Mother Did Know Best! 

Local Man is honored as Homebuyer of the Year.   

ROMULUS, MI. - April 7, 2005 - "I'm sad that my mom isn't here to see me make our dream come true, but I am so excited that it will happen this month," said new homeowner Johnie Lockhart. Not only will he walk through the front door of his new home this month, Johnie, has also been chosen by the Michigan Home Ownership Coalition to receive the 2005 Michigan Home Ownership Achievement Award. This award is given annually to a homebuyer who has a disability and has overcome many obstacles.

With the help of Liberty Hill Housing Corporation (LHHC), a non-profit organization that purchases single-family homes and leases them to people with disabilities, Johnie, was able to buy his home in Romulus and will now live independently.

"Florence always wanted the best for Johnie and for two years, the both of them attended Homebuyers Club meetings and worked on getting him a place of his own,' said stepfather Alvin Coleman. "Florence knew this was the best for him and she worked so hard at getting him his freedom. We only wish she were here to see him move in this month." Florence died from cancer last November.

"I think I'm ready to move on now. My house is so nice. It's a three-bedroom ranch with a big backyard, two-car garage, it's a dream house," said Johnie. "I'm already planning a backyard barbecue!"

When he's not planning parties, Johnie is very busy. He works several days a week at Mongolian Barbecue, he volunteers at a homeless shelter and sings in his church choir.

"Having his own home will help Johnie use skills that he may not know he has," said Alvin. "That means keeping the house tidy, making sure dinner is prepared, and the laundry is done. It will be a big challenge but we know he is ready for it."

Receiving the Homeownership Achievement Award is also a dream come true. "I am honored. My mom would have been so proud," said Johnie. The Michigan Home Coalition removes barriers to home ownership for a person or family member with a disability. Johnie will travel to Lansing in May to receive his award.

LHHC owns and leases 52 single-family homes located in 15 communities across Wayne County to over 150 people with developmental disabilities. As a subsidiary of Community Living Services, Inc., LHHC provides housing for people receiving supports and services through CLS. CLS is a non-profit organization that promotes inclusion, full citizenship and a self-determined life for people with developmental disabilities. CLS provides supports and services to 2700 people in Wayne County and is funded through the Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency. For more information, visit our web site at www.comlivserv.com www.comlivserv.com.