Once Homeowners Get Their Keys, They Should Never Have to Give Them Back
HOC Launches New Foreclosure Prevention Strategies and Services
An upsetting proposition for any homeowner, foreclosure is a situation that CEDC’s NeighborWorks® Home Ownership Center (HOC) is committed to alleviating. At a September 7th on-site press conference, the HOC team launched its “A New Way Home” campaign in conjunction with its sister agency, the Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) and NeighborWorks® America, to increase awareness of its foreclosure prevention assistance. Under the program, HOC counselors assist local homeowners with one-on-one counseling, leading to action plans to avoid foreclosure or offer alternatives to foreclosure if homeownership cannot be maintained. The HOC also offers workshops to educate people about the dangers of abusive real estate and lending practices and steps to avoid the foreclosure process.
“Foreclosures pose an economic strain on communities, not to mention the individual family,” says Bertha M. Garcia, Homeownership Program Director and VCCDC Executive Director. “Numerous foreclosures within an area can destabilize neighborhoods by reducing property values and tax revenues. Foreclosures also force defaulting homeowners into relocation, damaging credit and impeding future financial opportunities.”
These negative outcomes often can be avoided with early intervention. “We urge local residents to take advantage of our expertise and services,” says Laura Rocha, Homeownership Program Manager. HOC counselors can be reached by calling 805-659-6868 or (888) 995-HOPE (a national hotline run by NeighborWorks® America to help families nationwide who are facing foreclosure). In addition to assisting homeowners at risk of foreclosure, the program can also help homeowners who may have been targeted by lenders that used deceptive marketing methods to charge excessive rates and fees. If predatory abuse is suspected, CEDC may refer clients to the district attorney’s office for assistance.
If your organization is interested in partnering on this campaign by making a contribution or to receive a schedule of upcoming foreclosure prevention workshops, please contact CEDC at 805-659-6868.
