f a m i l y h o u s i n g a d v i s o r y s e r v i c e s

2011 Annual Report

Stabilizin

g families

one ho

usehold

at a t

ime...

Our mission is to improve

the quality of life by

helping people achieve

housing and financial

stability through

education and advocacy.

About Us

ED Message

Board of Directors

Programs & Services

Client Testimonial

Embracing Community

Our Financials

Our Supporters

Meet our Staff

F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 3

About UsFamily Housing Advisory Services, Inc. was chartered as a non-profit corporation by the State of Nebraska in 1968 as the Urban League Housing Foundation, Inc. FHAS was founded to improve opportunities for low-income families to purchase homes in Omaha. During 1971, the Articles of Incorporation were amended to permit the purchase and rehabilitation of housing, and resale or rental, as appropriate. The Articles also permitted FHAS to provide continued social services to assist low-income purchasers to achieve and sustain homeownership, and to enter into other activities which assist in stabilizing neighborhoods where rehabilitated housing is located. It was also during this time that the Urban League Housing Foundation, Inc. became the Urban Housing Foundation, Inc.

The work experience of conducting a rehabilitation program centered on the resale of rehabilitated dwellings to low-income purchasers had rapidly illus-trated the parallel need to “rehabilitate” the families as well, since the socioeco-nomic problems many face do not end with the purchase of a new home. FHAS applied for and received certification as a Comprehensive Housing Counseling Agency from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on April 14, 1970. This certification increased FHAS’s ability to offer potential low and middle- income purchasers consumer information and assistance with home management, maintenance, budget and debt management following occupancy of their new home.

In early 1973, FHAS phased-out the rehabilitation program as a result of growing suspension of the HUD housing subsidy programs. At the program’s conclusion, units with a total market value of approximately $1,711,000, had been rehabilitated and sold. FHAS continued to provide the only Housing Consumer Education and Information Program in Omaha for low to middle-income families.

It was in 1991 that Urban Housing Founda-tion, Inc. became Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. The nineteen-nineties provided for significant growth and expansion for FHAS services. Between 1992 and 1994 the Fair Housing Center, Metro Mediation Center, and the Project Jericho Mobility Program were developed to answer specific needs of the community. 1999 brought new changes to FHAS as the Mediation Center was established as an independent non-profit, and Project Jericho, exceeding

its original service period, was concluded. The Fair Housing Center, in addition to the HomeSearch and Homeownership Programs, continue to accomplish FHAS’s mission of helping people secure and maintain decent, safe, and affordable

housing . Through Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc., recognizing the distinct dynamics of the South Omaha commu-nity, increased outreach in 1996 through a satellite office staffed with a bilingual counselor at 36th and Q Street. FHAS further expanded outreach in the metropolitan area through a branch office in Council Bluffs. In 2003, FHAS took this model of outreach and collaboration a step higher and formed a strategic alliance with one other excellent nonprofit agency,

Omaha 100, Inc. With this alliance, the services are expanded and enhanced through mortgage financing. Together we are increasing affordable housing opportunities for all.

“Our mission and purpose are a true measure of our most

valuable asset of all – people.”

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Dear FriendsThe current economic times have resulted in a heightened demand on FHAS services. While service levels may remain consistent, service needs have substantially increased. Today, more clients have a complexity of circumstances that may include jobless-ness, imminent threat of eviction or foreclosure, or seemingly insurmountable financial issues. These issues have made our mission more critical than ever, “improving quality of life by helping people achieve housing and financial stability through education and advocacy.”

FHAS offers an interdepartmental multi-dimensional approach to addressing client issues that may invoke the need for homeless-ness prevention, home ownership counseling, mortgage lending (through subsidiary Omaha 100, Inc.), foreclosure prevention, financial literacy, budgeting, saving and credit repair, fair housing and/or volunteer income tax preparation.

Over our 44 years, FHAS has educated over 10,000 renters, preventing homelessness for over 7,000, and providing over $960,000 in rent and utility assistance. We have educated over 5,000 prospective homebuyers, with over 1,400 home purchases, over 900 mortgages (through subsidiary Omaha 100, Inc), and over 240 foreclosures avoided. From 2008-2011 alone, we performed 891 fair housing reviews, were granted 305 reasonable accommodations, and received $426,354 in relief for our clients. We have provided budgeting, credit repair and income tax assistance for thousands. In addition, we have administered over $300,000 in matched savings funds for adults and foster care youth who purchase wealth-building assets.

We look forward to continuing this essential work to build strong and stable households and communities!

Teresa Coleman Hunter, MPA, JDExecutive Director/ CEO

We value collaborations that

share our commitment to

help people succeed. Working

together we can go beyond

what has been done in the past

and find unconventional ways

to deliver and expand our

client success.

F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 5

Ernest WhiteBoard ChairAmerican National Bank

Ben KlockeVice-PresidentBaird Holm Law Firm

Ed KentchSecretary First National Bank

Cecelia CreightonTreasurerCouncil Bluffs Community Health Center

Members

Bennie BrightmanCommunity Volunteer

Kirk Brumbaugh

Brumbaugh & Quandahl, LLO, P.C

Tamra MadsenCity of Council Bluffs

Sister Marilyn RossHoly Name Housing Corporation

Liliana ShannonLegal Aid of Nebraska

2011 Board of Directors & Executive Committee

Homebuyer Education

& Finance

Tenant Services Earned

Income Tax Credit

Fair HousingFinancial Fitness

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FHAS is committed to empowering first-time homebuyers with information that will help them make responsible financial decisions as they prepare for homeownership. To help deliver on this commitment, FHAS offers homebuyer education courses free-of-charge to prospective homebuyers and FHAS loan applicants. Our homebuyer courses provide instruction on the financial and practical steps of buying and maintaining a home.

2011 Highlights:

* 170 educated about homeownership* 93 clients purchased homes* 23 individuals avoided foreclosure

Consumers receive education about the importance of savings, the effects of credit on everyday life, and building assets to achieve financial security. Consumers also received education on predatory lending in regards to credit cards, payday cash advance companies, and car and mortgage loans.

Programs and Services2011 Community Impact Report (click here to read full report)

In 2011 FHAS served

over 10,866 individuals

and 7,870 households

annually through its

programs and services

Homebuyer Education

Financial Fitness

F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 7

2011 Highlights:

* 425 educated in asset management* 27 participated in the State IDA program* 39 asset purchases were made to date (30 homes, 4 business, 5 post-secondary education)

The Tenant Services Program helps families who are homeless or near homeless. The Homesearch Program helps homeless individuals and families locate perma-nent housing and move toward self-sufficiency.

The Prevention Program helps individuals maintain current housing or seek other housing options to prevent homelessness. FHAS effectively addresses the challenge of homelessness, working directly with homeless persons and local shelters, providing assessment, case management, budget counseling, housing rental and subsidy information to move homeless persons from hopelessness and despair to permanent housing and greater self-determination.

2011 Highlights:

* 3, 882 clients served* 2,041 children served* 60% had an annual income less than $10k.* 1,234 prevented homelessness* 428,125 in rent and utility assistance dispursed

The Omaha EITC Coalition released a new report on the role long-term unemploy-ment plays in the economic shift after the recent recession in what economists are calling the “Knowledge Economy.” The report details how unemployment has affected the 9% of low to middle

income customers of the Coalition as well as highlights policy and program recommendations that would better prepare workers for the new economy. Featured programs in the report are the vocational programs at Metropolitan Community College, the Customer Connect program at Goodwill, and a Bridge Program between the Center for People in Need and Southeast Community College in Lincoln.

2011 Highlights:

* 4,398 tax returns prepared* 8 million dollars invested back into the community.

The Fair Housing Center helps fight housing discrimination across Nebraska and in Western Iowa. Fair Housing is the right to buy, rent, insure, or live in housing

under the same terms and conditions as everyone else without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Housing discrimina-tion is against the law.

The Center ensures equal access to housing for all through education and outreach, investigation of fair housing complaints, and direct assistance to ensure compliance.

2011 Highlights:

* 1,975 individuals served* 202 complaints investigated* 99 fair housing tests conducted

* 1,072 workshop attendees

Omaha 100 (Metro 100 in Council Bluffs) provides affordable housing financing to low-to-moderate income individuals who qualify for affordable financing options, down-payment assistance, and soft-second mortgages to make their dream of home ownership more affordable and attainable.

2011 Highlights:

* 30 New home mortgage loans (first, second and third)* 1.8 million in loan production* 951 loans since inception

Tenant Services

Fair Housing

Homeowner Finance

Our clients receive budgeting

and financial literacy education

throughout agency programs

Earned Income

Tax Credit (EITC)

8 | F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Client Testimonial:Ambe White

I moved here from Lawrence, KS, and got into the credit-debt loop hole in college when a credit card was offered to me (this is now illegal for creditors to do). I took full advantage of these credit card offers, and misman-aged them which led to my debt problem. Because I attended college on a full-ride scholarship, it did not seem as impactful to me as it might have with others. I later married/divorced and learned that credit in her former husband’s name was affecting her money and credit. I was able to file for bankruptcy, still not really understanding or dealing with implications of negative and over-extension of credit, I carried forward with bad credit behaviors. Even though she was in bankruptcy, a creditor allowed me to purchase a vehicle, so the implications really had no meaning for me.

It wasn’t until my daughter (being a math-wiz) brought to my attention the enormous amount of money she was spending. I had thoughts of someday owning a home, but being a renter, instead of a homeowner, and with the various interest rates I was paying on all the credit cards I had, it was not likely. My daughter made me realize the benefit of spending the money toward something longer lasting than renting a place to live. My daughter calculated that I was spending

over $9,000/year just for rent and had nothing to call my own for this. I could spend that amount or less and actually own something!

This is when I began to seek out FHAS for counseling and education. Working with Neil Vacek was great; he really showed care, explained things and followed up with me to make sure I stayed focused. With the knowl-edge gained from the Homebuyer Education class, she was able to clean up my credit over 100 points, get a mortgage loan from US Bank and purchase a home. I have been in my home for three years now. Now I’m preparing to purchase a new vehicle.

(click here to view video)

Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential!

F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 9

While overseas my marriage fell apart. I found myself stranded with four children. We made it back to Omaha with what seemed like problems that couldn’t be solved. The one main problem was housing. This is where FHAS stepped in and was helpful and supportive every step of the way. Because of their guidance, knowledge and encouragement, I found a beautiful four-bedroom house in West Omaha and well below fair market rent. I thank God everyday for the help we received from you and your staff. Please know that I am a very satisfied former homeless person who couldn’t say that today if it weren’t for your staff. Catharine

You helped my family in our most stressful and finan-cially difficult time. We were referred by Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Had it not been for your help and understanding, we could have easily lost our home. During the time of our repayment schedule, I received supportive calls from FHAS. My family is finally back on its feet again after a very scary work-related layoff. Our thank-you is to let you know what a difference FHAS made for our lives. Thank you for all of your time and understanding. Sue

The HomeOwnership Workshop provided three days (12 full hours) of valuable information on the entire home buying process, showing me how to educate myself and shop for the right mortgage, inspections and insurance. Your guest speakers were excellent in showing us how to negotiate with lenders and real estate agents. As a result of your class, I’ve also developed great budgeting skills! Thank you so much! I recommend FHAS Home ownership course to anyone who is serious, or if I hear of someone who’s shopping for a home. Cynthia

Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential!

1 0 | F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Embracing Community

The Omaha EITC Coalition (Earned Income Tax Credit) released a new report today on the impact of long-term unemploy-ment and the role it plays in the economic shirt that they and economists call the “knowledge economy”. Laurel Sariscsany compiled the report “The Poor We Will Always Have: A look at the new knowl-edge based economy and its effect on low to middle income individuals”. The “knowledge economy” is using knowledge to produce economic benefits. She used data collected by the Omaha EITC Coali-tion in this report that shows the impact unemployment has on individuals and communities.

The Coalition feels policy changes are necessary to support individuals affected by this new economy and they suggest

extending unemployment benefits for those experiencing long-term unemploy-ment. They also would like to see expan-sion of asset limits in public benefits programs to allow for more educational opportunities.

The Friend of FHAS Breakfast it a quarterly community networking event that provides attendees with in depth information about Family Housing Advisory Services and Omaha 100, inc.

Topics range from homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, asset manage-ment, tax assistance, homeowner finance, tenant services and fair housing.

Tax Assistance

Friends of FHAS

F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 1 1

Family Housing Advisory Services (FHAS) held its third annual “Surviving in Today’s Economy” Conference and Community Difference Maker Awards Luncheon on July 18th at the Downtown Hilton Omaha. There were over 300 attendees. Wally and Barbara Weitz (Weitz Family Foundation were recognized as the 2011 Community Difference Maker Award Recipient. Tom Hoenig, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City branch, President was the keynote speaker.

Special guests included: Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, and Nebraska Field Office Director (HUD), The workshops raised awareness of finances, foreclosures, dealing with debt, fair housing, small businesses, personal growth and savings strategies.

Event sponsors were: Brumbaugh and Quandahl, P.C., L.L.O.; Nebraska Investment Finance Authority; Barnhart Press; Omaha Public Power District; Davis Companies; US Bank; and Egermier Wealth Manage-ment Group and Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City-Omaha Branch hosted the luncheon.

The keynote speaker for the event was Allen E. Peterson (a former partner and administrative partner with the Lincoln and Omaha Based firm of Cline, Williams, Wright, Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. Event Chairs are Mike and Anne Boyle and Emcee was Michael Lyon from NPR radio.

The Fair Housing Center will also be honoring Creighton University Legal Clinic and Scott P. Moore, attorney with Baird Holm Law Firm.

Guests enjoyed a wide selection of wines provided by local suppliers, as well as a delicious food.

The Opportunity Passport Program is a collaboration between Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and Family Housing Advisory Services. Youth who participate in the program are provided with Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) which is another resource available for the youth as part of the Opportunity Passport™ initiative.

“Surviving in Today’s Economy Conference”

“A Toast to Fair Housing”

3rd Annual

“Surviving in Today’s

Economy” Conference

A Toast to Fair Housing

Opportunity Passport

Foster Care Youth

(IDA) Program

1 2 | F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Omaha 100, Inc. staff

conducts a homeowner

finance workshop

F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 1 3

JANUARY 1, 2011 - DECEMBER 31, 2011 Revenue - $2,707,000 44% Government Grants and Contracts 18% Grants & Foundations - Corporate & Non-Corporate 17% Contracts Corporate & Related Organizations 16% Public support including United Way 4% Lake Point Facility Expenses – $2,760,000 34% Tenant Services 15% Fair Housing 9% Homeownership 7% Administration & Fundraising 10% Homeowner Finance 14% Financial Literacy 6% Lake Point Facility 5% Earned Income Tax Coalition

Summary 87% Program Services 7% Administration & Fundraising 6% Lake Point Facility

*information based on unaudited financials

Our Financials

Caucasian 44%African American 36%Hispanic 13%Asian 3%Other 4%Income Below $20k 60%

Demographics

1 4 | F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Our Supporters Adah and Leon Millard FoundationAlliance Building Community Barnhart PressBennie BrightmanCarl ChristianCarla CoxCarlene LewisCarol DorseyCarol RussellCedar Rapids Civil Rights CommissionCheryl MixCity of Council BluffsCity of Omaha City SproutsConsumer Credit CounselingCountryside Community ChurchCrown TrophyCynthia L HadsellDepartment of Housing and Urban DevelopmentDisabled American Veterans Charitable TrustEastern Nebraska Community ActionEdward KentchEgermier Group Wealth Management E-FrameFederal Reserve Bank of Kansas CityFirst National BankFirst Unitarian Church of OmahaFred ConleyGary FischerGuardian RealtyGustavo FloresIowa Civil Rights Commission Iowa Finance AuthorityIowa West FoundationJames C. Semerad FoundationJeanne PattersonJill FennerJoe GarciaJohn and Wende KotoucJulia CraigLeslie SeymoreLincoln Financial Foundation Lozier FoundationLingo Docs Marketing Mammel FoundationMeya HillMichael Maroney

Michael RobinsonMichele MckiziaMichelle Hadley-McGheeMunicipal Housing AgencyMutual of Omaha FoundationMutual of Omaha Insurance CompanyNebraska AppleseedNebraska Children And Families Founda-tionNebraska Housing Developers AssociationNebraska Investment Finance AuthorityNeil VacekOmaha Community Foundation IncOmaha Housing AuthorityOmaha Public Power DistrictOmaha Public SchoolsPamela & Douglas ZbylutPatrick J O’MalleyRichard & Christy WadeRobert & Hancock CompanyRonette SteffesSabrina DovenbargerScott P MooreSeldin CompanySioux City Human Rights CommissionSokolof Foundation South Dakota Housing Development AuthorityState of NebraskaSteven PovichStop AIDS NebraskaSusan KochTeresa Hunter The Bon Ton Stores IncThe Hawks FoundationThe Sherwood FoundationThornbury WayTim ButzTimothy Riveria Truist/ Qwest United Way of the MidlandsUS Bank Weitz Family FoundationWells Fargo BankWells Fargo Foundation Wendy HarrisonWilliam & Ruth Scott FoundationWilliam Reaves

Bank of the West staff presents a check to

Ed Leahy for the Earned Income Tax Credit Program.

Community cannot

for long feed on itself;

it can only flourish

with the coming of

others from beyond,

their unknown and

undiscovered brothers.”

-Howard Thurman

F H A S 2 0 1 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 1 5

Meet our Staff

Management Team

Teresa Coleman Hunter, MPA, JDExecutive Director/CEO

Ronette SteffesDirector of Operations/CFO

Gary Fischer, JDGeneral Counsel

Donna McFaddenHomebuyer Education Director

Jerry DantzlerOmaha 100, Inc. Director

Susan KochDirector of Facilities

Deborah Dancer, MPATenant Services Director

Ed LeahyEarned Income Tax Credit Director

Joe GarciaFair Housing Center Director

Michael Robinson, M.S.Director of Marketing & Development

Administration

Michelle Hadley McGheeCompliance and Executive Assistant

Cheryl MixController

Karen GambleReceptionist

William ReavesCustodian

Homebuyer Education

Neil VacekAssistant Director

Carol DorseyHousing Counselor

Tenant Services

Jennifer GriffinProgram Coordinator

Lali MartinezAdministrative Assistant

Octavia WhiteIntake Specialist-Data Manager

Sabrina DovenbargerHousing Counselor

Stephanie CampbellHousing Counselor

Sharona ErnstHousing Counselor

Toni KelseyHousing Counselor

Robin EarlyIntake Specialist/Data Manager

Financial Fitness

Julia CraigAssistant Director

Melissa Ball SteffesBilingual Counselor

Laurel SariscsanyCase Advocate-Data Manager

Fair Housing Center

Tim ButzAssistant Director

Leslie SeymoreTesting Coordinator

Gloria RoblesBilingual Counselor

Carla CoxTesting Coordinator

Omaha 100, Inc.

Michele McKiziaAssistant Director

Carlene LewisMortgage Loan Processor

Meya HillMortgage Loan Processor

Community cannot

for long feed on itself;

it can only flourish

with the coming of

others from beyond,

their unknown and

undiscovered brothers.”

-Howard Thurman

Family Housing Advisory Services (Administrative Office)2401 Lake StreetOmaha, NE 68111Tel: 402-934-7921Fax: 402-934-7928

South Office3605 Q StreetOmaha, NE 68107Tel: 402-546-1013

Council Bluffs Office10th South 4th StreetCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503Tel: 712-322-4436Fax: 712-322-4443