Today’s post is a client story from the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, a Frontline Ministry of Grace Community Church.

Families facing foreclosure fear more than the loss of their home–they fear the loss of the tangible property that is symbolic of something much larger: their stability and hope. Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic (NCLC) housing counselors work hard to advocate for clients whose housing delinquency is remediable.

Keith & Barbara Brown* were in the the midst of a mortgage foreclosure lawsuit when they sought help from NCLC. They had weathered the storms of unemployment, long-term illness, and their daughter’s injuries from a traumatic car accident. As a result, the Browns were unable to pay their mortgage.

The Browns were behind on other bills and Mr. Brown had only just found a new job, which paid much less than his old job. Nevertheless, the mortgage company wanted the entire amount past due, which the Browns simply could not do. They needed an advocate.

With the assistance of Chris Purnell, Managing Attorney and HUD-certified Housing Counselor, the Browns negotiated with the mortgage company for a loan modification which dismissed the mortgage foreclosure lawsuit. The mortgage company benefited from having a delinquent loan turn into a performing investment, and the Browns benefited by keeping their home.

When they came in to the office to sign the modification documents, Mrs. Brown began to cry. Mr. Purnell tried to console her, assuming that the months of trauma had finally found their release. Mrs. Brown only smiled and said, “It’s okay. It’s my birthday today–and this is the best present I’ve ever gotten.”

*Clients names have been changed throughout this article. Although the names are changed, their stories are real.

After we left LAM/LSA…well, here is Linda to tell you:

The Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic was crazy busy and we really didn’t want to slow them down from serving the clients that they serve, so we basically handed off the check and kept going.  Here is a picture of their offices:

Next stop before a quick lunch would be at the Shepherd Community Center.  They were also crazy busy.  I mean really, us dropping in unannounced and they are busy?  Of course they are!!  They wouldn’t be such amazing partners if they were not doing their thing day in and day out.  Here is the center for you to see:

Both Jay Height, Executive Director of Shepherd, and Geoff Wybrow, Executive Director of LSA, will be at Grace this weekend.  It is going to be some great services this weekend!

We will wrap up videos tomorrow, so check back!  There are some good ones still to come!