Inaugural Homeownership Fair a Resounding Success

In celebration of National Homeownership Month, Toledo’s Department of Housing and Community Development held their inaugural Homeownership Fair at Scott High School, which drew nearly 500 attendees throughout the day, each seeking valuable resources to navigate the daunting path to homeownership and the chance to win prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize towards a home deposit.

Participants had the opportunity to attend workshops covering everything needed to know about purchasing a home, including understanding credit, guides for first-time homebuyers, home buying tips, mortgage processes, financial planning, and homeowner resources. Representatives from Huntington Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Northwest Ohio Realtors, and other local agencies were on hand to provide personalized advice and guidance.

“I call it everything you need to know about home buying,” Rosalyn Clemens, director of housing and community development, said. “We know the best way to build family wealth is through buying your own home. Aside from the financial factors, there are several social benefits of homeownership and stable housing to consider. Buying a home contributes to a sense of accomplishment, but it also can benefit your mental health and the community around you.”

During the event, ShRhonda Duhart took the microphone to share her story. Duhart said that she began her journey to homeownership with the help of the Financial Opportunity Center (FOC). Starting with the first-time home-buying workshop series, she saved for her down payment while navigating the Section 8 voucher program. After six months of personalized financial coaching, she boosted her credit score by 35 points through responsible credit management. Within a year, ShRhonda completed NeighborWorks Toledo Region's first-time homebuyers' education, saved for her down payment, and purchased her first home.

“Since my first day at the FOC, I knew my life would change. With my coach's support, I've achieved my dream of homeownership for myself and my daughters, fulfilling a promise to my late father. It's an incredible feeling!” Duhart said.

Highlighting the day's excitement was the announcement of the grand prize winner, Alliyah Hudson, 27, who walked away with $10,000 towards a home deposit. Hudson said that she was shaking with excitement when she heard her name called.

“I’ve been searching for a home since last year, and it's been a journey because they're so expensive, and I don't have the funds to, you know, just go buy a house or even put a deposit down on a house," Hudson, a single mother of 5, said.

"This means everything to me. It’s a life-changing opportunity. I'm out of my body right now," Hudson said.

With such a resounding turnout and positive feedback from participants, organizers are already planning future events to continue supporting Toledo's residents in their pursuit of homeownership.

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz attended the fair and thanked the many participating partners who donated their time and resources to hold this event. “For all of you here who are ready to embark on the journey toward your dream of homeownership, I hope you find something in this event today that unlocks the door for you. I am wishing each and every one of you the very best,” Kapszukiewicz said.

For those who missed out, interested individuals can still access resources and information through the City's Department of Housing and Community Development, ensuring that the path to owning a home remains within reach for all Toledoans.

As the day concluded, attendees departed with newfound insights and hopes, inspired by stories like Alliyah Hudson's, who now stands one step closer to realizing her dream of owning a home in Toledo.