In recent years, Washington, D.C., consistently has been one of the toughest markets in the United States in which to find affordable housing.

For many families, the prospect of buying their first home is a daunting but exciting process. They look forward to exploring neighborhoods, visiting prospective homes and eventually finding the one that's the perfect fit for them. For Ian and Sarah Kennedy, however, buying a home wasn't exciting as much as it was stressful and seemingly impossible.

After a fire ignited in Evera Moreland's house, she was in danger of becoming homeless. But thanks to assistance from NeighborWorks network member HomeStart, which serves Rockford and Freeport, Illinois, Moreland was able to stay in the home she has owned for years.

When Amanda Nadel looks back over the past year, she can't believe how far she's come. Crunched for time as a working single mom and part-time college student, she knew he was moving forward, but her progress was slow and, at times, uncertain. She was paying rent, tuition and child care and felt as if she was treading water financially.

Gerrel Jones had a troubled childhood. He got involved with the wrong crowd, committed a series of crimes and eventually spent 20 years in prison. Now, he is using his experiences and lessons learned to benefit other people in his community in Birmingham, Alabama.