Every so often we like to reintroduce ourselves.
While we’ve been here in Grays Harbor since 1981 and presenting this column in The Daily World since 1999, we know new folks are always moving into town, and that some of the people who were teens when we started writing this column are now homeowners — or want to be.
Part of the reason we’re being reflective right now about our history and what we do, is that in a few weeks, we’re heading for the District of Columbia to meet with our colleagues from across the nation to discuss housing.
NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County is one of the oldest chartered organizations in the NeighborWorks America network, which now counts nearly 250 localized groups across every state and U.S. possession. The executive directors will hold their annual meeting in March in Washington, D.C., to better understand the national picture of housing issues and to share our local challenges, opportunities and best practices with one another.
The other reason for this annual trip is to join with at least 150 other directors who belong to the National NeighborWorks Alliance to visit as many senators and representatives as possible in 15-minute conversations advocating for NeighborWorks America. We share the network’s nationwide impact as well as our Washington state and local impacts on housing-related issues.
While we will soon be educating them on what we do and need, we thought it was a good time to remind Harborites what it is we can do for you.
That’s why last week we started a review of what NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor does.
REVIEWING OUR REVIEW
Basically, NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor is a nonprofit organization governed by a solid volunteer board of directors. Our mission is to help the Grays Harbor community with housing- related issues by creating affordable housing opportunities and solutions.
Although some of our services require income qualification, housing counseling is available regardless of income.
If you have a question regarding housing — from home maintenance to hiring a contractor, dealing with a landlord, building a budget or anything else — just give us a call. If we can’t help you here, we can usually point you in the right direction.
Last week we fleshed out a few of the specific things we help with, including mortgage default and home buyer assistance, as well as education and counseling.
Today we’re going to talk a bit about budgeting and money management help, and landlord/tenant relations.
BUDGET/ MONEY MANAGEMENT HELP
Because nearly everyone can use a little help sorting out monthly bills or determining how best to reach financial goals (such as savings, buying a home, paying for an education, taking a vacation, etc.), we offer budget/money management counseling.
Anyone feeling the need to get a handle on their spending or wanting to learn the skills necessary for financial stability can access this service at no charge.
The NeighborWorks counseling department is also available to make presentations to any community group that would like more information on any of our services. Just give us a call.
LANDLORD/TENANT aid
First of all, we are not attorneys; our landlord/tenant advice is intended only as a starting point to address your concerns. If we can help you maintain successful rental relationships through information directly available in the Washington State Landlord-Tenant Act, we will do so. Poor communication and failure to understand the responsibilities of and between parties creates most of the problems we hear about.
Our counselor can help both landlords and tenants better understand their rights and responsibilities based on what the Landlord-Tenant Act says, not our interpretation of it. The text of the law is available online or from our office in print form. The counselor can offer some simple advice; but if you even have an inkling that you have a legal issue, the simple advice will be to find a knowledgeable attorney. You should begin with a call to NW Justice Project’s CLEAR line (888-201-1014). You will find out if you and your case qualify for their legal help, and if there is a cost for their legal services.
RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE
While there are many well-kept rental properties in the Grays Harbor area, there are still too many units that generate ongoing owner, tenant and neighbor complaints. The city of Aberdeen will be addressing minimum housing quality standards of all rental properties in the near future that should help reduce some of the complaints and increase health and safety for tenants and even the neighborhood.
Through our daily efforts, we have been able to create quality, safe and affordable housing options, which hopefully create strong motivation for other rental properties in the area to improve.
Of our 38 rental units, 16 are rent-subsidized. The remaining homes are offered at or below fair-market rent, and located throughout both Aberdeen and Hoquiam. If you are looking for quality rental housing, be sure to check with us for our available homes.
At this writing, all our units are leased. In the near future, we will be listing any available properties for rent and for sale.
Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is executive director. This is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or buying, call 360-533-7828 or visit 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.
