From Homeless to Homeownership

Pain, suffering and difficulty have followed Betty W. for most of her life.  In 1992 she suffered a horrible beating by her husband after only 11 days of marriage.  This resulted in a concussion, torn rotator cuff, whiplash, a broken foot and nerve damage only began to describe her injuries. 

As the physical injury healed, the mental wounds grew.  The beating prompted the onset of schizophrenia and her life spiraled out of control.  Today, Betty is fully functioning thanks to help from Henderson Mental Health Center.  Plus, she’s now the proud owner of a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in Miramar, through Broward Housing Solutions’ Homeownership Solutions program. 

“I am so grateful to God for creating this program which enabled me to finally have my own house,” said Betty.  “I found the home of my dreams.”

It was a long road to finding her dream home.  Her schizophrenia was complicated by one physical malady after another.  The doctors told her that her symptoms were due to stress and depression, but regardless, her chronic pain kept her out of a job. 

 “Thirteen years ago the bottom fell out and I went through an even worse shock mentally, emotionally and physically when my son was arrested for armed robbery and murder,” she said. 

After seeking treatment from Henderson, she found mental stability.  However, minimal income from only a disability check, bad credit and recurring mental health issues complicated the home buying process.  With the help of Broward Housing Solutions and assistance from BankAtlantic, Betty reached her goal of finding her home.  The process took three years.

“Not only did Broward Housing Solutions provide a grant to help me purchase my home,” she said, “But they also kept their word and rehabbed many major systems in the house.  It’s just like new.”

Betty received help through Broward Housing’s Homeownership Solutions, a program for low to moderate income residents with mental illness.  This housing program enables tenants to lease affordable rental housing within the home of their choice from Broward Housing Solutions for up to two years and then qualify for a mortgage to become a homeowner.  

Through the assistance of local government and financial institutions, special interest rates and loan guidelines assist these tenants to reach their dream of becoming homeowners. This program matches qualified borrowers with properties within their price ranges.  Broward Housing Solutions raises funds throughout the community to assist residents with down payment assistance, closing costs and renovation funds toward homeownership.

“We’re so pleased that Betty is settled in her lovely new home,” said Lisa Vecchi, President/CEO of Broward Housing Solutions.  “She’s suffered so much that it’s just awesome to see her filled with joy in her new residence."