BRADENTON — Manatee County residents facing foreclosure can get help if they do their homework and respond quickly.
That was the message county commissioners heard in a report on the Foreclosure Assistance & Prevention Network program the Neighborhood Services Department is offering.
“In today’s economic climate you have to have a lot of elements in your tool box,” said Cheri Coryea, director of the department.
And people who are behind in their mortgage payments can find plenty of information on the county’s Web site on the Neighborhood Services page.
Coryea emphasized the need for homeowners to act before their property goes into foreclosure, although her department can offer some assistance to those already in the process.
For those facing foreclosure, she said it was important for the homeowner to “take action now,” and ask for help from the various agencies willing to provide assistance.
Coryea said many people do not respond to letters from their mortgage company because they are afraid or embarrassed.
“Do not ignore any notices from the bank,” she said. “Call and explain your situation and ask what you can do.”
By gathering all the information needed, the homeowner can better understand how they can work with the lending institutions, and all that information is available through the county Web site.
Coryea also said the federal Housing and Urban Development agency has a Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline that can provide assistance.
For those who are already enmeshed in the foreclosure process, the county can only provide direction and information.
It is recommended the homeowner get legal assistance and the Gulf Coast Legal Services may be able to help.
This program was developed with a $5.2 million Neighborhood Stabilization grant as part of the federal economic stimulus package.
Through that program, the county can demolish homes that were abandoned and not repairable.
It can rebuild and sell the homes on the empty lots, and offer down payment assistance for the purchase of those homes.
The program Coryea outlined Tuesday is the prevention portion of the Neighborhood Stabilization grant.
Throughout the process, the county has become a partner with community service agencies to provide assistance to those who may fall behind in utility payments or lack the funds to purchase the necessities.
For more information go the county Web site at www.mymanatee.org.
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