How the Housing Stability Counseling Program helped a family find stability
When Estelle D’Anna purchased her home in 2019, she never imagined she would face foreclosure just over a year later. But when her daughter was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, her world was turned upside down. Like so many hardworking Americans, Estelle had no paid time off — no safety net. If she didn’t work, she didn’t get paid. Bills began to pile up and her mortgage fell behind.
With nowhere to turn, Estelle found hope through NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, a NeighborWorks network organization. Pamela Anslinger, the organization’s director of homeownership services, helped Estelle navigate the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, securing not only the funds to bring her mortgage current but also six months of forward mortgage payments.
“I got an email from Pamela, and she said this program opened up and I think with your particular situation, you would qualify for funding,” Estelle recalled. “That was the moment I felt hope again.”
Through the Housing Stability Counseling Program (HSCP), funded by the American Rescue Plan Act,
NeighborWorks America helped thousands of families like Estelle’s avoid foreclosure during the pandemic. More than 90,000 households — many of whom were on the brink of losing their homes — received the support they needed to remain stable.
Pamela emphasized the importance of meeting clients where they are. “When working with Estelle, it was critical to adapt to her needs while she was caring for her daughter,” she said. “We don’t just work with the crisis of today. We build stronger foundations for tomorrow.”
For Estelle, this program meant more than financial assistance. It allowed her to focus on what mattered most — her daughter’s health. Today, both Estelle and her daughter are thriving. Her daughter is heading to college and Estelle remains secure in her home.
“The end result wasn’t, ‘Okay, your daughter’s better now, here’s all the stress back,’” Estelle said. “It was, ‘We’re glad Olivia’s doing well, and congratulations, this is over for you—financially as well.’”
HSCP is a testament to how targeted, well-executed funding can make a lasting difference in the lives of families nationwide. NeighborWorks America continues to ensure that every dollar allocated supports homeowners and renters in need, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening communities and preserving housing stability.
