The Kinston Housing Authority recently converted another resident of its Section 8 housing toward owning her own home.
On Wednesday, the KHA will have a ceremony for Brenda Tripp, who became the sixth member to make the transition through the Home Ownership Program since its inception in 2008.
In 2006, the KHA explored the idea of a homeownership program, starting to put together an action plan a year later. In 2008, the KHA announced its first homeowner.
Anetta Sanders — who works at KHA as a Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency coordinator and a Home Ownership coordinator — said Tripp met the requirements to move to the Brentwood neighborhood.
“Once she qualified for the loan with the bank and paid a substantial amount for closing costs, we were able to help her with grant money,” Sanders said. “She will also receive housing assistance payments, like Section 8.”
Sanders said the program is important because it gives those who don’t make a lot of money the opportunity to still own homes.
“It’s hard for regular people to acquire a home with the housing market being in the slump,” Sanders said. “Here, we’re dealing with low-income families. There can be hindrances, such as credit and even those making steady money may not reach the necessary income levels.”
Tripp, who had wanted to own a home since her husband — David Earl Tripp — passed away in 1998, said the transition hadn’t been too difficult.
“It feels great,” Tripp said. “I went from being on Section 8 to rolling into home ownership. I was led step by step through this program. It’s like Narcotics Anonymous: It works if you work it.”
Tripp went on to say KHA has been helpful in giving her the necessary information to ensure she stays on the right path.
“There’s always someone here to call and check on you. They will meet you where your finances are. To me, it’s like being on Section 8, but you have your own house. You’re given instructions on how to balance your budget. It’s not like you’re thrown out into the cold.
“It’s not like you’re on a list,” Tripp said. “Even if you’re on Section 8, you’re not on a list and that’s what most people think. The program doesn’t leave you out in the streets. If your income is too much for Section 8, this is the next step.”
On Oct. 16, Sanders will be having a homeowner’s workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Gate, hoping to assist others who may have questions or need vital information.
“We are hoping for a big turnout and pique the interest of those trying to see if home ownership is for them,” Sanders said. “We’ll have bankers, realtors and home ownership inspectors who can meet one-on-one with people. We also plan on having bankers do credit assessments so people can see their status and we can work on helping them become homeowners.”
For now, Tripp is excited to be a homeowner and ready for the next step.
“I live by faith, not by sight,” Tripp said. “If it was by sight, I wouldn’t be in this position and I’m thankful the Lord has me here.”
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.