Jennifer and Bradley live in one of Neighbor to Neighbor’s affordable apartments.  They were recently married, and their daughter, Zakiyah, will turn two years old in February.  When they came in the office to update their lease, they were surprised to also receive an early holiday gift for Zakiyah.  The hand-knit hat she’s wearing was made lovingly by a teenage girl who made 40 hats for our residents, and was wrapped by a volunteer looking for a holiday project!  Happy holidays and many thanks to everyone – we all hope Zakiyah enjoys the warmth of the hat and community support this winter!

Client:  Alan B.
Service:  Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

The situation that brought Alan to Neighbor to Neighbor involved his wife at the time, who was under long term medical care for a major head injury.  She was in need of in-home care, which Alan provided, as well as medication that was affordable with the health insurance plan they had then.  But, the company he worked for split up, and his medical benefits changed for the worse.  He was forced with the decision of whether to pay for medication or mortgage.  He decided to buy the needed medication...(Click here to read more of Alan's Story.)

Client:  Alice Brown (not her real name)
Service:  Emergency Rent Assistance

Alice moved from out of state to Loveland in June of 2006, and truly loved it.  But, during the winter, she had a bout with depression, a condition with which she has struggled for over 30 years.  She did not have the funds to see a doctor, and ended up out of work and in a severe financial crisis. 

When she came to Neighbor to Neighbor, Alice was close to eviction, and was very frightened and upset.  But, she says, “I was greeted with an understanding smile and a lot of kindness from Becky, the counselor, and the receptionist.  I was put at ease throughout the process of receiving help with my rent.”

Alice adds, “Becky is very professional and knowledgeable.  I am profoundly grateful for Neighbor to Neighbor.”

Client:  Jeffrey and Amy Durham
Service:  Emergency Rent Assistance

Jeffrey and Amy tell their story in their own words:

“It wasn’t the proudest day in my life, but I had to call on someone to help us.  I’ve been out of work for a total of four months in the last twelve months and financial hardship finally caught up with me.  We didn’t have enough finances to cover April’s rent, so I had to call on Neighbor to Neighbor to give us a helping hand.  We worked with Becky, Lead Housing Counselor at the Loveland office, and she was very professional, down to earth and especially wasn’t judgmental toward us.  In fact, she displayed compassion toward us and our situation.  She offered kind words, and assured us that things would be all right.  We want to thank Becky and Neighbor to Neighbor for stepping up to the plate to help a family in need.  We thank you and God Bless you guys.”

Clients:  Fran, Jim and Caitlyn Ellison
Service:  Affordable Housing Program

Fran, Jim and their eight-year-old granddaughter Caitlyn are new to Colorado.  Their journey began in Northern Virginia, where they lived and worked.  In 2006, Jim lost his job and Fran was laid off when the phone company she worked for implemented downsizing.  Without steady income, they moved to West Virginia, where they could live in Fran’s mother’s home while she was in Florida.  When she returned, however, they decided to try a new start in Colorado.  They sold all their furniture, piled in the car and journeyed west.  But stability wasn't in their immediate future...(Click here to read more of the Ellison Family Story.) 

Client:  Ernest Stanton
Service:  First Month’s Rent Assistance

Several months prior to coming to Neighbor to Neighbor, Ernest was falsely arrested and unlawfully detained in jail for six months.  During his time in jail, Ernest studied the law, and represented himself at his trial, where his case was dismissed. 

Following these events, Ernest, who is completely disabled from a car accident, stayed at a hotel for awhile, then at his place of worship, then a homeless shelter.  He finally found a more permanent residence, but was mistreated by his landlord, and came to Neighbor to Neighbor for help.  He was being kicked out of his residence, and was in danger of becoming homeless.  He says, “I needed assistance to get back on my feet.”

Ernest talked with Melissa, Lead Housing Counselor at Neighbor to Neighbor.  She worked with Ernest and his landlord to get the appropriate documentation for Neighbor to Neighbor’s First Month’s Rent program.  Ernest found a new place to live, and moved in after receiving First Month’s Rent assistance. 

Melissa wrote a letter of recommendation for Ernest to get furniture from Habitat for Humanity.  He says, “I got a great apartment, and all the furniture I needed.”

Ernest adds, “I want to express my appreciation for the very professional and humane treatment that I received from Melissa.  While in need of very urgent housing assistance, Neighbor to Neighbor gave me complete and thorough assistance from beginning to end.”