Habitat partners with Horizons to offer counseling

Mark Patton, executive director of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, said the Iowa City office on Scott Boulevard is now hosting staff from Horizons, A Family Service Alliance, a HUD approved nonprofit financial counseling service. Although Horizons has provided financial and house counseling services in Linn, Johnson and the surrounding counties for many years, this is the first time Horizon staff will be on site in Iowa City.

Patton said his agency offered Horizon space as a way to beef up local services to people in need. Among those services are budget and credit counseling as well as bankruptcy counseling and education on money and credit issues.

There are two major thrusts to having Horizon here, he said. First, families who cant manage their debt or dont understand their debt now have someone to help them.

Second, on a larger scale, Horizon will be available to give presentations to community groups about such things as student loans, credit cards and more.

Individual and family services will be available on a sliding scale.

Patton said the nice thing about working with a nonprofit service such as Horizon is the agency is not tied to any paid service and thus, will provide unbiased advice.

Scott Shook, a representative with Horizon, could not be reached for comment.

According to www.horizonfamily.org, Horizon is committed to raising the standard of living for the underserved, and to increasing the quality of life for those in our community. Our services are designed to serve people of all ages and from all walks of life. We help people feeling stuck, anxious and overwhelmed know that they are not alone.

Horizons, A Family Service Alliance

o What: Horizons, A Family Service Alliance, has been providing financial and housing services in Linn, Johnson and the surrounding counties for more than 30 years.

o What: Budget and credit counseling, debt management, housing counseling, foreclosure counseling and consumer education.

o Hours: 1 to 5 pm Tuesday and Thursday; 8 am to noon Friday.

o Where: Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, 2401 Scott Blvd., Iowa City.

o Cost: Fees for services are based on income and family size and will be provided regardless of the clients ability to pay. Services are free for people who are 60 percent below the median income, which in Johnson County is $47,000 for family of four.

o To make an appointment: Call 800-826-3574

o To learn more: Go to www.horizonfamily.org.

Source: Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity