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FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE

Government Programs that can help
Thousands of Pennsylvanians are at risk of losing their homes. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs that may be able to help. See here for an overview of what’s out there.

• HEMAP is a Pennsylvania program that makes loans to help homeowners who are 60 days - 24 mos. behind in their mortgage payments. See here for information on who qualifies and how to apply.

• The Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Pilot Program (for Philadelphia residents) requires mortgage companies to negotiate a resolution with a defaulting homeowner prior to a Sheriff’s Sale or the granting of a judgment against the homeowner. The homeowner must contact a non-profit housing counseling agency to begin negotiating an affordable resolution to the problem with the mortgage company. Call the Save Our Homes Hotline at 215-334-HOME for more information and to begin the process.

• Hope for Homeowners is a federal program that can help you refinance your mortgage into a HUD loan. See here for detailed information on the program.

• For people with FHA loans, loss mitigation may be available, requiring your mortgage company to consider special arrangements with you. See here and here for more information.

Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy may also help you save your home. The Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project (CBAP) may be able to help. Call 215-523-9511 for more information and intake procedures.

Guides and Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure
The Homeowner's Survival Guide has helpful information on what you need to know if you are at risk of losing your home. See also the federal government's guide on avoiding foreclosure. See also advice on avoiding foreclosure scams and information on your legal rights during foreclosure. See here for a broad list of helpful resources.

News Coverage of the Subprime Crisis and Foreclosure

• The Subprime Crisis and Philadelphia
• City Council Hearings on Sub Prime foreclosures
• More-closure solutions
• Earlier Subprime Rescue Falters
• Developing a System to Head Off Wide Spread Subprime Mortgage Foreclosures in Philadelphia
• Countrywide and the Subprime Crisis
• Guidelines for new FHA program to help homeowners with ARMs (Adjustable Rate Mortgages)

Interested in getting involved? Join the Philadelphia Unemployment Project’s Foreclosure Crisis Committee

Community Resources

• The Philadelphia Unemployment Project has housing counselors who can help. Call the Unemployment Information Center at 215-557-0848 for more information and to talk to a housing counselor.
• The Community Legal Services Consumer Law Unit may be able to help. Call 215-227-2400 or come to 3638 N. Broad St. for walk-in intake Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9am - 12pm.
• The Consumer Counseling Credit Service (CCCS) also provides housing counseling. Call 215-227-2428.
• The Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project of Philadelphia Legal Assistance
• List of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies.
• Save your home hotline 215-334-HOME

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