Success Stories

Success stories inspire all of us. Read on to discover some from other Portland Housing Center clients.

Good things come to those who wait….

Robyn Harris

The completion of my new home was well worth the wait. I was able to choose my lot, house style and some of the amenities. Now, when I step out on my porch, it reminds me of my childhood and neighborhood friends. This makes me feel like I am at home.

Home ownership is important to me because I am now able to pay myself first and stabilize my financial responsibilities. The advantages such as 10 year tax abatement and the ability to make a write off during tax time make the deal even sweeter.

The Portland Housing Center is where it all began for me. Having instruction and knowledge of "home buying" lingo from the home buying class and taking advantage of PHC one-on-one counseling made the difference between becoming a home owner and remaining a renter. Through this awareness I was able to prevent being overcharged and ensure a fixed rate mortgage. These services along with programs like Home 24 and the Oregon State Bond made my dream of home ownership a reality.

Thanks, PHC!

Helped me to invest in my future

Lane Hunter

Working with the (Portland Housing Center) IDA initiative helped me to clearly discern my finances, assess my potential, and invest in my future. Having come from parents who rented, I never realized that owning a home was even possible. Through the help of the Portland Housing Center´s classes and one on one advisement, I was able to learn about the home buying process. The IDA matched savings program helped me apply that knowledge quickly. Thank you!

You don´t have to be wealthy to purchase a home

Nicole Bethune

Working with this program has opened up a brand new horizon for me. Not only did it help me obtain one of my life goals, but it has given me a sense of independence and the opportunity to show my children that purchasing a home is not a far off dream, but a reality that they can see for themselves. I wasn´t shown that as a child or educated about it as an adult. I come from a generation of renters who have little to no hope of becoming a homeowner and am only the second (my older sister being the first) to purchase a home in my family from our generation. I give hope to countless others who view my success as their own. To us it represents a milestone and a reality that you don´t have to be wealthy to purchase a home. It only takes the right education (the Portland Housing Center is a great place to start), good planning and dedication.

I don´t think my goal would´ve been obtained as soon as it did without the help I received from the Oregon IDA program. It taught me how to save when I thought I couldn´t (which is hard to do being a single mom) and matched me above and beyond, to encourage me, for every dollar that I saved. It truly is an awesome program that I am very thankful I was able to take advantage of. I have not only recommended this program to several of my friends and family members, but am a living witness to them. I´ve shown them that there are good resources out there to help you. Resources that will reduce the risk of you drowning from a high interest rate loan that you can´t afford. That is can and has been done! Thank you IDA for helping one of my dreams come true.