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If you, or someone you know, is having trouble paying their mortgage, or is facing foreclosure, please utilize the resources provided on this page:
Statement from Congressman Lewis:
Our country continues to face the grim reality that many of our fellow citizens are losing, or in danger of losing their homes. My office, the Congress, the President and many other government and non-profit agencies are working to help end this crisis.
The foreclosure crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing this country. Atlanta is one of the hardest hit cities of any across the country. Last year, when I held my foreclosure town hall meeting, hundreds and hundreds of Atlantans came to hear from the housing counselors we had assembled. They needed our help, and now, more of our neighbors and friends have joined their ranks and need help.
In the last year, Congress has passed important housing legislation including the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, created a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund and facilitated many public-private partnerships to find solutions for homeowners and investors. Even with these measures we still must do more.
The President has proposed an aggressive housing plan that will help keep qualified individuals and families in their homes, stabilize neighborhoods, and put us on a track towards recovery. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, and the President, to ensure these measures are targeted to those most in need in Atlanta, and across the country.
RESOURCES:
First, please remember that communication is key to avoiding foreclosure. Contact your lender ASAP.
Second, please be suspicious of anyone trying to charge you for “housing counseling.” You should be aware that unscrupulous individuals and companies are taking advantage of these hard times to scam unsuspecting homeowners. For immediate assistance call The HOPE NOW Alliance, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help those who are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments 888-995-HOPE.
HOPE NOW provides this service completely free of charge, and your call will go straight to a professional counselor
By calling the HOPE NOW hotline, you can receive free, in-person financial counseling services through NeighborWorks America, a non-profit organization that has local representatives in all 50 states.
For local housing counseling, please use this list of HUD approved Georgia housing counselors. These counseling services are free and can provide you with important advice and in person meetings:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?&webListAction=search&searchstate=GA
 The Obama Administration is now implementing the "Making Home Affordable" plan to help responsible homeowners facing unaffordable mortgage payments to refinance or modify their home loan. This program through the Treasury Department has important information that will help you identify resources available to you. Use the following self-evaluation tools to see if you qualify:
>> Do I qualify for a Making Home Affordable refinance?
>> Do I qualify for a Home Affordable Modification?
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs also has important information available to help understand the foreclosure process in Georgia. Please keep in mind that the Georgia foreclosure process is non-judicial, which means the lender does not need to take you to court in order to begin foreclosure proceedings. To learn more please visit:
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/Homeownership/programs/foreclosure.asp
For Veterans Seeking Housing and Financial Advice:
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a hotline specifically to help veterans that are in need of housing or financial counseling and veterans can call the VA counseling toll-free at 1-877-827-3702.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1514
Also, for information about the Veterans Home Loan Guaranty Services please visit here http://www.homeloans.va.gov/
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
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