Single mothers Stacie Benson and Anita Oliver wanted their children to grow up in a home of their own. But despite this homeownership dream, they never thought it would be possible. Many obstacles stood in their way and clouded their hopes, the most daunting of which were credit issues.

Stacie had been participating in the Dallas County Section 8 Program for almost two years when she found out about the homeownership vouchers. She worked diligently to rebuild her credit record and she used her federal tax refund for her portion of the necessary down payment.

Stacie Benson's kitchen

Stacie Benson's new home in Lancaster

Stacie completed ten hours of homebuyer counseling before beginning her search for a home. Within two months she had signed a contract on a beautiful three-bedroom, two-bath home in Lancaster, Texas. Perseverance and a little help allowed Stacie to finally realize her dream of homeownership.

Anita Oliver and her three boys were living in a small apartment and needed more room to grow. In addition to the Section 8 Homeownership Program, she also participated in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Anita Oliver's kitchen

Anita Oliver's new home in Dallas

Anita worked hard to save almost $9,000 toward the purchase of a home. She immediately began to work on her credit and was approved for a mortgage loan. Six weeks later, she signed a contract on a three-bedroom, two-bath home in Dallas. Now her sons have plenty of room to grow and she is living the "American Dream."