A Place to Grow
The possibility of buying a home is within sight for Thomas and Karolina after years of receiving help from SDHC to pay their monthly rent.
While a rental housing voucher from SDHC helps them pay for their three-bedroom, affordable apartment in Otay Mesa West, the SDHC Achievement Academy has helped Thomas and Karolina on their path toward self-sufficiency.
“If you have Section 8 and you haven’t gotten to the achievement program, I say you’re not getting your full benefit,” Thomas said.
The SDHC Achievement Academy provided credit counseling to Thomas and Karolina, teaching them how to develop and stay on budget. They were able to pay off most of their debt, securing lower-interest loans and leaving behind the debt consolidation company whose service came with a high monthly fee.
They also enrolled and completed the SDHC Achievement Academy’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program in 2018. With help from the program, Thomas earned an Information Technology certificate, which allowed him to secure better jobs and increase his income.
He recently obtained a higher-paying job as a medical technician, while Karolina, a teacher, obtained a promotion at work.
Each time they achieved educational and career goals, they earned money in an interest-bearing escrow account that SDHC established for them as part of the FSS program. They plan to use that money to buy a home.
As their income increased, the amount they need to pay toward debt has decreased. The training they received from the SDHC Achievement Academy helped them build a savings plan. They are working toward being completely debt-free by the end of the year. An SDHC Achievement Academy program also matches their savings.
An SDHC Achievement Academy first-time homeownership program is helping them get ready and learn what’s involved in homeownership. Thomas said he looks forward to giving up his voucher so that it can help someone else.
Thomas and Karolina say they are thankful for the SDHC Achievement Academy’s staff and the guidance they have provided over the years.
“The Housing Commission is the place that you grow, that you spread your wings, but also gives you security for yourself or your family,” Thomas said.
