Thanks to HUD and a number of nonprofit housing organizations in Pontiac, Michigan, Liza Carballo and Jose Leon, and Shawana Woods are now first-time homeowners.

"This is a wonderful place to raise a family," says Mrs. Carballo, in the front yard of their new home with husband Leon and their three boys.

Liza and Jose and their three young children moved to Michigan from Puerto Rico in 2000. "When we came to this country we had nothing," Liza recalls. Soon after arriving in Pontiac, they found jobs at local companies�and then began searching for a home.

The couple contacted Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency and Venture, Inc. to explore homeownership options. They then enrolled an eight-week home buying counseling class sponsored and conducted by OLHSA, a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. The classes covered all aspects of the home buying process and the couple learned about such issues as credit and budgeting. After completing the classes they then qualified for a mortgage with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

The couple's American Dream is a 1100 square foot, three bedroom, two bath home funded by a HOME grant to Venture, Inc., through the City of Pontiac. The house is an energy efficient design and was certified a Healthy Home by the American Lung Association.

Homeownership partners pose for a group photo with Shawana Woods and Rashanique, her six-year old daughter. From left to right: HUD Regional Director Joseph Galvan, U.S. Representative Joe Knollenberg and Joe Heaphy, director, Lighthouse Community Development. Top row: Toni Schmiegelow, Detroit Field Office director; Diane Johnson, former Detroit acting director; and Pontiac Mayor Willie Payne.

"We never thought our family would be able to fulfill our dream of a beautiful home and a safe place for our children. This home is a dream come true," said Liza. The home is located in a community revitalization area adjacent to a 49-unit HUD Section 202 development sponsored by Volunteers of America. The home is one of seven homes built by OLHSA. The community-based group will build an additional ten homes during the next phase of their project.

Like Liza and Jose, Shawana Woods, a Pontiac native, sought help from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in order to become a first-time homeowner.

She attended financial management classes offered by Lighthouse Community Development, where she learned about goal setting, budgeting and credit repair. After attending one-on-one counseling sessions, Shawana worked with Lighthouse staff to create a budget, increase her savings and develop a plan to satisfy her credit obligations.

In May, she obtained a mortgage from Fifth Third Bank and was selected by Lighthouse to be the buyer of a new 1500 square foot home. The student-built home is the result of a new partnership between Lighthouse and Oakland schools.

Her American Dream is located in Unity Park where Lighthouse has effectively used HOME funds provided by MSHDA and the City of Pontiac to build 33 homes and rehabilitate 20 more. Other partners include Standard Federal Bank, the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan and, most importantly, community residents who are seeking to revitalize their neighborhood.

Shawana said the house is more than just a brand new place to raise her six-year old daughter. "It represents peace of mind and accomplishment," she said. "If anything happens to me, I want something for my daughter. I'll enjoy making payments knowing that they're an investment. That's what's most exciting to me."

The single mom adds, "I feel very blessed. All I wanted was a house, and I got a mansion. I am now a example for others to follow."