Jeanne’s journey is a perfect example of how the right support, guidance, and teamwork can turn a homeownership dream into reality.
Jeanne first learned about Acts Housing through her involvement in the Trinity Fellows Program at Marquette. Having always worked in the nonprofit sector, she frequently heard about Acts Housing within the community.
“I decided to go with Acts Housing not only because I admired their mission but also because, as someone working with a modest budget, I knew I would need and truly appreciate extra support and guidance.”
Jeanne was able to meet with our coaches and attend homeownership workshops, at Evolve Church, where she learned about various affordable housing and financial assistance programs, including the Habitat for Humanity homebuyer program. Although Jeanne initially thought Habitat for Humanity focused only on home repairs, she soon realized that they also offered homeownership opportunities, which could be the path she needed to take.
Overcoming Financial Barriers with Down Payment Assistance
One of the most significant obstacles Jeanne faced in her journey to homeownership was the cost of closing. With limited savings and a modest income, she understandably worried about how she would manage this financial hurdle. That’s where our partnership with the Community Development Alliance (CDA) played a pivotal role.
Through CDA, Act’s applied for a down payment assistance grant on Jeanne’s behalf, covering nearly all of her closing costs. This is a prime example of how Act’s community partnerships work—connecting families with the financial resources they need to achieve homeownership. Without this grant, Jeanne’s closing costs would have been in the thousands. Instead, she only had a bill for $11—an amount that stood in total contrast to the major financial barrier she would have faced otherwise.
Jeanne shared her relief and disbelief when she learned how little her closing costs were:
“I had to get a cashier’s check for $11,” she recalled, smiling. “It was a huge weight off my shoulders.”
This moment is a testament to the power of community collaboration—a small but significant contribution to a life-changing milestone.
The Power of Community Partnership
Jeanne’s journey underscores the importance of community partnerships. Did you know that more than a quarter of all individuals and families who join Acts Housing’s homebuyer coaching program come through referrals from organizations they already work with? We are proud of our community partnership program, which connects individuals with a network of organizations—lenders, social workers, churches, schools, realtors, and developers—who collaborate to provide the essential support needed to make homeownership possible. Jeanne’s success didn’t happen in isolation. It’s a powerful example of how collaboration and community support can make a difference. These partnerships have a tangible impact on families’ lives, creating lasting change.
- Work with us! Become a community partner by contacting Jessecca Miller at jmiller@actshousing.org
- Want to start the homebuying process? Start Here
