Public Employee Press

Municipal Employees Housing Program
Hope, help and a new home

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

CECILIA MATIAS gave up her fears and went with possibilities, and with help from DC 37's Municipal Employees Housing Program she became a proud and happy homeowner.

"Purchasing a home has never been easy, but with perseverance and the expertise of union staff and Wells Fargo, I'm here!" beamed the Local 372 member. "I am a single mother, and I never thought any of this could be possible."

After reading about the MEHP program in the PEP, Matias attended a housing seminar at the union in June 2011, and spoke to Wells Fargo Mortgage Consultant Al Pico.

"Along comes Cecilia," said Pico. "She asked, 'What are chances of my getting into a house?' " Two months later, Matias was ready with a down payment. An aunt helped her find a two-bedroom townhouse in Graniteville on Staten Island.

MEHP was developed in 2005 by DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts with the mayor and the Housing Preservation and Development Dept. to help union members become homeowners.

With advice from MEHP consultant Jorge Ortiz, and Pico, "Everything fell into place," Pico said. "Cecilia is a perfect example of someone who doubted homeownership was really possible. But anyone can have the American Dream of home ownership if they put their mind to it and stay on budget," said MEHP Manager Franklin Golding.

After reviewing her credit scores, loan application and work history, MEHP advised Matias on how much she could afford, including taxes and home maintenance costs.

Stick to a budget

"Matias was a good client. She knew her financial boundaries and stuck to them," Pico said. "For a single working mom to be able to accomplish this says a lot for everyone involved, the bank, the client, the union and the MEHP program."

Additionally, Matias also received a $13,800 HomeFirst grant to cover her closing costs. DC 37 Municpal Employees Legal Services Attorney Regina Herring provided legal representation at the closing, a union benefi t that saved Matias about $2,000.

"I never would have had any direction on buying a home without the MEHP housing seminar," Matias said. Her school principal, co-workers and
family were her biggest cheerleaders. "They told me to go for it and I am glad I did - for me and my daughter," she said. Her daughter, Celesse Rivera, 19, is studying at City College, she said.

"Real estate brokers just want to know how much money you have and how fast can you close," Pico said. "They want clients with preapproval and 20 percent down - the easiest mortgage loan to make. They want their 6 percent commission quick. The union's program is different. The counselors assured Matias at every
step. The MEHP concept really works."

"I really feel my union and Someone are looking out for us," Matias said, gesturing heavenward. Over the din of contractors and floor sanders, she said, "I'm blessed and very happy. This was a win for us all."