When a family comes to Akron Children’s Hospital for treatment, it’s not uncommon for them to face a long stay as we care for their child. That means in addition to the emotional stress of dealing with an accident or major illness, they also may worry about how to pay the bills after taking days – or even weeks – off work.
But thanks to the generous support of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, our patient families experiencing this type of financial hardship can be eligible to receive mortgage or rent payment assistance.
Established by the Mortgage Bankers Association in 2011, the foundation provides grants to parents and guardians of a critically ill or injured child. This support allows families to spend precious time together without jeopardizing their home. Since its founding, the foundation has supported over 8,500 families by providing more than $12.5 million in housing assistance.
Akron Children’s is the only hospital in Ohio to be part of this program, thanks to a relationship facilitated by Strongsville-based Union Home Mortgage and its president and CEO, William Cosgrove.
“As a mortgage company we get to help families achieve their dream of home ownership every day – the ultimate gift,” Cosgrove said. “It’s heartbreaking that a family could do everything right financially and a sudden medical diagnosis could take away that dream.”
Since becoming part of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, Union Home Mortgage has helped over 430 families by providing more than $390,00,000 in mortgage or rent assistance.
“I cannot tell you how much this program has helped our families in need,” said Shana Earle, vice president, professional and support services at Akron Children’s. “The support of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation gives a family one less thing to worry about during such a challenging time.”
“We hope this support allows families to focus on what matters most during a difficult time in their lives,” Cosgrove said. “These parents need to be able to channel their energy into caring for their families and the health of their children – without getting distracted and worried if they can maintain the roof over their heads. Simply put, we hope this can provide a light in a period of darkness.”
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