The Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services wants more people to own homes. The organization assists people with every step in the process to secure a home, and it’s all for free. 

A specialized team educates people on the process, gathers paperwork, connects them with realtors to find the perfect home, helps them analyze their finances to see what they can afford and more. They also teach people about saving and budgeting to make sure they are able to keep their home once they secure it. 

“I believe it's important for one generation to pass on from their hard work and labor to the next generation. And the most effective way of doing that is through home homeownership,” said Gladstone Johnson, executive director of the Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services. 

Johnson told News 12 as long as people are patient, they can get through the process to become a homeowner. But sometimes it takes years. News 12 visited Myron Oseguera, a first-time homeowner through the program, to hear what it was like.

“It was amazing. If I feel really lucky to not only own an apartment in the Bronx, but in the five boroughs. It is really hard to see that some people don't even get a chance to do that, especially nowadays. I spent my whole life here, and I'm seeing not only my family, but others struggling to have some equity” Oseguera said. 

He told News 12 it took over a year to secure his mortgage, but it was all worth it. He was also eligible for a grant that secured him $40,000. He used the money toward his down payment and home repairs. The Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services helped him secure a mortgage of $450 a month. 

The organization says you’re only one call away from getting a piece of the Bronx. They also offer services for existing homeowners. To learn more, click here.

Are you curious about projects around your neighborhood? Tap here to fill out a form and tell us what we should cover next.