Dana Washington graduated with a degree in elementary education from Creighton University in 1994.  She then taught 6th grade for the Omaha Public Schools, teaching at Pawnee Elementary School for three years.  But as a single parent on a teacher's salary, she moved from apartment to apartment, trying to find a safe affordable place to call home.  She dreamed of purchasing a house before her son Bradley entered kindergarten, but this seemed nearly impossible.

Then she heard about Holy Name Housing Corporation and met with Louis Wright, Housing Coordinator.  Louis "explained the process of buying a home and the responsibilities of home ownership very thoroughly.  He was a very professional guide, but at that time in my life, he felt more like an angel".  Dana soon identified a new home she wanted to purchase in the Fontenelle neighborhood close to her extened family.

Several weeks after filling out the necessary mortgage loan applications and attending the classed required by HNHC, Dana received a call that she describes as "one of the happiest moments in my life"!  Her application had been approved and she had achieved her goal of purchasing a home for her son before he started kindergarten.

Two years later, because her house payments were affordable, Dana decided to go back to school to obtain her law degree from Creighton School of Law.  "I didn't just get a house.  I got the stabibity and confidence that comes from home ownership and the support of wonderful neighbors.  I was able to pursue all of my educational and career goals while providing a safe and happy home for my son to grow.  Holy Name Housing Corporation made that possible and I am eternally grateful".

Dana is currently a litigation attorney with Mutual of Omaha.  She is married to Darryl Washington and has three children.  She is pictured here with her oldest son, Bradley.