James's Path to Homeownership

"The EBC Homes Program didn't just help me buy a house – they helped me build a foundation for my family's future. Now my kids have their own rooms and a backyard to play in."

Starting from Scratch

James worked two jobs to support his family of four while living in a cramped one-bedroom apartment. Despite his steady income as a warehouse supervisor and weekend delivery driver, saving for a down payment seemed impossible with Bay Area housing prices.

"Every month, rent took most of my paycheck. I was working 60 hours a week but couldn't get ahead," James recalls. "My kids were sharing a pullout couch, and I knew they deserved better."

Finding Hope

A coworker told James about the EBC Homes Program during a lunch break. Initially skeptical, James attended an information session where he learned about down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs.

"The staff explained everything in terms I could understand. They didn't make me feel embarrassed about my financial situation – they made me feel hopeful," James said.

The Journey to Ownership

Through the program, James received financial counseling, credit repair assistance, and a $25,000 down payment grant. The process took eight months, during which James improved his credit score by 120 points and completed homebuyer education classes.

"They were with me every step of the way. When I got overwhelmed with paperwork, my counselor walked me through it. When I doubted myself, they reminded me why I was doing this."

A New Chapter

Today, James owns a three-bedroom house with a backyard where his children play. His mortgage payment is less than what he was paying in rent, and he's building equity for his family's future.

"My kids have their own rooms now. My daughter has space for her art supplies, and my son can practice guitar without bothering the neighbors. This program gave us more than a house – it gave us a home."