Homeowners to Get More Help as Florida and City of Jacksonville Expand Efforts to Prevent Foreclosures; Federal Funds Make Some New Initiatives Possible
Legal Services E-lert
Date of E-Lert – 12/12/08
Bibliographic Info:
Author: Dierdre Conner
Source: The Florida Times-Union
Date: November 29, 2008
The Florida Times-Union states: "As the housing crisis deepens, money
and programs to fight foreclosures are beginning to trickle down to
homeowners in Jacksonville. Government and charitable services are
expanding locally, helping hundreds more people . . . . Legal Aid and
several other agencies are expanding their use of federal funds
approved in the past year (none, however, are part of the recent $700
billion bailout). Among the programs emerging: [1] Expanded offices
for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, which has been a leader in tackling
the crisis locally. [2] New federal funds for Jacksonville City Hall
to help people facing foreclosure - as well as the areas where vacant
bank-owned properties are dragging down hard-hit neighborhoods. [3] A
possible statewide foreclosure moratorium being considered by Gov.
Charlie Crist. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac already have announced a
foreclosure moratorium during the holidays. Jacksonville Area Legal
Aid opened up a new office on the Northside in October [2008] through
grants from the city and the Community Foundation in Jacksonville. The
project is for distressed homeowners, with services including
counseling, loss mitigation and legal representation . . . . The city
is also running a program for homeowners. Since its summer inception,
[Housing and Neighborhoods Department Director Wight] Greger said, the
program has taken more than 1,000 calls and kept perhaps 400 people in
their homes. Callers are referred to either Legal Aid or Family
Foundations, depending on where they are in the foreclosure process.
For other agencies stepping in to help, federal funds to provide
counseling and some loan modifications have expanded."
Tags: Funding, Housing, Issues in Legal Services Delivery, Legal Services Activities and Achievements
