Petra Smiley’s story is one of hard work, hope and determination. She works at Mount Bethel Baptist Institutional Church as in an office manager. She works 35 hours per week but the job pays only little over $18,000 per year. She has been a renter for more than 20 years, living in subsidized housing through the Daytona Beach Housing Authority for the last 7 years.
Homes Bring Hope has brought together a Realtor, lender, 2 different down payment assistance programs, a title company, a surveyor, and experts in the housing area to help her become the organization’s first homeowner. Its team worked to cut real estate commissions, loan transaction fees, and title costs. They arranged for a free survey by Sliger & Associates. Additionally the Homes Bring Hope team worked with Halifax Urban Ministries to purchase a 5-year home warranty and more. Through it all, Ms. Smiley’s primary motivation to pursue a home of her own has been her children. She wants to raise them in a safe neighborhood with good schools.
“I am very appreciative of all of the individuals and organizations who have come together to assist me in becoming a homeowner,” said Ms. Smiley. “There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am.”