St. Louis Family Receives the Keys
to Homeownership through
HUD's Homewise Partnership Program

[Photo 1: St. Louis home purchased through the Homewise program]
A first time home buyer was able to purchase this St. Louis home for half the appraisal price as a result of the HUD initiated Homewise program.
[Photo 2: Ricky Robinson of Right On Construction and Rev. Mr. Thomas Gorski]
Ricky Robinson of Right On Construction stands next to Rev. Mr. Thomas Gorski who conducted the House Blessing.
It was windy and cold outside, but for the friends and family who gathered inside the newly renovated house at 7429 Hillsdale in St. Louis County, it was warm and cozy. It was a House Blessing and those who gathered came to welcome the new homeowner, a single mother and her 13-year old daughter.

The first-time homebuyer purchased the three-bedroom home located in Greendale through a HUD initiated program called Homewise. A partnership between the St. Louis HUD Office, St. Louis County and Catholic Charities of St. Louis resulted in the homeowner purchasing the home for $47,500, half the appraised value of $95,000. St. Louis County was able to purchase the home for $1.00 through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door program and turn it over to Catholic Charities for renovation.

Catholic Charities utilized CDBG, HOME and Lead-Based Paint funding through the County to rehab the house. Rite On Construction was hired to do the rehab work. Catholic Charities also financed the mortgage loan with a zero percent interest rate which held the monthly mortgage payment to approximately $350. Owning a home is the American Dream. Thanks to the commitment of those involved in the partnership, one more family has achieved the American Dream of Homeownership.

The 7429 Hillsdale bungalow is absolutely charming and will provide many years of wonderful memories for this deserving family.

 
Content Archived: September 7, 2011