HUD Foreclosure Initiative Unites State and Federal Partners to Update Congressional Staff on Efforts to Fight Foreclosures

(l-r) Don Phoenix, Director, NeighborWorks (R) America, Southern District Office Phil Cottone, Director, Single Family Office of Affordable Housing, Georgia Department of Community Affairs (speaking) Mike Everett, Loan Administration Officer, Veterans Administration - Atlanta Regional Loan Center Ed Peace, Director, Single Family Programs, USDA Rural Development

The HUD Southeast Region in collaboration with federal and state partners updated State of Georgia congressional staff from thirteen congressional and two senatorial offices February 24, 2011 concerning ongoing efforts to fight foreclosures in the state. The focus on efforts to help homeowners keep their homes provided laser like relevancy and timeliness to a major issue facing many Georgians. Georgia ranks sixth nationwide in foreclosure filings.

HUD, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, NeighborWorks America, USDA Rural Development, Veterans Administration and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provided congressional staff with updates regarding their efforts to work to help eligible homeowners stay in their homes.

"We are innovatively working to reach out and partner with local, state and federal agencies to share strategies to help homeowners stay in their homes. Those efforts include partnering with the Atlanta Regional Foreclosure Initiative entitled 'Piece by Piece'. The initiative is a strategic partnership with over 150 organizations chartered to develop strategies to fight foreclosure in the Atlanta metro area, too," said Ed Jennings, Jr. HUD, Southeast Regional Administrator. "Additionally we are working with Faith-based organizations to help them understand those same strategies and provide that information to their congregations and communities."

(l-r) Karen Jackson Sims, Region IV Deputy Regional Administrator, Ed Jennings, Jr. Regional Administrator and Dan Rogers III, Director. Homeownership Center providing opening remarks and answering questions.

In addition to that HUD is working with Department of Labor to post critical information at state unemployment offices concerning free HUD certified housing counseling assistance for homeowners while also reaching out to state FHA mortgage insured homeowners advising them of free foreclosure prevention services should they find themselves at risk of losing their home.

Earlier this month HUD awarded $4 million to over 20 HUD certified Georgia Housing Counseling Agencies in an effort to help prevent future foreclosures. Additionally, over $200 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant funding was provided to the state to help stabilize communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment through the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties, the goal of the program is being realized.

To learn more about what information was provided to the Georgia congressional staff you may go to: 2011 Congressional Briefing on Foreclosure Initiatives: Georgia on HUD's website

For specific information concerning foreclosure prevention services please go to: Avoid Foreclosure: Georgia on HUD's website.

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