CARBONDALE - When asked to describe how it feels to become a first-time homeowner, Cathy Carlock of Carbondale struggled to find the words.

"I can't explain it after renting for so many years," Carlock said. "It just feels really nice to make a house payment and know that I'm buying something for me."

Carlock and her daughters, Brittani, 19, and Burgandi, 13, have resided for about two months in their new three-bedroom Carbondale home, complete with a yard and, most importantly, two bathrooms.

"It's a beautiful home, and we love everything about it," she said. "At the old house, we shared one bathroom, so now we don't have to fight over the bathroom at 7 o'clock in the morning."

Other parts of being a homeowner have taken a little getting used to, she said.

"I also have a bit of a leery feeling, because I know now if something goes wrong I don't have the landlord to call," she said.

Carlock's dream of owning a home was realized thanks to a partnership between the city of Carbondale, Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development loan program.

The home was financed completely through the USDA Rural Development's Direct Loan program, and $10,000 in down payment and cost assistance was provided by the city of Carbondale and Western Egyptian EOC, a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services for low-income residents.

June is National Homeownership Month, and the city of Carbondale is looking to continue to provide new opportunities for people to build and buy homes in the city, said Marilyn James, the city's housing programs administrator.

James said income-eligible residents can receive a forgivable loan of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase or build a home. The clients must provide at least $1,000 toward the down payment and participate in a homebuyer workshop, she said.

"It means a lot to the city of Carbondale to provide home-ownership opportunities," James said. "Owning your own home helps with our community's growth and gives us diversity, while providing families with more stability."

Those buying existing homes can also apply for a forgivable loan of up to $24,999 for rehabbing their property. The amount of the loan would depend on the condition of the home and how much rehabilitation work is needed on it.

"These are very excellent programs and we encourage people to take advantage of them," James said. "We want to make the American dream come true for everyone."

For more information about the city of Carbondale's homebuyer program, contact James at Carbondale City Hall at (618) 457-3246. For more information about the USDA Rural Development's housing programs, contact Melodie Rushing at (618) 763-5681.

Jason.lee@thesouthern.com

(618) 529-5454 ext. 5138