The NHS of the Fox Valley recently held an Open House with new homeowner Iliana Rodriguez, Elgin Mayor Ed Schock, Charter One President Scott Swanson, NHS Executive Director Ed Jacob, and NHS of the Fox Valley Neighborhood Director Johnny Placeres sharing stories of what the Fox Valley office has accomplished in three short years. View photos and video.
In three years, the office has created 26 new homeowners, provided free homebuyer education classes in English and Spanish to 417 families, saved 128 families from the devastation of foreclosure, and impacted 37 properties with NHS loans totaling $4,615,753.
View video, Iliana Rodriguez's journey to homeownership
Register for classes in English and Spanish @ Fox Valley
.jpg)
Before purchasing her first home in Elgin, Iliana Rodriguez, 28, did all the right things. She heard about NHS of the Fox Valley from Fabiola Bercerril, of Charter One Bank of Elgin, and took NHS' free four-part homebuyer education classes. She took to heart what her instructor Brenda Reyes said in the class about the importance of budgeting and having money for unexpected emergencies.
'I'm proof that with hard work, a great deal of attention to budgeting and not buying things you can't afford, a home is possible - even in this bad economy. I tell my family, friends and coworkers that 'renting is like giving your money away.' Yes, I have a mortgage, but I'm also building wealth and investing in my future."
Iliana also secured an affordable fixed-rate loan through NHS' Neighborhood Lending Services. She moved into her Elgin home in mid-September and said, "I had to pinch myself because I could believe this house was all mine. I have two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, a two-car garage and a huge yard. It's all mine."
Iliana said she refuses to be house poor and to max out credit cards. She is currently saving for something that will come in handy next spring: a riding lawnmower for her yard.
"Thanks to NHS of the Fox Valley for helping me through the homeownership process. Johnny, Norma, Erika and Brenda were there for me every step of the way. My dream came true. Thank you."
NHS of the Fox Valley is grateful for the support of our partners:
Charter One Foundation, the lead financial supporter
City of Elgin
Kane County
PNC
EFS Foundation
Alfred Bersted Foundation
Fifth Third Bank
MB Financial Bank
The PrivateBank
Northern Tust
State Farm Insurance Companies
NHS of the Fox Valley creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their neighborhoods.
