FROM OUR NEWS ARCHIVE:

“Reality set in when I unlocked the door and stepped in. I
thought to myself, it’s mine. My dream of owning a home
finally came true.”

“I couldn’t believe it was happening. I couldn’t help
screaming, ‘I did it!’ I was so proud of myself.”

These were the comments made by two of HOST's newest homeowners the day they received the keys to their home at Charleston Place, the latest example of how HOST strives to provide affordable home ownership opportunities for working individuals and families. Since 1989 HOST has helped over 150 renters like Scott Reis and Felicia Jenkins obtain the "American Dream" of home ownership.

Felicia, a single mother with a very busy toddler, received the keys to her new HOST home in January. Scott, a teacher at De La Salle North Catholic High School, moved into his two-bedroom home with great anticipation.

"My impatience got the best of me at times because the completion date got pushed back," said Scott. "But the wait was well worth it; I love my house," he said with the smile of a kid who has just opened the best Christmas present in the world.

Both Scott and Felicia, like most of our Charleston Place homeowners, can often be found bragging to family and friends about the great features of their homes. Scott admits having a brand new, energy efficient, fully equipped house is what he likes best about his HOST home. Felicia, who lives three doors down from Scott, says her kitchen is what she loves the most.

"It's so big," she exclaims. "And best of all, no one has ever used anything in it before."

On the outside, Charleston Place homes are designed to be friendly to pedestrians and children, encouraging the sense of neighborhood. Inside, our two and three-bedroom floor plans offer the flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of homeowners and their families.

"All of our homes have spacious living and dining areas, plenty of closet space, a security system, and a lot of charm, " says HOST Marketing Manager Andrea Debnam. In addition to the physical features of the home, Scott and Felicia both agree the best feature of buying a HOST home is the personal and individual attention received from Andrea.

"Andrea was so great", said Scott. "The one-on-one attention made the process so easy."

"It is so nice to have someone hold your hand through the entire process especially if you have a few obstacles to overcome, said Felicia. "Andrea refuses to let any barriers stand in your way. When I needed help with closing costs, she got the money for me."

As she holds her daughter, Felicia describes her excitement and gratitude for her new HOST home.

"I know I have invested in something I will always own. It's also something for my daughter to have when she grows up."