You don’t have to be wealthy to purchase a home

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, and that it can and has been done! Thank you IDA for helping one of my dreams come true.

Nicole Bethune