August 26th, 2026: Community members, partners, and local leaders gathered at The HomeOwnership Center to celebrate a major milestone: the completion of its organizational rebrand and updated name, marked with a rededication ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This event drew quite a crowd, including The HomeOwnership Center’s staff, board members, community partners, and representatives from the offices of Senator Justice and Representative Moore, who offered remarks recognizing The HomeOwnership Center’s impact on housing and financial stability across North Central West Virginia.
A highlight of the afternoon came when Ruth Bullwinkle, a recent HOC homebuyer, shared her personal journey to homeownership and spoke about the guidance and support she received from The HomeOwnership Center’s staff along the way. Her remarks underscored what this rebrand represents: the same trusted mission of helping individuals and families achieve financial stability and generate wealth through homeownership, which is now carried forward under a refreshed name and identity. Executive Director Kate Somers says, “What’s new at The HomeOwnership Center is our name, our look, and how we’re growing, but who we show up for hasn’t changed one bit. Those are the people who have kept us coming to work every day since 1998, and they always will.”
Following remarks, attendees joined together for the official ribbon-cutting, marking this new chapter for the organization. The celebration continued with light refreshments and an opportunity for guests to connect with The HomeOwnership Center’s staff.
Since 1998, The HomeOwnership Center has served families across Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Upshur, Lewis, Pendleton, Pocahontas, and Webster counties, assisting over 1,300 new homeowners and serving more than 5,100 customers through counseling and education services. This rebrand reflects nearly three decades of consistent mission with a modernized and updated look for the community that The HomeOwnership Center continues to serve.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebration of this milestone; your support continues to make our mission possible!