’t yet built up savings. She opened a new personal savings account and started saving regularly. She wanted to buy a new vehicle for her business, but homeownership was always at the forefront of her mind. In October 2022, Megan applied and was accepted into the VIDA matched savings program, setting a goal to save $1,200 and receive a $6,000 match for her vehicle purchase. She diligently researched loan rates and insurance costs to make sure her vehicle would fit within her budget, aiming to buy the car in spring 2023. She completed her financial and asset training for the VIDA program and was ready to go.
Her cleaning business was thriving, landing a commercial account, but even with that success, the vehicle purchase still didn’t quite fit into her budget. Determined to move forward, Megan decided to increase her VIDA savings goal to $2,000, giving her the chance to receive $10,000 in matched savings. Little did she know, this decision would ultimately shift her path toward homeownership.
Life threw her a curveball when she discovered her VIDA account had been garnished for $1,351 due to a nearly 10-year-old debt. It was a setback, but Megan was undeterred. She stayed in the program, focusing on reaching her savings goal by November 2024. Around this time, new opportunities for affordable homeownership with RootedHomes, Habitat, and Thistle & Nest were becoming available. Megan met with a lender, initially thinking about how a car payment would affect her homebuying prospects. That’s when she realized her vehicle could wait—her priority now was owning a home.
In June 2024, Megan’s determination paid off. She was selected to purchase a home with Thistle & Nest! The process moved quickly, and Megan made the decision to forego the car purchase and instead use her $12,000 in VIDA funds for her closing costs. She amended her VIDA goal, completed homeownership training, and was pre-approved for a loan with Umpqua Bank. With additional down payment assistance from the City of Bend and Home$tart funds, Megan was able to close on her new home in October 2024!
Megan’s journey is a testament to resilience, persistence, and the power of staying focused on your dreams. Congratulations, Megan—homeowner and business owner, all while providing a stable future for her family!
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Is the PATHWorks program for you?
Check out Housing Works PATHWorks video: Stories of Transformation
See how this voluntary program available to Housing Choice Voucher holders can support you to achieve your goals!
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Understanding Employee Benefits:
It's More Than Just a Paycheck
When considering a job offer, the focus often centers on salary, but employee benefits play an equally important role in your financial well-being. Health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave can make a significant difference in your long-term stability. Here’s why it’s essential to fully understand the benefits package offered by your employer and how it impacts your overall financial picture.
Health Insurance: A Vital Asset
One of the most valuable benefits employers offer is health insurance. If you’re not paying for healthcare out of pocket, this is essentially part of your salary. Imagine how much you’d have to spend on doctor’s visits, prescriptions, or emergencies without it. However, if you qualify for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other state programs, accepting employer-provided insurance may change your eligibility. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons. Will you get better coverage? Will your out-of-pocket costs increase? Talk to your HR department to understand how these benefits fit your situation.
Retirement Plans: Don’t Miss Out on Free Money
If your employer offers a retirement of 401(k) plan with matching contributions, the match is essentially free money. For every dollar you contribute, your employer may match a percentage of it, helping you grow your retirement savings faster. Yet, many people don’t fully take advantage of these plans because they’re unsure of how they work and how it fits in their budget. Don’t just sign the paperwork without understanding it—ask questions! How much should you contribute to get the maximum match? What are the investment options? It’s worth taking the time to learn how these benefits can significantly impact your future.
Paid Leave: Time for Health and Balance
Paid leave, whether for vacation, sick days, or parental leave, is often overlooked as part of your total compensation. This time away from work allows you to recharge, take care of yourself, or handle personal matters without the stress of losing income. If your job offers paid leave, make sure to use it wisely. Check your company’s policies to see what’s available and how you can plan your time off in advance.
Understand What’s Available: Ask the Right Questions
Employers often offer more benefits than you might initially realize. From dental and vision insurance to life insurance and tuition reimbursement, many perks go unnoticed if you don’t ask. When reviewing a job offer or during open enrollment, take the time to thoroughly read through your benefits package. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your HR department for clarification—knowing exactly what you have access to can help you make informed decisions. Understanding your benefits can give you peace of mind and set you on a path toward greater financial stability.
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File Your 2024 Taxes for FREE
Tax season is here! If you want to file your taxes for free on your own, there are several websites available online. On the IRS website, Free File is a program for taxpayers who earn $79,000 or less. Taxpayers who earned more than $79,000 and are comfortable preparing their own returns, can use Free File Fillable Forms.
Tax preparation assistance
Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through a number of trusted programs. Click here or call 2-1-1 to find a trusted free tax preparation program near you.
Tax Credits
While filing your taxes this year, don't forget to take advantage and claim the tax credits you qualify for. Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service offer many tax credits for low- to moderate-income families. Some of these tax credits include:
Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By using free resources and exploring available tax credits, you can maximize your refund and keep more of your hard-earned money. Take the time to file accurately and claim the credits you qualify for—it could mean a significant financial boost for you and your family. Start early, stay informed, and make this tax season work in your favor!
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Maximize Your Tax Return by Using Your Refund for Wealth Building
If you’re expecting a refund this year from your tax return, it’s the perfect opportunity to take control of your finances and build long-term financial security. Instead of falling into the familiar cycle of “catch-up and spend,” why not break the loop and use your refund to create lasting benefits for you and your family?
Here are a few strategies to maximize your tax refund:
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Catch Up on Bills: Behind on payments? Using your refund to get current can help reduce stress and improve your credit score.
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Build an Emergency Fund: Start or grow an emergency savings account to prepare for unexpected expenses.
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Pay Off Debt: Eliminate high-interest debt or tackle collections accounts to free up more of your monthly income.
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Invest in Needs, Not Wants: Needs are things that are necessary for survival — think food and shelter. Wants are things you decide to buy, but don’t actually need — think subscription services and new clothes.
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Grow Your Wealth: Consider contributing to a retirement account or exploring low-risk investments to grow your money over time.
By using your refund responsibly, you can create both short-term stability and long-term financial freedom.
Avoid Costly Refund Advance Loans
Tempted to get your refund faster with a refund advance or refund anticipation loan? Think twice. These products can cost you hundreds of dollars in fees. File your taxes early instead, and keep all of your refund. It’s your money—don’t give it away!
This tax season, make the most of your refund. Use it to pay down debt, boost your savings, or invest in your future. A little planning now can lead to big rewards later!
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Housing Works Locations and Hours | |
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Redmond Main Office
405 SW 6th Street
Redmond, OR 97756
Phone) 541-923-1018
Fax) 541-923-6441
Text) 541-286-5562
Business Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed Friday
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Bend Satellite Office
2017 NE Full Moon Dr. Suite #100
Bend, OR 97701
Phone) 458-281-0813
Fax) 458-281-0815
Text) 541-286-5562
Business Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Monday & Friday
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Exterior doors will be locked outside of these hours. A drop box is conveniently placed on the front of each building for easy access, should you need to turn in paperwork after hours.
*Appointments with Housing Specialist are by appointment only.
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33 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing Opening Soon:
Cleveland Commons
Housing Works is the developer of Cleveland Commons, a 33-unit permanent supportive housing community in SE Bend. The community is centrally located, just a block off the 3rd Street corridor, within walking distance of public transportation, groceries, pharmacy, and other amenities. The 3-story building includes 24 studios and 9 one-bedroom apartments with over 3,000 square feet of community and office space for the provision of services from our partner agencies. The building is designed to meet Earth Advantage platinum standard (the highest standard available) and will include a bevy of energy efficient systems in addition to a 38 KW solar array on the roof.
Cleveland Commons includes a broad spectrum of supportive services to help serve medically vulnerable and chronically homeless in our region. Housing Works selected Shepherd’s House Ministries to manage the day-to-day operations with additional support from partners such as FUSE, Homeless Leadership Coalition, and Deschutes County Behavioral Health (all organizations support chronically homeless community members). Shepherd’s House will provide intensive onsite services and 24/7 presence on the property to serve the diverse needs of the residents.
Cleveland Commons was supported by funds from Deschutes County, Oregon Housing and Community Services, and the City of Bend. The development was designed by Pinnacle Architecture/Morrison Maierle engineering team, and constructed by local general contractor R&H Construction Co. Referrals for tenancy will be submitted through Central Oregon’s Coordinated Entry System.
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Housing Choice Voucher
Waiting List Opening
Do you need help paying your rent? Then apply to the Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List!
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Waiting List will open:
Monday, January 13th, 2025 (8 am)
through
Friday, January 17th, 2025 (5 pm)
Applicants must apply online at:
www.housing-works.org
The time you apply during the week does not impact your position on the waiting list. All applications taken during the open period will be randomized by a computer and placed on the waiting list to give all applicants an equal chance. You can check your position on the waiting list at the end of January here.
Who is Housing Works and what is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
Housing Works administers a federal contract with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide rental assistance (Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers) to lower-income households in Central Oregon. We currently assist over 1,400 families and individuals on a monthly basis through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Learn more about participating in the voucher program here.
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Security Deposit Assistance Available!
Rental security deposit assistance loans are available to Housing Choice Voucher holders and residents moving into Housing Works-owned properties managed by EPIC Property Management ONLY on a first-come, first-served basis when funding is available. These funds help individuals and families remove barriers to accessing safe affordable housing once they are selected for a rental home.
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