I got a call a few months back from a man who had been in a horrible car accident several years earlier. The accident left him unable to work. Because of that he lost his house and his credit was wrecked.

Finally, after being approved for permanent disability, he and his wife felt they were ready to buy a small manufactured home. But because of his bad credit, all the banks they applied to denied them a mortgage loan.

Then a friend told them about the Community Loan Fund. Because the home they wanted was in a resident-owned community, the couple was able to apply for a Welcome Home Loan.

Over the next few months we worked with them to identify and contact companies that had posted collection accounts and charge-offs to their credit over the years so they could negotiate reduced pay-offs of these remaining debts.

We also looked beyond their credit scores. They had worked hard to re-establish their credit by successfully opening two credit card accounts (at a time when lenders were very conservative in extending credit), then demonstrating that they could use that credit responsibly. We approved them for the loan.

They were so shocked and happy to hear the news. They kept saying: "Are you sure the answer is yes?!!"

They are now happily living in their new home in a resident-owned community and giving back to the co-op by volunteering on the board of directors.

Stories like this are why I love my job. We are in the business of creating opportunity and making a difference in people's lives. When we can help a family achieve a home, it's a beautiful feeling.

Ron Thompson is a Welcome Home Loans Mortgage Loan Originator at the Community Loan Fund. NMLS #225348. Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department.