Article updated: 11/16/2012 12:13 PM

Elgin housing agency helps families secure the American dream

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Evelio Villanueva, his wife, Irma, and son, Tavo, 16, in their South Elgin home. Villaneuva got a loan modification on his mortgage with the help of Neighborhood Housing Services of the Fox Valley. He says it wouldn't have been possible without the help of the organization.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Evelio Villanueva, his wife, Irma, and son, Tavo, 16, in their South Elgin home. Villaneuva got a loan modification on his mortgage with the help of Neighborhood Housing Services of the Fox Valley. He says it wouldn't have been possible without the help of the organization.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Evelio Villanueva started to get behind on his bills when his wife got sick. In early 2009 he tried to get a loan modification from his bank but was denied. Two years later he lost his job. Villanueva went to Neighborhood Housing Services in Chicago first but was later directed to the Elgin office, where he ultimately got help to reduce the interest rate on his mortgage from 7.9 percent to 2 percent. "They give you hope, they talk to you, they listen to your situation," Villanueva said. "Thanks to them, I've been back on my feet."