Stories of HOPE: Painting a Brighter Future in Memphis

Theodore Roosevelt suggested that one should “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Tommy Cox‘s twist on this philosophy might be, “Speak softly and carry a paint brush.” Mr. Cox, a 43-year professional painting contractor with a bright smile, only speaks when necessary. It was necessary when his wife passed away unexpectedly. “We weren’t married when she bought the house. I had to refinance it and put it in my name,” he says. Even though they had lived together in their Memphis home for 16 years, in just a couple months, the former mortgage company had put the house up for sale, with Mr. Cox still living in it. Mr. Cox tried three different financial institutions before coming to HOPE. It took about a month and a half to get it all cleared up with HOPE’s help, Mr. Cox says. His HOPE mortgage also saved him money. His new interest rate was 2.5% lower than his previous house note, and he takes solace in being able to stay in the home he once shared with his wife.