The disabled Taylor veteran, moved to tears after the network stepped in, saves home from coronavirus foreclosure

Craig Ogden is looking inside out, not outside in – and he thanks God and a county program for disabled veterans for that.

Had it not been for divine intervention this month, he said, he would have lived out on the street rather than in his house.

He has the final papers to prove it.

Ogden, a disabled veteran, said he owed taxes on his Taylor home but didn’t have the money to cover the costs.

Between his disability and the challenges COVID-19 posed, Ogden reached out to various authorities to see if he could get financial assistance.

He said the house wasn’t much, but it was something in his name that he wanted to leave his daughter when he “passed on”.

He was a few weeks away from losing his home and thought he had no way when he stumbled upon a Wayne County Detroit Disability Network mail piece and found a glimmer of hope in it.

He called and the organization answered his prayer.

“You were a godsend,” said Ogden. “I just thanked the Lord.”

After all, financial aid was on the way.

He said the institution listened to his problems and made sure he did not lose his home or his dignity.

“You gave me hope again and literally saved my life,” said Ogden.

Although he said his memory wasn’t as good as it used to be, he believes the amount owed was about $ 5,400.

The network paid taxes to the Wayne County Office of Treasury.

“I don’t know what I would have done without her,” said Ogden. “I really do not know it. I would have crossed that bridge if I had gotten to. “

He said his daughter went to school and worked two jobs and he refused to force anything on anyone.

The feeling that this financial burden was lifted was almost too emotional for the veteran, but there was nothing to hold back.

“I had tears in my eyes,” he said. “I haven’t cried in about 40 years. That bothered me. All of my friends called and annoyed me a little. “

Lori Hill Sanders, executive director of the network, said her goal is to provide care quickly and efficiently, and to make sure people stay in their community and at home.

“We take our mission to provide resources to our consumers very seriously because the need for assistance is very high. Because resources are limited, our organization is prioritizing programs for elderly veterans and the disabled,” said Sanders. “In Mr. Ogden’s case, not only are we providing financial support, he will also take a year-long financial literacy course to make sure this doesn’t happen to him in the future. This program helps seniors and disabled people move towards stable income and financial wellbeing. “

Ogden was seriously injured while working in an auto plant in 2010.

About three years ago he was seriously injured in a car accident. In this crash he suffered a brain injury, among other things.

“I’m 61 years old, but my body feels like I’m 90,” he said.

He said the financial support will allow him to move on from that point instead of a few years ago.

He said he tried to save money to pay off the debt, but about $ 2,500 was stolen when he brought a friend to his home.

Ogden thanks not only the network but also the district treasurer’s office.

Treasurer Eric Sabree said his office is grateful to the network for offering to help a disabled taxpayer avoid property tax foreclosure.

“You are making a positive difference in the community at an extremely critical time,” said Sabree.

The network received funding for Ogden through the Cares Act, which provides direct and immediate support and services to people with disabilities who suffer from disruptions in their independent, community-based life.

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When qualified, funding from the Cares Act will ensure people with disabilities get the support they need to stay safe in their homes.

“God bless each and every one of them and thank you for what you have done for me,” Ogden said.

He’s glad that he and his two dogs, Duke and Duchess still have a place to call home.

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