HUD, DCHA, and Community Members Celebrate DCHA's Newest Homeowners

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, District of Columbia Housing Authority Executive Director Tyrone Garrett, DCHA’s Homeownership Coordinating Committee, local officials, and community members celebrated seven new homeowners.

“The accomplishments of these seven homeowners are amazing. They join the ranks of the nearly 140 other DCHA graduates who worked their way through the programs and the processes to reach that ultimate goal of owning their very own homes,” said DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett. “Your stories of perseverance and dedication to your dreams inspire me and I know it will inspire your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.” 

The graduates of DCHA’s Homeownership Assistance Program are honored annually during National Homeowner Month. Several of the new homeowners shared their personal journeys at the event held June 7 at the District of Columbia Housing and Finance Agency.

“Sustainable homeownership is the number one builder of financial capital for most American families, and it’s an accomplishment worthy of celebration,” Secretary Carson said.

DCHA’s homeownership programs have staff that supports the agency’s customers throughout the entire home purchasing process. Often this includes partnering with other public and private organizations to provide credit counseling, guidance with local lenders, and real estate agents. The purchaser also is required to take classes, such as first-time buying or financial workshops. DCHA guides customers by helping them set up escrow accounts for down payments, or using a voucher to support a mortgage. Several times, because of their hard work, customers are able to purchase a home without any subsidy. 

Tiffany Eley, a DCHA voucher customer and new homeowner, joined the Family Self-Sufficiency program about five years ago with a goal of homeownership.

“I wanted more for myself, more for my children, and my family. It was time to discipline myself to accomplish those goals in the FSS program and that led up to homeownership. This program is here to help you accomplish this goal,” Eley said. “I don’t even know if there is a word to describe his feeling. It is a great sense of accomplishment to be able to own my own home. It is definitely a dream that has become a reality.”