Yolanda's Journey with VCCDC

We sat down with our very valued long-time client and volunteer, Yolanda Duarte, and asked her about her journey with VCCDC. Take a look at her experience below!

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Yolanda and I am a single mom. I've been living here in California for 24 years and my dream has always been to own a home. VCCDC helped me to achieve that dream!

How did you find VCCDC?

I was looking for somebody to help me as I had just experienced a foreclosure and needed a LOT of work to improve my credit score. When I found VCCDC online and contacted them, they guided me to take their education class and connected me with a Homeownership Specialist, Gaby, to coach me on how to improve my credit. After a lot of hard work getting my credit back up and finding down payment assistance it felt so amazing to learn that I could qualify for a loan for my own condo in an area I had wanted to live in for a long time. I know that without them, I couldn't have done it.

What made you sign up to volunteer with VCCDC?

I've been volunteering with VCCDC for 7 years now. The reason I do it is because without them, I couldn't have achieved my dream of owning my condo. Plus, it's my way of saying to the community that it is possible to achieve your goal with their help. I really want to encourage everyone that this is real and it works. People are so skeptical of free programs but I want people to know that VCCDC is there to help.

How has your life changed since working with VCCDC?

When we became homeowners our lives changed, especially my son's. His self-esteem improved so much at school when he could be proud of living in our new condo. Honestly, my self esteem changed too because I felt like I had accomplished a goal I had for years. It really changed our lives for good!

Do you know someone who is dreaming of homeownership for their family? Don't let them pass up this opportunity!