In June, 2006, Eunice Glover, the housing counselor for NODA, received a phone call from Wendy Wilson.  Ms. Wilson is a staff writer for Essence magazine, a national publication aimed at the African-American community, especially African-American women.  She explained to Eunice that Essence was doing a year-long series in which they would be following three prospective first-time homebuyers as they traveled down the road to homeownership. 
The magazine would follow each person through the entire process and would provide resources that would help them along the way.

Ms. Wilson explained to Eunice that one of the people chosen to participate in the year-long campaign on homeownership was a 28-year-old Toledoan by the name of Latisha Williams.  She told Eunice she was looking for a local agency that could provide Latisha with information on Predatory Lending.  She had heard about the work the Fair Housing Center and NODA was doing in that area.  Information was exchanged, and Ms. Wilson gave Latisha the number to call Eunice.  At the first meeting between Eunice and Latisha, Latisha learned that Eunice also provided homeownership and credit counseling and she asked Eunice if she could counsel her on those matters also.

Since then, Eunice and Latisha (a single working mom of daughter Bridgett) have had several sessions together, covering topics ranging from predatory lending to the importance of a good credit score.

“I was thoroughly impressed with Eunice’s knowledge. She was very down to earth and seemed to be genuinely interested in helping me achieve my goals. I appreciate all her assistance and I’m glad she’s part of the team, as I make the journey toward homeownership,” stated Latisha.

Latisha has recently decided to move to Indiana and will continue her search for that perfect home in the Hoosier state. She is determined to glean all the information she can from Eunice before she goes!

You can follow Latisha’s progress in the Essence featured series entitled, “Essence Homeownership Campaign.”  A different article appears each month in the “Work and Wealth” section of the magazine, running from June, 2006 through June, 2007.

Photo Credit: Peter Chin
Latisha's goal is to buy her dream house.

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