When Stephanie Churchwell and her family realized their apartment lease was coming to an end, they knew it was time for a change. They needed more space, but more importantly, they wanted something they had never truly believed was possible; a place to call their own.
“We knew we didn’t want to sign another lease,” Stephanie shared. “We wanted to put down roots.”
Like many aspiring homeowners, the journey toward homeownership felt uncertain at first. But Stephanie made a decision that would change everything: she decided to take the first step.
After learning that Renaissance Community Loan Fund (RCLF) was willing to meet people where they were and help them build a path forward, she and her family committed to the process.
“We just said okay, we’re going to do it, and we did it.”
Throughout the journey, Stephanie says what stood out most was the support and encouragement she received from the RCLF team.
“Everyone was so committed during every step of the process. I never felt like a bother or judged.”
That support helped transform what once felt impossible into reality. Becoming a homeowner didn’t just provide more space for her family; it changed the way Stephanie viewed her future.
“It made me realize that all my dreams could come true,” she said. “It showed me that I could absolutely set a goal and accomplish it.”
Today, Stephanie encourages others who may feel uncertain about homeownership to simply begin.
“Just start,” she said. “Reach out for a starting point and work toward it.”
For Stephanie, RCLF was more than a lender; it was a partner in possibility.
“They want to see everyone win.”
