Success Stories

CEDC's NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center (HOC) team assisted the Hughart family — Dave, Laura and daughters Lauren and Emma — in securing an affordable loan for a home in Ventura in 2009. They received a 30-year fixed mortgage that fit their family’s budget. In addition, because Dave is a city of Ventura employee, and the Hughart’s qualified for up to 30% of the purchase price or $150,000 from the city’s Housing Assistance Program. “In the end, it came down to the monthly payment, what we could afford and what made sense for us,” said Laura. “It feels like we’re going to make a really nice life in this house.” 

The HOC assists individuals by providing counseling and education services to educate and empower families and individuals when buying a home. The HOC first started working with the Valenzuela family — Antonia, Tomas and daughter Keziah (not pictured) — in 2006 with counseling and workshops. In 2009, they purchased a home and pay only 20% of their gross income on their mortgage. They appreciate not only having a nice place to live, but also having peace of mind knowing their home affordably fits their family’s budget.