Success Story - June 2017

Lauren Robblee grew up in rental housing that never quite felt like home. “My mother’s last wish was for me to become a homeowner,” said Robblee, 32. “She died when I was 17.” Several years after the death of her mother, who left seed money for a down payment in her will, Lauren was able to assemble financing for a “home of her own” through HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) program.

She continued to happily work and live in Boise for several years with her fiancé, which included welcoming their new son Jonah in 2008. However, the relationship eventually ended, and Robblee was left alone to assume the house payments and was responsible for raising her son, who had with special needs, with only one income and limited child support.

Sometimes challenges come in threes, and this case was no different. Robblee’s car, which was her transportation to her son’s daycare and work, malfunctioned and required expensive repairs, and the roommate with whom she was sharing housing expenses moved. Being laid off from her job was the last straw – she was thus unable to keep up with the house payments.

However, always resourceful and hopeful, Robblee noticed a referral on her mortgage statement and reached out to Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), an NFMC Program grantee, for assistance. In under six months, the agency assisted Robblee in securing a modification with a 30-year term and a reduced interest rate, which better fits with her income and circumstances. Robblee has since received her real estate license and is seeking opportunities for additional employment and advancement. She is also a full-time advocate for her son Jonah and numerous other children who have special needs. Her enthusiasm for life’s possibilities is contagious, and she has a strong support system of family and friends.

“I am so thankful for this program – it has made a huge difference in my life,” said Robblee. “Because of the assistance I received, I was able to keep my amazing home and provide a safe place for my son to grow. I can now focus, with peace of mind, on teaching Jonah how to be a productive human being.”