Homeowners in Kanawha and Putnam counties now have a new tool to keep their homes in shape.
Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam is offering a Master's Homeowner program that teaches participants everything they need to know about owning a home.
Shawn Means, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Kanawaha and Putnam, said the program will help the community receive a facelift by teaching homeowners how to successfully care for their home.
"The better our community takes care of its housing the better housing we have in the community," Means said. "This is just one way we can help provide those skills."
The program consists of nine two-and-a-half hour classes, held weekly in the Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Education and Community Center on Court Street in Charleston.
Habitat for Humanity developed the program after realizing there wasn't anything like it. They were trying to find educational material for habitat homeowners but everything they found was related to finance and avoiding foreclosure, Means said.
Means said financial understanding is also huge part of homeownership, so in order to get a certificate of completion, students have to take a nine-week class on personal finance through Financial Peace University or through a bank.
Jane Hamilton, education program coordinator, developed the program after gathering advice from all walks of life on owning and maintaining a home.
She worked with more than 30 professionals to put together a curriculum covering everything from plumbing to electricity to meeting neighbors.
"(It covers) all the things you need to know to be effective to keep your home in good, working shape at a very high cost savings and low actual cost," Hamilton said.
Means said the class would also be beneficial to the older generation, who might be on a fixed income. Learning how to fix their own problems in their house would help them save money on hiring help, Means said.
Means said the program is affordable, with a fee of $10 per class. Those who complete the course of study and get their Master Homeowner certificate will receive half of their money back in the form of a rebate.
In addition to the nine classes, Means said there are also additional workshops participants must take. The program totals 30 contact hours, and participants can choose which workshops best fit their interest or needs.
However, for someone who just wants to take a specific class, participants are allowed to pick and choose the classes they're interested in, but will not be eligible for a certificate of completion.
Means said space is limited to 20 people per class. Classes will begin on April 4th. If participants cannot make it to every class, there is a second session scheduled later this year.
For more information or to sign up for the program, visit http://hfhkp.org/homeownership-education/master/
Reach Laura Haight at laura.haight@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @laurahaight_ on Twitter.