Evell Ballard’s path to homeownership was long and challenging. Recently divorced and looking for new options for her and her daughter Camille, Evell looked for local solutions to the problem. She attended United Housing’s homebuyer education and financial fitness programs and took advantage of the Rise Foundation’s Individual Development Account that helped build her savings. She also qualified for the City of Memphis’ down payment assistance program. “Working with a group of nonprofit agencies made me feel like they cared about me. They all seemed so informed and helped me to understand the process. It was just great.”

“Looking for a home was confusing and I was a little apprehensive. I spent so much time looking at homes and when I finally found one I liked, we did not get the bid.” Fortunately for Evell, UHI was able to assist in finding a new option and she is now a happy homeowner. “There were so many trees in the backyard. I love the shade. I like to just sit and stare out into my backyard. It gives me this great sense of independence. I think, Yes! I did it! I finally did it!”

Evell feels like her life has become more stable since she became a homeowner however she is aware of the challenges of homeownership and has begun to develop an emergency fund for repairs and unforeseen things that might arise. “I never understood the importance of having a home warranty but after attending the class, I thought, ‘hmm this might be a good idea’. Well it really was because I had to have my heating and air system worked on and I could not have done that without the appropriate coverage.”

Evell and her daughter Camille purchased their home in the fall of 2004.