In Search of a Better Tomorrow

Blair County Community Action

Arthur L. Demps

Arthur Demps came to the Housing Counseling Program of Blair County Community Action Agency (BCCAA) in October 2005 seeking assistance in pursuing his dream of owning a home. Arthur had learned of the agency while he was speaking about his recovery from drug addiction at a local Salvation Army. Arthur had always dreamed of owning his own home and now he felt that this could be the answer to his dream.

Arthur had grown up in low-income housing. When his family relocated to Altoona, Pennsylvania, they too lived in a low-income neighborhood. Arthur's wife had died suddenly, leaving him with two children to raise and a shaky credit history to repair. Despite these difficulties, Arthur would soon have the opportunity to make homeownership a reality for himself and his family.

Shortly after he came to BCCAA, Arthur enrolled in the Housing Counseling's Pre-Purchase One-on-One Counseling Program. His housing counseling specialist, Jodi Williams, was instrumental in educating Arthur on a variety of programs offered by the Community Action Agency. The first focus was repairing his credit report and with Jodi's guidance, Arthur soon learned the steps in disputing incorrect information on his report as well as taking responsibility for those items he needed to pay to better his credit score.    

Arthur then was enrolled in the Homebuyer Education Workshop, led by Housing counseling coordinator, Billie Egan. Arthur completed the workshop, learning everything he would encounter in purchasing a home. With the information provided by BCCAA, encouragement from the two people who worked closely with him and personal determination and persistence, Arthur was soon able to purchase the home of his dreams and now has something to pass on to his children.

Through his determination and strong will, Arthur was able to overcome the obstacles in his life that kept him from achieving what he wanted most. He feels that his wife was involved in the process and knows that she is still watching over him.

When asked to sum up his feelings of owning a home, Arthur responded, "Go to Community Action. The people there cared and seemed like they really wanted to help me. They made me feel comfortable. If you don't know what to do, they will walk you through the steps from the beginning of trying to get your finances straight all the way to the maintenance of your home after you purchase it."

Both of the women who worked closely with Arthur say he is a delightful person who has instilled pride in them. Putting his money where his mouth is, Arthur has offered to make a testimonial video to be used at future homebuyer education workshops to encourage other individuals and families to start the process toward their very own American dream.

Blair County Community Action Agency helps low-income people in Blair County achieve and maintain self-sufficiency through numerous comprehensive programs and services .