Agencies help disabled man buy Joliet home

Michael Allen and his son Nicholas smile in their new Joliet home. | Submitted photo

Updated: February 10, 2012 10:30AM

JOLIET — An ATV accident six years ago left Michael Allen, 29, a paraplegic, but he is back on track with the American dream, thanks to assistance from the Will-Grundy Cemter to Independent Living.

In August, Allen and his girlfriend, Lisa Frosch, moved into their first home near Theodore Street in Joliet and happily are finishing its final decorative touches.

Owning a home has helped Allen set goals for himself, such as returning to school.

“I’d like to get into computers,” Allen said. “I want to work around my limitations.”

Kelly McKenzie, personal assistance advocate for the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living in Joliet, said Allen received the home with funds through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which helps consumers obtain foreclosed homes.

McKenzie said when representatives from the Will County Center for Community Concerns approached her for suggestions, she immediately thought of Allen, who had previously applied for a traditional loan through a homeownership program, but was refused due to lack of credit.

“He didn’t have bad credit. He just didn’t have any credit,” McKenzie said.

The center, she added, remodeled the home, making it completely accessible for Allen, including adding a ramp.

McKenzie is thrilled with Allen’s good fortune and delighted with a photograph he gave her to express his thankfulness. In it, he and his son smile in their new home.

“Michael is the nicest person,” McKenzie said. “He takes one day at a time and is appreciative of everything.”

‘More independent’

Allen was a delivery man for an appliance store at the time of his accident. He was engaged and had a 7-month-old son, Nicholas

He went to Michigan during Labor Day weekend and woke up in the hospital a week later, not remembering what had happened to him.

“The doctors try to break it to you easy,” Allen said. “They tell you possibilities. My family and friends kept my spirits up.”

From the hospital, Allen went to Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago for intensive therapy so he could function as independently as possible. He learned new techniques for everything from getting out of bed and showering to transferring himself from his wheelchair to the couch.

Allen moved into his fiancee’s sister’s house, where he remained for the next five years.

The Will Grundy Center for Independent Living then established Allen in an Elwood apartment, but the goal was for him to buy a home.

“They thought it would make me more independent,” Allen said.

He agrees that it has and said everyone with disabilities should take advantage of the available tools that further that end.

“I’m so thankful to my family, friends and the center to help me get where I am today,” he said.

Mostly, Allen said, he’s simply enjoying life, whether that means lounging around the house, working on the computer or spending time with his son.

“I’m very laid back and happy as can be,” Allen said. “I was never depressed or thinking that my life was over. I wanted to deal with the situation and be able to do as much as I can do by myself.”