Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - Building Homes and Strengthening Communities

Affordable Privacy

Jorge Reyes, TDHCA

Caption below

Socorro Z., Mission, Texas
Photo:Jorge Reyes

Circumstances beyond her control caused Socorro Z. to move in with her sister. At first, it seemed like a good idea. The home was big and roomy and only the two of them would be living there. However, it soon became apparent that regardless of how much she loved her sister and appreciated living with her, Socorro was going to have to get her own place.

"It was her home and all my things were scattered between my other sisters and a storage facility. I wanted my furniture but what was I going to do, get rid of her stuff? Plus, I felt like I was underfoot. It's one thing growing up together under the same roof but it's different when your adults. I wanted my privacy."

Renting was an option but what she really wanted was to buy a house. Her income and lack of savings, made this option virtually impossible. That is until her niece told her about The Care Program (TCP). TCP accessed TDHCA's Texas Bootstrap Loan Program and the HOME Homebuyer Assistance Program to build self-help housing for low income families. Socorro gave TCP a call and, before she knew it, she was in the middle of a construction site helping build six homes, including her own.

"I hammered. I climbed ladders. I picked up nails and trash. I did something I'd never thought I'd do. I built my own house!"

Socorro finally has the privacy she craved; privacy she can afford. Low monthly mortgage payments and energy efficiency features that result in forty-two dollar utility bills ensure the home will always be affordable. Plus, her sisters are always welcome to come and visit.

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Learn more about this program:
Texas Bootstrap Loan Program and HOME Program