C.H.O.I.C.E.S. — Creating Housing Opportunities & Increasing Community Equity Services — is a homeownership readiness program run by Rehoboth CDC that helps Maricopa County residents prepare for and achieve affordable homeownership. The program provides free education, counseling, legal support, and access to down payment assistance.

Yes. All program services — including Homebuyer Education Classes, credit reviews, housing counseling, workshops, and mortgage readiness support — are provided at no cost to participants. The program is funded through a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation.

The program is open to Maricopa County residents interested in homeownership — including first-time buyers and those who have not owned a home in the past 3 years. Participants must be income-eligible and willing to complete required counseling and

education. Spanish language support is available.

The Homebuyer Education Classes are facilitated by Marisol FCU and provide a comprehensive, high-level overview of the entire homebuying process — from understanding your credit and getting pre-qualified, to navigating offers, inspections, and financing, all the way through closing day and receiving your keys. Classes are scheduled for August 15, 22, and 29. Space is limited — register early.

After completing the classes, participants are connected to Newtown CDC for HUD-certified homebuyer education, an individual credit review, and one-on-one housing counseling. Eligible buyers can then receive down payment assistance and underwriting support to help

reduce the cash needed to close on a home. Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

Down payment assistance helps reduce the cash you need to close on a home. Newtown CDC will actively identify, apply for, and process DPA funds on behalf of eligible buyers — going beyond education to directly lower the barrier to homeownership.

All participants are invited to a "Protect Your Home" workshop covering estate planning, wills, deeds, and identity fraud protection, and multigenerational asset preservation — including individual legal consultations for closing families. A "Grow Your Wealth" workshop covers home equity, responsible HELOC use, and post-purchase financial health.

Absolutely. We welcome referrals from community partners, faith organizations, schools, social service agencies, and employers across Maricopa County. Contact Maya Henley at 602-316-6643 or [email protected] to discuss the referral process and intake criteria.