Omar works full time as a night security guard, a position where he is responsible for keeping a calm and orderly environment. But his life was turned upside down when a fire damaged his Woodbury townhome and rendered it uninhabitable. He found he had nowhere to live, and that the insurance settlement would not be enough to restore the home.
Omar’s home is part of a 10-unit townhome complex that was built by Habitat for Humanity. As a townhome, the insurance policy is purchased and held by the governing association, and the insurance claim was even more complex than usual. With the settlement falling short, and Omar unable to find other financing to make up the difference, the neighbors were also saddled with a a damaged and vacant unit without options for repair.
Thankfully, the City of Woodbury had recently launched its partnership with NeighborWorks Home Partners to administer home improvement funds for city residents. Working together, Omar was able to get a loan at below-market interest rates that will bridge the gap and allow Omar and his family to move back into their home before the end of the year.
Throughout the process Omar became a friend to our staff, coming to the office bright and early first thing in the morning to take care of business in person. He was thrilled with the process and the outcome: “You did everything right. It was all 10 out of 10! And I think my neighborhood is happy, too.”
It’s a partnership we couldn’t be more proud of.
We have home improvement funds for a variety of projects. Contact us to learn more about what may be available for your home.
