Heart Home
For Julissa Falero, home has always been at the heart of her family’s life. Over the years, the HomeOwnershipCenter (HOC) has played a pivotal role in ensuring that heart continues to beat strongly.
“My experience with the HomeOwnershipCenter started when my husband and I went through their foreclosure counseling program,” Julissa recalls. With HOC’s support, the family was able to save their home from foreclosure. After losing her husband and transitioning to a fixed income, Julissa faced new challenges. Keeping up with repairs and maintenance became overwhelming. “My house needed a lot of expensive repairs, and I just couldn’t afford it,” she shares.
Determined to make her home safe and welcoming—especially for her grandson and daughter, who visit frequently—Julissa turned to HOC again, this time for help with home rehabilitation. “HomeOwnershipCenter and the contractor were very easy to work with, and the process went smoothly,” she says. “After each day of work, the contractors left my house so clean and tidy. It was wonderful!”
Areas that were affected by lead and other safety hazards in the Falero home included the bathrooms, basement ceiling and flooring, window and door trim, doors, stairs and various other painted surfaces. The contractor and the HOC worked with Julissa to find the best solution to remedy each of the health and safety hazards. All the work was covered by Lead-Safe Utica grant funds at no cost to the homeowner.
Now, with her safe and beautifully repaired home, Julissa is celebrating life, family, and the blessing of stability. She encourages others to take that first step toward help and transformation. “If you don’t take a risk and ask for help, you won’t know what you’re missing!”
Happy and grateful, Julissa is proof that with the right support, home can truly be where the heart thrives.
Lead-Safe Utica addresses lead hazards in privately-owned housing using funds awarded to the City of Utica by HUD. This program aims to prevent childhood lead poisoning by creating lead-safe housing and helps homeowners, landlords, and tenants control hazards from lead in paint, soil, and dust.
There is funding available to help identify and address lead and safety hazards that may be in your home and harming your family! Click to find out more about the Lead-Safe Utica Program and how you may qualify.
The HomeOwnershipCenter – chartered in 1979 by NeighborWorks America; promotes housing and community development through programs such as Homebuyer Education and Financial Coaching, housing rehabilitation, and foreclosure prevention and intervention. Take the first step toward your housing goals today—contact the HOC team to learn how we can help!
CHECK OUT the Osenbach Family’s Story Don’t Touch That Door!