HONK Homeowner Stories
Sarah
“Being a single mom with a single income as a teacher, I would have never been able to afford a house in this market. All I could afford was an overpriced, tiny apartment with thin walls and noisy neighbors. As my daughters got older, it became more and more difficult for them to share a bedroom and keep the peace. They both needed space, a sanctuary of their own. As rent prices rose to even more unreasonable costs and the housing market continued to rise in even more unreasonable costs, I began to lose heart that I could ever own a house of my very own.
But a little sliver of hope remained. It inspired me to do a Google search of housing assistance programs in this area. That is when I found HONK. At first glance at the website, I thought it was too good to be true. But then I watched the video and was taken aback by the generosity of spirit and wisdom that HONK was built on. I immediately emailed to inquire and Gina, the most amazing financial counselor/fairy godmother that has ever existed, reached out to me and changed my life forever.
Over the next several months she guided me as to how I could begin to heal my credit and bolster my financial position. She made me feel empowered, supported, and understood. Through a lot of hard work, I was able to get into the financial position to rent to own my very own home.
At this time, there was a very special historical home that HONK had just made available, that had in fact been an African American School at one point. Being an educator, I felt like it was meant to be. I drove by the house in early fall. I had always dreamed of having a house that looked like it was from the book Anne of Green Gables, and this house looked just like Anne’s. I fell in love immediately.
Within a month I was moving in. It became such a sanctuary for my girls and myself. We each had our space, the price was very reasonable, everything in the house was new, and I didn’t have to share walls with neighbors!
After going through some more financial bolstering and financial literacy classes, I was in a position to buy my home at a very reasonable price. Proverbs 13:12 says that, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life”. Before finding HONK I was heartsick, but now I feel rooted, safe, thankful, and healthy. My dad always wanted me to have my own home, and I know he is looking down from Heaven with a smile. I am forever grateful for the HONK team.”
Brianna
“My dream of owning my own home was riddled with obstacles and barriers that I couldn’t have navigated without HONK. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had their practical support and encouragement. What would have been a likely fruitless and frustrating chapter in my financial journey ended up being an empowering and rewarding experience because the wonderful people at HONK, and I could not be more grateful!”
Ian
“I can’t say enough how incredibly happy I am to have found HONK. Gina is absolutely phenomenal at what she does and I’m so thankful to have had her in my corner throughout all of this. From the absolute bottom of my heart the most sincerest thank you goes out to all those who made this possible!! This is the absolute definition of a dream becoming a reality for me.”
Angie
Angie was building positive momentum in her life. After being approved for HONK’s lease-to-own homeownership program in September of 2023, Angie began working with Gina, HONK’s Housing Counselor, to become matched with a home. HONK volunteers and staff were wrapping up renovation of a home in Covington that turned out to be a perfect fit.
“I went and looked at it several times and began to pray for guidance. [Gina] was going to show me the house and I arrived early to pray. I was on the porch and felt complete peace that this was going to be my home. When we walked in the house it was an immediate decision to say yes. I met Jeremy who was wonderful with helping me fix things and answer my questions about things around the house. I also attended Catholic Charities classes and I would recommend everyone go through that program… Thank you HONK for giving me the opportunity to have this time with my family and thank you for my forever home.”
Tiarra
Tiarra worked hard during her time in our lease-to-own program. From day one, it was clear that she had big dreams of owning and giving her children a place that they could call home.
“Before homeownership, life was a serious struggle. Apartment life was a nightmare. With too many restrictions and no privacy – it was an actual nightmare. But not anymore!! We’re homeowners now!!”
“It felt like a wave of relief washed over us when I crossed that finish line into homeownership. Finally being able to call it home and now we’re making it ours – one room at a time.”
Bridnee
During Bidnee’s time in HONK’s lease-to-own program, she worked incredibly hard to get across the finish line and achieve homeownership.
She was determined and always had her mind set on achieving her goal of becoming a homeowner.
“This opportunity with HONK has changed my life. Being a single mother of a child with special needs is tough but now a HUGE burden has been lifted. My son now can play more freely, and I am no longer concerned about our safety. Thank you, Gina, and everyone that helped make this possible!”
We cannot wait to see what the bright future holds for Bridnee and her son!
Chevy
Over 25 years, ago, Chevy’s mom Naan walked into HONK with a goal of bettering her life and the lives of her family. Through HONK’s lease-to-own program, Naan achieved her monumental goal of homeownership and gave her kids the home she dreamt of for years.
Flash forward, Chevy (pictured), Naan’s daughter, decided to follow in her mom’s footsteps and achieve homeownership through HONK.
“I am very blessed to be able to purchase a home for my family. The HONK program is not only about owning a home, but it has also offered me knowledge that will last a lifetime. I am so grateful for that. I have worked so hard and now I have my home.”
We are so proud of Chevy for following in her mom’s footsteps and dedicating herself to providing a home for her family through HONK.
Abby
For Abby, becoming a homeowner was more than just an accomplishment that she could check off of a list. Closing on her home was a lifelong dream come true.
“I had dreamed of owning my own home for as long as I can remember. I had accomplished a lot of other dreams and goals by my mid-twenties, but owning a home seemed so far off. There are a lot of factors that you have to check off that go into homeownership, and I just wasn’t a good fit.”
Abby’s determination to give her children a beautiful home to grow up in was the drive behind overcoming all of the hiccups, roadblocks, and tribulations that go along with the process of becoming a homeowner for the first time.
“A family friend told me about HONK, and I was shocked when I was chosen to work through the program. The home that Gina showed me couldn’t have been more perfect for my little family. My daughter still says that it is my dream home because I’m ‘old school’ (the house is almost 100 years old, and I’ve always been drawn to antique/vintage things). She’s not wrong.”
We were very lucky to be a part of Abby’s homeownership journey and to get to see her hard work pay off. From day one, we all admired her motivation and her drive, and we couldn’t be happier to see her succeed.
“HONK has given me a safe, comfortable, beautiful home to make the best memories with my kids for years to come. My dream home. There’s truly nothing better than that.”
Congratulations on buying your first home Abby! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
