From Applicants to Inspirations: Hope and Charlene’s Journey with Head Start Homes
In January 2021, Hope’s life completely changed when she was able to purchase her own home on the mid North Coast of NSW, with the support of the Head Start Homes Guarantee and Empowerment services.
Before this, Hope, as a single mum, had experienced her fair share of struggles - having been unemployed and living in social housing while raising her children.
“Within two years of purchasing my home, I have turned my life around, and it feels pretty good!” Hope said.
Due to the equity growth of her property, St.George Bank has released Hope’s guarantee back to Head Start Homes, which will now support another family on the waiting list to secure their own home.
“It’s amazing, this feeling of achievement,” Hope said.
“The release of the guarantee gives me more freedom to be able to make choices with my home loan, and will help another family - a young one hopefully - to give them stability and security, something I have only recently experienced through owning my own home.”
Hope said owning her own home was life-changing.
“I want this same thing for others. I know my mum is so proud of me; when she tells others about what I have done, they are shocked. My friends are married, and they are amazed I have done this on my own, on a single income. My grandkids know where Nan lives, which is important to them and to me.
“I am thankful to Head Start Homes, particularly Stephen who took a risk on me. Stephen felt like a friend. Brook, my property coach, was amazing too; she was what I needed when I wanted to give up - she supported me all the way.”
Charlene, Head Start Home’s first applicant, acquired her forever home in July 2020. Two years on, Head Start Homes’ Guarantee on this home has been released, ready to be used by another family to reach their dream of homeownership.
“Originally, I never thought, I could become a homeowner. Now, knowing that this is my home loan, and I am doing this on my own, makes it an even bigger accomplishment. I am killing this!” Charlene said excitedly.
When Charlene found out that the Head Start Home Guarantee was to be released and made available for another client, she was thrilled.
“I have accomplished this, and I am happy that now someone else, another family can do this too!” she said.
Although Charlene’s children don’t yet understand what her achievements mean to her, they remind her of how far she has come every day.
“My family remind me of how blessed I am and how proud they are of me. I inspire them to do the same.”
Charlene is now looking forward to building a deck at the back of her home for her family to enjoy.
Head Start Homes Founder and Managing Director Stephen Woodlands said the fantastic achievement of a Guarantee release occurring in such a short amount of time spoke volumes of the success of Head Start Home’s empowerment services and recycling guarantee.
Stephen Woodlands, Founder and Managing Director at Head Start Homes
“We believe in head starts not handouts that’s why our Guarantee is so powerful - capital raised keeps recycling to help many families over time”
“With the release of Charlene’s guarantee, there is an opportunity for another family to experience the joy and security of owning their own home, just like Charlene and her family have,” he said.
“Further the fact that another family is safely housed in the Aboriginal Community home Charlene was living in prior to her purchase goes to show the ripple effect of our model because from one guarantee we will be directly helping 3 First Nation Families have safe, stable and affordable housing the ripple effects for stronger communities and happier families is priceless .”
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