HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM: PARTICIPANT SUCCESS
Participants in the Housing Choice Voucher program or HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Voucher (HUD-VASH) program may be eligible for the KCDC Homeownership Program. The program allows participants to use their voucher to supplement mortgage payments.
More than 200 individuals and families have closed on mortgages through the Homeownership Program. It is open to any eligible veteran, individual or family regardless of disability status. Below are three success stories from participants in the Homeownership Program.
Joining KCDC’s Homeownership Program was truly a life-changing experience for me and my family. Through help from KCDC and supporting partner agencies, I was able to learn the ins and outs of the homeownership process and get help with improving my credit score.
Before coming here in early 2021, my family and I had to move around several times for personal reasons. This house provides much-needed stability for my children, and it offers motivation for me as I look to better myself in my career.
I can’t emphasize enough the stability it provides. Knowing one day when I die, I can leave my kids something. I didn’t have that. It’s generational change. My kids will have a different outlook because of it.
I won’t lie and say the program wasn’t stressful at times, but it’s definitely worth it. I’d recommend the KCDC Homeownership Program to anyone. For me, my kids, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without the program.
visit the Our Programs page.
In late 2021, I made the jump and started my journey through KCDC’s Homeownership Program. For years leading up to this, I rented a house in South Knoxville. The monthly rent wasn’t cheap, and my voucher didn’t cover much. So, I set my eyes on finding a home that I could call my own. I figured if I was going to be paying $700 or $800, I might as well find something that I could either rent-to-own or purchase outright. I made myself that goal and got to work.
The first step toward achieving my goal was improving my credit score, which at one point was in the low 400s because I always paid with cash and never took the time to build it up. Thanks to this program, I was able to learn the importance of that. I also got help with learning what it took to buy a house.
If I had to do it again, I would do it over again because just when you know that you work hard and you come home to something that’s yours, it’s special. Every time I come to my house, I’m like, “Teronda, this is yours. You bought this. You don’t have to answer to anybody. You have your own peace.”
The program is very good for anybody. I tell all my friends and family, “If I can do it, you can do it.”
visit the Our Programs page.
GROWING MORE THAN A GARDEN
Carl “Red” Butler, veteran homeowner
I served in the Army and was hit hard during the recession. I participated in the HUD-VASH program for two years and learned about KCDC’s Homeownership Program at one of the meetings. I heard about the program on a Wednesday, and by Friday, I was starting the process. KCDC connected me with so many fine people and organizations who helped me with homeownership classes, navigate credit issues, secure financing, and so much more.
If you are considering this program, don’t be scared! Yes, it’s a big step, but KCDC supports you from day one. I learned how to look for a home, how to maintain a home, how to keep a budget – all step by step, in terms that are easy to understand. All you have to do is listen and take one step at a time.
I have a home to call my own and am so proud to call it mine. I enjoy my garden and being able to add personal touches to my home. Most of all, I love the independence that comes from being a homeowner.
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