Thousands of Ohio families face the possibility of losing their homes. See how real people overcame mortgage problems with the assistance of a housing counselor.

Marion Anita Gardner's story	Joyce Cheney's story

• Other Stories:
• Unable to work because of the effects of multiple sclerosis, a 54-year old Cleveland woman found herself with rising health care expenses and a foreclosure notice. Looking for someone to turn to for help, she heard about Save the Dream from an employee of the local city government. She contacted Save the Dream and was referred to a housing counseling agency, which helped her negotiate a lower 4% 20-year fixed-rate mortgage and helped her receive permanent disability benefits.

• A Western Ohio couple with five children fell behind on their mortgage after the husband was injured on the job and was left unable to work. The bank started foreclosure, and the homeowners unsuccessfully tried to negotiate with the lender on their own. The couple then contacted Save the Dream and were referred to a pro bono attorney. With only two days left to file, the pro bono attorney accepted the case and was able to negotiate a modified loan. This reduced the interest rate from 14% variable to 7% fixed, reducing their $850 a month payment to $578 per month. The quick action of Save the Dream allowed the family to stay in their home.

• A young Central Ohio couple were married homeowners expecting their first baby. Due to pregnancy complications, the young mother ended up in the hospital intensive care unit and was forced to take significant time off work, which ultimately led to losing her job. During this time, her husband was also laid off. Because of losing both jobs, the couple fell significantly behind on their mortgage. They contacted Save the Dream Legal Aid services soon after receiving their foreclosure complaint. The Legal Aid services attorney filed an answer that led the plaintiff’s attorney to dismiss the case. During this time, the husband was able to secure a new job, and they were able to afford a workout with their lender.

• A 33-year old woman in Southern Ohio contacted Save the Dream after falling three months behind on her mortgage payments due to unemployment. She received an Ohio Home Rescue Loan from the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Housing and Community Partnerships and is now working in addition to studying to improve her employability. Save the Dream is also helping her modify her mortgage rate to suit her current circumstances through negotiations with her bank.

• A war veteran and his wife, who were both disabled, were facing foreclosure on the only home they had ever owned after they refinanced their mortgage to pay medical bills. The couple was able to work with a legal services attorney through Save the Dream and attend mediation. They are now in the process of negotiating in hope of reaching an agreement that will enable the couple to stay in their home.