Union Member Goes from Living in a Shelter to Buying her Own Home
When Natassia Watson left her home in Jamaica to seek asylum in the United States, she found the only haven open to her was a New York City homeless shelter. Alone in a foreign country at age 19 without a steady job, a friend to lean on, or even a place to sleep, Watson promised herself, in the depths of despair, that she would return to school, get a good job, and attain the American Dream of homeownership.
After becoming a trailblazing member of Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and the recipient of Union Plus Mortgage program benefits, Watson has honored her promise and is rolling out her own "Welcome" mat as a proud homeowner.
Becoming a Proud Homeowner
Watson's pact with herself was a bold one to make considering her situation, but the fact that homeownership in the U.S. is becoming increasingly more elusive, even for middle-aged Americans who have worked in this country for years, made the challenge even more difficult.
"I'm proud to say I am a homeowner," says Watson, now 26. "I finished school [a comprehensive construction course specifically designed for women] at the top of my class, which helped me land a great job as a steam mechanic. The job, in turn, provided a great union, which offered great perks. One such perk was the prospect of obtaining a mortgage through the Union Plus Mortgage program."
The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing available through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, has provided $43.6 billion in mortgages to help more than 200,000 union members and their families buy or refinance a home. It is packed with unique benefits tailored to meet the needs of active or retired union members, as well as their parents and children, who want to buy or refinance a home.
Some of the Other Benefits of the Union Plus Mortgage Program Include:
- Hardship Assistance
Union Plus Mortgage Assistance helps members and their families who are unemployed, recently disabled, on strike, or locked out make their mortgage payments with interest-free loans and grants. Mortgage Assistance has provided more than $11 million to help members keep their loans current and stay in their homes.
- Award Card
Union members and their families may receive a Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award card after closing -- $500 for buying a home, or $300 for refinancing your home – for use at participating retailers.1
Making her New House a Home in New York
In addition to keeping her promise of homeownership, Watson has also managed to achieve her other goals. She works full-time, becoming the first female lead steam mechanic in the history of her local union, and takes classes in pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree.
Learning More about Member Benefits Through Union Plus
Now that she's familiar with Union Plus, Watson is eager to turn her sights on a new pursuit and check out other Union Plus benefits. In particular, she's interested in discounts on vacation packages. "I work hard and I study a lot, but I think I deserve a chance to get away," says Watson. "I'm glad Union Plus discounts help to make getaways more affordable." Thanks to Union Plus, Watson can get away, but, more importantly, she can return from that trip to a permanent safe haven: her own home.
Union Plus provides a full array of consumer discounts, services, and special programs (including educational scholarships) to enrich the lives of working families.
1Eligible individuals can receive the Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award approximately 6 weeks after closing on a new purchase or refinance loan secured by an eligible first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (“New Loan”), subject to qualification, approval and closing, when identifying themselves as eligible. The My Mortgage GiftSM award is not available with any Wells Fargo Three-Step Refinance SYSTEM® program, The Relocation Mortgage Program® or to any Wells Fargo team member. Only one My Mortgage Gift award is permitted per eligible (“New Loan”). This award cannot be combined with any other award, discount or rebate, except for yourFirstMortgageSM. This award is void where prohibited, transferable, and subject to change or cancellation with no prior notice. Awards may constitute taxable income. Federal, state and local taxes, and any use of the award not otherwise specified in the Terms and Conditions (also provided at receipt of award) are the sole responsibility of the My Mortgage GiftSM recipient.