Tyeesah

​If you were ever to enter Tyeesah’s North Philadelphia twin home, you would understand the motivation to hold onto it. In 2007 she discovered that despite having a Section 8 voucher her rent requirement would be $985 per month. She proceeded in purchasing one of the homes constructed by Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha where she also received subsidies from the American Dream Downpayment Initiative. She had a beautiful, newly developed home to call her own for her and her four children. Life felt grand.

In 2018 and the early part of 2019, Tyeesah felt as though her world was falling apart. During this time, her step-father passed away and her mom needed help with the burial costs, Her son was falsely accused of a crime and she had to pay attorney fees to get his record expunged. To make matters worse, for two months, her hours were drastically reduced.

​The tsunami of events resulted in the mortgage becoming delinquent, leading her to come to AHCOPA. At the time of the appointment, she felt hopeless, full of despair, and distanced herself from her children. The counselors at AHCOPA helped her apply for the HEMAP program. In addition, they helped her maintain focus and confidence through the process. Meanwhile, she received comments from family members, friends and co-workers that told her, “Don’t waste your time with the HEMAP application. You’ll get denied. Just wait until you get to court for help.”

Tyeesah’s application had some obstacles. When she purchased the home, there were multiple silent liens on the property preventing HEMAP to approve her for assistance. AHCOPA researched her property and discovered that the lien from the American Dream Downpayment Initiative was forgiven. Tyeesah then provided PHFA with all the information they required, approving her for the HEMAP program!

This experience made Tyeesah grateful for her home, and to be mindful of all the work that she has put into it to keep her family safe.