‘It’s gone’: Family loses home, turns to Action 9 for help

A family that lost everything in a house fire turned to Action 9 after months of delays rebuilding their home.

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Charles Beeker says he woke up coughing and then realized what it was from: His house was on fire. Fortunately, he got out, and no one else was home at the time, but the house was “gone.”

“We lost everything,” he said.

The Beekers say they tried to rebuild for months, but kept getting the runaround.

“Stressed. A lot of anxiety,” he said.

That’s when they turned to Action 9 attorney Jason Stoogenke.

Stoogenke spent weeks exchanging calls and emails with two of the main players involved in the Beekers’ home: The company managing the loan – Planet Home Lending – and the VA -- because the Beekers had a VA loan.

The VA wouldn’t comment on the record.

Planet emailed: “Losing a home is devastating, and our hearts go out to the family. Privacy laws prevent us from discussing a borrower’s account. We are advocating for the family while awaiting a decision on the replacement home from the approving agency for the loan.”

But 16 days after Action 9 contacted them, Beeker’s wife emailed the good news. She said Planet told her the replacement home was good to go; they could move forward. So, exactly six months after the fire, Channel 9 was there as crews delivered their new home. “Reaching out to Channel 9 was probably the best option, the best thing we did,” Charles said. “Channel 9’s a blessing.”

It’s not clear if the process took longer than usual. But -- for the Beekers -- it took long enough.

“I’m just happy to see that it’s here. I’m kind of at a loss for words because I was worried this day wouldn’t come,” he said.

These cases can be tough. So, Stoogenke likes to go over some basics here.

First, yes, even if insurance cuts you a check for repairs, your mortgage company may have some control over the money. After all, your home is their collateral.

If you think the lender is dragging their feet releasing funds, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or even discuss your rights with a lawyer.

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