From public housing to homeownership: Worcester program is changing lives

Boston 25 news reporter Ellie Morillo on scene here in Worcester. Public housing can be life changing for families and the Worcester Housing Authority is giving residents the tools and support they need to reach their goals for Gregory and Ruby. That meant taking steps they once felt were out of reach. I've lived in two different shelters here in Worcester for Ruby Corrales' home hasn't always meant stability. I was a single mom had my son. I had my son at 17 years old and came across this program. Through the Worcester Housing Authority's A Better Life program, Ruby not only secured public affordable housing, she built a career as a corrections officer, real estate, and is now the owner of two homes. It was great that I can break the cycle and give that to my son. But there's a requirement. Participants spend 30 hours a week working, attending school, or participating in approved activities. And through financial incentives like escrow savings, families can begin building a foundation for life beyond public housing. And when I received the check, I was like, oh, is that check going to clear? Like, is this really my money? I tell those moms and dads, you've changed that child's life for the rest of their life. CEO Alex Corrales says it's about changing the affordable housing conversation. We've seen so many families that now have successfully transitioned into the private rental market and bought homes and are first-time homeowners, which is for their own wealth in terms of equity. It's such a big deal for us, and they'll never see public housing again. They were little when we started, now they're teenagers. Gregory Rosa and his wife, Gladys, participated in the Housing Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency Program, A separate voluntary program also helping residents work toward financial goals. It gives you the education that you need to get a better job. Not only that, when we bought the purchase of the house, we decided to go on our own business. So now we're not just owning a house, we're owning a small business. Different programs with all the same concept. When you teach somebody what a credit score is, what financial literacy is, those are life skills. The Worcester Housing Authority says the hope is that as more families become financially independent, it can also open the door for others still waiting for an opportunity. We're on scene in Worcester. I'm Ellie Morillo for your local station, Boston 25 News.