After serving in the military for 18 years, first in the Army and then the Marines in both Gulf Wars and in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, Kienya Rudolph returned home to Detroit in 2007. Unfortunately, he became unable to work because of chronic fatigue and migraines related to his time in combat. The Rudolphs lost their home to foreclosure in the spring of 2012.

Alan Hipps, Executive Director, Housing Assistance Program of Essex County

After renting an apartment for two years, Ashley Johnson knew she wanted to be a homeowner, preferably in Detroit, where she works for the Girl Scouts.

Financial security is critical for both the residents served by NeighborWorks America network member Community Housing Partners (CHP) and the greater area. Thus, the nonprofit organization focuses its resident-services program on the financial capability of its multifamily residents — access to financial education, coaching and the products necessary to act on what they learn.

Looking for a home in Seattle can seem as daunting as climbing to the top of the 14,000-foot summit of nearby Mr. Rainier. Real estate marketing firm Zillow has ranked Seattle for several years as one of the hottest housing markets in the United States. And it's for good reason.

Lori Rassi is almost home. A long-time resident of the Chamberlain, Indiana, neighborhood, she’s excited to finally, officially put down roots. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that those roots will be in a new, energy-efficient house built by LaCasa.

Nancy Gaucin with her HomeStart

Elizabeth Ramirez-Valadez’s story, like many, underscores the need for education and assistance when buying a home. Ramirez-Valdez and her husband purchased their home through Homewise in Santa Fe, NM. Santa Fe is one of the hardest markets for first-time homebuyers to break into. The list price for a home is $343,000, averaging about $151 per square foot.