HACY program helps family realize dream of home ownership

Thanks to a housing program, one Yuma family is unpacking boxes and arranging furniture in their first home this weekend.

Jorge and Cecilia Moreno, with daughters Edilia, 4, and Bellen, 6 months, moved into their own four-bedroom, two-bath house on Friday. Their house is the first of two built under the Housing Authority of the City of Yuma's Family Self-Sufficiency program, which focuses on helping families own an affordable home, officials said.

During the ceremony, Amanda Morales, executive director of the Yuma Neighborhood Development Organization (YNDO), which spearheaded the project, was applauded when she said to the Morenos, "Welcome to the taxpayer rolls!"

"This home is built on a lot that had a rundown house that was not inhabited, but was a center for drugs and crime," Morales said. "The city purchased the property, demolished the building, and the new home was built in the Carver Park area, under the Home Start program."

Kenneth J. Finlayson, executive director of HACY, said, "The Moreno home is first of two built under the HACY Family Self-Sufficiency program, earning our organization second place in the nation for success in helping families own their own affordable home. That's because we do it best."

HACY board member Fernando Quiroz introduced the mayor, city council members, and representatives of organizations involved in the Home Start program, including Housing America Corp., Arizona State Department of Housing, Bank One, National Bank of Arizona, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Yuma Title and the Family Self-Sufficiency Advisory Board, during a presentation on Friday afternoon.

"The Morenos graduated from the HACY Family Self-Sufficiency program, with savings from their FSS escrow account set up by the housing authority and matched by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. He started working for HACY as an apprentice, and now has a full-time job," Quiroz said.

"Home ownership is part of the American dream, made possible through collaborative efforts of all concerned. We support and encourage the Morenos in their new home. This home is what it's about - giving the Morenos responsibilities and pride. When new homes are added to a community, soon neighbors will begin cleaning up their yards, making a better community," Quiroz said.

It may have been 50 years since Mayor Larry Nelson and his wife moved into their first home, but he recalled that excitement during the ceremony on Friday afternoon.

"The family is the most important part in government, and this is where it starts - at home," he said. "On behalf of the city, we appreciate all those who have worked on this program. And, to Jorge, Cecilia and daughters, God bless your home."

Another 50th milestone was noted by Laurie G. Senko, executive director of Housing America, when she said, "I was born in Yuma, and yesterday was my 50th birthday. I grew up, lived in the Pecan Grove area, and used to walk to the Carver Park and Marcus pools.

"Our housing organization has been active in Yuma since 1976, and has helped 882 families with home ownership since 1998. We believe that children raised in homes are more apt to stay in school and complete high school."

A YNDO board chairman, Anthony Young, said "This home is a result of a long process, hard work and time-consuming, and it's worth it."

Morales said YNDO's future plans include working with Arizona Western College to build a home at 402 S. Magnolia, and with the Yuma Private Industry Council "Youth Build" program to construct a home at 465 S. 14th Ave.

"The applicants for any of the new homes are required to attend counseling classes to help learn about home maintenance and how utilities, taxes and other expenses must be paid," Morales said.

Concluding the dedication ceremonies, an orange tree was planted in the front yard of the new home as a symbol of the future, Quiroz said.

The new homeowner could only say, "Thanks to everyone. It's been a long way and hasn't been easy, but we're excited. I'm not much of a speech maker, so, thanks again."

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Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.