Achieving the Dream of Homeownership
Since 1988, Housing Our Communities, Inc. (HOC) has been helping underserved families and individuals achieve their dream of affordable, quality, sustainable homeownership and a life of self-determination.
Feature Family of the Month
Living the Dream: The Story of Stephanie Franklin
HOC welcomes its newest Board member, Stephanie Franklin. Not only is Stephanie Franklin a committed HOC board member, talented hair stylist at Salon Surreal, and dedicated single mother to her daughter Molly, she became a proud homeowner in Avondale through HOC.
On November 10, 2008, HOC Housing Counselor, Sara Barnes, first met Stephanie Franklin. Despite all doubts and reservations, Stephanie qualified for the City of Avondale HOME program. Through her personal hard work and with the guidance of Sara, Stephanie proceeded through pre-purchase homebuyer education and counseling, identified the home of her dreams in Avondale, qualified for a sound mortgage, and closed escrow within three months.
"With the help and guidance of my counselor Sara Barnes, I was able to purchase a home for my daughter and me. I am so thankful for this program and the people that stand behind it. If it wasn’t for Sara, Housing Our Communities, and the City of Avondale, I wouldn’t have my dream home!"
- Stephanie Franklin
The City of Avondale funds were used to do minor rehabilitation on the property, such as installing energy efficient windows to assist in lowering her future utility bills. Stephanie also received down payment and closing costs assistance from the City of Avondale to ensure affordable and sustainable homeownership for her family. On February 10, 2009, Stephanie received her keys and immediately started painting and decorating her new home. The process and outcome has empowered Stephanie with homeownership, financial stability, and community.
Since Stephanie closed on her home, she has been featured on Channel 12 news, Fox 10 news, and on the front page of The Arizona Republic. Stephanie spoke at the grand opening of the Avondale Housing & Resource Center, was interviewed by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation, and was featured in the fall 2009 issue of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Community Developments publication.