HUD SECRETARY JACKSON, REPRESENTATIVE WILSON CONGRATULATE ALBUQUERQUE FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNER
Family utilizes HUD and local programs to purchase first home

"Robbie joined the ranks of more than 75 million Americans who own their own homes," said Jackson. "Homeownership is empowering people here in New Mexico and all across America. Robbie is building equity for her family's future by becoming a homeowner."

"This is a good investment in New Mexico's future. Homeownership is part of the American dream," Wilson said. "Owning your own home has a lot of meaning, like marking the growth of your kids on the door jam in the kitchen. You're part of something lasting and invested in building a good neighborhood and a strong community."

Anaya used HUD's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program to rent housing for many years. When she decided she wanted to become a homeowner, she used the homeownership feature of the voucher program to buy her home on Fresam St. The Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership (HCVH) program allows first-time homeowners to use their vouchers toward monthly homeownership expenses - mortgage payment and utilities.

To prepare for homeownership, Anaya sought housing counseling from HOME New Mexico. She obtained down payment assistance from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority through its Helping Hand program and financing from Suburban Mortgage Company.

Anaya joins many other Bernalillo County families who purchased their homes using HCVH. Bernalillo County was among the 12 regions where HUD piloted the program in 1999. Bernalillo County led the way during the demonstration period, with more closings than any other of the pilot areas. Bernalillo County continues its success with the program with nearly 140 closings. The program is now open to all public housing authorities; and there are more than 450 agencies participating. Currently, the program is responsible for making nearly 5,000 low-income families first-time homeowners.