Housing
A single mother and her teenage daughter were living at the Bruce Housing Program, a local homeless shelter for families, of the Women's Resource Center when they applied for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA) through Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council. They were able to move from the Bruce into their own two bedroom apartment and started receiving rent subsidy. While on the TBRA program, she worked with the Strong Families Program through the Women's Resource Center and Sage (Domestic and Sexual Violence Center). During the time she was receiving her rent subsidy, she was able to pay off some debt so that she no longer had garnishments. This improved her credit report and she bought a sewing machine, computer, and some furniture. She has even been able to establish and maintain relationships with her older daughter and grandchildren. Thanks to the services provided through Community Action Council's housing program and the other agencies we work with, this mom now feels more established in both her job and her apartment. Since her daughter is now old enough to help financially, she feels ready to move on independently without any assistance. |
Asset Building
A single mother of one living in low income housing owned by Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council was using every resource available to her in hopes of bettering her life for herself and her son. She joined the Individual Development Account Program (IDA) in May 2009. She decided her savings goal would be to save money for a down payment on a home. She was able to budget her money and put aside $100.00 per month. She completed her 10 hours of financial education classes and the First Time Homebuyer classes receiving her certificates for both. Halfway through the IDA Program, she got married and she and her husband continued to save each month with the dream of owning their own home. Together they were able to reach their savings goal early. They were able to secure a loan through the USDA Rural development program and received a lower interest rate, which made their house payments affordable. "My life has changed so much in the last two and a half years. We couldn't be happier," she says. They recently found out they are expecting a new baby. In fact they are expecting twins. It will be so exciting to bring new babies home to their new home and to their older brother. Thanks to Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council and the IDA Program for the opportunity to be a part of this program. |
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