Sowing For The Homeownership Harvest

Perhaps "sowing for the future harvest," best describes the spirit of the first Oklahoma African-American Homeownership Initiative Housing Fair held recently in Oklahoma City. More than 500 filled the Saint John Mission Baptist Church Family Life Center and Fellowship Hall in a united effort to help people in their journey to make the dream of homeownership a reality.

The real story is the groundwork done in the community and the presentations that were given during the fair. "This was the best-conceived and most effective homeownership fair I can recall ever attending," said Jim Colgan, Acting Director of the HUD office in Oklahoma City. "I hope we see it replicated elsewhere."

Dr. M. L. Jemison is the Senior Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, as well as the President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Through his leadership, the pilot homeownership initiative of his church was expanded into a community-wide Homeownership Fair. This was the first time in local memory that pastors of 35-40 predominantly black churches of diverse denominations participated in a "Homeownership Sunday."

Faith, commitment, and perseverance were among the topics in the powerful presentations made by the keynote speakers: Dr. Gary Simpson, Pastor of the Concord Baptist Church of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Rev. Fred Jones, Associate Pastor of the Christian Chapel "Temple of Faith" C.M.E. Church in Dallas, Texas. Lisa Shelton (a Saint John Member) and Joyce Williams also encouraged us with their personal testimonies that homeownership really is possible to achieve. Ms. Shelton completed a homebuyer education course given through the Northeast Homeownership Consortium. Ms. Williams completed the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency Self-Sufficiency Program and has transitioned from a Section 8 renter to becoming a homeowner.

Everyone agreed the Fair was a great opportunity for prospective first-time homebuyers to visit face-to-face with HUD, Fannie Mae, the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, Northeast Homeownership Consortium, Oklahoma County Home Finance Authority, the Urban League of Oklahoma City, lenders and many other organizations. However, as Pastor Jemison said, "This is not the end, but rather the beginning of a process that must continue."

Learn more about homeownership in Oklahoma. You'll find resources and special programs to help make your dream a reality.