Jacqueline Reeves

My journey began by inquiring about how to purchase a home with my Section 8 counselor at Tompkins Community Action. From there, I was connected with the Family Self Sufficiency program, which made this experience wonderful and easier to understand.

The Homebuyer's Class at Ithaca Neighborhood Housing was an eye opener to all the possibilities and obstacles that I had to complete in order to achieve my goal. All this snowballed into me connecting with Alternatives. Brendan Wilbur and the staff there were helpful in setting up an IDA, a program where I can pay the bills needed to maintain a household and still be able to save. These are both things that I love to do.

The IDA program provides people with information on the steps to homeownership. It's been a great experience for me, and I hope that young people are inspired to follow up on their dreams - if not for themselves - then for the generation that we have the responsibility to raise.