Most people associate foreclosure with failure, embarrassment, or personal ruin. But what if, in some cases, it’s a turning point? A beginning rather than an end?

In the summer of 2021, Michelle Thomas sat at her kitchen table in Joliet, Illinois, staring at a foreclosure notice. Her husband had passed just six months earlier. Medical bills piled up. Her two teenage sons were struggling at school. The family’s two-story colonial, once a place filled with laughter and sports trophies, had become a burden.

She wasn’t irresponsible. Michelle had worked two jobs after her husband’s death just to stay afloat. But when the mortgage lender raised her escrow payments due to tax reassessments, it tipped her delicate financial balance.

The Hidden Side of Foreclosure

Contrary to popular belief, foreclosure doesn’t happen overnight. In most states, it begins when a homeowner misses 3–4 payments. Lenders file a notice of default, giving the borrower a window to cure the debt before taking further action.

But what most people don’t realize is this: that window is filled with opportunity—if you act early.

Foreclosure Rescue, a nonprofit community organization, helped Michelle turn that letter from a death sentence into a second chance.

Reframing the Crisis

“I thought I had no options,” Michelle says. “But David Litt from Foreclosure Rescue explained everything. He didn’t sell me anything. He just listened.”

David Litt, who has spent over 26 years working with homeowners, says cases like Michelle’s are all too common.

“People assume foreclosure equals failure,” Litt explains. “But often, it’s an invitation to rethink, restructure, and rebuild. My job is to walk them through that—calmly and respectfully.”

Foreclosure Rescue worked with Michelle’s lender to request a forbearance. They helped her complete a hardship letter and collect her documentation. Within 30 days, the lender granted her a six-month payment suspension—giving her time to apply for county tax assistance and rebuild her finances.

Practical Tips for Anyone Facing Foreclosure

While not every case will mirror Michelle’s, there are several strategies that homeowners can use to turn the situation around:

1. Don’t Avoid the Mail

Many people make the mistake of ignoring letters from the lender. Opening them early gives you the advantage of time.

2. Contact the Loss Mitigation Department

This is the department that handles workouts, loan modifications, and forbearance—not general customer service.

3. Write a Clear Hardship Letter

Explain your situation honestly. A single page, well-organized, can be the key to unlocking lender flexibility.

4. Document Everything

Keep records of calls, payments, and correspondences. If legal help is needed later, this will become critical.

5. Ask About Local Programs

Many counties and nonprofits offer hardship grants, utility forgiveness, and even legal support. You don’t have to walk alone.

A New Chapter

Today, Michelle is current on her mortgage. She even started a side business offering grief support to young widows.

“I didn’t lose my home,” she says. “I gained a new life. And if I hadn’t picked up the phone that day, I wouldn’t be here.”

A Final Word

Foreclosure can feel like the end of the road—but it’s not. It’s a moment of decision. With the right support, information, and action, it can be the beginning of something new.

If you're in a similar situation, it’s okay to ask for help. You don't have to be perfect to deserve a second chance.

📞 Call David Litt at 224-344-5700 to talk with someone who truly understands. Foreclosure Rescue is a community-driven organization offering education, advocacy, and compassionate support when it’s needed most.