Written by Patricia Ellams, HUD Certified Foreclosure Specialist at The Waterfront Project
In February 2025, a homeowner suddenly lost her husband, leaving her a widowed mother of three children and the primary caregiver for her 94-year-old veteran father. Her late husband had been the sole borrower on the mortgage and the only individual listed on the deed. At the time of his passing, the home had already been in foreclosure since 2023, and a foreclosure judgment had been granted in 2024.
Although outreach efforts had previously been made encouraging the homeowner’s husband to apply for assistance, no application was completed before the time of his passing. The widow reached out to us for assistance in April, and foreclosure prevention services began immediately.
During the housing counseling financial assessment, a critical lack of household income was observed and addressed right away by helping complete an application for Social Security survivor benefits. Since the Sheriff’s Sale was imminent, efforts were urgently coordinated with legal service providers in hopes of securing representation. Despite initial delays and discouraging guidance that the case was “too late,” The Waterfront Project continued advocating on the client’s behalf.
Through persistent intervention, the Sheriff’s Sale was successfully adjourned four times—two adjournments secured directly by the client and two negotiated with the plaintiff’s attorney, despite the existence of a final foreclosure judgment. This provided crucial time to pursue loss mitigation options.
Over the course of several months, multiple loan modification applications were submitted and denied. During this process, The Waterfront Project identified servicing errors and policy violations, including improper denial of appeal rights and missed internal deadlines. These issues were escalated repeatedly, culminating in direct engagement with the servicer’s executive office—an uncommon and difficult step.
Following a full resubmission and review, the servicer issued a decision approving a resolution for the homeowner. Despite imposing an extremely tight deadline during the holiday period, we made sure all required documentation was completed and submitted on time.
After more than eight months of intensive advocacy, this family was able to remain in their home—avoiding displacement during an already devastating period of loss.
This case reflects The Waterfront Project’s commitment to persistence, accountability, and housing stability for families facing foreclosure, even in the most complex and challenging circumstances. It was a powerful way to close out the year with meaningful impact for a family in crisis.