FREDERICK, Md., Oct. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Prosperity Center's Homebuyer Program, a partnership with the Frederick County Department of Housing, allows individuals who want to purchase a home to save a maximum amount of $2,200 and in the end receive a 4 to 1 match. This allows qualified individuals to graduate the program with a total of $11,000 to be put toward a down payment on a home. Savers go on to purchase a home over the course of three months to one year.
Since the Homebuyer program with Frederick County Department of Housing started in spring of 2018, six new savers have successfully completed the program and closed on homes in Frederick County. Five out of the six savers are single mothers.
Kiesha Edmonds, a single mother of three closed on her home in May. As someone who works for the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick and helps individuals succeed financially, she has proven to be a living example of her work. "I was a 15 year old mom, but I have tried to do and live a better life. I started off rocky, but I don't plan on ending that way," says Edmonds.
"Because of this program, I can say Frederick is officially my home and I am now committed to making it the best place to live, not only for my family but for everyone," says Shana Knight. Shana is a United Way of Frederick County employee who became qualified for the program once she became a mother two years ago.
"I won't have to worry about someone telling me that I have to find another place to live. I just feel hopeful for the future," Single mother Heather Rice shares. Heather Rice, who is a Frederick County Government employee, used her funds to Prosperity Homebuyer Account funds to purchase a home through the Interfaith Housing Alliance Purchase-Repair Homeownership program. The Purchase-Repair program helps individuals afford homeownership through the USDA loan, with no down payment and a requirement of investing several hours of sweat equity into the home. The program works with individuals from the beginning of the home buying process until post-purchase to eliminate any chance of foreclosure.
The mission of The Prosperity Center is to improve lives by creating a one-stop resource for community members to improve their financial knowledge, skills, and stability. Other free programs that not only benefit savers, but the community as a whole are the VITA (Volunteer, Income Tax, Assistance) program, and budget coaching. The programs would not be successful without partnerships like The Frederick County Government, Housing Authority of the City of Frederick, Frederick County Bank, Maryland CASH, Interfaith Housing Alliance and more.
For more information about the Prosperity Center Homebuyer program, please contact Joyce Kwamena-Poh at [email protected] or call 301-663-4231.
About United Way of Frederick County
Since 1938, United Way of Frederick County has been fighting for health, education and financial stability for every person in the Frederick County community. United Way produces the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) Report which shows that approximately nearly 40% of households can no longer afford to live in Frederick County. Our investments and programs are aligned to support and increase the financial stability of these households.
United Way of Frederick County partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, health providers, senior citizens, students, and others. The organization provides grants to local nonprofits, offers programs such as free tax preparation and matched savings, mobilizes volunteers, and engages in public policy advocacy. To learn more about United Way and how you can get involved, please visit UnitedWayFrederick.org.
SOURCE Prosperity Center Homebuyer Program
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