Budget Counseling Credit Counseling Foreclosure Counseling Pre-Purchase Counseling Post-Purchase Counseling

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Useful Links

Flint Area Association of Realtors
Michigan Association of REALTORS®

MSHDA (Michigan State Housing & Development Authority)
HUD (Department of Housing & Urban Development)
FTC (Federal Trade Commision)
Fannie Mae Corporation
Freddie Mac
PMI Group, Inc.
FDIC Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise

Relevant Articles and Information

Mission of Peace Community Development Corporation Joins FDIC's Money Smart Alliance Program
On the Road Across America - A Daily Journal from the Homeownership Express!
HUD Daily Message
10 Things Your Faith Community Can Do to Encourage Homeownership
HOPE Awards Honors Four Organizations, Two Individuals for Contributions to Minority Homeownership
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® - 2004 Annual Report: Awards and Recognition
Stabenow and Levin announce over $5.5 million coming to MOPNC
Kildee Announces $592,654 Grant for Banking Assistance
PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. and Partners Bring Affordable Housing Initiative to Flint

Mission of Peace would like to thank all Lender Partners

for their support in the Homeownership Process.

"Breaking Down The Barriers To Home Ownership Through Faith."

"The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people..."

Spoken by Abraham Lincoln more than 140 years ago, those simple words eloquently convey a timeless truth. Homeownership is the cornerstone of family security, stability and prosperity. Its strengthens the nation's communities, encourages civic responsibility and provides a solid foundation from which Americans can work to support their families, enhance their communities and achieve their personal goals.

Mission of Peace NC is a HUD approved National Intermediary for Housing Counseling located in Flint, Michigan, that:

• Supports a national network of counseling agencies.
• Reaches the historically under served populations.
• Promotes Fair Housing by removing barriers that deter many Americans from seeking, buying, insuring, or maintaining a home.
• Provides pre and post purchase conseling and education.
• Fosters a greater coordination among local real estate brokers, lenders and providers of homeownership counseling and education services.

Our Founder

Rev. Elmira Smith-Vincent is the founder and Executive Director of Mission of Peace National Corporation and Broker-Owner of New Horizons Realty, both of which are located in Flint, Michigan.

In 1992, Rev. Vincent formed AEV, Inc., where she managed commercial buildings. In 1995, she began her profession as a real estate agent. In 1999, she opened her own real estate office - New Horizons Realty, Inc. Also in 1997, Rev. Vincent founded Mission of Peace Housing NC, a faith-based, non-profit organization to provide housing counseling education to all individuals seeking homeownership; especially the low-to-moderate income households.

In 2001, Mission of Peace NC became Fannie Mae's first faith-based partner in the State of Michigan. The loan experiment resulting from that partnership has been extraordinarily successful. Starting with just $3 million in May 2001, the program has grown to $20 million in little over a year. Mission of Peace loans are available through Republic Bank, First Third Bank, Chemical Bank, Flagstar and Citizens Bank throughout the State of Michigan.

Mission of Peace NC is Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Certified, a HUD approved National Housing Counseling Intermediary, has been designated as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), rendering counseling services to local school districts, churches, local government, public assistance agencies and colleges.

Rev. Vincent is also the president of BMW Home, LLC, president of the Wood Street Project and executive director of the Congregation Organized for Realty Development (ACORD).

In April 2003, the Flint Area Association of REALTORS® received word that Rev. Elmira Smith-Vincent and the Mission of Peace had received the 2003 HOPE Award. The HOPE Awards ("Home Ownership Participation for Everyone") recognizes up to seven organizations and individuals nation-wide who make outstanding contributions to the cause of increasing minority homeownership. A partnership of real estate associations have joined together to support the awards in order to raise public awareness about the need to place a higher priority on creating equality in homeownership.

Mission of Peace was chosen as the winner of the Finance Award, which recognizes organizations, programs and individuals that have helped minorities overcome barriers to finance the purchase of a home. In addition to a handsome statuette, Mission of Peace received a check for $10,000.

Along with active involvement in the Flint Area Association of REALTORS® events and activities, Rev. Vincent is actively involved in other organizations and events such as the Western Wayne Association of REALTORS®, Flint Community Resource Board, Flint Inner City Lions, State of Michigan House Advisory Board, Senator Carl Levin’s Informational Resource Seminar and HUD’s “Homeownership Express” based in Washington D.C.

Additional Awards and Honors throughout her career in real estate include: HUD National Best Practice Award (2000), Fannie Mae Partnership Award (2001), FIA Project Zero Partner of the Year Award (2001), City of Flint Human Relations Peppy Rosenthal Community Service Award, CNBC Number One In Volume & Homes Purchased Award, Career Alliance, Inc. Center of Strength Award (2002), Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, Zeta Phi Beta Community Service Award (2002), Zeta Phi Beta, Delta Tau Chapter Award for Outstanding Community Service (2001), State of Michigan Tribute Award, 2003 Congress of Urban Ministry Workshop (Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastorial Education (SCUPE) Presentation, and a Proclamation from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“I always thought that I’d be a REALTOR® and do commercial work, but God had a different plan for me,” remarked Rev. Vincent during an interview with Tim Kissman, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Michigan Association of REALTORS®. “There is something to be said about building communities and creating safe places for our children to play here in Michigan and across the nation.”

How It All Began

What We Do

Mission of Peace National Corporation is a faith based, non-profit organization that provides homeownership counseling to individuals and families. MOPNC is a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) National Housing Counseling Agency with an affiliate network of housing counseling agencies in fifteen states throughout the country.

MOPNC is one of the most evolved housing conseling programs in the nation. MOPNC utilizes a cooperative service delivery approach to meeting the needs of individuals and families. MOPNC accomplishes its goals by appropriately leveraging its relationship with businesses, educational institutions, labor unions, government and other non profit agencies to assist program members in achieving homeownership.

Reverend Elmira Smith-Vincent founded Mission of Peace NC after she realized the need to educate individuals and families on home purchasing. Reverend Vincent conducted classes and invited potential homeowners to meet with banks, mortgage companies and REALTORS®.

Soon after conducting the first series of classes, Reverend Vincent experienced a phenomenal response from individuals interested in the homeownership classes. In 1997, MOPNC was formed to provide homeownership education to more individuals and familes.

In 2000, MOPNC received the National Best Practice Award from HUD. MOPNC has since been recognized by many organizations in the community, including, but not limited to, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, financial institutions, media, schools, local non-profit organizations, community development organizations throughout the state, residents and families that support the program activities, and the National Association of REALTORS® 2003 HOPE Awards.

Individual Development Accounts

Mission of Peace offers savings-matching accounts to help save towards the down payment and closing costs of a home.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

Recognition Received by Mission of Peace and

Rev. Elmira Smith-Vincent

Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency has counseled over 17,000 individuals, families and groups since its inception in 1997. Mission of Peace is dedicated to facilitating the American Dream of homeownership by breaking down barriers that have traditionally prevented individuals and families from achieving their goal of becoming homeowners.

$12 million dollars in loans were originated with Mission of Peace clients in the last fiscal quarter of 2002.

Over 500 people atteneded the Fourth Annual Housing Fair, which took place October 12, 2002. All fair attendees received a free credit report, and were able to meet with a counselor and lender to assess their situation and begin an action plan toward the goal of homeownership.

Mission of Pece recognized by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the book of Congressional Records by Senator Carl Levin on June 8, 2002, and by Congressman David Bonior on June 21, 2002.

Mission of Peace was featured on HUD's web site as the Daily Focus on August 14, 2002, for the event hosted on June 14, 2002. The even was in celebration of President Bush's declaration of June as Homeownership Month. Among attendees were clients who were successful in purchasing homes with the assistance of Mission of Peace.

Mission of Peace was highlighted on the HUD Michigan web site for homeownership programs.

Mission of Peace offers a Financial Literacy curriculum addressing the needs of unbanked individuals. After completion of the course, clints become eligible to open a fee-free checking or savings account through Fifth Third Bank.

Mission of Peace provided the educational component for the Detroit Housing Commission's Section 8 Pilot Program in 2002. Out of over three hundred individuals and families in attendance at the Detroit Housing Commission's Section 8 Program, 53 were qualified for homeownership.

Mission of Peace identified over 300 potential Section 8 candidates for Flint Public Housing, contacting all scattered site renters and visiting complexes in 2001.

Mission of Peace currently offers a Homebuyer's Club at eight different sites in Southeastern Michigan, were clients can meet at a convenient location to go through the homebuyer's class.

Homeownership counseling and educational instrution for the Saginaw Housing Commission is provided by Mission of Peace. On-site classes and one-on-one counseling services are conducted on a regular basis.

Mission of Peace has formed a partnership with the Genesee County Treasurer's Office to build affordable hoousing on ta-reverted infill lots. Phase I of the project will be in Flint Township, Michigan.

Mission of Peace will also be working with the Genesee County Treasurer's Office as property managers for some of their tax-reverted properties.

Mission of Peace partnered with the Genesee/Shiawassee Family Independence Agency (FIA) on their Encouraging Families and Workers on Wheels programs. Mission of Peace was named Genesee/Shiawassee FIA Partner of the Year in 2001.

Mission of Peace counseled 4,438 individuals and families in the fiscal year of 2002.

As part of the foreclosure counseling, 31 clients brought their mortgage current and 34 clients obtained a forbearance agreement in the fiscal year 2002.

Over 300 individuals and families Mission of Peace assisted have successfully purchased homes in 2002.

Disclaimer

MISSION OF PEACE HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY cautions that any contents on this web site are for informational purposes only. MISSION OF PEACE HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY disclaims all liabilities for any loss or consequential action resulting from information posted on this web site.

MISSION OF PEACE HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY will always protect your privacy and security while maintaining the highest level of professionalism in order to meet your specific family or individualistic needs. MISSION OF PEACE HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY will not release any of your personal information to any third party, unless required to do so by law or any court order. Please note that any other association links attached to this web site may not be sanctioned with the same privacy.

"Affordable Housing"

Qualifying clients can have the option of purchasing a newly-built home.

Click on House to see more pictures.

2484 Thortan Flint Michigan 2488 Thortan Flint Michigan 3430 Barth Flint Michigan New Construction New Construction *Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Loan Initiative"

Buy a home with $500.00 or 1% ofthe sales price of the home, whichever is less. An overall 3% down payment is required.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Rent With Confidence"

Mission of Peace counselors provide assistance to renters, including what to look for in a rental home. Landlord, tenant rights and responsibilities are also explained.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Home Buyer's Club"

Mission of Peace holds monthly meetings where parents of school-aged children can work with a counselor to implement a plan for homeownership!

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Life Skills"

Self-sufficiency education programs provide an understanding as to the importance of managing life - including family, fun, career and financial management.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Nutrition"

Nutrition classes help clients plan for meals on a budget. Classes are focused on nutrition and value.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Mission of Peace Success Stories"

Homeownership Has Changed Our Lives... My name is Brandee. My husband and I are homeowners from Michigan. I work in the real estate industry and my husband is a technical consultant for a POS software development company.

When my husband and I married in 1999, we set goals that I suspect many newlyweds do... get the finances in line, save for a home, save for retirement, and start thinking about children...

I am grateful that my parents taught me from an early age the importance of saving for the future – whether it be saving babysitting money as a teenager or utilizing company 401K accounts when possible. My parents began saving for their future at an early age and were blessed with the ability to retire in their mid 40’s to be able to spend time with my sisters and I as we finished high school. My husband and I set our financial goals mirrored to my parents’ achievements and smart financial planning.

Although saving is extremely important – equally important is keeping track of your credit history and making sure everything is accounted for. This is where we were negligent. ‘Mistakes’ that were made years before my husband and I met were lingering… ready to make an ugly and untimely appearance.

We had been married for three years and lived in a comfortable apartment where we paid $510 per month for rent. Which, in today’s world isn’t too much to ask for a 2-bedroom apartment – however, when we sat down one night and added up how much that we had spent to live there... we were astonished. Nearly $24,500 in rent over four years alone... and we did not own any piece of it! At that point we decided it was time to buy a house.

We spent some time gathering everything we thought would be beneficial to a mortgage officer – tax records, bank statements, student loan information, receipts of every kind and even listings given to us by our REALTOR®. With that in hand, we went to visit a mortgage company we had heard about in a radio advertisement. We had no idea what we were in for.

The mortgage officer spoke to us briefly, gathered our information and went to run a credit report. She came back about 15 minutes later and said blankly – “We can not help you, you should have known that with bad credit you can not buy a house.” We were shocked... that was all she said to us. We asked what we could do and whether she could explain anything to us... she gave us the telephone numbers to EquaFax and TransUnion and told us to ask for copies of our credit reports to study. That was it.

The only thing we learned from that experience was that we had bad past credit. That was it.

It was a friend that I work with who suggested Mission of Peace. One day we happened to be talking about how frustrated my husband and I were that we could not get anyone to talk to us about financing for a home of our own. She immediately suggested that we contact Reverend Vincent. Mind you, I did not think that we were folks who Mission of Peace could help. I went home that night and talked to my husband about it and explained to him the work Mission of Peace did. The next morning we called our REALTOR® and asked her what she thought. Our REALTOR® convinced us that it would not hurt anything to talk to Reverend Vincent and explain our situation. So, I made an appointment.

When I sat in Reverend Vincent’s office and handed her our paperwork, her response was “it is in God’s hands now”...

I knew that we were in the right place.

We worked hand in hand with the staff at Mission of Peace, our REALTOR®, and our lender to make sure that everything was accounted for. Everything was explained to us in fine detail, no rock was left overturned. We participated in a homeownership seminar that talked about the fine details of caring for your new home, monthly household budgeting and maintaining satisfactory credit ratings. Our lender offered us a 7% interest rate on a conventional home loan... something we were not expecting at all given our experience with the first mortgage company months prior. We viewed our home for the first time on Memorial Weekend in 2002... and closed on our home July 19, 2002.

From start to finish, we were in God’s hands indeed!

And, to add to our Blessings... in May of 2004 we were able to refinance our home to lower our interest rate. Our new rate saves us approximately $203.00 per month!

Homeownership means many things to my husband and I. It means that we now own the house my husband’s grandmother raised 14 children in. It is the house my husband and his siblings remember holiday gatherings in. It now means our family gathers there - with our brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews... Christmas morning at OUR house... Easter dinner at OUR house...

Homeownership has sparked our interest in our local government – speaking up about decisions our town makes that affects our neighborhood. Looking out after our neighbors’ homes while they are away on vacation. My husband even attends city council meetings.

We are now gardeners and my husband... an aspiring handy-man!

Homeownership is an investment in our future. We are laying the foundation for our children to grow up in a safe and loving environment – a place for them to make memories… and a place for us to retire.

Most importantly, owning our house has strengthened our spirituality. We give praise to God every night for blessing us with a roof over our head – a place to come home to. Each morning, we give Him praise for the new day... When Reverend Vincent told me it was “in God’s hands...” she was right!

We are so thankful for the people that were a part of our home-buying process: our REALTOR®, the seller’s REALTOR®, the staff at Mission of Peace and our lender – not to mention everyone in between. The list is a mile long!

It is amazing what God can do for the faithful and whom He will place in your path. Our path to homeownership was an experience we will never forget. It has changed our lives.

All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.

"Budget and Savings Class"

This class stresses the importance of budgeting and the savings process by working with an individual to develop a realistic budget that includes a consistant pattern of saving.

God’s Word tells us to learn to be the best possible steward of all that God places into our care (resources, money, family, time, skills, abilities, etc.). Stewardship principles and applications apply to all of us whether we are young or young at heart, whether we have a little or a lot, whether we owe a little or owe a lot, whether we are male or female, and whether we are single or married.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Credit Counseling Classes"

Mission of Peace counselors work with the client to develop a plan of action for clearing up past credit issues while maintaining current credit.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Foreclosure Counseling Classes"

Mission of Peace counselors will work with you and provide alternatives to foreclosure by assisting homeowners in evaluating their financial status and helping them work with lenders to establish a forbearance agreement.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Pre-Purchase Counseling"

Mission of Peace counselors will provide information on the home buying process, including credit and budgeting, selection of a REALTOR®, mortgage products and the closing process.

Buying a home for the first time can be scary, but as with anything else in life, the right preparation brings about good results.

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Post-Purchase Counseling"

Mission of Peace counselors will provide information on home maintenance, budget and finances to prevent foreclosure.

When it comes to buying a home, there's no such thing as too much information!

*Please note that participation in some of the programs and services offered by Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency may be subject to program qualifications.

"Our Affiliates"

Mission of Peace CDC wishes to thank the Affiliate Counseling Agencies across the United States who bring homeownership and hope to families and individuals in their local communities. Yellow states are reprsented by Mission of Peace CDC Affiliate Partners...

"Frequently Asked Questions"

"Awards"

Each year, Mission of Peace celebrates the success of their clients, the support of local business and community leaders, and the growth of the Affiliate Membership and Lender Partnerships.

View photos of our celebrations!

Volunteerism

"Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others..." - Danny Thomas

Mission of Peace Event Calendar