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2O2 4 – 2O2 5 GU I D E to Y E L LOW S P R I NG S 19 of any kind, affordable or otherwise, can be daunting. “We work in an indus- try that's oftentimes highly predatory, and buying a home is something that they don't teach in schools,” Hall said. “A lender might tell a person they can afford a house — because on paper, they can. But I’ve never met a lender who asks, ‘Where do your kids go to school? Do you have an aging parent that you’re helping out?’ All the things that don’t show up on a credit report, we’re trying to work on early in the process.” Home, Inc.’s relationships with homeowners don’t end once titles are signed and keys are handed over; for example, Home, Inc. supports and guides homeowners who are experiencing a “trigger event” that could affect their ability to pay their mortgage. Interven- tion in these and other areas has meant that, in 25 years, there has never been a fore- closure on a Home, Inc. home. Likewise, Home, Inc. works with renters to ensure that deposits and rent payments don’t overwhelm an individual or family’s resources. “We don't want to set someone up for failure,” Brittany Keller said. “We might give someone a lease addendum where they can pay their deposit over several months — especially because a lot of times, when people are moving, they don't get their deposit back until they leave their old place.” Home, Inc. also maintains partnerships with many local groups and more than 100 out-of-town organizations that provide free services to tenants. “If your car’s broken down, or you need help paying your rent, there are services for that,” said Scott, who coor - dinates these offerings. “If you need help to keep things tidy and together, the Senior Center has a Homemaker Program, for example.” Folks who don’t buy or rent from Home, Inc. have also benefited from its assistance: Hall is one of only a few in Ohio certified to package low-interest USDA Rural Development loans. Because of Hall’s expertise, Home, Inc. is able to offer aid to low- to-moderate-income buyers purchasing commercial homes outside of the nonprofit. The loans can also benefit exist - ing low-to-moderate-income homeowners who need costly home repairs by refinancing their mortgages at a lower interest rate. “It's another pathway to affordable homeownership that we're helping people navigate,” Hall said. Really knowing and under- standing affordability needs in Yellow Springs, Seibel said, means knowing and under- standing the people Home, Inc. seeks to serve, and learn- ing from their valuable input. “People are the experts of their own experiences, so they’re in the best position to help identify and implement solutions,” she said. “There are multiple lived experiences within Yellow Springs.” To that end, the bylaws of Home, Inc.’s board stipulate that one third of its trustees must be constituent repre - sentatives of low to moderate income — a practice Seibel said is critical to Home, Inc.’s success by ensuring its priorities are identified and driven by those whose needs the nonprofit is working to address. Seibel added that, outside of this requirement, the board aims for diversity across a range of identities. At the same time, Home, Inc. is connected to Inclusive and Resilient Yellow Springs — a coalition convened by Scott that also includes Antioch College, Livable/Equitable/ Age Friendly Yellow Springs, YS Schools, The 365 Project, the Senior Center, the Village of Yellow Springs and the YS Community Foundation — www.VeterinaryAssociatesHospital.com We are a mixed animal practice bringing veterinary virtuosity to a diverse population of people and their animals. Acupuncture and chiropractic is available by Dr. Brett Ellis. Chiropractic and sports medicine/surgical rehabilitation therapy is available by Dr. Deanna Clark. Sheep, rabbits, goats and chickens are seen by Dr. Jodi Moorman. Monday & Wednesday, 8 a.m.– 7 p.m. Tuesday& Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Sunday Closed Veterinary Associates Animal Hospital Please call for appointments 937-372-9978 1920 US 68 N., Xenia, at the junction of US 68 N. and SR 235 Jon H. Ellis, DVM • Brett F. Ellis, DVM, VSMT, CVA Deanna Clark, DVM, VSMT, CCRT Jodi Moorman, DVM • Becky Warden, DVM