As part of its continuing series on the UO’s Employee Assistance Program, Human Resources this month is offering information about home ownership support.
Home sales continue to be very brisk in Lane County and Oregon, according to the Regional Multiple Listing Service that tracks local housing. Whether the market stays hot or cools down, buying, selling and maintaining a home takes know-how. Cascade Centers, the UO employee assistance provider, offers resources to help employees navigate home ownership.
UO benefits manager Cindi Peterson said Cascade Centers has built a library of resources called the Home Center that can serve as an extension of support for employees. Many employees are unaware of the depth and breadth of topics and life issues that Cascade Centers is prepared to address.
“Many employees say they are relieved when they learn that Cascade Centers can help,” Peterson said. “The Home Center provides valuable information quickly and easily, and a representative is available to talk through complicated issues related to home ownership.”
According to HR, the Home Center includes information on preparing to buy or sell a home and understanding the technical details of a mortgage, refinancing and home repair. Calculators are available to help estimate payments, as are other resources for renters not yet in the home ownership market.
Peterson also said Cascade Centers can be a complimentary resource among the real estate agents and other experts a person might work with when managing home ownership issues.
To access employee assistance services, visit the HR employee assistance program webpage or visit Cascade Centers’ website. Benefit-eligible employees have access to services 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a telephone hotline or the website. Additional resources are available by establishing a registered user online account with Cascade Centers.
Employees can find additional home ownership resources through Oregon Housing and Community Services and HouseLogic, a resource provided by the National Association of Realtors.
This information is part of an ongoing effort by HR to provide employees with information about the resources available through the Employee Assistance Program. Those resources go beyond counseling or help in a crisis and include expertise and guidance on life decisions that affect employees’ finances or personal life.
HR will continue to share information about services in a monthly series of workplace articles in Around the O throughout the remainder of the calendar year. For additional information, call the Benefits Office at 541-346-3086.