NORTH SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — 206 Marilyn Avenue looks like any other house nestled in the North Syracuse suburbs. With brand new siding and a fresh coat of paint, it’s the picture of the perfect home renovation. What makes the property special isn’t its new look though — it’s who’s selling it.
Home Headquarters is a nonprofit founded in Syracuse that acts as a one-stop-shop for all things housing for underserved folks in Upstate New York. The organization provides education and assistance for first time homebuyers, and rehabilitates properties specifically to sell to prospective homeowners. 206 Marilyn Ave. is one such project.
“It’s really moving to see people for the first time buy their own garbage cans, get their first lawnmower, get their first set of drapes. And these kids, they don’t have to worry about being quiet,” said Karen Schroeder, chief communications officer.
Since its founding in 1996, Home Headquarters has helped more than 5,500 people purchase their first homes.
Tailisha Black, the Homeownership Center director, said that people don’t have to end up buying a house to get something out of Home Headquarters.
“We do have people that think they’re going to be homeowners, and then they decide, you know what? That’s not for me right now. And so they pivot and do something a little different,” said Tailisha Black, the homeownership center director for Home Headquarters.
Black knows that buying a home is more than just a financial milestone.
“Some people are first generation buyers, so they’ve never seen homeownership in their lifetime. So, you know, that’s a huge goal for people and an accomplishment,” Black said.
To learn more, visit Home Headquarters’ website. To begin the process, prospective buyers must sign up for classes and work with a housing counselor to assess their eligibility.