Home Counts
Every 55 minutes, someone in the United States moves into housing Enterprise helped to provide and begins turning it into a home. Home awakens our sense of hope and possibilities. We are grateful to the people in this series for the chance to share their stories. Send us your words, photos and videos and tell us your story of home.
Home Is EverythingCarmen & Carlos DeJesus Serviam Gardens, Bronx, N.Y. Developer: Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation See Carmen and Carlos tell their powerful story of home and learn about our work with Fordham Bedford and other key partners on Serviam Gardens. |
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Coming Home to a Fresh Start
Eventually, she found a program that helped her reclaim her life. Jennifer applied for permanent supportive housing, a combination of housing and services intended to help vulnerable people live more stable, productive lives. Today, she lives at Renato Apartments, in downtown Los Angeles and appreciates the strong sense of community.
Now 49, Jennifer is a full-time cashier at a local market and working toward becoming a certified American Sign Language interpreter so she can help bridge more access and opportunity within the deaf community. Jennifer says she owes her ability to feel hopeful and plan for the future to a safe, stable and affordable home and a supportive community.
Gearing Up for Kindergarten and a Lifetime of Learning
Fortunately, her grandmother told Kiquana about the opportunity to receive some at-home instruction for pre-kindergarten kids like Cory. She enrolled him in the program,an initiative led by Enterprise. The family’s home visitor guided Cory and Kiquana through the early childhood curriculum, and equipped them with the necessary books and supplies. The home visitor also showed Kiquana how to be Cory’s first teacher, while helping her to be a better overall parent.
It wasn’t long before Cory began to love books. Not surprisingly, he entered kindergarten reading slightly ahead of the other youngsters. Energized by his results, Kiquana completed the training to become a full-time early learning home visitor. Now she’s the one inspiring parents in her community to help their children reach their fullest potential.
And Cory? Now 12, he loves reading and math and is succeeding in all his classes. Kiquana is confident that his 4-year-old sister Heather will thrive in school just like her big brother.
With Preparation Comes Peace of Mind
James researched their options, and discovered an Enterprise program offering home loans to qualified low- to moderate-income people. It required taking a first-time homebuyer class, which gave the couple a clear understanding of different mortgage types and payment structures.
Within two months, Enterprise helped the Cordonas secure an affordable mortgage, close on their new home and even helped with closing costs. Now living in a tight-knit community with welcoming neighbors, James and Patricialook forward to raising their son in a stable home in a vibrant neighborhood.