Bryn Sopko_BWH Portland 2011

Employee Home Grant Program
Positively reinforcing the University of Portland’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices while building a supportive & affordable community for faculty and staff.

UP – A values based institution
A commitment to environmental sustainability. Because of its location on the Willamette River in the state of Oregon, the University of Portland has embraced the challenge to be a wise and responsible steward of the land and water.
Signed a compact, pledging to enact and observe sustainable practices.
Acquired waterfront property, which it will reclaim and use in sustainable ways
First campus in the west to ban plastic water bottles.
Buildings are constructed and food is purchased and consumed according to sound environmental practices.
Environmental science, public policy, and good stewardship concern all units across the University.

UP – A strategy based institution
FIVE STRATEGIC GOALS
Teaching and Learning: Premier Academic Programs
Goal One: A University with premier academic programs and services in the Holy Cross tradition of educating the whole person: head, heart, and hands.
Teaching and Learning: Mission-Centered Community
Goal Two: Recruitment, development, and retention of excellent mission-centered students, faculty, and staff.
Faith and Formation: Values-Centered Culture
Goal Three: A campus-wide culture that promotes human formation and the integration of reason, faith, and ethical values.
Service and Leadership: Quest for the Common Good
Goal Four: A community that demonstrates service and leadership for the common good.
Service and Leadership: Supporting the Mission
Goal Five: Innovative and sustainable stewardship of resources in support of the mission.

UP – A diverse employee population
Over 900 payroll employees, including full time and part time
42% of full time faculty have been at UP for 10+ years, 18% for 20+ years, 1 just celebrated 42 years

UP – A benefits rich compensation package
Average salary for full time admin staff is $54,807
People work here for more than a salary
B enefits highlights
3 levels of Medical, Dental premium fully covered
403 (b) *no match required by employee participation
Life Insurance, supplemental insurance
Tuition Remission
Home Grants
Great colleagues
Alignment with mission

UP – A decision in invest in community
Home Grant purpose and goals:
Recruit and retain employees
Assist employees in purchasing a home near campus
Improve the livability and involvement in local community
Assist in meeting state and city clean air mandates, decrease commuting and parking on campus, encourage alternate transportations options
Positively reinforce the University’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices

UP – A Home Grant program that works
~450 full time Faculty and Staff eligible for the program, with 127 active or fully forgiven Home Grants
$10-$15K Home grant program in North Portland, based upon proximity to the campus and commitment to alternate transportation plans
Expectation for a third to half of all trips made to campus are walking, biking, carpool, bus…etc
Current dollars invested:

UP – Keeping it simple for our employees
Review of seller’s agreement with property location and sale price
Decision on use of funds for down payment or post closing check
When used for down payment, lender must approve the use of the funds
Sign and Notarize our UP Home Grant Agreement, which acts as a lien
Re-financing requires a subordination agreement
Set up either wire transfer for closing or check pick up by the employee
File Agreement with County Recorder
Begin monthly forgiveness & taxation
Once an employee finds a home they intend to purchase, we have 5 easy steps to complete the Grant:

Program continues to evolve
We are working with the UP officers to consider the following developments:
Coordination with the Portland Housing Center on educating and supporting employees to prepare for successful Home Ownership
Considering partnership with Proud Ground program to extend grant program to non-land purchase programs
Simplifying levels of grant to single amount for all areas in our program boundary

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Bryn Sopko_BWH Portland 2011

by National Housing Conference & the Center for Housing Policy

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