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Nationwide it's believed that owning your own home is a part of living the American dream. But as today's economy grows tougher and tougher on Americans, that dream can almost seem unlikely.
In tough economic times, acquiring a down payment for a house can be difficult and home loans are even harder to qualify for.
"The lowest rates in history but the most stringent credit has made it endlessly more challenging for individuals to qualify for home ownership," said Tom Staples, Vice Chairman for the Habitat for Humanity.
However one nonprofit program with offices in the Mining City is changing that.
It's called the National Affordable Housing Network and it has already managed to build nearly 30 homes on vacant lots that would otherwise be an eyesore throughout various neighborhoods.
"I have three boys and they all share a room and they've shared a room for along time, so this is the first time that they'll ever actually have their own room, and it's very exciting for them and it's emotional. I'm just glad that I'm in this program and that they're going to have this beautiful house to live in," said Tara Timm, a new homeowner helped by the program.
The network will help any family that meets the requirements established by the National Affordable Housing Network.
But these families, if approved, have to be willing to put the hard work and long hours in to build the home, and it's a lot more work then just swinging a hammer.
To view the full list of requirements please visit the National Affordable Housing Networks website below.
