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Becoming a first-time homeowner in Washington County is a challenging endeavor for many of our residents. The median age of first-time homebuyers in our country is 38 years old, up from 30 years old just a decade ago. With increasing inflation, mortgage rates, and housing prices, the American Dream is at risk, and for very low-income Americans, that dream is highly improbable, but not impossible.
Homeownership programs can keep this dream alive. One story of perseverance and dedication is that of Maria, who went from renting her home through a public housing program with the Housing Authority of Washington County to becoming a new homeowner.
Maria, a hardworking mother employed by a local company for the past seven years, lives with her four children (two in university, one in high school, and one in elementary school). She is a long-time resident of Beaverton, having recently purchased her new home through a Habitat for Humanity program.
Beginning her housing journey with the Department of Housing Services in 2014, Maria was escaping domestic violence at the time. “I received support and was encouraged to apply for public housing. I saw it as a great opportunity,” she shared with us. “I felt like there was nothing to lose. I had to go to my mom’s house. I had a lot of problems; I would return to my ex-partner... they were really desperate times.”
While she was able to get on the waitlist, she decided to live on her own as her children got older and needed their own space. While renting there for a year, she was contacted by the housing authority. “I received a call, and they saw that I was eligible!” she said. “I did all the paperwork, and they showed me a few homes, and then I decided to choose one.”
She lived in that home for the next 10 years of her life, providing an affordable rent and allowing Maria to dream big.
“Being in the program showed me how to save due to the low rent,” she told us. After years of saving, she was finally able to purchase her own home. “I love the area, it has a big backyard, I feel comfortable, and I can say it’s my own home,” she said with pride. It took time, effort, and dedication to prepare for this big purchase, from rebuilding her credit to working with a real estate agent and her family.
“I am so happy,” said Maria.
When asked if she had last words to share with our readers, she responded, “It was always a dream to have my own house one day. I had a fear of changing jobs. I don’t speak 100% English, but I was still able to obtain my GED. I was comfortable in my job, but if I wanted to accomplish something, I had to make a change to take advantage of opportunities...
Don’t be scared. It can be done by giving it your all.”