Carneshia Burston was a woman on a mission. As a single mother of four, she knew early on that it was ‘on her’ to provide a way of life and a solid foundation for her children. Armed with determination and a steady income, she began the process of becoming a homeowner. Burston was referred to NeighborWorks Columbus for the “Section 8 to HomeOwnership Program”, a collaboration between NeighborWorks and the Housing Authority of Columbus, to begin her transition from renter to homeowner. Burston rolled up her sleeves and started the program in 2010, diligently attending monthly classes and meeting with her NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Centers planner, taking the steps she needed to achieve her goal. Burston is part of a growing number of local renters who have completed the “Section 8 to HomeOwnership Program” through NeighborWorks Columbus. She began the program with a strong personal commitment to her goal “of becoming a homeowner”. She paid down outstanding debt to improve her credit rating. She learned the value of changing spending habits and worked with her family to save money, encouraging them to change their spending habits. Burston saved $1,000 towards her down payment in the Individual Development Account Program, which will be matched 4:1. The IDA encourages a savings habit and helps to build a relationship with a bank. “I was tired of making landlords rich and wanted something to own on my own ‐ ‐ I had a dream,” shared Burston to her homeownership counselor.
Burston is now the proud homeowner of a three bedroom, two bath, home that her children selected. Ms. Burston has become an unofficial spokesperson for NeighborWorks, recommending the Homebuyer Education program to her friends, one of whom recently closed on her home. Burston is proof that determination and diligence makes dreams come true.