The mission of NCS Community Development Corporation is to provide access to decent, safe and affordable housing through housing development, technical and education services and collaborative efforts that revitalize and sustain city neighborhoods. These efforts include housing, real estate and economic development.
WEDGE A Brief History In 1966 a minister was doing field work and recognized that the Brown-Square area was different than surrounding neighborhoods. In 1977, the United Community Chest requested that WEDGE consider expanding its boundaries and good work. The name was changed to Northwest Community Services. In 2001, it was changed again to NCS Community Development Corporation. The new name better describes the organizations mission.
"Our housing programs include total rehabilitation of vacant single family homes for first-time homeowners and various grant programs for low-income homeowners."
Housing Partnership
The Housing Development Fund Corporation, The City of Rochester and Neighborhood Housing Services, NCS has completed the development and sale of approximately 85 homes. These homes were sold to first-time buyers who are at or below 80% of median income. The total development cost of 85 projects is approximately $8 million. These 85 homes were previously vacant, boarded and a blight to the neighborhood. We now have created new homeowners who become stakeholders within the neighborhood and have returned 85 homes to the tax rolls.
NCS administers the larges home improvement grant fund in the city. Each year, over $200,000 is awarded to homeowners who are at or below 80% of median income. By providing small home improvement grants, NCS is able to address code violations and emergency repairs. NCS has been granted over $400,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank funds. These funds are matched with funds from the City of Rochester and are available to homeowners who are at or below 50% of median income. This program allows more extensive rehab work, including structural or health and safety issues. This program also helps to maintain long-term affordability.
NCS recognizes the importance of good credit. The staff works directly with potential homebuyers, one-on-one, by obtaining a credit report, counseling the potential buyers on credit repair, including joining the Homebuyers Club at Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., or through a local lender. This creates a pool of buyers who are ready to purchase a home within six months to one year.
In the fall of 2003, NCS formed a for-profit corporation called NCS Home Properties. This helps NCS to continue its mission with the organization becomes less dependent on government grants and assistance. Typically, NCS Home Properties acquires property and in turn sells these properties to homebuyers who do not qualify for traditional lending. Homebuyers receive resources for needed repairs, as well as affordable financing.
In addition, through our experiences of developing over 85single-family homes and through ongoing training, NCS has become a leader among other non-profit developers. NCS regularly provides assistance to groups such as Housing Opportunities (HOP), North East Area Development (NEAD), South East Area Coalition (SEAC) and South Wedge Planning Commission (SWPC).
NCS, in its continuing efforts to improve city living, is a New York State licensed real estate broker and can list properties for sale or represent buyers in acquiring a home. We are knowledgeable and experienced in handle homeownership. We refer/connect buyers with grant and educational programs to make homeownership possible and have been serving the Rochester community since 1969. We know our community; the stake holders and the resources that help strengthen neighborhoods.
