HUD Programs Turn Homeownership Dreams Into Reality

In 1990, the Phabmysay's and their children emigrated from Laos to the United States, eventually settling in Fresno. In the years that followed, they successfully raised their family, and learned the culture of their new country. Having escaped political persecution, war, and famine in Laos, the Phabmysays loved their lives in America. But there was one part of living in the United States that still eluded them. Owning a home.

Through their friends, the Phabmysays found the house that they now own. Located in an older, established neighborhood near a school and hospital, they rented it for nearly twelve years before the owner decided in early 2003 to sell it. To and Khamka didn't want to move to another house, but weren't sure if they could buy the home. Although they had a steady income and could afford the mortgage payment, the Phabmysays faced the challenge that restricts many first time homebuyers: money for the downpayment.

Through Vee Inthaly, a trusted family friend from their days in Laos ,and a leader of Lao Family, a HUD partner agency, the Phabmysays heard about the City of Fresno's Downpayment Assistance Program. Since 1993, the City of Fresno has used HOME money from HUD to give over 5,000 low income, first time home buyers up to $4,000 for their downpayment. With Vee's help, the Phabmysays found out that they qualified for the program and could receive enough money to cover their downpayment.

In addition to helping her friends use the DAP program, however, Vee also assisted the Phabmysays with every step of the homeownership process. Since the Phabmysays do not speak English, Vee went to all their meetings with them, and translated all the discussions about buying the house from Laotian into English. She assisted them with getting their income information together, filling out loan forms, and making an offer on their home. After several weeks of paperwork, meetings, and translation, the Phabmysays finally closed escrow on their first house.

When asked what the best part of owning the home is, To laughs. Through Vee Inthaly's interpretation, this mother of six makes it very clear that life is easier now that she is a homeowner. "My husband and I have six children. We used to have to go and visit all of our kids at their houses. But now they have to come and visit us because now we have a home too!"

Now that they own the house, To and her husband are talking about finishing their large basement to make a room for their grandchildren to use when they visit. They are also thinking about painting, and replacing some of the home's windows and appliances. When they were renters, these were just dreams. But now that To and Khamka are homeowners, these are plans for the future. Plans for a finished basement full of toys for their grandkids. Plans for a freshly painted living room. Plans for a new stove to cook meals for the family on. In To's words, "I want to live in my house forever because I am so happy here."

Each year, HUD programs and services help tens of thousands of families accomplish the dream of a lifetime: owning a home. The Phabmysays are just one of many success stories. Because of HUD, thousands of other families have the same opportunities to enjoy the simple pleasures that homeownership brings: the pride of having a special room for their grandkids, the security of a good neighborhood, and, most importantly, the joy of a lifetime of happy family memories in their home.