Robert's Dream of Home

"I wanted a yard for the kids – that was the driving force for me. And I hated the idea of putting in a long commute and not spending as much time with them."

A Teacher's Dream

Robert Martinez, an elementary school teacher and single father of two young children – ages five and seven – dreamed of having a home where his kids could live and grow safely. When he discovered the EBC Homes Program in 2019, the family lived in a cramped rental apartment near a busy street that was far from Robert's school.

"The apartment was okay, but there was no outdoor space for the kids to play safely. I was spending over an hour each way commuting to work, which meant less time with my children in the evenings."

Finding the Right Program

Through a colleague at his school, Robert learned about the EBC Homes Program's homeownership assistance for educators. The program recognized that teachers, despite their essential role in the community, often struggled to afford homes in the areas where they worked.

"The program coordinator understood my situation immediately. As a single parent working in education, I needed something close to work with space for my kids to be kids."

The Perfect Home

Robert worked closely with the EBC homeownership team and their partner realtor to find a three-bedroom home with a large backyard, just fifteen minutes from his school. They moved in during late 2019, and the transformation was immediate.

"The kids were so excited to have their own rooms and a safe yard to play in. It was like giving them a blank canvas for their childhood. My parents, who love gardening, have been over several times to help us plant flowers and vegetables."

More Time, Better Life

The shorter commute gave Robert an extra two hours each day to spend with his children. He could pick them up from school, help with homework, and still have time for family dinners and bedtime stories.

"Being closer to work and having more time with my kids is phenomenal. We have family game nights now, and on weekends, we work in the garden together. The kids are learning responsibility by taking care of their own little vegetable patches."

Building Equity and Stability

Today, Robert's mortgage payments are building equity for his family's future instead of paying rent. His children have established friendships in the neighborhood, and Robert has become involved in the local parent-teacher association.

"This isn't just about having a house – it's about giving my children stability and roots. They know this is their home, their neighborhood, their community. The EBC Homes Program didn't just help me buy a house; they helped me build a foundation for my family's future."