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I am sure most residents living in the Northeast have seen signs, received phone calls/texts or received mailers from individuals who say they will pay cash for your house. Typically, these are large investment firms from outside the Northeast neighborhoods and sometimes even out-of-state. They will offer well below market prices to obtain the house and then in many cases do a quick flip of the house to maximize profit.

The Northeast is no stranger to outside investors. Some landlords will rent out houses which most would consider unlivable, and when the house is in such disrepair they will sit on it until they determine that they can rehab it and turn a larger profit. This drives up rental and housing costs in the neighborhood. Thus, current residents live in unhealthy conditions until they are priced out of the neighborhood. Likewise, some seniors who own their homes without a mortgage, but are unable to make necessary repairs on the house because of a fixed income may be overwhelmed to the point that they turn to these investors to quickly offload their house.

In either case, many of these out of neighborhood investors have no interest in the people or culture of the Northeast but are just looking at their bottom line.

• If you own your home and are overwhelmed with repairs, but would like to remain in your house. Please call Jerusalem Farm before selling your house to an investor. We may be able to make those necessary repairs so you can stay in your home.

• If you are interested in selling your house or vacant lot, please contact Jerusalem Farm. We are interested in purchasing your vacant lot or house.

In our 2022 Listening Project 68% of participants reported that they struggled to pay their mortgage or rent in the last 3 years. 33% of residents reported their current housing situation to be unaffordable. In addition, 68% of residents who currently rent responded that they would like to become a homeowner.

However, 84% of residents responded that they faced barriers to becoming a homeowner.

To respond to these housing needs, Jerusalem Farm is in the process of creating a Northeast Community Land Trust which will preserve long-term affordable housing for residents. For more information homeownership or how you can participate in creating the Community Land Trust go to www.jerusalemfarm.org or call 816-421-1855.