Home Purchase Program

Jason G. wants to show his son that he can achieve his goals through hard work.

Jason is a “cool, quiet person” and young father, works for the Postal Service as a maintenance worker. His quiet confidence works to his advantage, because soon, Jason will achieve what many find impossible – to own a home in New York City before the age of 30.

Currently, Jason and his son live with Jason’s cousin. The building is well-maintained, but Jason shares a room with his son, who has mild autism, and the situation is over-crowded.

Jason’s older sister sent him an email with the Habitat NYC Home Purchase Program application. Jason was confident that he would qualify, because “I have the credit score needed and I have the income for this home. I also have the money to put down on the home.”

So what does owning a home mean to someone so young? “It makes me feel great knowing my son will have his own room and more space to see him smile. It’s priceless.” The stability of an affordable home will not only give Jason’s son a great example, but will give Jason a springboard from which he can follow his own dream – to become a New York City Firefighter.

Jose and Leocadia L. and their daughter currently live in a studio apartment in Corona, Queens. The apartment is cramped, there is not enough privacy and far too many pests. After hearing about Habitat NYC from a coworker, Jose, who is a chef at a famous steakhouse in Manhattan, applied for the program, “because it was the only chance to get a decent home with my current income.”

What excites them most about owning a home – other than some privacy! – is setting an example for their daughter to achieve her own dreams. “Owning a home will teach my kids to do the same when they grow up,” Jose wrote.

Chloe W. is a devoted single mother to a remarkable teenage son, and juggles three jobs in education and elderly care, all while pursuing a degree in sociology at Hunter College. A proud New Yorker through and through, Chloe was raised in a rich cultural tapestry woven from threads of Puerto Rican and African American traditions. Salsa and bachata would be played intertwined with jazz and blues; sizzling plantains would be served alongside Southern comfort food. New York City isn’t just where Chloe lives, but a vital part of who she is—a city that shaped her identity and provided the stage for her most treasured moments. And she longed to own a home here. 

For years, Chloe endured a recurring cycle of applying for apartments and being met with disappointment—sometimes earning too little income, sometimes earning marginally too much. It was immensely frustrating. But despite the setbacks, her hope did not waver, and her dedication to the pursuit of homeownership remained steadfast.  

Then, in June 2023, Chloe connected with Habitat NYC and Westchester. “This chance felt like the culmination of all those years of perseverance—it was an opportunity I was determined not to let slip through my fingers.” And so began months of arduous and intricate paperwork to apply for, and secure, her Habitat home. 

Chloe was finally on the precipice of achieving her lifelong dream of homeownership. 

And she did it! 

Chloe recalls the astounding moment she received the keys to her new home, “It was a moment filled with elation and gratitude…This moment was not just about securing a residence; it was about securing a future filled with possibilities, a future where my son and I could thrive and build our lives.”  

Having a place to call her own provides Chloe with a previously unknown sense of stability. “It’s a foundation upon which I can build my life, a sanctuary where I can find solace and comfort.” She sees her Habitat home as so much more than just an apartment—it’s the promise of a better life brimming with potential, and the sense of belonging Chloe and her son longed for. 

In fact, becoming a homeowner reframed Chloe’s entire approach to long-term planning. “Owning a home encourages me to think about my future, plan for retirement, and create a lasting legacy for my family.” Chloe says the financial prospects of homeownership pave the path to a new world of possibilities for her family. From building equity to property appreciation, and savings goals well beyond paying off her mortgage—financial freedom is no longer a fantasy but a feasible goal. “I’m ready to embrace this new chapter with open arms and an open heart. Here’s to new beginnings and the fulfilling adventure of homeownership!”