When we began working with Loretta Johnson, she was living in public housing and had set three ambitious goals for herself: 1. get a job, 2. get off “the system”, and 3. to own her own home. She was told by many that those were ‘very big goals’ but Loretta was determined to accomplish each and everyone. She went back to school, served as an AmeriCorps member and was eventually hired by the RI Coalition for the Homeless where she had been volunteering. This allowed her to get off public assistance and begin saving. She participated in our Home Buyer Education classes to learn more about buying her own home and began working with a financial coach from our team to support her ambitions. With the help of the NWBRV HomeOwnership Center services, Loretta purchased her first home last year after graduating from HomeBuyer Education and our Landlord & Tenant Class. She loves being a homeowner and landlord and now has a place for her family to proudly call home. When asked what advice she would give to others, she said ” Never give up hope; through faith and determination anything is possible.”
Celebrating Homeownership
In addition to Loretta, over 130 families completed our home buyer education courses last year. 42% went on to purchase home in 2014, with many more purchasing in 2015. Educating home buyers is a core component of the NWBRV mission. We strive to be a one-stop-shop for individuals and families as they pursue their financial and home ownership dreams. Our team are HUD-approved and NeighborWorks America trained to provide the highest quality of personalized service. Whether its our intensive year-long BOOST! 100 Women financial empowerment program in collaboration with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s RI Chapter, Community Action Partnership of Providence, and Freddie Mac or a thirty minute check-in with a staff member on a budget or financial goal, we continue to provide innovative service that meets families where they are and helps them get to where they are headed.