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April 6, 2026, was a very special day for Soraya P. and her two children. This was the day that a dream came true. Soraya became a first-time homeowner, closing on the purchase of her two-bedroom co-op in Brownsville, Brooklyn, after moving from Puerto Rico six years ago.
Soraya’s path was not easy. A single working mother, she applied for a government grant to help cover her down payment and closing costs. But the government grant process dragged on and the bank she was working with didn’t have a down payment assistance program. The owner of the co-op issued a Time of Essence letter, leaving open the possibility that the co-op owner could cancel the sale due to the delays.
But through a reference from Neighbors helping Neighbors, Soraya was introduced to Municipal Credit Union (MCU) and the Home Ownership grant program run by the MCU Foundation. The team encouraged Soraya to submit an application for a First Time Homeowner grant from The MCU Foundation. The Foundation awarded Soraya a $15,000 grant, and she thought this dream may come through.
I wanted this so much for my children. My daughter is 19 and earned a college scholarship. She knows what hard work can bring. I also have a 16-year-old son. He is special needs. So, it’s important for my children to know that this is a place they can call home. No more being forced to move out over and over because of rent increases. There will be stability here and comfort in their lives. Especially for my son, who needs familiar surroundings and weekly treatments.
I cried when they gave me the key.
I’m getting emotional now thinking about it because it’s really sinking in. All of the hard work, all the wait, all of the savings have led me to this. And I’m so happy that my daughter and my son can call this home. I’m able to look after my children and know that this will stay in our family for me, for them.
I’m very thankful to have been introduced to the MCU Foundation and the MCU staff, especially Omar, Elliot and Eleni, who were very much on top of everything and helped me make sure everything went right for us. I didn’t want to keep paying rent increases and the MCU Foundation made sure I didn’t.
Through all of this I kept thinking thank goodness there’s an organization that really cares about working people. Thank you to everyone at the MCU Foundation for helping make my dream come true.
Soraya P.