Arizona Department of Housing Receives $683,060 to Support Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Efforts
Grant provides much needed boost to Arizona Homeowners in danger of foreclosure
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Housing has announced that it has received $683,060 to support the continuation of the state’s foreclosure prevention counseling efforts. The much -needed boost will enable an existing network of 13 community -based organizations across Arizona to provide continued assistance to homeowners in danger of foreclosure.
In addition, the state will continue to train foreclosure counselors and work with communities to reach at -risk homeowners needing information and free counseling services.
According to Governor Janet Napolitano, thousands of Arizonans have been impacted by the subprime loan market, and a variety of economic challenges such as rising food and utility prices and job loss. “This grant money will allow us to expand the options for homeowners in danger of foreclosure, and continue to provide the much -needed counseling. An important resource is the dedicated Arizona foreclosure helpline (1 -877 – 448 -1211), which to date has had more than 9,000 phone calls.”
This free helpline is available to anyone seeking guidance regarding foreclosure. Trained personnel will refer the caller to an Arizona -based counseling agency that can provide help.
According to Housing Director Fred Karnas, “The Arizona Department of Housing is grateful for the additional resources needed to continue our efforts and expand the services for those families hard hit by the mortgage foreclosure crisis.”
The grant to support Arizona’s foreclosure intervention efforts was provided by funds from the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program. The initial funding was provided by Congress in the FY08 Consolidated Appropriations Act and additional funding was provided through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
This grant is in addition to the $1.3 million received in March 2008 and will allow the Arizona Department of Housing to extend the needed counseling services until December 2009.
The National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program is administered through a competitive application process by NeighborWorks ® America, within guidelines defined by Congressional legislation. NeighborWorks America is an independent, Congressionally – chartered non -profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to provide access to sustainable homeownership and safe, affordable rental housing.
The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), a cabinet-level state agency, provides housing and community revitalization to benefit the people of Arizona.
Additional tips on helping to avoid foreclosure can be found at www.housingaz.com.
Contact:
Carol Ditmore
(602) 771 -1062
