News:

Important Issues

Jan. 28, 2010

Homeowner Assistance and Foreclosure Counseling Information

Print

Homeowner Assistance and Foreclosure Avoidance Services

Southeast Michigan has been hit particularly hard by the downturn in the economy and the housing crisis, with more homeowners increasingly struggling to make payments. There have been an unprecedented number of foreclosures in our area, adding to the economic pain that many families are already facing.

I wanted to make sure that you are aware that there are free programs at the local, state and federal level that are designed to help families avoid foreclosure and provide assistance to those who are already losing their homes. Wayne County’s Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, the State of Michigan ’s Save the Dream Campaign, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s approved Foreclosure Counseling Agents, and President Obama’s Making Home Affordable Program are all highlighted below.

The Democratic Congress is committed to enacting legislation that will help families stay in their homes and prevent the epidemic of foreclosures from continuing to devastate communities across the country.

 If after reviewing the below information you have additional questions on how to receive free, HUD-approved homeowner counseling services, I encourage you to contact the staff at my Detroit office at (313) 961-5670 or my Downriver office at (734) 675-5670.

Wayne County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program

 

Program Description:

Wayne County is seeking to address the foreclosure crisis currently gripping the county and many of its residents. In collaboration with lenders, investors and local housing counseling agencies, Wayne County aims to mitigate this crisis through the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program. Through this initiative and at no cost to the citizen, residents at risk of mortgage foreclosure will gain viable options through a process of foreclosure education, process awareness and intervention. In addition to mortgage foreclosure prevention service, as a result of their partnership with United Way 2-1-1, they may be able to offer your family, free of charge, assistance with other basic family needs. 2-1-1 is a 24/7/365 hotline that is anonymous and helps people connect with resources to improve their lives. This includes mortgage foreclosure assistance, utility assistance, rent assistance, educational programs, food, clothing, and other basic family needs. When you contact one of their mortgage foreclosure counselors ask about additional assistance that your family may be able to receive. 

Contact Information:

(313) 833-2948

(877) 693-6199

 

Michigan State Housing Development Agency’s Save the Dream Campaign

Program Description:

MSHDA's Save the Dream Campaign includes helpful information on their Web site that assists homeowners who are experiencing financial difficulties or facing foreclosure, their statewide network of homeownership counselors, a second mortgage program to assist current MSHDA borrowers, and refinance programs available to eligible homeowners.

If you are having financial problems, don’t risk losing your home - there are options available. Operated by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the hotline directs homeowners to a homeownership counselor in their county who specializes in foreclosure prevention. Or if you prefer, homeowners can locate a MSHDA Homeownership Counselor directly.

Contact:

866-946-7432 (toll-free)

 US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Avoiding Foreclosure

Program Description:

Foreclosure prevention counseling services are provided free of charge by nonprofit housing counseling agencies working in partnership with the Federal Government. These agencies are funded, in part, by HUD and NeighborWorks® America . There is no need to pay a private company for these services.

Click here for contact information for HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in Michigan.

HUD also provides important information on how you can receive assistance, tips for avoiding foreclosure, resources on refinancing and what to do if you cannot keep your home.

Detroit Field Office

McNamara Federal Building
477 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226

Phone: (313) 226-7900
Fax: (313) 226-5611 or 226-3197
TTY: (313) 226-6899

  Making Home Affordable Program

 

Program Description:

The Making Home Affordable Program is part of the Obama Administration's broad, comprehensive strategy to get the economy and the housing market back on track. The Making Home Affordable Program offers two different potential solutions for borrowers: (1) refinancing mortgage loans, through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), and (2) modifying mortgage loans, through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). The website contains eligibility and application information for homeowners interested in the program.

 

 

 

  Additional Resources

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth: Resources for Those Facing Foreclosure

Learn about the foreclosure process and how to avoid scams.

 

 

 

Contact Information for Congressman Conyers’ Offices:

Washington : (202) 225-5126

Detroit : (313) 961-5670

Trenton : (734) 675-4084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Resources:

January 2010 Important Issues

01/28/10 Current record
01/22/10 FY 2011 Appropriations Requests
01/10/10 Weatherization Services