Experts and bank representatives met face-to-face with more than 400 homeowners Tuesday at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The "Help for Homeowners Community Event" allowed people to ask questions and get information that may help them avoid foreclosure.
Housing and Urban Development counselors were also available to help people determine if they qualify for federal programs, or the "Nevada Hardest Hit fund" which has several programs just for Nevada homeowners. Executive Director of the fund, Candice Kelley says it offers ways to help struggling homeowners in the Silver State.
"Those programs are; monthly mortgage payment assistance, second mortgage elimination, relocation assistance for homeowners that are short-selling their home, reinstatement -- which helps people who are past due get caught up on their mortgage; and then we also have principal reduction in a lot of circumstances," said Kelley.
At least ten banks and five government agencies set up tables at the convention center. The event was organized by local, state and federal officials to help northern Nevadans who haven't been able to get answers to their questions and don't know where to turn.
With one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation, Nevada has been selected to benefit from federal programs like the "Hardest Hit Fund" program. Experts say foreclosures are directly linked to unemployment, and that's been one of the challenges we face here in Nevada.
Eric Selk, Deputy Director of the federal Hope Now Alliance, says meeting face-to-face is much better than trying to sift through paperwork on the phone.
"The peace of mind when you see someone face to face is unbelievable," says Selk. It's so much more comforting than talking to a phone and that's what we're all about today is trying to make people feel better and give them solutions to their situation."
The U.S. Treasury Department sent a spokesperson as well to help people who are looking for alternatives to foreclosure. Andrea Risotto says there are some new options available. "There are more solutions for homeowners today than there ever have been before, so it's important for homeowners to take that first step," she said.
If you missed Tuesday's event, you can call the Homeowners Hope Hotline at 1-888-995-4673 or visit www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
Written by Jennifer Burton
