Karen T. is a senior surviving spouse of a longtime law enforcement officer and former Marine. She, like so many others, was struggling to rebuild her life after the passing of her husband. With limited income, Thomas struggled to remain in the family home of 25 years yet lost it to foreclosure only six months after the passing of her beloved spouse – one month before she was approved for survivor’s pension.
Thomas desperately wanted to become a homeowner again to reestablish roots and to have a sense of security. “I wanted a place for my granddaughter to grow up in the same place like her mom did at our family home,” Thomas shared. “The security of never having to move again.” She learned about NeighborWorks Columbus from a commercial and later met with NWC staffer Wanda Jenkins to start the process. “I would have never thought or dreamed of getting another home until I saw the Columbus Cottage commercial,” Thomas explained. “I came in and met with Ms. Jenkins and the next day someone from NeighborWorks Columbus called me and said ‘No, you need to get a house!’ as she recalled. “So it started from there and Nonie Milner and my realtor helped me every step of the way.
Thomas will be moving in the same neighborhood of her former home. “My granddaughter will be able to play on the same streets as her mommy did,” as she smiled brightly. “This house is mine and nobody can take it from me.” Mrs. Thomas closed on her home during Mother’s Day week and said her first task is to paint her bedroom her favorite color, coral.
