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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) has launched a new program to help eligible BMH employees become homeowners or refinance existing mortgages.</p>
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<p>The program is one of many new benefits the hospital is rolling out to help employees access affordable housing, childcare and more.</p>
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<p>“We know that homeownership provides stability, security, and a means to building financial health and wealth for future generations,” said BMH President &amp; CEO Russell Baxley, MHA. “We also recognize that a major obstacle can be coming up with the money needed for a down payment or closing costs. This assistance program will help our employees bridge that financial gap.”</p>
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<p>The buyer-assistance program offers up to $10,000 to qualified applicants. Eligible team members must be full-time and have worked at Beaufort Memorial for a minimum of six months, attend a homebuyer education workshop, and meet household income and other requirements. Eligible properties include those within a 15-mile radius of a designated Beaufort Memorial campus or provider practice. The funds may be used for down payment and/or closing costs.</p>
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<p>The program was developed in partnership with CommunityWorks, a community development financial institution that supports economic growth in communities across South Carolina. The goal of these programs is to provide safe and comfortable housing at an affordable rate to community members, ultimately allowing them to build wealth through homeownership.</p>
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<p>“CommunityWorks is thrilled to partner with Beaufort Memorial to make homeownership more accessible to their team members,” said Tamie Hoy Hawkins, CEO of CommunityWorks. “We believe that homeownership is one of the best ways to achieve financial prosperity.”</p>
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<p>Last year the hospital partnered with Hobbit Hill Preschools to open The Learning Center, a subsidized childcare- and remote-learning center for children of Beaufort Memorial staff. Plans are underway to build a freestanding daycare within walking distance of the hospital’s main campus in 2022.</p>
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<p>To learn more about Beaufort Memorial career opportunities and benefits visit www.beaufortmemorial.org/careers.</p>
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