About Us
MISSION
Our Mission is to inspire and motivate our Low-Moderate Income Community to take the steps necessary to reach for and achieve the American dream of Homeownership, equal justice and healthy families.
ABOUT US
REAL ESTATE, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY HOUSING, INC. is a Florida 501(c)(3) not for profit charitable organization, H.U.D. approved Foreclosure and Housing Counseling Agency and an affiliate of HomeFree-USA. Founded in January 2006, our mission is to inspire and motivate the low to moderate income members of our community to reach for and take the steps necessary to achieve and sustain the American Dream of home ownership through education, counseling and grant assistance.
The Foreclosure Counseling and Intervention Programs, in conjunction with governmental and private agencies, provides the information, resources and support required to place families on the path to avoiding foreclosure. Our experienced Home Ownership Counselors will help you evaluate your options.
The Home Ownership Program, in conjunction with government and private agencies, provides information on the diverse aspects of real estate and the path to home ownership.
The Credit Mitigation Program was developed to assist individuals and families in the processes to establish, maintain and mitigate credit. Clients are offered assistance with budgeting, savings and negative credit issues. When appropriate, A Second Chance Grant is available to pay off a past due account or balance. Grants are subject to pre-qualification and funding availability.
The Home Buyer Education Program offers classes utilizing a Neighborworks curriculum and approved by the Palm Beach County Commission on Affordable Housing Grant requirements. Post Closing classes in Home Maintenance are also conducted in a format now approved and required by the City Of West Palm Beach. These classes are provided in the native language of the buyer whenever possible.
For a complete Home Buyer Workshop Class Schedule…Click Here
R.E.A.C.H. facilitates workshops in which local Mortgage Lenders, Real Estate Professionals, Attorneys and other related professionals help the participants in the program to become educated and motivated to reach for and take the steps necessary to lead to and sustain home ownership.To enroll your organization…Click Here
FOUNDERS
THE FOUNDING OF REACH
Passion, gratitude and respect for others is the foundation of Real Estate Education And Community Housing Inc. (R.E.A.C.H.)
During the end-of-year holidays of December 2005, John (Jack ) Tracey and Patricia Tracey decided to begin a nonprofit to enable others toward a more secure housing situation. Organizing and operating a nonprofit for two years (until HUD approval was obtained) is a costly venture. However, the Tracey’s were up to the task, financing the venture from a grateful heart. Jack’s knowledge of construction and Patricia’s knowledge of lending worked hand in hand to place over 400 families into homes. Over 300 homes were purchased and repaired. These homes were sold to low to moderate-income families. Mortgages were given with grants and soft second. Thousands have attended in-person and virtual classes to learn about budgeting and credit and other areas of home buying.
A strong foundation was structured and continues to grow. In 2006, the Palm Beach Gardens office was founded. In 2012, a Miami Dade operation was added. Broward County soon followed. In 2019, R.E.A.C.H. expanded into the Tampa MSA.
Each addition brought help to families in all areas of housing needs. Those in foreclosure received counseling and assistance. Rental counseling was given, and County and Cities reached out for the expertise of R.E.A.C.H. Staff for assistance with needy constituents. R.E.A.C.H. continued to offer First Time Home Buyer classes. Offering education in English, Spanish and Creole was the Tracey’s dream and with hard work and God’s grace, this became a reality.
In 2018, Jack Tracey passed away, but his legacy continues with the growing work of R.E.A.C.H. His construction knowledge and heart to help was much of the foundation existing today. Patricia continues with work with the help of dedicated Staff and Board.
Patricia serves as the President and co-founder of R.E.A.C.H. She enjoys saying,” reach out and we will R.E.A.C.H back”. As such with R.E.A.C.H. we HOPE DEALERS…making stable housing available. The dream is now a 15-year-old reality.