Ira Griffin, 82, is trying to save his Fort Bend County home after falling behind on HOA fees while in and out of the hospital.
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — An 82-year-old veteran in Fort Bend County needs help to save his home from foreclosure after falling behind on HOA fees.
Ira Griffin has lived in his Katy-area home for more than two decades. He got behind on his fees because of surgeries and serious health issues.
“I was in and out of the hospital for eight years,” Griffin told KHOU 11. “I just couldn’t work. You can see, I can hardly walk.”
The medical bills piled up and he began falling behind on payments a few years ago. In late May, Griffin received a final notice from his HOA: pay roughly $16,000 or face foreclosure.
“If I pay it off, I’m good. I don’t, my home is gone,” said Ira Griffin.
The veteran has many friends in his neighborhood. When one of them heard what happened, he stepped up.
“At this point, he’s more like family,” Randy LeBlanc said. “I’m not kidding when I say he’s over for every Christmas and Thanksgiving.”
LeBlanc set up a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help pay the debt.
“I was like, ‘well, we got to do something about this,'” he explained.
In just a few days, donations reached nearly a third of their goal. If you’d like to help, you can donate here.
For Griffin, the community support is deeply meaningful.
“I’m humbled, I would do it for him,” he said. “I’ve always been on the other side of it, helping others, loaning out a lawn mower, doing pest control for somebody. I’m grateful for everyone who’s now helping me.”
Griffin’s residential property association declined to discuss the case with KHOU 11 but confirmed a representative was scheduled to meet with him next week.
Your rights when facing foreclosure in Texas
- Legal experts say Texas homeowners do have rights in cases like this, but timing is critical.
- According to Lone Star Legal Aid, which is not representing Griffin, property owners must be given at least 45 days to request a payment plan after receiving the first debt collection letter. Once a final notice is issued, HOAs are not required to accept payment plans.
- “After that final notice, some HOAs may be willing to work with you or offer a payment plan, but they’re not required to by Texas law,” explained Amir Befroui with Lone Star Legal Aid.
Resources for seniors and veterans
If you’re a homeowner facing financial hardship, especially if you’re a senior or veteran, there may be options available:
- Request a payment plan early: When you get the first debt collection notice from an HOA, you have 45 days to request a payment plan under Texas law.
- Check for property tax exemptions: Homeowners 65 and older may qualify for additional exemptions through your county’s tax office.
- Veterans’ housing assistance: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers help with rent and mortgage payments. Contact your local VA office to check eligibility.
- Get legal help: Groups like Lone Star Legal Aid can offer free or low-cost legal guidance on foreclosure and housing issues.