TVHOC Works to Preserve History and Homeownership in the Tri-Valley

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

The Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center (TVHOC) has been addressing one of the most critical issues of the Bay Area, the housing shortage, for the past five years, since its launch in September 2005. After all this time, the nonprofit has finally acquired a permanent home of its own.

The TVHOC moved into new space, at 141 N. Livermore Avenue, in Livermore, earlier this year. Once a saloon, the building is the second-oldest in Livermore, designed by an Italian architect and erected in 1869. "There is beautiful brick underneath the facade. We will be trying to refurbish the exterior over the next few years," says Center Director Jacqueline Rickman.

The historic restoration Rickman envisions echoes the TVHOC's theme for the 2010 Affordable Housing Week, coming up in May: Preserving Homeownership in the Tri-Valley.

"In the aftermath of all the defaults and foreclosures, we are trying to help people stay in their homes," Rickman comments. With construction of below-market rate housing stalled, the Center is placing more emphasis on financial literacy and family stability education, and a new post-purchase program will soon make its debut.

Noting that many homeowners are struggling to keep up with their monthly mortgage payments, Rickman stresses how important it is to be proactive. "The key is not to wait until the last minute. Come in early and find what can be done," she advises. "If there are no government programs that will work, there may be other options. This is a chance for homeowners to talk to professionals about how to make the decision that's best for them."

The TVHOC will be holding a workshop intended to help homeowners protect their investment on Thursday, May 13, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Open to the general public, the session will provide information on how to prevent defaults and foreclosure, homeowners' rights, loss mitigation, and various assistance programs. Attendees can also schedule an appointment to come in for personalized counseling.

The TVHOC will also be holding an open house/ribbon-cutting for the community on Saturday morning, May 15. "We will have public officials talking about what is being done to help preserve homeownership in the Tri-Valley," Rickman remarks.

For more details, visit www.tvhoc.org or call Rickman at (925) 373-3130.

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