RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. -- It took a while for Velma Gordon to find an affordable home.
"It was like, I wanted to live here but our money says here. But we found something that we both liked," said Gordon.
Eventually she found her dream home in Riviera Beach.
"I was conscious of getting my credit right and saving enough money for my down payment," Gordon said.
Her Realtor is Lena Ingraham, with Premier Brokers International Real Estate. She says affordable housing is challenging.
"Wonderful service people, who provide law enforcement, nursing, all of those people have issues with affordable housing," said Ingraham.
Community Partners of South Florida's goal is to use grant money and provide 80 loans to first time buyers in the county.
Lynda Charles works with the organization.
"I think we are in an affordable housing crisis in Palm Beach County. The median sales price is $350,000. So, people who make within $60,000 and $90,000, they are still not able to buy a house if they didn't get assistance," said Charles.
The financial assistance includes home buying education as they partner with the Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.
"We provide education, but we also help them to access financing and a little lower interest rate. If you sell within the seven years, you pay us back. After seven years, it's all forgiven, you don't owe us anything," Charles said.
Finding affordable housing is something Velma Gordon was able to do succesfully.
"You just have to realize what you can afford and start from there," said Gordon.
Community Partners of South Florida is hosting a housing fair March 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Riviera Beach Marina at 200 East 13th St.
