Persistence Pays Off for birdSEED Grantee

During birdSEED’s 8th round of funding in October 2023, birdSEED awarded a $10,000 provisional grant to life-long DC resident Glendella. During the interview process Glendella expressed to the birdSEED Advisory Board, “As a lifelong resident of Washington, DC, I have faced numerous challenges, but I've always been determined to create a better life for myself and my children. The city's vibrant spirit instilled in me a sense of resilience and courage, shaping me into the strong, independent woman I am today.”?

Glendella was pre-approved for a loan and was working to get down payment assistance when she interviewed with birdSEED’s advisory board. When she found a home for her and her children, Glendella was excited to report to birdSEED that her closing was scheduled. She talked about her home purchase setting an example for her younger siblings and finally giving her children a place to call their own.?

The home Glendella was purchasing in DC’s Ward 7 had been in probate. Unexpectedly the executor handling the home sale passed away. Glendella was stuck waiting for the courts to determine the fate of her home purchase. When birdSEED heard about the situation, birdSEED’s team put Glendella in touch with the team at the DC Affordable Law Firm (DCALF) to help her navigate through her unique situation.?

Glendella’s belongings were packed for the move, and she and her family were in limbo waiting for a resolution. She was told the delay in closing was putting her down payment assistance funds in jeopardy, and appreciated that birdSEED was committed to making sure she got to closing and was not going to revoke her grant due to the delay.?

DCALF worked with Glendella to ensure that the administrative and legal complications that arise when a personal representative dies during probate did not prevent her from purchasing her dream home. Glendella's case was in a unique posture and, without court action and creative legal representation, Glendella's desire to purchase this particular home would not have been realized.? DCALF coordinated with the relevant entities to protect the down payment assistance funds and submitted several novel filings with the Court to ensure that the legal requirements were met for Glendella to proceed with the purchase.?

DCALF’s Samuel Wilkins explained, "It was such a privilege to walk alongside Glendella throughout the process of removing the barriers that prevented her from becoming a first-time homebuyer.? On a daily basis, I was inspired by Glendella’s commitment to doing everything in her power to provide the best future for her children. Glendella knew that owning real property, and ultimately passing it down, can transform the lives of generations to come. I am overjoyed that Glendella is now able to live in her dream home and have that home as part of her legacy, and we are honored to now work alongside her to safeguard for the future through proactive planning."

Before Glendella closed on her home, she said, “One of my most significant aspirations is to provide the best life for my children, and I firmly believe that owning a home is key to achieving this goal. Through hard work and unwavering determination, I know I can turn this dream into a reality, no matter the obstacles that may come my way.”

BirdSEED’s housing justice grants are for first time BIPOC homebuyers in the Washington DC and Philadelphia areas and help close the racial wealth gap by supporting historically disadvantaged communities achieve home ownership. Grants from birdSEED are “no strings attached” and do not need to be repaid. Ever.?

After months of waiting, Glendella closed on her home in late June of 2024. birdSEED and its partner the Greater Washington Community Foundation made sure the funds for her housing justice grant were available for her long awaited closing. Glendella is thankful for the support of birdSEED, Greater Washington Community Foundation and the DC Affordable Law Firm in helping her reach her goal of being the owner of a home in Washington DC.?