New York, NY – May 18, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — DHCR recently wrapped-up a series of six meetings it held throughout the state with housing counselors and legal service providers involved in assisting homeowners under New York’s $25 million Subprime Foreclosure Prevention Program.
Meetings were held in Buffalo, Westchester County, Long Island, Syracuse, Saratoga Springs, and New York City. The meetings were designed to help foreclosure prevention professionals keep up-to-date on foreclosure issues in their areas and changes in federal and state lending laws. Attendees discussed local issues and received information on the new federal Homeowner Affordability Plan, the NYS Subprime Lending Act of 2008, and Mandatory Settlement Conferences.
Foreclosure prevention professionals have been trained by the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) and NeighborWorks® America under the state’s $25 million Subprime Foreclosure Prevention Program passed in last year’s budget. The program has placed housing counselors and legal service providers in every county in the state.
Commissioner VanAmerongen said, “Under Governor Paterson’s leadership, New York State has developed one of the most comprehensive strategies in the country to help address the foreclosure crisis, and counseling from experienced advisors is a critical part of this strategy.”
Commissioner VanAmerongen delivered opening remarks at the meetings and lauded the efforts of the housing professionals throughout the state who are providing free services to help people at risk keep their homes.
“This is a tremendous partnership between the state and local organizations,” said Commissioner VanAmerongen. “DHCR is proud to work with a network of housing counselors and professionals across the state who are truly making a difference in people’s lives. I hope homeowners at risk of foreclosure take the first step and pick up the phone so they can get the free, quality guidance they need.”
Jane Azia, Director of Consumer Protection and Nondespository Institutions at the New York State Banking Department said, “It is vital for homeowners struggling to meet payments or already in default to reach out for help immediately. There are options for homeowners in trouble and New York State is fortunate to have amazing housing counseling agencies dedicated to assuring homeowners work with their lenders and servicers to find the most appropriate solution.”
Make the Call-New New York State Foreclosure Prevention Contacts:
NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal
1-866-760-3745
www.nysdhcr.gov
NYS Banking Department
NYS Banking Helpline
1-877-Bank NYS
www.banking.state.ny.us
