Fernando Wade arrived in the U.S. from the Dominican Republic in 1989 to join his mother and father, who had already immigrated to New York. In 1994, he became a U.S. Citizen and in 2000, at the urging of a relative to try western Michigan, moved to Grand Rapids to begin a new life. Fernando says he "left much for nothing, not sure of what to expect" when he moved.

Pictured above are Fernando Wade and his two-year-old daughter, Avis, on the porch of their new home. The partnership opportunity provided by Cascade Engineering and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce helps support HUD's goal to increase minority homeownership in the country and make dreams come true for individuals such as Fernando Wade, Claret Monegro and their children.

Shortly after his arrival in Grand Rapids, Fernando began working at Cascade Engineering. When Fernando discovered that his employer was offering home ownership opportunities in partnership with the Grand Rapids Employer Assisted Housing program of the local Chamber of Commerce, he knew homeownership was within his grasp. Fernando soon took his first step to homeownership when he registered for home buying classes through the Michigan State University Extension Services. As a result of the classes and help from a program staff member, Fernando gained a new perspective on the responsibilities and benefits of homeownership.

An affordable HUD/REO home soon became available, and by using HUD's single-family 203K financing product, Fernando and Claret Monegro, his girlfriend, closed on their new home in April. Their roots are now planted in Grand Rapids to grow with the many memories coming from their two young daughters and soon, a new baby. Fernando said his children, Avis and Gabrielle, are his greatest motivation for looking toward the future. Now the children enjoy more freedom, the privacy of their own rooms in their four-bedroom home and a safe place to play. And Claret? "She's settled in Grand Rapids," Fernando says. "She's found what she wanted."

Fernando says he's thankful to Cascade Engineering and the opportunities he found through the home assistance program. He urges home seekers not to become discouraged or fall in love with the first house they see but to prepare and "take your time to choose the house you like." After all, it's a dream that can become a reality.