Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Task Force Plans Awareness Effort
Task Force Plans Awareness Effort
By Ken DeLaat
(Times-Indicator – Wednesday, February 20, 2008)
The Newaygo County Foreclosure Prevention Task Force held its initial meeting on Monday, February 11, focusing on ways to make the public more aware of the foreclosure crisis and ways to prevent it.
Meeting at the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the task force, organized by the NCCS Center for Non-profit Housing, is part of an effort to mobilize local agencies, businesses, financial institutions, and government.
CNH Director Lindsey Hager began the meeting by outlining the goals of the Foreclosure Prevention Program. “Our primary objective is the education of the public,” Hager said. “There is so much misinformation being passed around that just isn’t true. We need to make the public aware of their options.”
Newaygo County Treasurer Holly Moon talked about the property tax foreclosure process and fielded a number of questions regarding possible interventions before property owners reach the final step of home loss. “it would be wonderful if I never had to sell another one ever,” she remarked, a statement that matched the collaborative atmosphere of the meeting.
The 24 members of the task force then reviewed some of the planned material to be used for getting the word out to the community. The group also brainstormed other methods for reaching the public.
The CNH program, funded by a grant from the FACF, is a multi-faceted effort that is aimed at local people who may be in need of one or more of a broad spectrum of services. These services run from preventative approaches to assisting in dealing with possible foreclosure itself. The task force, which plans to meeting quarterly, will help launch a public awareness campaign to help area individuals expand their options and save their homes.
“I was out for a run the other day and noticed some houses that were empty,” said Hager. “that has such a negative impact on a neighborhood.” When we get the word out and are able to help people keep their homes, well, that will help everybody.”
Information and help is available at the CNH office at 924-0641. Hager said that the staff of counselors is well trained and able to help assess each situation and provide confidential assistance. The services are provided free of charge as part of the FACF grant.
By Ken DeLaat
(Times-Indicator – Wednesday, February 20, 2008)
The Newaygo County Foreclosure Prevention Task Force held its initial meeting on Monday, February 11, focusing on ways to make the public more aware of the foreclosure crisis and ways to prevent it.
Meeting at the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the task force, organized by the NCCS Center for Non-profit Housing, is part of an effort to mobilize local agencies, businesses, financial institutions, and government.
CNH Director Lindsey Hager began the meeting by outlining the goals of the Foreclosure Prevention Program. “Our primary objective is the education of the public,” Hager said. “There is so much misinformation being passed around that just isn’t true. We need to make the public aware of their options.”
Newaygo County Treasurer Holly Moon talked about the property tax foreclosure process and fielded a number of questions regarding possible interventions before property owners reach the final step of home loss. “it would be wonderful if I never had to sell another one ever,” she remarked, a statement that matched the collaborative atmosphere of the meeting.
The 24 members of the task force then reviewed some of the planned material to be used for getting the word out to the community. The group also brainstormed other methods for reaching the public.
The CNH program, funded by a grant from the FACF, is a multi-faceted effort that is aimed at local people who may be in need of one or more of a broad spectrum of services. These services run from preventative approaches to assisting in dealing with possible foreclosure itself. The task force, which plans to meeting quarterly, will help launch a public awareness campaign to help area individuals expand their options and save their homes.
“I was out for a run the other day and noticed some houses that were empty,” said Hager. “that has such a negative impact on a neighborhood.” When we get the word out and are able to help people keep their homes, well, that will help everybody.”
Information and help is available at the CNH office at 924-0641. Hager said that the staff of counselors is well trained and able to help assess each situation and provide confidential assistance. The services are provided free of charge as part of the FACF grant.
posted by Holly Moon # 10:09 PM 
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