‘The Housing Hustle’ | SAW group launches Solution Series to address creative housing

A SAW Housing stock working group has launched a new Solution Series that will address creative housing approaches.

The series will launch on Thursday at noon with “The Housing Hustle,” a lunch-and-learn conversation. The Oct. 9 event will bring together real estate and lending professionals to explore paths to home ownership.

“Educational events like The Housing Hustle help bridge the gap between curiosity and confidence,” said realtor Juaquadia Howard, who will offer her expertise at the event. “So many people want to buy a home, but don’t always know where to start. My hope is that everyone leaves feeling encouraged, informed and one step closer to making home ownership a reality.”

The panel and conversation is designed to give residents practical tips for moving from renting to owning.

“Buying a home can feel overwhelming and intimidating, especially for first-time buyers,” said Anna Leavitt, director of Community Action Partnership Staunton Augusta Waynesboro. “There’s often a lot of confusion, outdated information and fear surrounding the process. By starting with this topic, we want to take the mystery out of homebuying and give people access to real, current and practical information straight from professionals in our community.”

Additional presenters include:

• Home inspector Steve Sutton
• Real estate agent Beverly Sterner
• Leasing manager and real estate agent Eric Fletcher
• Loan officers JoDee Lambert, Michelle Nuckols, Sam Sandoval and Vickie Painter

The lunch-and-learn event comes at a time when teen homelessness is on the rise, and Waynesboro residents are at odds over the role of a church offering assistance to the unhoused population.

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ICYMI

• At risk? Tree Streets couple want homeless out of their Waynesboro neighborhood
• Waynesboro | Oct. 13 forum to address alarming rise in teen homelessness

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SAW Housing began exploring housing insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as an emergency response has since grown into a cross-sector leadership committee focused on long-term solutions to the housing challenges facing Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro.

What started as an emergency response has since grown into a cross-sector leadership committee focused on long-term solutions to the housing challenges facing Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro.

The event will be held at the Staunton Innovation Hub at 117 South Lewis St. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be provided to everyone who RSVPs for the event.