Many of our Faith In Action grassroot leaders shed tears of joy with struggling homeowners as some got on-the-spot home loan modifications on Saturday.  Even if they weren't so fortunate, many borrowers left the Hope Now event feeling as though they were moving in the right direction.  For many, just sitting down face-to-face with a lender and non-profit housing counselor was a success.  

Victor M. was one of the satisfied borrowers who attended Saturday's HOPE Now event.  A northwest Bakersfield homeowner, Victor became unemployed several months ago.  

"I've felt like I've been all alone," the father of five explained, " I've felt like I've had an illness for a long time. When I heard about this event, I felt like I had hope." 

Reluctant at first, Victor decided to give the event a shot. Not only did he find some help, he also left feeling inspired. " The volunteers were inspiring, everyone had smiles on their faces, there was team work, and everyone was willing to help, " he said.  

Victor left feeling like his issue was a work in progress, " I feel satisfied. I'm no longer masking my negativism, but I really feel like I'm working toward a new phase. I'm not alone."