Written By: Helena Jones
“Nothing is so painful to the human kind as a great and sudden change.” —Mary Shelley
When it comes to people with disabilities, many of their issues are often overlooked. The general public isn’t fully aware of how difficult it can be to readjust to everyday life. In the case of Adriane W., a former social worker, her normal everyday routine came to a halt when she suddenly became disabled. Unfortunately, many people with disabilities have to deal with the crushing weight of financial responsibility while still also learning how to deal with challenges that come with no longer being able bodied.
Adriane’s situation took a devastating turn when she was unable to return to work after becoming disabled due to illness. Not only was she grieving the loss of her former life and abilities, but she was under an incredible amount of stress because she would not be able to pay her mortgage. Even through all the hardship, Adriane was able to muster up the energy and motivation to fix her situation. She started by applying for Request for Mortgage Assistance to help with payments that were piling up, but she was denied and told foreclosure procedures would take place.
For Adriane, hearing her first “no” may have been distressing, but then she turned to Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore for guidance. With help from NHS’ Foreclosure Prevention team, Adriane applied for state assistance. She was approved for a $10,000 grant and a $30,000 Zero Interest Loan to pay any mortgage balance the grant did not cover and any leftover balance to reduce the principal balance on the loan with her mortgage provider.
Having a disability can become overwhelming and make life extremely frustrating. Many people eventually realize the life they once knew will never be the same again, but these situations also remind us that everyone deserves the help and care to live comfortably and prosper in society.
With help from Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Adriane W. was able to reclaim her life, her independence and her dignity.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore
Removing Barriers to Sustainable Homeownership Since 1974.
Written By: Helena Jones
A few years into the Covid-19 pandemic, many people struggle to maintain the enormous responsibility of homeownership during a time when thousands of people are being laid off.
One of those people was Michael R., a single father caring for his two teenage sons while also balancing a career and burdensome mortgage. This Maryland family seemed to be doing well until Michael was laid off from multiple jobs during the height of the pandemic. Setbacks like these can really leave a family in a stressful and sometimes hopeless situation, but Michael persevered and went looking for help.
Not knowing exactly where to turn, Michael secured another job and then reached out to Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore for assistance with his mortgage payments and forbearance plan. From there, he was able to work with a housing counselor and apply for the Homeowner Assistance Fund of the State of Maryland. Within a few months, Michael was awarded a grant covering the mortgage arrears and a zero-interest loan, which is not due until the first mortgage loan is paid. Michael may even receive more assistance with payment reassessment or loan forgiveness at the end of his forbearance plan.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore takes the frustration and exhaustion out of situations like Michael’s by providing a plan with multiple options. Sudden life changes that affect homeowners can really make life feel unclear and worrisome, but having sources for help can calm those fears. Instead of worrying about how his family will be able to live comfortably, Michael can focus on helping his son transition into college. After all, those special moments can be easy to miss when a parent is focused on survival.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore is committed to providing tools for homeowners to feel secure in their decisions for their family and that is an excellent way to give back to your neighborhood.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore
Removing Barriers to Sustainable Homeownership Since 1974.
Written By: Helena Jones
As a retired widow, Mary J. understood being the primary breadwinner in her home was going to be a challenging and sometimes stressful role to take on. Mary was determined to seek out some assistance and support allowing her to cover her mortgage payments and water bill.
Unfortunately, with Mary being on a fixed income and Social Security benefits, her income was not enough for her to qualify for the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Even with the part-time position Mary picked up, she still wasn’t able to qualify for HAF. The process of qualifying and obtaining these funds can be very lengthy and dispiriting, but despite the less fortunate news, Mary remained patient and hopeful.
That faith and patience eventually paid off as Mary received an 8.7 percent increase in her Social Security benefits, which helped her mortgage fall below 40 percent of her gross monthly income. She was then approved for HAF and also for the $10,000 grant for home repairs by the HAF Whole Home Repair Program.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore takes pride in continuously assisting people on their journey to maintaining their livelihood and independence. From new to retired homeowners, NHS is always here to provide support and guidance so the Baltimore community can continue to grow and succeed.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore
Removing Barriers to Sustainable Homeownership Since 1974.