Yesterday, a record 52 people called 211 and 1-800-SafeNet (both lines are answered by 211info) looking for referrals to foreclosure assistance because of recent news coverage – in particular coverage by The Oregonian. To put that in perspective – our monthly average is usually around 130 calls for foreclosure assistance.
As Eric Mortenson wrote in The Oregonian
The good news and bad news are one and the same: Oregon is one of five states that will share in a $600 million federal program aimed at helping regions hardest hit by unemployment, home foreclosures and upside-down mortgages.
“It’s a dubious honor, because you had to be suffering to be eligible,” said Lisa Joyce, spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services.
The agency will distribute the $88 million awarded to Oregon under an aid program expansion announced Monday by the Obama administration to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.
The details of who will get help under the program, and even how they will apply, have not been worked out, Joyce said. She warned that families thinking the program will “save the day” should realize that money probably will not flow for several months. She encouraged them to seek help through existing channels, starting with a call to the state’s social service help line, 1-800-SAFENET.
Oregon residents can call 1-800-SafeNet for access to referrals to free or low-cost, HUD certified counselors.
Although yesterday’s call volume was unusually high, 211info has seen upward trends in foreclosure related calls since last year. In 2008, we received 267 such calls. In 2009 – we received 1,355. However beyond the number is the human element.
“Late last year, someone called SafeNet about a foreclosure letter. His loan modification was denied. He was in Forbearance, but he didn’t understand any of it and missed the payment or what he was supposed to do,” recounted a 211info call center specialist. “I went on DFCS (Division of Family and Children Services) and found a HOPE event in Medford, plus a financial counseling service.”
Beyond the fear of losing a home, foreclosure effects every aspect of a family’s life. Another call center specialist recorded her conversation with a caller:
I spoke with a man — a father in a large family. He was a contractor who was still working but the economic downturn had reduced income. His wife was at home due to recent surgery. He indicated that his family has a big health insurance premium and their 16 yr old son had a rare form of tumor removed, leading to additional bills. He was also uninsured and required surgery soon for hernia repair. He stated that they were just one day late on their mortgage payment and he believed that if they could get a reduction on their interest rate/payment they would be able to keep their home. I told him about an upcoming foreclosure workshop to get basic information. I also mentioned that his family might qualify for food stamps and gave him information about a community basket program in his area. Although, he clearly had a steep mountain to climb, hopefully I was able to get him some help.
As of 4:00 pm, today has seen the third highest call volume for people looking for foreclosure assistance.
