This Issue: **Acquisition Housing

PG 1

** Mutual Self-Help Housing & Services

Information PG 2

** FYI, Holiday Recap, & Announcements

PG 3

** The Soul of SEICAA “THE STAFF”

PG 4

**Donation Information PG 5

Executive Director: Debra R. Hemmert

Chairman of the Board Guy Price

“ SEICAA is dedicated to strengthening individuals and communities through services, education, and training while promoting

human potential.”

NEWS!!

SEICAA Community Action

Issue:  Winter 2007/2008 

SEICAA Announces Acquisition Housing ProgramSEICAA Announces Acquisition Housing ProgramSEICAA Announces Acquisition Housing Program

S outheastern Idaho Community Action Agency, Inc. (SEICAA)

recently entered into an agreement with the City of Pocatello, Pocatello Neighborhood Housing (PNHS), and Habitat for Humanity to bring homeownership opportunities to households making 50% or below Area Median Income, as established by HUD. SEICAA’s Acquisition Housing Program will utilize funds from Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP), HOME down payment assistance, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help families get into newly constructed homes. If feasible during home construction, the Acquisition Program may utilize limited “sweat equity” by the homebuyer. Prospective homeowners work closely with SEICAA to find permanent financing, and complete required financial education courses. Houseplans are selected from those available that best fits the lot, their family needs, and their ability to repay the mortgage. Those interested, or know of someone who may be interested, may contact Shalynn Peirsol at (208)232-1114, ext. 108; or visit SEICAA at

www.seicaa.org for application information. General Program Guidelines: 1) Household cannot exceed 50% Area

Median Income as determined by HUD. 2) Must be able to legally enter into a

contract. 3) Homebuyers are required to complete a

Homebuyer’s Education Course. 4) Applicant cannot have had a Bankruptcy

in the past 24 months. 5) “Sweat Equity” may be required if

feasible.

Actual models will vary

Deb Hemmert, Malad Self-Help family, Dale Lish from USDA RD, & Kerry Pepper Picture courtesy of the Idaho Enterprise

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency inc. is a private, non-profit corporation created in 1968 to combat poverty in southeastern Idaho. SEICAA provides a network of integrated services where no eligible person is turned away. SEICAA provides and advocates for resources that empower Southeastern Idaho residents to have the skills and resources necessary to improve their quality of life and become self-sufficient. Services are provided for over 95,737 individuals throughout seven counties of southeastern Idaho. Administration: (208) 232-1114 Community Services: (208) 233– 7348 Mutual Self-Help Housing Program: (208) 232-1114 Ext 108 Community Development (Construction): (208) 232-1114 Ext 111 Senior Services: (208) 233-2878 Outreach Offices: Bannock County: (208) 232-1114 Bingham County: (208) 785-1583 Bear Lake County: (208) 847-1462 Caribou County: (208) 547-4257 Franklin County: (208) 852-1515 Oneida County: (208) 766-2737 Power County: (208) 226-7330

SEICAA “ Agency in Action” televised show informs Pocatello community!!

Stay informed: Watch Channel 12 Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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Four homeowners in SEICAA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program completed their homes in Oneida County; bringing the total homes completed in the program to twenty-four. An open house was held on January 26, 2007. Homeowners received plaques for their hard work and dedication to the program.

SEICAA Mutual Self-Help Housing Announcements

Inkom: ♦ Four homeowners are approved ♦ Three spots available ♦ Will be breaking ground in April Preston: ♦ Recruiting for nine homes in Franklin

County ♦ Anticipated construction start March 2009 Those interested in the Mutual Self-Help and Acquisition Housing Programs may contact Shalynn Peirsol at (208) 232-1114, ext. 108 or visit us on the web at www.seicaa.org for more information.

Completed home, Jan. 07

Malad MSHH kitchen Picture courtesy of the Idaho Enterprise

2008 HUD Adjusted Income Guidelines

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“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

For Your InformationFor Your InformationFor Your Information Those seniors receiving SSI must file income taxes in order to qualify for the government rebate this summer. The rebate does not effect income qualifications, such as food stamps or energy assistance. For more information, or for help with filing your taxes, contact AARP, a local Senior Center, or your accountant.

Community Services Holiday Highlights

The holidays are always a busy time of year for SEICAA. Below is a quick recap of the numerous holiday events. Bannock County: ♦ Bannock Civitan’s 6th Annual Holiday Party benefited 175

children ♦ 70 Children participated in the 15th Annual “Shop with a Cop” ♦ 15 families received assistance through the Adopt a Family

Holiday Program Bear Lake County: ♦ 45 families received toys from the Toys for Tots Program ♦ 25 families received turkeys for dinner ♦ Sherriff’s Office donated fleece blankets, pajama sets, and

personal hygiene items for distribution Bingham County: ♦ Wal-Mart and Pepsi sponsored a “Coat for Kids” drive that

provided Bingham with 80 new coats ♦ Families received assistance through “Secret Santa,” the

Children’s Community Christmas Project, and Shoe Box Christmas

♦ Team Automotive donated a car for raffle to help raise funds Franklin County: ♦ A local business donated $2000 worth of ladies clothing ♦ Elks Lodge partnered with SEICAA to deliver approximately 400

Holiday Baskets to families Oneida County: ♦ Angel Tree helped 43 children be adopted for Christmas ♦ Local business set up a box to collect new gloves, hats, toys,

and books the night of the Christmas Light Parade ♦ 5 children and local deputies participated in “Shop with a Cop”

Preparing for Fundraising Season...Preparing for Fundraising Season...Preparing for Fundraising Season... The long cold winter has finally passed and SEICAA is preparing for the fundraising season to gather funds to continue to help those needing assistance throughout the year. Committees will soon start meetings for the popular summer golf tournaments in Bannock, Bear Lake, Caribou, and Franklin Counties. Oneida County will host the Bike-a-Thon in May. Please keep your eyes and ears open for future announcements regarding SEICAA Fundraisers. If you’re interested in joining a committee for one of the golf tournaments, please feel free to contact the SEICAA Office in your community!

Inkom Mutual Self-Help Housing SEICAA Mutual Self-Help Housing is still recruiting for three more families or individuals for the Inkom build. Applicants must be qualified and ready to join the group before July in order to build in this phase. Those interested may contact Shalynn Peirsol at 208-232-1114 x 108 for more information, or find the pre-application on the Mutual Self-Help link at www.seicaa.org. Program Qualifications: ♦ Rent or own sub-standard housing ♦ Ability to enter into a binding contract ♦ No bankruptcy within last 24 months ♦ Ability to work at least 35 hours per week “sweat ♦ equity” ♦ Adequate income to cover living expenses and debt ♦ Adjusted income meets “Low-Income Guidelines” as

established by HUD

Area (max income per area)

1 Person Family

2 Person Family

3 Person Family

4 Person Family

5 Person Family

Bannock County

$28,950 $33,100 $37,200 $41,350 $44,650

Franklin County

$28,000 $32,000 $36,000 $40,000 $43,200

Introducing the team of

SEICAA

“Newbies”

SEICAA Community Action News Pg 4

SEICAA employees approximately 58 full-time employees during the year; however, SEICAA adapts to changes in demand for SEICAA Services. During the period from November to March, SEICAA adds additional help for the busy holiday, cold weather, and high energy assistance demands. This quarter’s featured employees are those newest to the agency. And the “newbies,” those who’ve worked at SEICAA for less than one year, are...

Norman Nance is a recent addition to SEICAA Housing. Norman works in housekeeping and is always busy keeping SEICAA offices and St. Anthony Place in great aesthetic shape.

Ronny Bales started at SEICAA late in the summer season. Ronny is one of several people in maintenance that help St. Anthony Place Tenants and tenants at other SEICAA owned properties in comfortable and well-functioning environments.

Martin Mast is the newest addition to the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. Martin is the Construction Supervisor for the Montpelier build group. He has worked in construction for over thirty years and has a great rapport with other staff and participants.

Judy Rickard started at SEICAA in June of 2007. Judy is a Certified Family Development Specialist that works with individuals and families to overcome barriers and eventually achieve a self-reliant lifestyle. Judy works closely with residents of SEICAA Manor on a variety of goals. She likes her job and enjoys the clients she works with. SEICAA is pleased to have such a wonderful person on staff in this special population role.

Lynette Sampson joined SEICAA in June. Fresh from the Master of Public Administration Program at ISU, she is the Community Development Coordinator. Lynette performs multiple tasks for SEICAA, including grant writing, overseeing fundraisers, marketing, and creating this quarterly publication.

Rhonda Byers started at SEICAA in July 2007. Rhonda serves as the Information and Referral Specialist. She is an important person at SEICAA, as she is often the first point of contact for the majority of people contacting the agency, either by phone or in person.

Shantay Miner joined SEICAA in November as the Date Entry Specialist. Shantay enters all applications for assistance into the computer system and reports results to the State.

Sharon Stanger is in her second season of SEICAA’s busy LIHEAP months. Sharon returned to SEICAA in November and enjoys the work. With a background working in computers, she especially likes working at SEICAA because she gets to interact with many people. Sharon brings an important mix of computer and people skills to SEICAA and we’re lucky to have her help each year.

Jenifer Beesley started working at SEICAA in December. Jenifer is a LIHEAP Clerk and provides assistance to individuals seeking energy assistance between the months of November and March.

Community Services

Mutual Self-Help Housing

Housing

Administration

Meals on Wheels

Marrietta Lester joined the Meals on Wheels Program in January as a reserve driver. She serves an important role, as the drivers are instrumental in the safety of participants.

SEICAA Community Action News Pg 5

Help Us Make It Happen...

The overwhelming number of people in crisis can be assisted with your help. Your generous tax deductible contribution is greatly appreciated. All donations directly benefit those needing assistance in the SEICAA seven county service areas.

Name Address State Telephone Enclosed is my gift of

“Poverty is the worst form of violence.” Mahatma Ghandi

SEICAA 641 N 8th Avenue Pocatello, ID 83201

Guy Price, Chair

Private Sector Elmer Martinez, Vice Chair

Private Sector Suzanna Nelson, Treasurer

Private Sector Paula Miller, Secretary

Low-Income Sector Lin Whitworth

Public Sector Ron Frasure Public Sector

Dave Maguire Private Sector

Marianne Donnelly Public Sector

Judy McClanahan Low-Income Sector

Cory Phelps Private Sector

Mary Watkins Low-Income Sector

Janice Lawes Public Sector

Community Action News is a publication of the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency

Articles by: Lynette Sampson Photos by: Kerry Pepper, The Idaho Enterprise,

Lynette Sampson, & Merriann Forrest Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Please address comments to:

Marketing and Public Relations 641 N. 8th Avenue

Pocatello, Idaho 83201 Or lsampson@seicaa.org, 232-1114 Ext 113

Community Action Partnership of Southeastern Idaho: America’s  Poverty Fighting Network 

Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency Inc. Board of

Directors