Help with Foreclosure

Aloha,

The foreclosure crisis has been one of the great tragedies of the financial downturn. Too many people were sold homes they couldn't afford with terms they didn’t quite understand. The result of this recklessness has been devastating: millions of foreclosures, trillions in retirement and college savings lost, and more than 12.5 million people still out of work.

Throughout the economic downturn I have worked to support policies that address the foreclosure crisis, tighten up regulation of predatory lending, and provide our communities with resources to help people keep their homes or find affordable alternatives. But there’s still more to do.

That’s why I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Preserving Homes and Communities Act, which would require lenders to evaluate homeowners for modifications before initiating foreclosure proceedings and provide appropriate appeals to those denied modifications.

It is important that Hawaii's families know that they are not alone—foreclosure isn't something they must bear in shame, but a challenge which can be overcome.

That's why I’ve held foreclosure prevention workshops that brought together mortgage servicers, housing counselors, and state and federal agencies to let Hawaii's communities know that there are resources available to help. The most important thing you should know is that anyone delinquent in mortgage payments or at risk of foreclosure should contact one of the HUD-certified counseling agencies for help right away. Be wary of succumbing to scams by people promising an easy fix to your foreclosure problems. For more information on foreclosure prevention, modification scams, and a listing of housing counselors approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, please click here.

My office also works with homeowners facing the possible loss of their home. We have contacted lenders on behalf of numerous homeowners to encourage them to re-evaluate the status of the loan. In one case, when homeowner and retired longshoreman David Ruiz’s health declined he became delinquent on his mortgage.

Mr. David Ruiz (courtesy photo)

“I felt like my bank was playing games with me… I decided to call my Congresswoman. After you contacted my bank, they postponed the foreclosure and sent me a modification packet to get me started on a trial payment plan. After that, I was able to get a permanent modification. You did a big thing for me in getting my modification. I’ve been telling everyone who is having a hard time with their mortgage to call your office,” says Mr. Ruiz.

My office is always ready to help. Please visit my website www.hirono.house.gov to send an email or call my district office at (808) 541-1986. The direct (free) numbers to call my office from the neighbor islands are:

Hawaii Island -- 935-3756
Kauai & Niihau -- 245-1951
Lanai -- 565-7199
Maui -- 242-1818
Molokai -- 552-0160

Mahalo,

Mazie K. Hirono
Member of Congress
2nd District of Hawaii