The LIFT New Orleans Pilot Employer Assisted Homeownership Program (LEHP) is a partnership between Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), the Community of Faith for Economic Empowerment (COFFEE), the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF WOW) and Freddie Mac.

The LEHP is designed to help SUNO faculty, students and staff (SUNO Beneficiaries) become homeowners and also start the revitalization of communities devastated by hurricane Katrina.

Through the LEHP, SUNO beneficiaries will receive access to affordable newly constructed quality housing, home buyer assistance and support services, and a grant up to $20,000 to be used towards purchase of a LEHP home.

The LEHP is scheduled to be launched in May, 2006 and the first LEHP homes will become available by September 2006.

Why LEHP?
Homeownership is the cornerstone for promoting economic development and rejuvenation of communities devastated by Katrina. The LEHP will make the dream of homeownership and wealth accumulation a reality for many SUNO beneficiaries by helping them overcome the major obstacles to homeownership and giving them an incentive to reinvest in their communities.

The LEHP provides SUNO beneficiaries with money for down payments and closing costs, helps SUNO beneficiaries find homes that are likable and affordable, provides SUNO beneficiaries with the most flexible loan products and credit counseling, and will provide assistance to SUNO beneficiaries throughout the entire home buying process.

The LEHP will also be a great benefit for SUNO as an institution and the community. SUNO can use the LEHP to enhance its recruitment, retention, revitalization and community relations efforts. The community will benefit from the increased tax base, greater community involvement and increased stability in the neighborhood.