St. Joseph’s/Candler is continuing a highly successful home ownership program by donating another $15,000 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Solutions Fund.
 
“We have had such a phenomenal response to the pilot program that it was a simple decision to continue it,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler. “We have seen this program help our co-workers with down payments and pave a road to home ownership. Most families can do the rest themselves.  Home ownership can stabilize neighborhoods, cities and a family’s health and is a big step up the ladder toward financial security.”
 
The program offers down payment assistance and other home buying help  to St. Joseph’s/Candler co-workers. St. Joseph’s/Candler has even adjusted the income requirements to allow more co-workers access to the program.
 
Since it began in 2014, 26 co-workers have gone through the home ownership program and purchased a home. 14 of those received funding from St. Joseph’s/Candler for down payment assistance.
 
Hinchey appeared before the City Council Thursday to deliver a $15,000 check into the program.
 
In 2014, St. Joseph’s/Candler became the first business to partner with the city and the Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. to offer down payment assistance to St. Joseph’s/Candler co-workers. St. Joseph’s/Candler committed $90,000 for the first six years.
 
St. Joseph’s/Candler will commit $45,000 to the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund to fund the pilot program for the next three years at a rate of $15,000 per year.
 
During the first three years, nine St. Joseph’s/Candler co-workers purchased houses, one more has a home under contract and three more are looking for a home. If the co-worker stays in the home for five years, the loan is forgiven.
 
St. Joseph’s/Candler has always maintained that good health begins outside of the hospital.
 
The pilot program fits squarely into SJ/C’s mission, that “Rooted in God’s love we treat illness and promote wellness for all people.”