Bill and Rachelle Roope of Montana, along with their son Caleb and daughter Kyra, had a decent income from Bill’s job as a journeyman sheet metal worker, a beautiful home, and each other. They were living the American dream. But one day, Bill badly injured his knee, and reconstructive surgery failed to correct the problem. With Bill no longer able to carry heavy loads or kneel, his 16-year career was over.
When the disability money ran out and Bill was cleared to look for work, he found a job at half his previous salary. After they paid the mortgage payment, the family had $200 to $300 to pay all the remaining bills for the month. They made a group decision to do whatever it took to keep their home.
Bill and Caleb created a business performing odd jobs. The children got paper routes and gave most of their pay and tips to their parents to cover bills. The family was forced to ask for assistance to buy groceries, but never thought to seek loan modification to reduce the monthly cost of their mortgage.
Their luck changed when a lender at the Bank of the Rockies discovered how hard this family was working to keep their home, and made a call to the Montana Board of Housing (MBOH) to see if there was anything that could be done. In fact, the MBOH’s Homeownership Program had created an interest rate reduction program for homeowners whose income had become permanently curtailed as a result of injury or disability.
The program reduced the Roopes’ home-loan payment by $400 per month. The reduction means that the family will not have to worry about losing their home. Their children will be able to keep the money they make working paper routes, instead of helping to pay phone and electricity bills. “It means some breathing room,” said Bill.
The family survived a tough stretch, but they say there have been many blessings through this experience. The children developed a strong appreciation of the need in their community, and Caleb spent many hours collecting food items for the less fortunate. This family has also gained an appreciation for each other’s strengths and for the strength they have as a team.
Bill recently qualified for a vocational rehabilitation program and will retrain for a new career. Caleb was awarded tickets to a Montana State University basketball game from his middle school for all the food he collected for the food drive.
To learn more about the Montana Board of Housing, please visit their website.
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