On July 9, Johnnie H. Hodges Sr. of Buffalo, New York, was removed from his home when the bank foreclosed due to missing mortgage payments. Thanks to the generosity of community members and a GoFundMe campaign, Hodges will soon be able to return to his home.
After fighting in World War II, Hodges returned to Buffalo and purchased his first home. For 50 years, he and his family lived in the Humboldt Parkway residence, according to The Buffalo News. The Navy veteran began to experience money difficulties after his wife lost her battle to Alzheimer's and passed away.
After the foreclosure, Hodges family helped him set up a GoFundMe page that they hoped would help him get the house back. Their initial goal was $50,000, but people have donated over $107,000. Hodges is expected to move back into his home in November, and he has big plans for when he does.
"The first thing I'm going to do when I get home is walk through the house and make sure everything is in order," Hodges told the news source. "After that, hopefully, I'm gonna get my chair and sit on my front porch."
Hodges' daughter told The Buffalo News that any money left over after they settle with the bank would be donated to help others in need.