In just one year, I went from being abruptly told I needed to relocate due to my apartment complex being sold to owning my own home, all thanks to the support of Brighton Center. The Financial Wellness services Brighton Center offers taught me everything I needed in order to become financially stable. Brighton Center has allowed me to begin my life again.
Owning my own home has always been a dream. It was constantly in the back of my mind, but I never thought I could do it. After someone mentioned Brighton Center and the available programs, I thought my dream might actually be feasible. Brighton Center broke everything down piece by piece and worked through every step of the journey with me. I attended the Homebuyer’s Workshop in May of 2022 and immediately enrolled in the Individual Development Account (IDA) program to begin building assets for a down payment on a home.
For seven years, I lived at the same apartment complex. I was a great tenant, paid my rent, and was even upgraded from a 2-bedoom to a 3-bedroom unit. In July of 2022, four months into my homeownership journey with Brighton Center, the property owner sent out notices to all tenants. They gave us very little time and did not help families find secure housing. I had hit rock bottom.
My daughter and I had to leave much of our belongings behind and slept on the couches of my family for about a year. It was heartbreaking watching my daughter struggle with her mental health during this period.
Brighton Center provided me with a Case Manager, financial workshops, networking opportunities, and everything I needed to own my own home and recover. My Case Manager is one of the most amazing people I ever met. She supported my financial and personal journey. She helped me pay off a large debt that I didn’t even know I had. She showed me how to open a savings and checking account. She even introduced me to many people and helped build my connections in the community. She was with me through the entire process and taught me about all of the different parts of
homeownership that I had no clue even existed. At the same time, she always treated me as human, regardless of my struggles. Whenever I was feeling upset, she was there to cheer me up and help me stay focused. My Case Manager was always so understanding and caring. Having that support helped keep me going during one of the darkest and hardest periods of my life.
The people at Brighton Center never gave up on me. They continued giving me the knowledge I needed to keep my dream alive, even when I was struggling. They taught me that I was stronger than I ever thought I was.
Despite the housing challenges I was facing, I received two promotions at work and met my savings goal for the IDA program by March of 2023. I even continued contributing to the account to ensure I had an emergency fund after purchasing a home.
In April, I received pre-approval for a mortgage and was able to finally start looking for a home of my own. It was a tough market, but I eventually found a home for my daughter and me in Covington.
I closed on my new home in the summer of 2023. I watched my daughter cry tears of joy when I told her. We finally have our own place that will grow with us. My Case Manager even helped me find affordable furniture for my new home! I don’t know where I would be without Brighton Center’s Homeownership Program.
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