Long Time Public Housing Resident Becomes First to Buy a Home under the Atlantic City, NJ Homeownership Voucher Program

Information by State  Print version   Stephanie Harmon closing on her new home! Pictured, from left, are Melody Malick of the Citizens Title Insurance Company, and Ms. Stephanie Harmon. Ms. Harmon's new home in Atlantic City, NJ.

As a resident of public housing for 27 years and single mother of four (3 of whom are now teenagers), Stephanie Harmon had to overcome several obstacles in her pursuit of homeownership. When Stephanie first decided to buy a home, she realized she needed to make the decision to first reduce her debt and get her finances in order. She then took a step up out of public housing by becoming part of the Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher program for the last few years.

These steps prepared Stephanie to also became a participant in the Atlantic City Housing Authority’s 5(h) Homeownership Program in 2002 and to later apply to their Section 8 Voucher Homeownership Program in 2003 when it was adopted by the Housing Authority.

As a result of her hard work and determination, Stephanie Harmon completed the purchase of a home at 118 North Rhode Island Avenue in Atlantic City. On July 15th, 2004, Ms. Harmon was joined at her homeownership closing by HUD's Camden New Jersey Field Office Director, Michael Worth, as well as Sebrena Brandon, Director of the Atlantic City Housing Authority's Homeownership Program, Atlantic City Council President Craig Callaway, and Ronald Brandon, Chairman of the Atlantic City Board of Commissioners. Stephanie is the first Atlantic City Housing Authority resident to purchase a home under HUD's Section 8 Homeownership Program.

Stephanie's home was newly constructed by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) the developer in a HOPE VI grant awarded to the Atlantic City Housing Authority in 2000. Ms. Harmon also received down payment and closing cost assistance provided through the Atlantic City’s HOME First Time Home Buyer Program.

Ms. Harmon is currently attending Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) where she is pursuing an Associates Degree in Social Work. She currently works for the Atlantic City Housing Authority as a Social Service Technician for the elderly. Stephanie has aspirations of attending Nursing school upon graduation from ACCC.

So not only is this a story of how hard work can help realize the goal of homeownership, but this is a story of how several agencies (HUD, CRDA, Atlantic City Housing Authority, and the Atlantic City HOME Program partnered to created a homeownership opportunity. Such hard work, determination, planning and cooperation do go a long way in helping people realize the American Dream.