Target 24: Genesis Program Helps Refugees Become Homeowners

November 20, 2012 - Refugees who come to Erie are able to make the dream of buying a home a reality thanks to local agencies.

    All of this is possible through the Genesis Program.

    The Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network Genesis Program rents homes at below-market cost to a family who dreams of homeownership and is willing to practice the discipline to make it happen.

    That was exactly the case for Tek Shibakoti and his family when he arrived in Erie in 2010 from a refugee camp in Nepal.

"I'm sorry to say I don't live in house back in Nepal," Shibakoti said.

    With help from Sister Phyllis Hilbert and Wally Brown of the Genesis Program, Tek was able to buy a home.

"Their first goal was home ownership for their families," Sister Phyllis said. "Their families are three generational so the grandparents the parents and the children are all in one."

    Tek lives in Little Italy with his wife, their two children and his mother and father.

    They say it's a different life in Erie than what it was in Nepal.

    SSJ has been working to revive the Little Italy neighborhood.

    Officials say helping refugees find homes in Little Italy will bring the neighborhood back to what it was like many years ago.

"We're just thrilled to have the refugee families living among us," said Rose Graham, executive director of SSJ. "I live in this neighborhood they're my neighbors they're the best neighbors ever and it's a great place to be."

    As for Tek, he's proud of his accomplishment and hopeful his people will be able to positively contribute to the community.

"I want to have my own house for the rest of my life," he said. "All my community people will buy over here and we want to make Little Italy a beautiful Italy in the future."