Morden's Homebuyers Assistance Program had the first family move into their first home of their own, through a Morden's Community Development Corporation (MCDC) program, funded through a provincial Creating Opportunities for Affordable Homeownership Grant. The program gives first time homeowners up to $15, 500 for a down payment on a home less than $275, 000.
MCDC Business Development Specialist Liz Reimer shared why the David family were successful applicants.
"Merwin and Eleanor were perfect candidates. They had the dependents because you are required to have a dependent, they also showed they knew what it meant to be a homeowner, they knew what a budget looked like, they had some savings to help them along. They had a really good understanding of what some of the requirements were to be a homeowner and to be responsible mortgagees."
Merwin David explained how this program helped them reach their dream of owning a home.
"Morden's Homebuyers Assistance Program provides us help, with regards to financial assistance to help cover our costs, such as down payments, closing costs, and other fees. It is helpful for us. We don't have a lot of savings and financial resources. So, this program has helped us a lot."
He described his feelings seeing their home furnished and decorated after settling in.
"We are very excited and very, very happy, and we are fortunate we are one of the beneficiaries of this program. We also want to thank this program, especially Liz, who facilitates this program."
Eleanor expressed her thought on moving from a smaller apartment into a 3-bedroom home with a basement.
"I am very, very happy for this Homebuyers Assistance Program. They give us a big help. I am very happy and excited for the new memories we will make here."
Oldest son, Miel shared his thoughts on moving into the new home with his two younger brothers, all who have their own rooms now.
"It's way better to live in our own house, compared to living in an apartment, which has a limited space. "
Reimer noted the David family is one of four successful families from the first intake late last year. There is another intake opening up for the month of April, with the possibility of 3 more homes for families who qualify based on the criteria set out by the provincial government.
"Part of the criteria is there's a maximum amount of income you have to be under for the entire family. Number 2 is there's limited savings that you are able to have, but it just shows that you are responsible enough to have a savings account. You have to have a dependent or more, your house has to have 2 bedrooms in order to qualify, and it can be no more than $275,000 for the purchase price."
More information on criteria and to apply can be found on the MCDC website.