My Front Door Strengthens Wyoming’s Economy With Each Family

My Front Door is a Cheyenne based non-profit serving Wyoming families in their transition out of poverty.

“Available and affordable workforce housing remains a barrier to economic development and diversification statewide.” says Brenda Birkle, Executive Director for My Front Door.

The program is focused on strengthening the families financial base through educational programs, step by step methods for credit recovery and importance of living with in means to save. Recently the organization has been working on the Workforce and Affordable Housing Toolbox with the Wyoming Business Council.

“My Front Door is a valuable partner in the Wyoming Housing Toolkit, providing insight and assistance in furthering our mission.  They are fully engaged to help make this toolkit a success.” shared Kim Porter of the Wyoming Business Council.

 

My Front Door clients participate in setting and achieving SMART goals, financial literacy and homeowner education for seven-years. They have a proven track record and are well-known advocates for supplying families with the opportunity of home ownership.

“Knowledge is power and once they have the tools, they have accomplished incredible things. Some have overcome seemingly insurmountable debt, some obtain higher education (including master’s degrees) while others improve their heath, all in addition to home-ownership. The positive affects of home ownership can be felt for three generations. Our proven model has helped 43 working Wyoming families realize the American Dream, creating enduring generational change for 688 of our neighbors. Talk about a return on investment for the community” says Birkle.

Laramie County Population is 91,738 (US Census – American Fact Finder 2010 Demographic Profile) and 10.4% live below poverty (US Census – American Fact Finder 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5 year estimate). These are clear indicators that access to long-term solution based programs such as My Front Door are needed.

More Quick Facts:

• 4,413 units to meet current rental needs.
• 4,055 (92%) with rents less than $1,515 month
• 1,019 Units needed for 51% to 80% of AMI residents
• 5,108 owner units are needed
• 3,337 (65%) need to cost less than $234,581
• 1,556 Units needed for 51% to 80% of AMI residents
• 10% of Laramie County Residents spend more than half of their income on housing with 22% of Albany County resident spending 50% or more.
• Banks will not typically issue a mortgage loan if your total debt to income ratio is over 36%