PRESS RELEASE

  

After thoughtful consideration, and serving the very low, low and moderate income residents of Polk County for over 31 years, Keystone Challenge Fund, Inc. will be closing effective December 31, 2021.

The company was established with the primary purpose of operating for the advancement of affordable housing, particularly for the development of financing resources to support affordable housing. Over the years, we have partnered with both the public and private sector to best leverage funding resources for low and moderate income homebuyers.  Through these partnerships, we have been able to provide down payment and closing cost program administration services for local governments and agencies, provide homebuyer education and counseling services, and develop affordable housing.

As the office begins the process of closing down, we find ourselves reminising about some of the 4,500 plus familes that we have helped to become homeowners through the administration of $28,000,000.00 in down payment and closing cost assistance through the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP).  Many of these clients were single parents and minorities with truly remarkable success stories due to their diligence and commitment to the dream of homeownership.  We are proud that we have made a difference in the lives of so many over the years and, in some cases, have actually changed their lives.

In closing, our thanks and gratitude to the many individuals, businesses, lenders, banks, and governmental entities, who have all played a role in the initial development and subsequent success of Keystone Challenge Fund, Inc.  We have been truly blessed.

Our important work in Polk County will continue under the expanded operations of HANDS of Central Florida.  Jill McReynolds, Executive Director, has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in the affordable housing industry and will use those talents, along with her staff, to serve the clients of Polk County.  Also, three of Keystone’s current staff members, Bill Lavender, Leisha Thompson and Karin Lloyd, will be joining HANDS.

The Lakeland office of HANDS will be located at 2019 E. Edgewood Drive, Suite 104, Lakeland, Florida, 33803. The telephone number for that office will remain the same as the current Keystone phone number, (863) 682-1025. 

To sign up for the next available homebuyer education class:

English Class – go to www.cflhands.org.

Clase de español - para compradores de vivienda: visite www.cflhands.org.