AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Connect LA's Affordable Housing section is currently under development. However, future coming attractions include:

• Ability to search for affordable or low-cost housing units by: Unit size (# of bedrooms); Location (zip code or interactive map); Type of subsidy accepted (Section 8 or others) with income requirements; Rent Amount; Amenities (dishwasher, on-site parking, air conditioning/heat, etc.); Social Supports (disabled/senior accessibility, child care, computer center, proximity to schools, job training, other etc).
• Local housing agencies will be able to provide CLA with housing info (either directly or using our Remote Updating System) and the information will be posted free of charge. Housing information will be centralized in one database, opposed to being fragmented by housing agencies.
• Ability to view many of the units using a variety of media (i.e. photos, video, Live Photo, PowerPoint slide presentation, etc.).
• Ability to map the locations of affordable housing throughout the county.
• Provide information to property owners encouraging them to participate in the Section 8 program.
• Information about a variety of 1st time homebuyer programs, allowing perspective buyers the opportunity to compare programs and make an information decision.
• Database of available houses for sale, with similar search methods as rental housing, also using media (photos, Live Picture, video, etc) to show homes available for sale.
• Provide information that addresses many of the impediments faced by low-income homebuyers (i.e. dealing with negative credit, finding a agent, dealing with housing discrimination, FAQs about loans, what is a FICO score, etc.).
• Bulletin board (or facilitated chats) where users share questions and concerns with other 1st time homebuyers. Mortgage lenders and other representatives will monitor the bulletin board and respond to questions.
• Links to appropriate housing websites.
• Ability to compare loans offered by mortgage lenders.
• Connect LA will create and link to materials that inform, educate and support advocacy to address and combat the problem of predatory lending in underserved communities.
• Connect LA in partnership with Infoline Los Angeles will establish a call center, featuring a toll-free number that community members could call and have a customer service representative conduct a customized housing search for them.

Meanwhile, check out these links to interesting affordable housing sites!