Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
(Publication Archives)

Community Connections, Fall 2003

A Home of My Own
By Martine Davis, Team Leader, NYAPRS Peer Bridger Project, MHA in Ulster County

While the story below is about housing rather than trauma, it is too good and too important to be left untold. Ms. Davis provides important resources to enhance recovery – Editor

Did you think that owning your own home while on disability was impossible? I did.
As much as I wanted to be a homeowner and have the pleasure of a yard and garden again, I did not think it would ever happen. Who would give me a mortgage? Then I learned about the three different programs that helped me move into my dream house last August.

The first program is OMH's Home of Your Own. The program gives 4% mortgages to mental health care recipients. You do not have to be on disability -- just have a diagnosis and be in treatment. A 4% mortgage will make a big difference in how much house you can afford, since it lowers the monthly payments considerably. Second, there is now a HUD Section 8, Home Ownership Program, which allows consumers' stipends to go toward buying a home, not just renting. Finally, there is the Home Buyers' Club from Rural Ulster County Preservation Council (RUPCO), which helps fund closing costs.
Five years ago, I was hospitalized for major depression. I thought my life was over. I thought I would be in and out of the hospital, never work again and certainly never be a homeowner. Instead, my life is better by far than it was before my hospitalization. I am now on disability and I have a part-time job that I love. I own a very nice home in a good area of Kingston where I enjoy the pleasure of gardening and the joy that only a home of your own can bring.

If you ever wished you could be a homeowner or dream that you might one day buy a home, call Office of Mental Health (518) 474-5191 and ask about the Home of Your Own Program. If you live in Ulster County (RUPCO), call Rural Ulster Preservation Corp. at (845) 331-2140 ext. 321 and ask about the Home Buyers Club. If you live elsewhere in New York State, RUPCO can help you find the Home Buyers Club in your area.

posted 9/18/03