Betty Mason

Betty in front of her new house

Betty Mason always dreamed big. As a longtime renter in northeast Portland, Betty took the first step to making her dream of homeownership come true in 2007. Today, she owns the single-level home of her dreams, close to parks, with lots of windows and a big porch, like she always wanted. Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives’ support for first-time homebuyers like Betty, along with VIDA, gave Betty the “ability and hope to be a first-time homebuyer.”

Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives (PCRI) supported Betty every step of the way. Not sure where to begin, Betty trusted PCRI’s expertise and hands-on approach to support her in buying her first home. She also learned to trust herself. Like many first-time homebuyers, Betty often wondered, “‘what am I doing?’ For me, it was all faith. The opportunity was there and I had all this information and classes and people guiding me. I had to put it into action. I was stepping out on faith.”

Feeling excited, overwhelmed, scared, doubtful and elated, Betty ran the gamut of emotions that come with buying a first home, but had all the support she needed from PCRI. “I can’t imagine anyone buying a house without that support,” she beamed, adding that she was “amazed at how warm people were and how they really cared about you to help you accomplish your goal.” At closing her team of support from PCRI and her real estate agent joined her. “They changed my perspective to prepare for homeownership.”

This supportive and individualized approach ensures successful homeowners like Betty to stay in their homes. Referring to her homeownership reference guide from PCRI, Betty feels confident that she has the tools and support to maintain her home. “I’m stronger than I thought I was,” Betty reflects, appreciative of PCRI’s expertise, patience, kindness and desire to empower the community. “We all need each other to help each other. [PCRI] helps someone help themselves and better their lives.”