(Name changed for privacy; photo is not the client.)
Due to major health issues, “Nicole” struggled to keep up with her homeowners association dues. As her illness progressed, she had to undergo multiple corrective surgeries after the original was botched, and she fell further behind on her payments, which exacerbated her already challenging circumstances.
With the threat of foreclosure looming, Nicole was referred to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and connected with Joy Bryant-Baucum, a housing counselor in JALA’s Jacksonville Office. Bryant-Baucum provided guidance and support, meticulously walking Nicole through the application process for the City of Jacksonville’s Foreclosure Intervention Program funds and making sure her paperwork was promptly submitted while keeping Nicole informed at every step.
Thanks to Bryant-Baucom’s help, Nicole was able to access City of Jacksonville funds, which are meant to keep residents in their homes and halt the foreclosure process. With the help of partners like JALA, the City of Jacksonville Foreclosure Intervention Program offers a wide range of services, including mortgage counseling, direct mortgage assistance, loan modification, and financial literacy education. With this support, Nicole could pay her outstanding HOA dues and avoid foreclosure.
Nicole expressed her gratitude to JALA and United Way for their support as they helped her navigate such a tumultuous time. Today, Nicole is up-to-date on her HOA payments, and she continues to reside in her home, a great relief considering the adversity she faced over the last year.
Nicole called Bryant-Baucom “professional, kind, knowledgeable, caring and understanding,” adding, “We worked together as a team and got the job done!”
About Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm focused on delivering economic, social, and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families on the First Coast.
If you are an attorney wanting to volunteer with probate and heirs property issues, contact JALA Pro Bono Director Aaron Irving, at (904) 356-8371, Ext. 363, or Aaron.Irving@jaxlegalaid.org.
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