Faith-based and Neighborhood Partners with HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agencies Collaborate on Foreclosure Initiative

(l-r) Chapman Walsh, Green Forest Community Development Corporation; Michelle Jones, Senior Vice President of Counseling - CredAbility; Keisha D. Harris, COO, D&E, The Power Group

The pain of foreclosure and the emotional strain and financial toll it takes on those affected is a growing concern not only in Atlanta but throughout the State of Georgia. HUD's Southeast Region is partnering with faith-based organizations, neighborhood partners and HUD certified housing counseling agencies in the state to mutually educate each other in the ongoing battle to more effectively help eligible homeowners stay in their homes.

The recent Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partner Foreclosure Prevention Education Workshop held in Atlanta drew over 70 leaders from faith-based organizations and neighborhood partners. The exchange of information at the workshop and the hands-on training provided by HUD certified housing counselors built a solid foundation of available options for homeowners facing foreclosure. Additionally, methodologies to help those that lose their homes successfully transition to find affordable housing and provide support to them during this critical period was also discussed.

"Faith-based and neighborhood partners are uniquely positioned to understand and reach out to their communities with the information provided today to help those in need stay in their homes," said Ed Jennings, Jr. HUD Southeast Regional Administrator. "The work of educating and communicating this information to the community is so essential to helping at risk homeowners that we are excited about this approach."

Mykl Asanti, HUD Southeast Region Community Outreach Coordinator

Mykl Asanti, HUD Southeast Region Community Outreach Coordinator related that we recognize the important role the Faith-based and Neighborhood partners play in our communities. This foreclosure prevention workshop is one of many events we will use to provide the tools and resources our partners can use to address the foreclosure epidemic in Georgia.

Additionally, HUD is innovatively partnering with Atlanta Regional Foreclosure Initiative entitled 'Piece by Piece' which consists of over 150 organizations to strategies to fight foreclosure in the Atlanta metro area, too.

In February 2011, HUD awarded $4 million to over 20 HUD certified Georgia Housing Counseling Agencies in an effort to help prevent future foreclosures. The housing counseling agencies provide free foreclosure prevention services.

To learn more about foreclosure prevention and services go to: Are You at Risk of Foreclosure on HUD's website.

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