If you haven't gotten involved in the Workforce Housing Opportunity program yet, you’ll want to know about the certification classes that start next week.  Click here to go to the KCRAR Education Calendar where the classes are listed on January 20, January 25, February 11 and March 4.

Earning the Workforce Housing Specialist certification is a two-step process.  The first step is completion of a CE class called “Housing for America’s Workforce – Part 1, Financing.”  It’s being offered on January 20 and again January 25. This class, taught by Sandra Goodwin, Director of Fannie Mae in Kansas City, will help you learn about the challenges for the typical family to locate financing and appropriate housing.  You’ll also learn what resources and opportunities are available in our area, including the financing programs for moderate-income families.

This class is required for the Workforce Housing Specialist certification, but anyone may attend for the education and / or CE credit.  The usual CE fee of $30 will apply.

To earn the certification, participants need to move on and take a second course called “Housing for America’s Workforce – Part II.”  It’s being offered on February 11 and March 4.  This class, conducted by the Workforce Housing Committee, will show you how to utilize www.kchomeprograms.com to stay current on the financing programs, how to market your new services to the community, and ultimately increase your ability to provide excellent service to this niche.  You must pass a test at the conclusion, and your certification will be complete for 2005 and 2006.

Members who earn the Workforce Housing Specialist certification are listed on www.kchomeprograms.com.  The cornerstone of our program is this comprehensive central-information website that indexes the many innovative programs available throughout Kansas City and the surrounding areas.  Site visitors are able to enter their desired location, income and household size in order to search for down payment assistance programs.