Texas families and individuals can receive foreclosure prevention counseling from non-profits that are in the Texas Health and Human Services Commission database. The agency can direct clients to a local program. The federal government is supplying grant money as well as other sources of funding. The NFMC program is providing resources to help with the foreclosure crisis. The goal of the grant money is to prevent people from losing their homes by offering free access to counseling and other assistance.
The funds will be used to expand an existing program that provides counseling to people who are at risk of foreclosure. The THHSC often refers clients to other local organizations and charities that can help them with their specific needs. The various groups work with Texas homeowners who are in or near a foreclosure to create a repayment plan or other modification to their existing mortgage loan.
The counseling and assistance provided is free for homeowners who are at risk of losing their home. This funding is expected to help give foreclosure counseling to around 1,700 families. Homeowners should contact the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs as soon as they start having difficulty making their mortgage payments, rather than waiting until they receive a foreclosure notice from their bank.
There are several local counseling providers who are set to receive a share of grant funds and distribute the counseling to homeowners. The counseling providers include Credit Coalition, Houston; Frameworks Community Development Corporation, Austin; CCCS of South Texas, Corpus Christi; North Texas Housing Coalition, Dallas; El Paso Community Action Program/Project Bravo, El Paso; New Vision Housing Alliance, Houston; the City of San Antonio; Our Casas Resident Council, San Antonio; and Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Houston. This website provides a list of agencies that can help you.
There are requirements that must be met in order to receive this assistance. Families and individuals who are eligible for foreclosure intervention counseling must own and live in single-family properties with mortgages that are in default or in danger of default. This means that you cannot have more than one home as your primary residence. The aim of the counseling and other services provided is to help the client in understanding their financial situation, the value of their home and to find mediation and loan workout solutions. All other options will be reviewed, such as refinancing or restructuring the mortgage.
The THGSC organization promises that 35% of all counselling sessions will be given to low and moderate income and/or minority neighbourhoods. 65% of counselling sessions will be given to low income and/or minority homeowners. Call the Texas Health and Human Services Commission at 877-541-7905.
The federal government grant is being jointly administered by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC), a nonprofit organization charted by the Texas Legislature, the THHSC, and various other agencies. These organizations are working together to promote affordable housing.
The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) is another organization in Texas that provides foreclosure counseling. If you are struggling and need help, you can call their hotline at 1-888-995-4673.