By Andy Furman
NKyTribune reporter
Jennifer Williams is in the business of helping people. As co-owner – with her husband – of Florence-based Approved Credit Coach, she evaluates credit and guides consumers to assert their legal rights. It is located at 7426 US 42, Florence, Suite 203.
Now she wants to help a Grant County couple — a downtrodden retired veteran and his disabled wife — find a new and safe home.
“We work with consumers and small business,” she told the Northern Kentucky Tribune, “and coach them on improving their credit scores. Consumer credit is not taught anywhere.”
Helping the needy, well – that is not taught anywhere either. But Williams is learning, the hard way.
“I currently have a set of clients,” she claims, “That desperately need a new home.”
The story, sorry to say, isn’t pretty.
The gentleman is a 20-year-retired veteran – 62 and permanently disabled, according to Williams. The woman is a cancer survivor and last year fell off her front porch and ended up with an 18-inch rod placed in her leg.
“They have no help and have reached out to multiple agencies for assistance,” Williams, who has been in business six years, said.
“The couple was originally referred to me by a mortgage lender,” Williams said. “I was happy to help them with budgeting, but honestly, I have never seen a situation like this. And, to be honest — I have never started a campaign like this to help – but these people need it. And need it badly.”
Williams said she did venture to see the mobile home – located on the Grant County/Pendleton County border —and the situation, she says, was an absolute health hazard.
“The home is filled with black mold, giant holes in the floors and walls, and animals crawl up out of the holes,” the NKU grad said. “They have no air conditioning; nor do they have heat.”
Williams said she reached out to a friend who runs a non-profit in Florence – Back Home Patriots – their mission is to help veterans with home improvement projects that are beyond their reach, whether due to financial, emotional, psychological, or physical challenges.
“My goal,” said Williams, “is to help them get new furniture. They have not had a new stove or oven in 20 years.”
Habitat for Humanity told Williams the couple lives too far to serve, she said.
The good news – Snuggy’s in Florence has agreed to donate new mattresses, says Williams, and Longnecks Bar and Grill in Northern Kentucky is planning a fundraiser in a few weeks.
“My friend owns Longnecks,” Williams said.
“It’s almost like a life and death situation,” Williams said. “This is truly pulling at my heartstrings.”
Jennifer Williams is actively trying to help a 20-year-old retired serviceman – a true American hero.
But perhaps the roles may be reversed this time.