Success Stories
I moved to the US from the Cayman Islands in 1966 with my young son. I was fortunate to find employment with St. Francis Hospital as a seamstress. Since I never drove, I had to find places to live which was in walking distance of my employer. I rented a few different apartments during my 30 years of employment, and retired in 1997.
In 1998, as a resident of one of the St. Francis Hospital properties, I was invited to a meeting to learn about Cornerstone West, a partnership between St. Francis Hospital, West End Neighborhood House and the community. As a current tenant of the Hospital, I was given the first opportunity to enroll in housing counseling with the option to purchase a home. Due to my age and fixed income, I never thought I would be able to qualify to purchase a home. Joan Fultz, who I had known for years, encouraged me to apply. Keeping all of my options open, I enrolled in housing counseling, but still kept looking for other rentals in the community. I found an apartment for rent for $800 which I had to paint prior to moving in. I could not afford this. Joan continued to encourage me to consider homeownership since I could still live in the community and my mortgage would be less than my rent.
In 2000, at 69 years old, I purchased my first and last home on North Scott Street. Currently, my mortgage payment is $489. I am so happy that I could live in the same community in which I raised my son and with my friends that I have had for the last 40 years.
None of this would have been possible without Joan Fultz, Paul Calistro, Cornerstone West and their commitment to the community.
Murdith N., Cornerstone West Customer and First-Time Homeowner
When we were ready to purchase a home, I wasn’t sure where to turn. Cornerstone West literally helped us through every step of the homebuying process – from finding one of their renovated homes on a recently revitalized city block to settlement assistance, they were with us every step of the way.
We love our street, our porch and backyard and our neighbors, and we are proud to be Cornerstone West homeowners. They work so hard to make Wilmington a wonderful and affordable place to live. I would recommend them to anyone who wants to purchase, renovate or repair a home or anyone who is in need of guidance through the purchase process.
Maria and John, Cornerstone West Homeowners
Seven years ago, I didn’t think it would be possible for me to purchase my own home. I was an architect working on other peoples houses and living at home with my mother because I just didn’t think the 20% down payment was within reach. Then I began working on a Cornerstone West home near West End Neighborhood House in Little Italy. When I learned that I could own the fantastic home I was working on for just a few thousand dollars, my dream of homeownership was suddenly closer than I thought possible. The process from start to settlement was simple and convenient and the price was unbeatable. The location was also fantastic and I love living near the nightlife and businesses located in the Little Italy neighborhood. I would definitely recommend the Little Italy community and a Cornerstone West home to any young professional who wants to purchase a home but doesn’t think it’s feasible or doesn’t know where to start. I went from mom’s house to my own house all thanks to Cornerstone West!
Toren W., Cornerstone West Customer and First-Time Homeowner