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Dreams do come true.
The Romero's story is proof.

"All my daughter had ever known was a cramped apartment. Now she is playing out in the back yard while I'm putting in the landscaping. It's just wonderful!"

Just over four years ago the Romeros were homeless, bankrupt and without the possibility of homeownership for themselves. Of course, they dreamed of owning their own house, of starting a family. But it hardly seemed possible.

Today the Romeros are living comfortably in the Garfield neighborhood. "This street used to be on my paper route," said Charles Romero. "I now live so close to my mom I can just walk over to see her any time I want."

Patricia Romero first saw one of the NHS Phoenix spec homes under construction near 12th and Moreland. She called the NHS Phoenix office to get more information and then approached Charles about attending orientation. "What the heck. We might as well check it out," they told themselves. It wasn't long before the Romeros were involved in counseling and classes at the NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center. The rest is the stuff of dreams.

With assistance from NHS Phoenix the Romeros were able to deal with issues effecting their credit rating, qualify for a home loan and a 30-year mortgage and receive assistance with closing costs. However, it did not happen over night.

The Romeros attended the Center's Homebuyers Club for nearly 18 months. During this time, with support from others in the group and Bill Slater, the Center's Manager, they were able to clear up their bad credit rating and learn about the processes involved in buying a home. "Bill gave us lots of tips on how to spend money wisely and use credit cards responsibly. He was the main reason we stuck with the program and were able to save towards the down payment."

Once the Romeros credit issues improved a NHS Phoenix counselor helped them find a home in their price range. They qualified to receive down-payment assistance with an Allstate Program on a NHS Phoenix constructed home.

It has been like a dream come true," says Charles. "People at work ask about the program. They can't believe we're living in such a beautiful home. Come to think of it, I'm having trouble believing it myself!"