Opening Doors: Helping People Become Homeowners
It’s the last week of National Homeownership Month, a time to recognize the importance of homeownership in building strong families and communities. For many Hennepin County residents with low income, owning a home can feel out of reach—but CAP-HC’s Homebuyer Services are helping to change that.
Meet Hamza
Hamza, a HUD-certified counselor,* has been with Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC) for nearly two years. “I wanted to be part of an organization that is both for the community and by the community,” he shared. He believes that CAP-HC’s unique, holistic approach to helping people improve their economic situation is what makes the work so meaningful. “A client might come in seeking rental help, then discover additional services. Maybe they choose to enroll in Employment Counseling to find a better job, ultimately increasing their income and stability. It’s truly inspiring to see how our clients’ situations improve after receiving support.”
Preparing for Homeownership
People seek out CAP-HC’s Homebuyer Services for a number of reasons. Some are facing challenges like having little savings, poor credit, or housing instability. Others lack the confidence to navigate the complex homebuying process or have experienced systemic barriers that make it difficult to move forward without additional support.
CAP-HC’s Homebuyer Services include Home Stretch workshops and one-on-one counseling. HUD-certified counselors help participants review their finances and credit, understand the homebuying process, and create a plan to reach their goals. Hamza emphasized, “Our program isn’t just for people ready to buy a home right away. Whether someone is just considering homeownership or nearly ready to buy, we offer the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to move forward with confidence. We walk people through every step,” Hamza said. “And we tailor the support to their unique needs.”
Building Financial Stability, Confidence, and Hope
Hamza says clients often come in overwhelmed or discouraged—especially when they’re facing unstable rental situations or financial setbacks. “Many people believe they need perfect credit or a large down payment to get started, but that’s not the case.” He recalled one client who came in for rental help, feeling homeownership was out of reach. After counseling and attending the workshop, they had outlined clear steps toward homeownership. “With support and accountability, they improved their finances and pre-qualified for a mortgage. They’re now a first-time homeowner and say they couldn’t have achieved it without CAP-HC.”
Though budgeting, improving credit, and building savings are important for financial stability, Hamza says the most meaningful changes he sees aren’t financial. Where there was once overwhelm and frustration, clients leave the program feeling more confident and hopeful. “They start to believe that homeownership is truly possible and feel more in control of their future. That shift in mindset is powerful and often life changing.”
This National Homeownership Month, we celebrate every person working toward the dream of homeownership. With education, support, and a personalized approach, homeownership can be more than a goal—it can be a reality.
Learn more about CAP-HC’s Homebuyer Services.
Want to support this work?
Make a donation in honor of National Homeownership Month.
*U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development