Four years ago, Hope Coppersmith enrolled in the Portland Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). HUD's FSS program helps family members obtain employment that will lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency.

Hope established three major goals--obtain a B.A.degree; get a full-time job paying enough to get off of welfare, and buy a home. In 2006, she achieved her first two goals, and in 2007, Hope bought her first home. Years of hard work and commitment paid off "big time."

On the way to becoming a first-time homebuyer, Hope took advantage of several HUD-funded programs. She completed a homebuyer education course from the People's Regional Opportunity Program and utilized HUD's American Dream Downpayment Initiative for downpayment and closing cost assistance. She will retain her housing choice voucher, but it will now be used to help pay her mortgage rather than her rent. Her housing costs are a little bit higher, "but it's worth it," says Hope, "I have never been happier in my life." Congratulations, Hope!

Visit HUD's website to learn more about homeownership vouchers and HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in Maine.