Monday, October 14, 2002
Single mom utilizes Sec. 8 checks to become a homeowner
A story released today by the Inman News Features reports that an account clerk in Yuma, Ariz., has become the first homeowner to utilize a Federal program that allows low-income recipients of Sec. 8 rent vouchers to use their housing assistance money to make mortgage payments.
Martha Bouzanquet, a Hispanic single mother, received the key to her just-purchased home on Friday. On hand for the key-presentation ceremony were Yuma Mayor Larry Nelson and representatives of the City of Yuma Housing Authority, Bank One Corp. and Fannie Mae.
Bouzanquet combined her monthly income with the Sec. 8 voucher to achieve a monthly mortgage payment that is $10 more than her previous rent check.
"It's such an awesome program. I would not have been able to get the same kind of loan without it," Bouzanquet said. "Being a single parent, I thought, 'Oh, I won't be able to do it,' but working hard, keeping faith and getting into this program really changed everything for me. My prayers were answered."
