Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Homeownership Expo Seeks to Remove Barriers to Buying a Home
By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times What should I do first if I want to become a homeowner? Am I eligible to buy a home? How much money do I need to save? These are just a few of the many questions people ponder before purchasing their first home. Oftentimes, questions about credit […]
Black News 
By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times
What should I do first if I want to become a homeowner? Am I eligible to buy a home? How much money do I need to save? These are just a few of the many questions people ponder before purchasing their first home. Oftentimes, questions about credit scores, inspections, loan applications and more can stand in the way of people achieving their homeownership dreams. But the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) is seeking to change that, in part with its Homeownership Expo set for Tuesday, June 30, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Smithfield Community Center, 150 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35204.
Larry Williams, Chief Housing/Programs Officer for HABD, says that when it comes to homeownership, “some of the most common barriers include credit challenges, limited savings, lack of knowledge about the homebuying process, debt-to-income concerns, difficulty getting pre-approved, and not knowing where to start. Many families want to become homeowners, but the process can feel overwhelming without the right information and guidance.”
The Homeownership Expo, which is open to the public, will introduce attendees to contractors, finance institutions, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) counselors, real estate agents and more.
“This expo is designed to bring the right partners and resources together in one place,” Williams said. “Attendees can learn directly from lenders, housing counselors, real estate professionals, program staff, and other community partners who can help them understand the steps required to become mortgage-ready. The goal is to remove confusion, answer questions, and connect families to real pathways toward homeownership.”
Why Homeownership Matters
Williams believes that homeownership is about much more than purchasing property.
“It represents independence, security, and the ability to build generational wealth,” he said, adding that homeownership can create stability, pride, and long-term opportunity for families. “Through homeownership, families can establish roots, create a stable environment for their children, and begin building equity over time.”
HABD offers a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 Homeownership Program designed to help eligible voucher holders transition from renting to owning a home. The program allows qualified participants to use their housing assistance toward monthly mortgage payments.
“For participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, homeownership can also be a major step toward self-sufficiency by helping families transition from rental assistance into long-term financial stability,” Williams said.
At the upcoming Homeownership Expo, attendees can expect to learn about the homebuying process from start to finish. Topics include credit readiness, budgeting, saving for a home, mortgage pre-approval, down payment assistance, home inspections, working with realtors, and understanding closing costs.
Attendees can also learn more about how the HCV Homeownership Program works.
“For voucher participants, the expo will also provide information about eligibility requirements, program expectations, lender participation, inspections, required counseling, and the steps involved in using a housing voucher toward homeownership,” Williams said.
HABD plans to make the Homeownership Expo an annual event to help connect families with the tools, education and partners needed to pursue homeownership.
“HABD has continued to expand its homeownership outreach and education efforts,” Williams said, “and this expo is part of that broader commitment to helping families move from housing stability to self-sufficiency and wealth building.”
The HABD Homeownership Expo is Tuesday, June 30 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Smithfield Community Center, 150 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35204. To register and learn more, call 205-521-7743 or visit www.habd.org.
