5-year Dream of Homeownership Realized

Counselor Stacey and new homeowner Mike

Mike came into Housing Our Communities (HOC) for counseling in August 2002 with a list of items he needed to complete as part of his homeownership work plan. He was a (HOC) client of 5 years. Housing Our Communities is a HUD Approved Counseling Agency.

He was just released from jail, unemployed, and trying to overcome personal obstacles in his life. He began working in the trucking industry, changed employers, and tried to climb the corporate ladder.

When he returned for follow up counseling, all of his work plan items were completed. He had a checking and savings account and raised his credit scores over 100 points. He paid off old debt, had alternative credit, stable employment and positive rental history for the last year.

Mike viewed many houses within the city limits of Mesa and Chandler. He found a condominium that was within his price range. It was exactly what he was looking for. HOC performed small repairs to the property and sold Mike the house in September, 2007. Mike received Maricopa County HOME funds, American Dream Down Payment Initiative funds, and also matching funds from Mesa CAN.

His housing counselor Stacey Neal stated: "I will never forget the day I handed him his keys. We were both overwhelmed with emotion and excitement. On the day he made his first mortgage payment, Mike came into HOC's office and spoke with our CEO [Chief Executive Officer], John Smith. He realized what HOC had done for him. In tears, Mike told John that if it were not for HOC and all of the funding sources, homeownership may not have been possible for him."

Mike's dream would not have been possible without all of the partners, including HOC staff, Wells Fargo, Maricopa County Community Development, the City of Mesa, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mesa CAN, and his real estate agents. Our partners helped make this homeownership dream a reality for a very persistent, driven individual who worked toward his goal for 5 years.