Rondo CLT Helps Family Achieve Homeownership in Saint Paul
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Wondwosen’s Journey to Homeownership
Growing up in Ethiopia, Wondwosen Gebrehiwot’s family owned a home. As a father of three, Wondwosen wanted the same for his three children when he moved to the United States six years ago—but he simply couldn’t afford the high cost of homeownership in the Twin Cities, where affordable homeownership opportunities were scarce. “We were living in an apartment in Roseville, and it was very difficult living there,” he said, “really hard raising three children in an apartment.”
But then someone he knew said he’d bought a house, with the support of Rondo Community Land Trust. “That’s when I found out there was such an option,” Wondwosen said, “so I directly contacted them and saw they have a one-hour orientation. I registered right away.”
Soon, Wondwosen and his family were looking for a home in Ramsey County. Before long, they found the perfect three-bedroom, “Everything I was wishing for, it had,” he says. A large living room, three bedrooms together on the second level, and even a big backyard with playground equipment.
How Rondo CLT Made Homeownership Affordable
Through Rondo CLT’s Homebuyer Initiated Program, households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) receive homeownership assistance in the form of affordability grants to purchase homes in Ramsey County. The process length varies but, for Wondwosen it took just seven months — from applying to the program to closing on his home.
Benefits of Homeownership: Space, Freedom, and Peace of Mind
“The day we moved in, it was the happiest moment of our lives,” Wondwosen recalls. “We were all running all over the place. We were very excited about it. We cannot wait until the weather gets
warmer and spend the day out in the backyard.” And he’s able to rest assured that, after he’s been in the home for six months, Rondo CLT will be there to assist with necessary rehabilitations.
For Wondwosen and his family, homeownership is so much more than a roof over their heads. “The first thing is freedom,” he says. “It’s a free space. My kids can play in whatever area they want to play in. I was thinking about their freedom.”
Learn more about the Homebuyer Initiated Program or contact Rondo CLT to explore your own homeownership journey.
Feeling inspired? Support Rondo CLT and help more families thrive in Saint Paul.
