Around the state, a number of businesses owners around the state are preparing their plans to reopen their doors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has urged small business owners to keep the doors closed for a while longer and for residents to shelter in place until more testing is available. A number of Metro Atlanta business owners have shared with The Atlanta Voice their plans for reopening and the guidelines for which they are engaging with their clientele.
ATC Tax IncomeOpen May 1 Owner: David Gherezgher Address: 3551 Memorial Dr., Decatur Phone: (404) 284-4444 Website: www.atcincometax.com/
“Yes, we are open Monday through Friday, 10 AM-4 PM. We do walk-in or drop-offs with a safe policy of two customers at a time. Our customers can book their appointments online. We also do virtual taxes so that people can stay at home.”
“In keeping with federal and state regulations, Atlanta Style Bar will remain closed until the end of April. We plan to reopen on May 10, 2020. During this time, we have strategized on ways to maintain the highest level of cleanliness in our salon to ensure the safety of both our staff & clients.”
Preventative measures:
All staff is required to wear masks.
Patrons are required wear masks to their appointments, one that is secured behind the ears; If a patron doesn’t have one, the establishment will provide one.
Establishment is splitting service providers into shifts, reducing the number of people in the building by a minimum of 50 percent.
Service Providers will be working in every other station, leaving an empty station to keep a safe distance.
Patrons are asked to arrive for appointments at the appointed time and no earlier. Patrons are asked to limit any belongings to their phones and forms of payment.
Please do not bring any extra guests with you and please do not bring children to your appointment at this time.
Patrons with an underlying health condition have been asked to wait to return to the salon until May 24 per state guidelines. In addition, if you have been ill or around someone who has been ill, please wait 14 days to reschedule your appointment.
(Photo: Courtesy of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks)
Big Dave’s CheesesteaksOpen for takeout Owner: Derrick Hayes Address: 57 Forsyth St NW Suite 63, Atlanta Phone: (404) 343-0259 Website:thebigdavescheesesteaks.com
“We were never closed for business completely. We have been operating with takeout orders only that are available by phone orders, online ordering, or curbside takeout. We will not be reopening the dining hall to the public probably until the end of May or beginning of June even if the restrictions are lifted in Atlanta. We do not want to risk the health of our employees or others by allowing groups of people to gather in our establishment until it’s safe nationwide.”
Preventative measures:
Only employees and approved vendors are allowed inside Big Dave’s establishment during COVID-19.• Owners check the employees temperatures each morning to ensure anyone is not over 100 degrees in temperature.
We ensure we follow the hand-washing guidelines and our staff changes their gloves frequently.
Customers must follow social distancing guidelines when waiting outside for their takeout order.
Red tape has been posted outside the establishment that separates customers six feet apart and also denied access to the exit and entry points of the restaurant.
Champion Dreams Open May 1, 10 a.m.-7p.m. Owner: Travis Brown Address: 1515 Wedmore Ct SE, Smyrna Phone: 678-792-8980 Website:www.championdreams.com
“Our Covid 19 restrictions for our business doesn’t involve directly touching our clients as we provide production and design services for our clients. So furthermore we want to remain sanitary and continue to give our clients the best value for their business.”
(Photo: Courtesy of CRAVE)
CRAVE Open for all business including dine-in, takeout and delivery, 1 – 9 p.m. Owner: Mychel “Snoop” Dillard Address: 1126 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta Phone: (678) 399-3077 Website: cravel5p.com/
Preventative Measures:
Establishment has reduced capacity to make sure everyone is social distancing once inside.
Establishment has brought in infrared thermometers and the staff will have their temperatures taken upon clocking in for work. If it’s high, they will not be allowed to work.
Every single staff member will be wearing gloves at all times. Being seen without them will result in termination.
Anyone showing any signs of the COVID19 virus will be sent home and cannot work until they test negative — with proof.
The hostesses and front staff will sit patrons, where they can practice social distancing.
Establishment reserves the right to refuse service to anyone displaying signs of the COVID19 virus.
(Photo: Courtesy of CRU Hemp Lounge)
CRU Hemp Lounge Opening May 15 Owner: Dennis McKinley Address: 620 Glen Iris Dr NE #101, Atlanta Phone:(404) 423-7175 Website:cruhemplounge.com/
Diamond Facez Skincare Bar Open for business Owner: Shamari-Rene Cherry Address: 175 W Wieuca Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 Phone:(770) 313-8516 Website:www.dfacez.com/
“Going forward, we will be taking one client at a time by appointment only. Wearing a mask & shield during the treatment is mandatory and same for our clients. We will be following all state/CDC rules. Each client must have their temperature taken upon arrival. A consent forum & questionnaire will also be given to each client before providing services.”
Dine & Design Opening in June Owner: Alannah Vincent Address: 1039 Grant Street SE Suite B31 Atlanta Website:www.dineanddesign.com
“Dine and Design will be open mid-June. We have decided to turn it into a full mobile service business. Dine and Design will be open Thursday – Sunday. Clients should call for availability. We are working on a first-come, first-served basis. Clients will be seated six feet apart and have the option to use masks at their discretion.”
“We plan to reopen June 1, 2020. Hours will remain 2-9 pm. All students are required to sanitize upon entering, wash hands every hour and sanitize every other hour. Dancers will also be required to sanitize on their way out. Customers are only allowed in facility 1 at a time in the lobby. Classroom sizes are cut to 20 and 6 ft. apart lines will be placed outside the studio.”
(Photo: Courtesy of FLR-PLN)
FLR-PLN Closed until further notice Owner: Adia Dightman & Rachel Jackson Address: 2491 Martin Luther King Jr Drive SW, Atlanta GA 30311 Phone: (888) 353-1011 Website:www.flr-pln.com
“We are looking to open mid-summer. We want to prevent the spread of the virus and allow guests to experience the store in the best way possible. We currently have two locations in Atlanta closed due to COVID-19. We opened our stores 3 months before we had to close due to the pandemic. We have moved our operations online until further notice.”
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar Open for takeout daily from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Owner: Gocha Hawkins Address: 3695 Cascade Rd, Atlanta Phone: 678-927-9166 Website:gochasbreakfastbar.com
“Food is an essential and people have to eat, and since this is the case we have to be safe about it. We are not expecting to open our doors to full capacity until late May or first of June. We are still here for our guests and we want them to know we are practicing all safety measures such as: washing our hands, wearing gloves, wearing protective face masks, sanitizing and disinfecting each and everything that we can while also only utilizing the front part of our dining room.”
Preventative measures:
Only using every other booth and practicing social distancing. We want them to be safe and comfortable just as our staff.
Establishment is only allowing 10 guests in the restaurant at any given time.
Still offering take out..Grubhub, Doordash, Postmates and in house ordering.
Hattie Marie’s BBQ Owners: Willie & Ramona Griggie Address: 3699 Main St., College Park Phone: (678) 796-8205 Website:www.hattiemariesbarbecue.com/
“For now, we will be sticking with takeout and delivery. We will make an assessment after May 15. At that point, we will decide whether or not they’re opening, but we are looking to hear back from the Mayor. For now, staff and customers are coming in ordering with masks and are spread six feet apart.”
The Hunt, LLC Owner: James Hunt Address: 5 Pritchard Way NE, Atlanta Phone: 404-998-2516 Website:celebritycreditguru.com/
(Photo: Courtesy of The Hunt, LLC)
“Business has never closed! Actually, because of the nature of this business—the credit repair business—and our expertise, business for me has been up about 50 percent since the coronavirus lock down as clients have taken the time to actually focus on their finances and what their issues are. With that said, there are changes that have been made. All staff communicates via phone and submits their information electronically, then we have their paperwork sent in. I have my employees working one in each office to account for the 6 feet social distancing rule. We are also making sure that there is hourly disinfecting of everything, desks, computers and all other appliances and supplies. We are being totally conscious and ordering food out and bringing it into the office so we don’t have to go to the restaurants.”
The aftermath: This pandemic has definitely changed the way my company will do business in the future. I don’t foresee having clients in the office. It is not necessary. It has been proven that we can be equally effective without having face to face consultations with the clients and we are able to efficiently take care of their issues without seeing them in the office.
Janelle Alisha Wig Design & Installation Reopened April 27; open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Owner: Janelle Alisha Address: 409 Arrowhead Blvd, Jonesboro Phone: 850-254-5028 Website:www.hairfetishatlanta.com/
“I opened on Monday, April 27. My reason for opening is based on my background in Public Health and my faith, it allows me to implement the safety precautions, take heed and change my business guidelines and procedures. As a small business owner, I need to continue to make money and my clients are also going back to work. They are needing wigs made for that, so I need to be available to them.”
Preventative measures:
As patrons enter the establishment, they must take the hand sanitizer provided at the door.
Patrons must wash their hands as soon as they enter.
Staff will wear masks.
(Photo: Courtesy of Krab Queenz)
Krab Queenz ATL Open May Fridays through Tuesdays, noon – 8 p.m. Owner: Tonique Clay, Natasha Burton, Kway Rogers Address: 529 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta Phone:(678) 515-3868 Website: www.krabqueenz.com/
“The health and well being of our customers, staff and community are our top priority. With the data presented to us there is still a lot to be concerned about with COVID-19. We will continue to adhere to the CDC’s recommendations of social distancing and monitor the after effects of other business openings on May 1. We want our decision to reopen fully to not come with any consequences of patrons and staff getting sick or any risks of passing the viruses to others”.
Miguel Wilson CollectionReopening June 1 by appointment only Owner: Miguel Wilson Address: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE f6, Atlanta Phone:(404) 330-8626 Website:www.miguelwilson.com
“We’re planning the reopening of Miguel Wilson showrooms in Atlanta, Miami, and D.C. as of June 1. Next week, I will be laying out the protocols to help protect you and our team members. We can only accommodate one client at a time in the stores.
(Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Everything)
Mr. Everything Cafe Open for takeout Mondays through Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Owner: Jason & Monica Smith Address: 899 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta; 2220 Jonesboro Rd., Fairburn Phone: (770) 996-3412
“We will not open our dining room at least not before June 1,2020. We feel it’s too soon for that and want to keep our employees and our customers safe. We have been open the entire time since the statewide shelter-in-place order. We have only take out and delivery through our Restaurant Partners. GrubHub, Uber Eats and DoorDash.”
Preventative measures:
Establishment wipes counters and cash register areas down every hour.
Establishment has hand sanitizer available for the customers to use upon entering and exiting our establishment.
Our front-of-the-house employees are required to wear face masks.
Establishment has purchased a handheld POS System to even take customers’ orders outside when there are more than five customers inside our restaurant.
(Photo: Courtesy of Nouveau Bar & Grill)
Nouveau Bar & Grill Open for takeout and delivery, Tuesdays-Sundays 2–10 p.m. Owner: Ebony Austin Address: 3775 Main St, College Park Phone: (404) 343-6785 Website:nouveaubar.com/menu/
“As a new restaurant, we were growing rapidly, this led to new hires in every area: bar, kitchen, servers, janitorial, marketing, etc. The word about Nouveau Bar & Grill had spread and we were bombarded with reservation requests, parties, and inquiries about renting out the entire restaurant. We are tentatively opening for business Memorial Day Weekend.”
(Photo: Courtesy of NuLeaf Health & Wellness)
NuLeaf Health & Wellness Store Reopening Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8p.m. Owner: Jacquece Jennings Address: 4750 Alabama Rd NE #116, Roswell Phone:(404) 436-1611 Website:www.nuleafone.com/
“As we continue to work to serve the evolving needs of our communities, we plan to stay in touch with news and changes as they occur. Here at Nuleaf #1 CBD store we have reopened and are ready to service you. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support as we will all work together to help protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The Original Hot Dog Factory Closed until further notice; takeouts only Owner: Dennis McKinley Address: 68 North Marietta Pkwy NW, Marietta; 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta; 2860 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta Phone: (404) 907-4133 Website:www.theoriginalhotdogfactory.com/
“We actually haven’t closed during the pandemic. We shifted to takeout and delivery services only. Until we re-open for dine in we plan to continue to limit our capacity to 10 customers at a time. In a few weeks we plan to fully open and at that time we will follow all of the guidelines set forth by Governor Kemp.”
Re-opening plans: McKinley planned to open two of the three branches of his restaurant, The Original Hot Dog Factory, for dine-in service in the Atlanta area. He reversed himself Monday after getting about 40 calls from politicians, community leaders and customers urging him to keep diners out. “Ultimately, The Original Hot Dog Factory can’t make it without the community’s support, so I felt it was important to hold back and wait.”
Pearly Booth Closed indefinitely Owner: Alannah Vincent Website:Pearlybooth.com
“Pearly Booth will reopen when ppl can socially gather in groups. Our hours will be the same as before covid-19. I believe Pearly Booth would function at its best without the Covid-19 restrictions. Once we are open to having parties and events then Pearly Booth will be in full swing.”
(Photo: Courtesy of Slutty Vegan)
Slutty Vegan ATL Open Tuesdays-Saturdays from noon to 7:30 p.m. Owner: Pinky Cole Address: 1542 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta Phone: (678) 732-3525 Website: sluttyveganatl.com/
“Here at Slutty Vegan, we always take into consideration the safety of you (the customer), the needs of our staff, and the best interests of the community. The Slutty Vegan family wishes all those affected by this pandemic strength and resilience in this time of need.”
Tu La 2 Nail Salon & Company Repening by appointment only Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Address: 1133 Huff Road Suite E Atlanta, Ga. 30318 Phone: (404) 869-3600 Website:tula2nailsalon.com/
“Tu La 2 Nail Salon & Company will analyze the upcoming weeks if all goes well we will consider resuming business in the beginning of May. We will follow the new guidelines presented. Our hours of operation will continue as normal. We are all about the SAFETY of our clients and our team! They matter the most!”
Preventative measures:
Establishment will observe a “No Mask, No Service” policy.
Establishment’s staff is required to wear masks as well.
Establishment will check clients and or teams temperatures daily.
Patrons will have to sign a waiver to receive service.
Establishment will continue its sanitation procedures, including requiring patrons to wash their hands before any service.
Establishment is installing sneeze guards in place between technicians and patrons.
Technicians are required to wear gloves for the patron’s entire service.
Each technician and their client will be six feet from the other technician’s work stations.
Establishment will limit occupation of salon to 10 people or less at all times.
Only patrons being serviced can enter the salon.
(Photo: Courtesy of The Yizclusive Experience)
The Yizclusive Experience Men’s Grooming Spa Reopening today by appointment only Owner: Yisrael Wright Address: 1039 Grant St SE Suite A12, Atlanta Phone: (888) 353-1011 Website:www.theyizclusiveexperience.com/
“Our projected date per the Governor continuing to allow business to resume is Friday, May 1. We will only be open four days a week with no walk-ins and appointments only for existing clients. We deal with clients and patrons within the six foot recommendation for social distancing however with the masks, gloves, shields, and conscious cleaning, our close contact work will be tremendously safer. When we do resume services we will have additional steps and requirements to ensure safety.”
Zeus’ Closet Reopening May 4 by appointment only Owner: Ethan King Address: 1339 Marietta Blvd Suite C, Atlanta; 440 Barrett Pkwy, Suite 46, Kennesaw Phone: (866) 987-9387
“We plan to reopen next week by appointment only. Customers must book in advance on our website. Masks are required. We are closely monitoring the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, and will reopen when we feel we can do so safely for our team members and our clients.”
USA Today Sports’ Jarrett Bell breaks down his conversation with Jackson State head football coach Deion Sanders.
USA TODAY
Correction/clarification: A previous version of this story mischaracterized new revenue generated since Deion Sanders arrived at Jackson State. The school’s athletic department has generated the equivalency of $185 million in advertising and exposure, a university spokeswoman said.
JACKSON, Miss. — Like pretty much any and every coach, Deion Sanders has a whiteboard in his office at Jackson State. Yet the board mounted above the coffee maker and microwave, a few feet from his desk, is hardly typical. There are no X’s and O’s scribbled on the board to diagram plays.
Sanders’ board contains a list of 20 items — either generic products or the names of specific stores. These are marketing targets.
“Go get ‘em,” Sanders said, alluding to the directive for a marketing firm, SMAC Entertainment, enlisted to pursue potential deals. “That’s the way my mind thinks.”
Few, if any, can sell it quite like Sanders, who has never been shy about pushing the envelope and won’t stop now.
This is what Jackson State knew it was getting in hiring the electric Pro Football Hall of Famer to become “Coach Prime.” And his star power is already paying off in a big way.
A university spokesman told USA TODAY Sports on Friday that the Tigers athletic department has generated the equivalency of $185 million in advertising and exposure since Sanders was hired in September to revitalize the football program — and more — at the HBCU school. Surely, this is “The Deion Effect” that athletic director Ashley Robinson stated during a recent interview with USA TODAY Sports.
The way Sanders sees it, it is only the beginning.
The whiteboard illustrates how much he recognizes the buzz about him can generate revenue for an underserved program seeking a wide range of upgrades.
The first item on the board: Insoles. Makes sense. The Tigers, like all athletes, need their footwear support.
Sanders’ board also includes items for “credit repair” (Is this a play on “starving students?”), “coffee” (I’m thinking there’s a tie-in to all-nighters before mid-term exams), “pain” medication (football is a collision sport) and as the coach noted, “tractor supply” (which I’m assuming might have been inspired by shoddy practice fields).
Surely, this is an interesting time on the college landscape for this. On Friday, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed Mississippi Senate Bill 2313, which allows college athletes to receive compensation for use of their names, images and likeness (NIL). The law goes into effect on July 1, with Mississippi becoming at least the ninth state to pass this type of measure and the third — following Florida and New Mexico — with that soon of an effective date. These actions are occurring against the backdrop of a sweeping reform movement to rebut the NCAA’s traditional and draconian measures that have prevented athletes from being paid while coaches, administrators, schools and other institutions bring in billions of dollars.
During an interview with USA TODAY Sports earlier this month, Sanders didn’t point to the items on the whiteboard as specific for individual player marketing opportunities — it was obvious that most, if not all of the items could potentially have overall team themes, while many could go either way — but he was undeniably fired up about the prospect of his players cashing in.
“If this happens, we’re able to say, ‘Let’s go,’ ” Sanders said. “At 12:01 (on July 1), we want to announce deals. But that’s how (you) go out and prep ’em. The (marketing) team is already on that stuff.”
Sanders did not maintain that the school or athletic department would directly line up deals for the players. Surely, he knows NCAA rules.
The NCAA, however, is in the process of considering an extensive rules proposal that addresses NIL, quite necessary with so many measures in various states poised to become laws allowing NIL payments for college athletes in addition to the case being weighed by the U.S. Supreme Court that challenges whether the NCAA’s restrictions on compensation for athletes violates antitrust laws. The NCAA’s rules proposal was originally scheduled to be voted on in January, but the matter has been tabled.
One part of the proposal would allow an institution to provide information and education to student-athletes related to NIL activities, and clears schools to assist in evaluating professional service providers for such. This part, however, prevents an institution from identifying or selecting a professional service provider or arranging for payments.
Imagine how Sanders might have cashed in back in the 1980s, when he created his “Neon Deion” image at Florida State — backed up by his enormous talent. He was way ahead of his time. Which makes him uniquely qualified to relate to the athletes — at Jackson State and across the nation — as this NCAA reform evolves.
But still: Item 5 on Sanders’ whiteboard? Condoms.
Say what?
“The slogan is good,” Sanders said. “It says, ‘I’ve got you covered.’ “
That’s going to takes some explaining.
“The reason that’s on there is because, what am I coaching right now? A bunch of young men,” Sanders said.
“When we came off the break (in March), I asked the team, ‘What happened on the break? Somebody tell me some good stories. Well, one of the kids said, ‘Coach, I met my son for the first time.’ His girlfriend gave birth and they had a boy.”
Sanders said the room was overwhelmed with emotion, given the revelation.
“I’m sitting there thinking,” he said, ” ‘This is a child. Raising a child. We’ve got to teach these kids how to practice safe sex.’ “
This is what Sanders must also mean when he says his job is about more than coaching. It’s about developing young adults. And about selling the message, too.
Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC) will provide a free credit repair class via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. April 27. The class will go over the importance of credit, how to improve your credit rating, how to obtain and read your free credit report and resources to help you build your credit score.
To register for this event, contact NOCAC financial coach Amy McMaster at 419-990-5136 ext.3122 or [email protected]
Nothwest Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC) is celebrating Financial Literacy month by providing virtual live housing workshops on home repair and home purchase Tuesday 6-7:30 p.m.
Home repair speakers will include: NOCAC Weatherization, Maumee Valley Planning, USDA home loan and home repair loan. In addition, there will be a speaker on home ownership and credit building products including NOCAC’s Matched Savings Program.
Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the free program details and have their questions answered by the experts. Register for this event by contacting NOCAC’s financial coach, Amy McMaster at 419-990-5136 ext. 3122 or [email protected].
“Most people aren’t aware there are free programs to help them purchase their home or repair it,” McMaster explained. “This workshop brings all of these agencies into one location so the public can learn more and have their questions answered by the experts. There are so many families on a fixed income, including our elderly, who are not in safe housing. NOCAC wants to make sure families are aware of programs that could make their home more energy efficient. NOCAC looks forward to bringing awareness to the community.”
NOCAC’s Weatherization Program wants to improve the energy savings for income eligible individuals. This is done by providing energy related home repairs and other modifications to make the homes safe, comfortable and energy efficient while reducing the heating and cooling cost paid by low-income consumers. Health and safety issues such as furnace and water heater replacement are also assessed; however funding for this is limited, and if the unit is a rental the landlord is recommended to contribute to the repair cost. To be eligible for this program, a person may not make over 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For more information contact Brandy at 419-784-5393 ext. 3110; to schedule an appointment with your local NOCAC Outreach office please call 1-419-219-4641 or visit the NOCAC website at www.nocac.org .
Maumee Valley Planning oversees the Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program which also provides home repairs and often partners with the NOCAC Weatherization Program. The CHIP Program provides funding to address housing-related activities including the full rehabilitation of the property. The goal is to bring the entire home into conformance with local and state codes while addressing health and safety concerns. The improvements will include correction of structural issues, heating, electrical, plumbing, lead paint hazards, accessibility, and water/sewer issues. To learn more, contact Liz Keel at 419-784-3882 or visit https://www.mvpo.org/housing.
The USDA Rural Development’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program provides a path to homeownership for low- and very-low-income families. No down payment is typically required and there is no private mortgage insurance involved with low interest home loans. This provides an opportunity for families who do not have the funds for a down payment. For more information contact Melody Massey at [email protected] or 419-581-4507.
McMaster has been helping families purchase homes for 12 years and continues to offer all these services for free through NOCAC’s Financial Opportunity Center (FOC). The FOC can help families improve their credit, reduce their debt, sign up for federal student loan payment plans, and much more. McMaster goes on to say, “I don’t have a magic wand to magically make all their credit problems disappear, but I do have some resources that can make the journey to home ownership easier.”
NOCAC also administers a Matched Savings Program that provides one time down payment assistance toward home ownership. Income eligible participants receive up to $650 in matched savings toward a home loan down payment and closing costs. Participants save $50 a month for up to 12 months in a personal savings account and receive the NOCAC match once they have completed all program requirements and purchase their home. A free financial coach is provided to help participants become mortgage ready. Most mortgage loan products require a credit score of 640 and NOCAC’s financial coach can help participants reach this credit score in a timely manner while learning new ways to make their income stretch. Contact McMaster at 419-990-5136 ext.3122 or [email protected] to learn more.
McMaster went on to say “there are so many people who have the dream of owning their own home and do not know where to start. This housing workshop explains the process and links them to agencies that can assist them. Most families need a credit score of a 640 to purchase a home in Northwest Ohio. There are programs to help families reach this credit score and reduce the debt that could disqualify them from a mortgage loan. In addition, they can learn more about down payment assistance programs such as the $5,000 Welcome Home Grant that provides a onetime down payment assistance if you purchase a home in March”. Attendees will walk away with information and resources to make their home ownership dream come true. NOCAC will also be offering a free online Credit Repair class as well, Tuesday April 27th @ 6pm. Please reach out to the FOC if you would like to learn more by calling 419-990-5136 or visiting our website at www.nocac.org.