WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Families Coping: Ruiz family to keep house, thanks to ABLE

Families Coping: Ruiz family to keep house, thanks to ABLE

Reported by Jonathan Walsh email

Posted by Kate Oatis email

As part of our ongoing Families Coping series we check in with the Ruiz family who has been able to save their home, thanks to a group called ABLE.

Abelino Ruiz is painting his deck, which, weeks ago he didn't even know he'd still own.

The Ruiz family was just steps away from losing their home to foreclosure. Then Abelino heard about Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, also known as ABLE.

"We were already gathering boxes getting ready to move," Abelino said.

"And I actually started selling stuff on Craigslist," said his wife Jeanne.

ABLE helps with a number of issues, including foreclosures, eviction defense, loan modifications and more. Nate Zechman and other ABLE attorney are mediators for those in need.

"It's kind of a misconception that banks are kind of out to take people's houses. They don't want the house. They're doing a nice job of working with us," said Zechman.

The nice thing is, ABLE doesn't charge for their services. Both ABLE and the Legal Aid of Western Ohio are funded by various government agencies and private contributions helping attorneys fight for you.

"People who are in the greater Toledo area have it as good if not better than any other place in the country because there's a wealth of resources available," said Andrew Neuhauser, ABLE foreclosure attorney.

ABLE reps say on average they can help reduce your mortgage payments by 20 to 25 percent and even up to 40 percent.

Indeed, they helped the Ruiz family save their home.

"Knowing that there's resources out there and that people don't want you to lose your home. They want you to contact them and they will guide you and be there for you," Jeanne said.