In Memory of Teresa Torres

Teresa Torres was a Senior Homeownership and HUD-Certified Housing Counselor at Southwest Economic Solutions, but to the families she served and the Southwest Solutions team, she was so much more than that.

 “Teresa was full of light and love.” – Cynthia McCreary

 Beginning her time at Southwest Economic Solutions over 15 years ago, Teresa saved many families from losing their homes during the height of the foreclosure crisis. Serving as a foreclosure counselor, she kept people off of the streets and in their homes. In 2015, she became a pre-purchase counselor and over the past 8 years has helped over 900 people become first-time homeowners. The city of Detroit is filled with families living in the homes of their dreams that Teresa made a reality.

 “She was a champion for first-time homebuyers and cared deeply about each and every one of the roughly 900 first-time homebuyers she counseled through to closing during her career.” – Hector Hernandez 

She was a force, and while the community will miss her passion and drive, her Economics family will miss her friendship and company. The office will be a little less bright without Teresa there to light up a room with her beautiful smile and sharp wit.

 “We will never be the same without her, but I am grateful to have known her.” – Mac Elabed 

Thank you for your dedication, Teresa. You will be dearly missed.

Below are photos of Teresa throughout the years as well as quotes from her colleagues. 

When I first came to SWES, she was kind and friendly. She always cared for me and my health, and I remember how she got worried when she didn't see me in the office. And you know what? Whenever we bumped into each other at lunchtime, she always brought me a Coke from the Honeybee supermarket. She was just that amazing. She had a beautiful smile and was always friendly and helpful. That's how I'll remember her. 

– Keylen Mora-Rubio

It is hard to define Teresa as an office mate (her office was next to mine). Even though we worked in different programs, we still talked about our work. We would always talk in the morning, update our lives, and laugh. She was so so positive, we talked about how we were the oldest. But boy she was so active during our all-staff picnic and when we were Fowling-she was a machine! I will never forget her passion for her job but also for the team here at SWES. She cared about everyone, laughed with everyone and broke bread (and dieted with everyone). I will miss her presence here at the office everyday.

 -Karyn Goven

I will never forget your kindness, your warmth, and your smile. When I met you in 2009, I was fresh out of college, inexperienced and impulsive. You made me feel so accepted and never judged. I will cherish you forever, my friend. 

– Grace Meyer

Teresa was a Godsend. She was encouraging, nurturing, loving, and I will always hold on to our memories. 

– Claudia Stephens

When I started at SWES I was so excited to work with Teresa, I could instantly tell she really cared about her clients and her co-workers. It was so refreshing to work with someone with so much knowledge and shared it freely. She still had so much to teach me. 

-Shannon Ziegler

Teresa was passionate, sharp, witty and thoughtful. She always brought her experiences and wisdom with her into her work, but also never shied away from learning a new way of doing things. The impact that she has had on other people's lives will be everlasting. She always introduced herself as a passionate housing counselor that wanted to help people reach their dreams of homeownership! Her commitment to her community and serving those in need will continue to inspire me. 

-Alex Makohn

Teresa was full of light and love. Even though I only had known her a few years, Teresa was family to me. She always greeted me with a smile and had such a beautiful spirit. She could outwalk and move better than I move on my best day. I will miss Teresa dearly! 

– Cynthia McCreary

The best way I can describe Teresa is "Altruistic". Her life was lived in service to our clients. The hundreds of lives she’s impacted through her work at SWES sets the standard for the rest of us to follow. We will never be the same without her, but I am grateful to have known her. She will be missed dearly.

 – Mac Elabed

Teresa was truly a beloved member of our Southwest Economic Solutions (SWES) family. She was the consummate embodiment of customer service. The level of patience and empathy she extended to every client and colleague were unmatched each and every day. She was a champion for first time homebuyers who cared deeply about each and every one of the roughly 900 first-time homebuyers she counseled through to closing during her career. Ill miss that easy and genuine smile that lit up the room and the listening ear she extended to everyone. Our entire SWES family will miss her and I’m honored to have worked along her side as a colleague and friend. 

– Hector Hernandez

View the post on facebook to share your memories of Teresa: In Memory of Teresa Torres