In Laurel, Mississippi, Former public housing residents share their journey towards homeownership

From Left, front row: Rev. George Barnes, Board of Commissioners Chairman; Semeka Seals and Latesa Phillips, former LHA residents becoming homeowners. Second row: Ailrick Young, LHA Executive Director; Shae Williams, HUD Mississippi Field Office Director; Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee; and Felicia Jackson, LHA Assistant Executive Director

HUD Mississippi Field Office Director Shae Williams addresses the audience at Laurel Homeownership Fair

Morgan Clark, HUD Housing Program Specialist, discusses FHA Single Family programs with attendees and vendors.

The HUD Mississippi team and Laurel Housing Authority (LHA) recently joined forces to provide a Homeownership Fair for potential homebuyers in Laurel. While the event targeted residents of HUD-assisted properties, it was open to the entire Laurel community.

Former Laurel Housing Authority residents Semeka Seals and Latesa Phillips shared their experiences on their journeys towards homeownership. Mrs. Seals told the attendees that she has been able to become self-sufficient with the help and support of LHA programs. She increased her credit score, and her loan application has now been approved to purchase a home.

Ms. Phillips, now a proud homeowner, started by working as a part-time employee with the housing authority's Residents Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency ROSS program, where she was subsequently promoted to ROSS Coordinator.

LHA Executive Director Ailrick Young, noted the efforts of the housing authority to help their residents move toward self-sufficiency and their enthusiastic reaction to securing affordable housing through homeownership.

Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee, and HUD Mississippi Field Office Director Adrenace Williams also offered remarks to the attendees, who were able to talk with housing counselors, financial institution representatives, real estate agents, and governmental agencies. HUD staff shared information on FHA programs and the Housing Choice Voucher homeownership program.

###