ABERDEEN, Miss. (WTVA) -- Vickie Robertson wants to make a major move in her life.
This one will require bricks and mortar.
Robertson has lived in an apartment for two years.
In fact, she's lived in rental properties all of her life.
Robertson is ready for a change of scenery which she believes will result in a better life for her children.
"We lived in projects and apartments and everything like that and when I got older I said I don't want this cycle to be for my kids. So, I want to start something new or preferably I would want a house built," Robertson said.
Aberdeen Mayor Cecil Belle is trying to help Robertson and anyone else who wants to become a homeowner through a series of workshops designed to place the qualified with the appropriate government program.
"A lot of people really didn't know what things that were available to them through the housing market. So, I'm trying to bring in the Rural Development Association, the USDA, community development and all other agencies into one. We can actually help people do applications. We want to walk them through the process," Mayor Belle said.
"When I heard about it I got excited about it because this is something I have wanted to do all my life. By doing this program I'm looking forward to becoming a first-time home buyer and so that's what I want to do," Robertson added.
City of Tupelo Neighborhood Development Coordinator Peggy Woods is among those walking residents through the process.
She says home ownership gives people a renewed sense of pride for all involved.
"Just to talk to them at the beginning when they might be a little frustrated and then when they call me to tell me that they are closing on their loan-it is just pride and joy for me," Woods said.
Mayor Belle says Aberdeen wants to see more of that sense of pride throughout the city and he believes this is a step in that direction.
