Kairos Brings Financial Support to Affordable Residents

Affordable housing developer Kairos Investment Management Company believes that service-based amenities in affordable housing are of great importance to the success of residents and the property—and it is continuing to expand its offerings. The firm has partnered with Esusu and Freddie Mac to provide residents with access to credit reporting so that they are able to build a credit score or repair a poor credit score.

“This recent partnership with Esusu and Freddie Mac, for example, helps renters build and strengthen their credit scores, which in turn can assist them in becoming future homeowners,” Jonathan Needell, President and Chief Investment Officer of Kairos Investment Management Company, tells GlobeSt.com. “All residents are automatically enrolled in the Esusu and Freddie Mac credit score program and are free to opt-out if they choose.”

The property management team leads the efforts, taking a hands on approach to educate tenants on the importance of good credit. “Our property management teams carefully explain to the residents the benefits of participating, allowing them to begin establishing or repairing low credit scores immediately by reporting rent payments monthly as a positive credit event rather than just a negative credit event when a tenant fails to pay,” says Needell.

The partnership is an example of the types of programs and services that Kairos is sourcing for tenants. “Our recent partnership with Esusu and Freddie Mac comes from collaborative efforts with our property management teams to present activities and programs from which our residents can benefit,” Needell says. “By carefully curating programs to match the needs of residents at each property, we are able to offer resources and support they can use in their daily lives.”

Ultimately, Needell believes that these amenities not only have a positive impact on the residents’ personal lives but also drives operational success at the property. “We believe programs like these enable residents to feel heard and supported by their landlord,” he says. “When residents feel recognized and uplifted in this way, we believe they are more likely to continue residing at our properties and recommend these communities to friends and family. This contributes to decreased vacancy rates and strong demand for housing.”