Brenda never likened homeownership to sports until her life became a track meet of its own. Her first event: hurdles. One by one, barriers mounted before her creating a line of obstacles. After more than ten years of service, she was laid off from her job at Humana. Unemployment benefits kicked in but the sustenance was temporary. Soon after, she learned that her health had declined, leaving her in grave need of a kidney transplant. The only stream of income that remained was child support payments for a child whose 18th birthday was around the corner.
Ms. Snider’s life was on the line – until she took her first leap. On March 12, 2018, she came to the Louisville Urban League, quickly became a housing client, and began working with a housing counselor. Shortly thereafter she submitted an application for assistance from the Kentucky Housing Unemployment Bridge Program (UBP). By March 28, 2018, she received confirmation that she had been approved for a UBP loan where her mortgage would be paid by the Kentucky Housing Corporation for a year or $15,000 – whichever came first.
This news couldn’t have had more perfect timing, as her surgery – and the due date for her April mortgage –  was just days away. What began as a series of hurdles for Brenda to overcome turned into a testament of athleticism, access, action, and advocacy. As a result, she was able to rest in the confidence that her house was secured while her health was restored. At the Louisville Urban League, she didn’t have to choose between health and home – she found victory in it all.
