Michael Hester

What was your situation when you reached out to Soldier On?

I owned a home in Willingboro, New Jersey, for 14 years. The loss of my employment as a licensed public safety officer (due to a lapse in renewing my armed security license) led to my home falling into foreclosure. During that time, my mother, who I had a close relationship with, passed away. Eventually, I was able get my secUrity officer license renewed and return to work, but unfortunately I became street homeless for a few days, while I waited to receive my first paycheck from my new employers. Once I had income again, I rented an apartment independently for five years without needing any rental assistance, until my full-time job closed. lalso worked a second part-time job as a security officer at a supermarket, but that income was not enough to prevent me from being evicted. That's when I reached out to Soldier On.

SUCCESS STORY

Meet: MICHAEL HESTER

A U.S. Army veteran, Michael worked with case managers Tracey Visalli and Ashley Tucker to overcome housing struggles.

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As soon as I connected with Soldier On, a great case worker named Tracey Visalli stepped in to assist me. Tracey provided case management and rental assistance to prevent my eviction. I was able to secure a full-time job in addition to two part-time jobs, within the security field. After my housing was stabilized, instead of closing my case, Tracey referred me to the Shallow Subsidy program, and I began working with case manager, Ashley Tucker. We discussed my dream of becoming a homeowner again and Ashley referred me to the MMI program to establish a plan to increase my credit score and start a savings plan. Being enrolled with Shallow Subsidy enabled me to save income from the three security jobs I work at. I eventually saved enough money for a downpayment on a home in Pennsauken New Jersey. I was initially denied for a loan, but I didn't give up and went to a different lender who assisted with processing a VA home loan instead of an FHA loan. The new lender needed a lot of rental history documents. I tried to get the documents, in addition to my lender but could not get through to anyone from the property management department at my apartment complex. I asked Ashley if she could assist with getting the rent documentation to finalize my loan. Ashley and my lender Catrina worked together and were able to get my rental history documentation, and I was able to secure my home loan. I'm very excited I was able to reach my goal of becoming a homeowner again!

How has your life improved since working with Soldier On?

I would like to update my house, insulate my garage and run a powerline to it, pave my driveway, and renovate my basement.

What are your long-term future goals?