Fayetteville, NC – Clifton Owens II has always dreamed of owning his own home.
“I sat back and watched all my cousins and my extended family members purchase homes,” Clifton said. “I felt really ready for that in my life.”
Achieving this dream felt daunting to the former resident of Section 8 housing until his realtor told Clifton about the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency’s Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP). The program is designed to help first-time homebuyers purchase a house in hurricane-impacted counties.
“When I learned I qualified I felt like I was in a dream,” Clifton, a mental healthcare professional recalled. “I was amazed at how much they helped. They covered the $30,000 down payment and closing costs.”
With the help of HAP, Clifton purchased a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Fayetteville. He moved into the house with his disabled mom in May 2023.
“I’m the first-generation home buyer in my family,” Clifton said. “It’s still hard to believe. I’m just enjoying the fruits of my labor and hard work.”
Clifton already has big plans for his home. He’s looking forward to growing a garden and entertaining in his new backyard.
“I have a yard now, so I think that's the greatest thing for me,” Clifton said. “I have a green thumb, so I love planting flowers. I’m just so grateful I have something that belongs to me. It’s a dream come true.”