It's a staple of the American Dream - to own a home. Today, thanks in part to the Ocean County First-Time Homebuyers Program, Diane Forlenza's dream has come true.

Forlenza was recently recognized at a press conference in Toms River, on the last day of National Homeownership Month, as the 300th homebuyer who has been assisted by this Ocean County program.

"For many Americans, owning a home represents freedom and independence," said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little. "We believe every person deserves that same independence and we relish the opportunity to assist those who need help achieving that goal."

According to a press release, the First- Time Homebuyers Program is designed to assist eligible low- and moderate-income Ocean County residents in the purchase of a home.

The program is made possible through cooperation between the Board of Freeholders and area financial institutions, and provides reduced bank fees and closing costs as well as down payment assistance to preapproved homebuyers.

Funding for the down payment subsidies comes from the County of Ocean Consortium's HOME grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), overseen by the Ocean County Department of Planning.

"Since the inception of the program in 1994, the county has allocated more than $2 million to support it," said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. "We are excited to celebrate the 300th homebuyer made possible through this program."

Forlenza, a single mother who runs her own cleaning business, grew up in Island Heights. She discovered the First-Time Homebuyers Program while researching online. Deciding to pursue it, she went to OCEAN Inc. (Ocean Community Economic Action Now) program administrators to learn more.

"It truly is a miracle," she said. "There is a lot of work involved in this program, but if you're willing to work for it, you can achieve it."

Forlenza attended the required eight hours of training through a HUD-certified counselor education program provided by OCEAN Inc.

"The classes were actually fun and very interesting. They taught me a lot about buying a home," said Forlenza. "Every aspect of this program was beneficial. If I had any questions, the OCEAN Inc. staff was completely understanding and helped right away."

She also had to satisfy the criteria to be eligible for the program and then was granted $10,000 in the form of a deferred loan agreement for a period of six years.

The money is put toward a down payment and closing costs. If the homeowner remains in the home for the six years, the loan is forgiven.

Finally, she purchased her first home for $199,900 in Lakehurst.

As a single mother, having adopted an abandoned child, Forlenza is also a recipient of a 1 percent mortgage through the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency's (NJHMFA) kinship program.

"Through this program, I have secured my daughter's future. She can grow up here and never have to move again," Forlenza said. "Our church is here and the school systemis great; this is exactly where I wanted to raise my daughter, Rose."

These first-time homebuyer funds have leveraged a total real estate value of more than $36 million for homes purchased within Ocean County, according to the press release.

The county continues to leverage funds by partnering with other programs such as the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs Smart Start program, Section 8, Habitat for Humanity, Homes Now Affordable Homes, Affordable Housing Alliance, Lenders Savers Club, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and various lending institutions' mortgage programs.

Diane Johnson, director of the HUD Newark field office, said administrators are pleased with the cooperative efforts between HUD and Ocean County officials.

OCEAN Inc. is also collaborating with the Department of Community Affairs and NJHMFA to ensure that its Section 8 clients have an equal opportunity for homeownership in Ocean County.

Ocean County has the highest success rate in the state for transitioning Section 8 clients from rental to homeownership, according to the press release.

"The First-Time Homebuyers Program brings together county, state and local government agencies, participating area lending institutions, OCEAN Inc., which is a nonprofit organization, as well as others in a cooperative effort to increase the opportunity for low- and moderate-income residents to own a home," Little said.

Forlenza expressed her gratitude for the program and the people who have helped her along the way.

"I highly recommend this program. Without the grant I would have never been able to afford my own home," Forlenza said. "It is an excellent opportunity that everyone has the right to know about."