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While always desiring her own home, Kara Behlau never thought she could actually afford one. Yet the 22-year-old began living the American dream this year while marking a significant rite of passage.
Behlau is one of the newest homeowners to purchase property acquired by the United Communities Community Development Corp., a nonprofit that implements strategies for neighborhood revitalization and encourages homeownership. She made settlement on her house on the 100 block of Gladstone Street in April.
A longing for more independence was the underlying reason for Behlau’s departure from her former house, which she shared with her mother, brother and grandmother. This newfound freedom, she said, luckily has thrust her into adulthood.
"When I was living at home, I didn’t realize how hard it is to own a house and when you move in, it all hits you at once," she said. "It made me grow up a lot."
Linking affordable homes with would-be residents for nearly 10 years, the organization celebrated its commitment to the area at a gathering held yesterday at La Fourno, 636 South St. The attendees heard testimonials from homeowners – each noting dramatic life changes since moving into their dwellings.
The corporation has revamped 29 structures and two vacant lots since its 1996 inception. Its "niche" is rehabbing houses and then offering them at market value to qualified low-to-moderate-income residents, said the organization’s Executive Director Barbara McDuffie.
"There’s a need for this," she said during an interview last week. "Not every house needs to be bulldozed."
Now settled into her three-bedroom abode, Behlau has had time to reflect on her new investment, which she warmly acknowledged receiving from the United Communities staff.
"There’s a lot of responsibilities, but it’s worth it," she said.
THE ORGANIZATION WAS born out of a housing committee established by the United Communities of Southeast Philadelphia, which offers social services to residents. Starting its own "CDC" gave the group power to renovate structures using city funds, said McDuffie, who noted the organization’s main target area encompasses Mifflin to Wolf streets from Fourth to Ninth streets.
Properties, she said, are obtained through donations, city acquisitions and the private market. The city’s Homeownership Rehabilitation Program provides the group with $35,000 to renovate each acquired unit. Additional construction subsidies are provided by private companies, which the Redevelopment Authority then matches up to an amount of $15,000 per structure.
The group also receives grants for operational support; its most recent was $15,000 from the Samuel S. Fels Fund.
Potential homeowners are linked with counselors from United Communities of Southeast Philadelphia to discuss qualifications for obtaining a mortgage and "getting their credit to where it should be," McDuffie said.
Once qualified, home seekers are informed of prospective homes – sometimes before these dwellings are finished.
"We normally have potential buyers when construction is going on and, in some cases, prior to construction starting," McDuffie said.
One of the group’s first success stories, Rosalind Mayo, obtained her new abode in 1997.
"It was brand-spanking new on the inside," recalled the resident of the 2300 block of South Franklin Street. "It made the home more likeable. It came with a new roof, walls, kitchen. I didn’t have to fix things on my own."
Since moving in, Mayo said upkeep has been limited to minor paint jobs.
She still remembers the reason behind seeking out her own place.
"It was important, just knowing the fact that it would be mine," said Mayo, 41. "That’s what I was anticipating."
She married her husband a year after settling on the house and now shares the dwelling with her kids.
The organization continues to have a close relationship with its social services counterpart, which assists residents after they attain their homes.
"I think what’s special about us is the relationship we maintain with buyers even after [settlement]," McDuffie said. "Even the folks we sell this house to, they are also provided with a bunch of information to make sure the house remains affordable to them. We really work together to provide more of a holistic type of service to all of our clients."
Next on the organization’s to-do list is revamping what McDuffie calls the "big six," or six dwellings scattered throughout Winton, South Beulah and South Philip streets. The renovation of these houses is expected for completion by year’s end.
Mayo said the market value of her home has soared since she purchased it. And to her, calling the residence her own is still refreshing.
"The fact that I have my key to open up my door to decorate my home – that’s a good feeling," she said.
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For more information about the United Communities Community Development Corp., call 215-467-8700.
