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Mortgage Assistance
Having trouble paying your mortgage because of the terrorist attacks?
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development have all agreed to apply disaster relief provisions regarding
mortgage payments. This allows lenders to modify payments, by reducing
interest payments, extending loan payback times, or even suspending payments.
Reduction of interest payments can also be applied to rescue workers.
They have also agreed to a moratorium on foreclosures until September
25th. Borrowers need to contact their loan servicer directly to see what
services may apply to them.
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Catholic
Charities To Help Disaster Victims
Catholic Charities USA, one of the nation's largest, private
networks of people helping people, is mobilizing to help victims and their
families recover from the devastation in New York, Washington, DC, and
Pennsylvania. Some of the services offered are adoption, grief counseling,
food and housing. Contact Rev. Msgr. James J. Murray
Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York,
1011 First Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 212-371-1000, ext.2400; 212-826-8795;
{www.catholiccharitiesusa.org}.
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United
Methodist Church Offers Pastoral Care & Assistance
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is offering pastoral care to
traumatized survivors, rescue workers, news media staff, family members,
and the thousands of neighbors who witnessed the tragedy and its ongoing
aftermath. UMCOR will provide assistance for individuals who have lost
their employment and/or housing due to the catastrophe. Other response
plans include joining with national Arab-American organizations to encourage
peace and cooperation throughout the United States, working with communities
to generate projects that promote peacebuilding, and offering workshops
on caring for children in the wake of trauma in communities across the
country. Contact United methodist Committee on Relief at 800-841-1235;
{gbgm-mc.org/UMCOR-Hotline/}.
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Baptist
Aid
The Baptist World Aid provides food, shelter, blankets, medicines and
other forms of assistance to those who suffered a natural or man-made
disaster. Assistance can include the rebuilding of homes and churches
once the immediate needs are met. For more information contact Baptist
World Aid, 405 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA 22046; 703-790-8980;
Fax: 703-893-160; {BWAid@bwanet.org}.
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Help
for New Yorkers to Pay Their Utility Bills
The
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offers qualified apartment renters,
homeowners, senior citizens and low-income households assistance in paying
their heat, gas and electric bills. HEAP borough offices are available
to take applications at the following locations:
Bronx: 1932 Arthur Avenue, Lobby
Brooklyn: 465 Hudson Avenue, Lobby
Manhattan: 330 West 34th St., 2nd Floor
Queens: 161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Second Floor
Staten Island: 10 Richmond Terrace, Room 422A
Phone: 212-227-2810; {www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/heap.htm}.
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Guaranteed
Home Loans For Victims Of Disaster
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assists victims
of major disasters in the purchasing a home by providing insured loans.
These loans may be used to finance the purchase or reconstruction of a
one-family home that will be the principal residence of a borrower who
is a victim of a major disaster. Persons are encouraged to contact the
Homeownership Center serving their state or the nearest HUD office; {www.hud.gov80/progdesc/203h-dft.cfm}.
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Loans
For Homeowners & Renters After Disaster
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest (generally
4 percent or less), long-term (up to 30 years) loans to help homeowners,
renters and non-farm businesses recover from a disaster. Loan proceeds
may be used to repair or replace damaged property that is not fully covered
by insurance. Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace
their primary home to its pre-disaster condition, including required city
or county building codes that require structural improvements. Contact
SBA, 26 Federal Plaza # 3100, New York, NY 10278; 212-264-4354; {www.sba.gov/disaster/}.
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"WOW!...The
Government Will Pay My Mortgage"
There
are now programs that will make your mortgage payments for you when you
get into financial trouble. For example, Pennsylvania law, 35 P.S. §
1680.401 et seq., states it will provide "mortgage assistance payments
to homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure
and through no fault of their own and who have a reasonable prospect of
resuming mortgage payments within the prescribed time frame." Pennsylvania
calls it the "Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program." One
of the best ways to find out if there are programs like this in your
area
is to contact the local HUD approved Housing Counseling agencies. To
find your closest agency, contact your state housing office, the Housing
Counseling
Center locator at 1-888-466-3487; {www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcc_home.cfm},
or Housing Counseling Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 9057, Gaithersburg, MD
20898; 800-217-6970; Fax: 301-519-6655. If
your local agency doesn't have money to pay your mortgage, they will
certainly help you work out other arrangements with your mortgage company.
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Your
Rich Uncle Will Cosign A Loan To Buy or Fix Up a Home
Both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the
Rural Housing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture offer loan
guarantees to lending agencies around the county. A loan-guarantee assures
the lending agency that the government will pay for the loan if you can't.
In addition, the Rural Housing Service has a direct loan program that
provides loans to lower income families to buy, build, repair, renovate,
or relocate their home. This is called the Section 502 Program. To investigate
the programs available in your area, contact your local HUD office listed
in the blue pages of your telephone book, or U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD), 451 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20410;
202-708-1112, 800-245-2691; {www.hud.gov}.
To find your
local Rural Housing Service, look in the blue pages of your telephone
book, or contact Single Family Housing Programs, USDA Rural Housing Service,
Room 5037, South Building, 14th St. and Independence Ave., SW, Washington,
DC 20250; 202-720-4323; {www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/index.html}.
In addition,
you may contact your state housing office.
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Money
For Seniors And Those With A Disability To Buy or Fix Up A Home
The
city of Houston offers $5,000 fix up money for the disabled and elderly
in their Emergency Repair Program. Minneapolis offers home repair grants
of $10,000 to people with disabilities who have incomes under $18,000.
Nebraska has a special low interest loan program to help people with disabilities
buy a home.
The Rural
Housing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers special grants
through their Section 504 program of up to $7,500 if you're over 62, and
need to fix up your home. Programs vary from state to state and city to
city, and obviously, many have eligibility requirements.
Contact your
city government, your county government and your local community development
office to learn about local programs. If you have trouble locating your
local community development office, contact National Association of Housing
and Redevelopment Officials, 630 Eye St., NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-289-3500,
877-866-2476, Fax: 202-289-8181; {www.nahro.org},
or Information Center, Office of Community Planning and Development, P.O.
Box 7189, Gaithersburg, MD 20898; 800-998-9999, Fax: 301-519-5027; {www.comcon.org}.
To find your
local Rural Housing Service, look in the blue pages of your telephone
book, or contact Single Family Housing Programs, USDA Rural Housing Service,
Room 5037, South Building, 14th St. and Independence Ave., SW, Washington,
DC 20250; 202-720-4323; {www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/index.html}.
In addition, you may contact your state housing office.
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Money
To Pay Your Heating Bill
Storm windows, insulation, and even weather-stripping, can help reduce your
fuel bill. Families can receive assistance to weatherize their homes and
apartments at no charge if you meet certain income guidelines. States allocate
dollars to nonprofit agencies for purchasing and installing energy-related
repairs, with the average grant being $2,000 per year. The elderly and families
with children get first dibs. Contact your State Energy Office or the Weatherization
Assistance Programs Branch, EE44, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence
Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20585; 202-586-4074; {www.eren.doe.gov/EE/buildings-state.html}.
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Free
Weatherization, Fuel Bills, and Rent for Incomes Up to $50,000
If you are within a certain income and need help paying your heating
bills, need money to make your house more energy efficient, or need funds
for
urgent repairs, call your local Community Action Agency. There are about
1,000 of them around the country to help neighborhoods. They will also
come out and check if your home or apartment needs to be more energy
efficient. To
find an agency near you, contact National Association of Community Action
Agencies, 1100 17th St., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; 202-265-7546;
Fax: 202-265-8850; {www.comcon.org}. Also,
your local utility can provide you with or refer you to other programs
in your area to analyze your energy usage, recommend energy saving measures,
provide fuel and utility assistance to retain or restore service, establish
payment discounts based on income and usage, or establish affordable
payment
plans if you are in arrears. Contact your local utility company to take
advantage of these services.
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Free
Help Fighting a High Electric Bill Or Stopping A Turn-Off
The state utility commissions can help you fight high gas or electric
bills. Some will even come out and make sure that your meter is not over
charging you. They don't have money to pay for your bills, but they can
negotiate payment arrangements with the company for you or suggest non-profit
organizations that may have emergency funds to help. For example Maryland
suggests the Fuel Fund for Central Maryland or the Maryland Energy Assistance
program. The office can also force the utility not to cut off your service
because of medical emergencies or cold weather. Contact your state utility
commission for further assistance.
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Get
An $84 Reduction on Your Telephone Bill
Link-Up and Lifeline are two government programs that offers up to $84
a year in discounts on your monthly bill and a 50% reduction for your
hook-up service, or $30 which ever is less. These programs have income
requirements that vary from state to state. Ask your phone company about
them, contact your state Utility Commissioner or contact the Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th St., SW, Washington, DC 20554; 888-CALL-FCC; 202-418-0190;
{www.fcc.gov}.
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$800
Food Money
You don't get the cash, but you do get it in the form of Food Stamps.
The Food Stamp Program was designed to help low-income families buy the
food they need to stay healthy and productive. The amount of Food Stamps
you get each month is determined by the number of people in your family
and by the household income. The average benefit is about $71 dollars
a month, but a 4-person household could get up to $408 a month. There
are obviously income requirements you must meet. To apply for the Program,
look in the blue pages of your telephone book under "Food Stamps,"
"Social Services," or "Public Assistance." You can
also find more information by contacting U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Ctr. Dr., Park Office Center Bldg.,
Alexandria, VA 22302; 703-305-2276; {www.fns.usda.gov/fsp}.
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Extra
Money to Live On
Struggling to pay bills because you or your child are disabled? Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) provides funds to individuals who are 65 or older,
or blind, or have a disability and who don't own much or have a lot of
income. SSI isn't just for adults. Monthly checks can go to disabled and
blind children. There are income requirements you must meet and you or
your child's disability will be screened. But it could mean an extra $400
a month and that could help a great deal! For more information, contact
Social Security Administration, Office of Public Inquiries, 6401 Security
Blvd., Room 4-C-5 Annex, Baltimore, MD 21235; 800-772-1213; {www.ssa.gov}.
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$700
Discount On Your Utility Bills
The legislature in Massachusetts passed a law giving discounts up to $700
on heating bills for families making up to $30,000, along with up to 40%
discount on electric bills, $108 off telephone bills, and $100 off oil
bills. It's in the Massachusetts Budget for FY 99 (Line Item 4403-2110).
Also:
' Mason County
in the state of Washington offers a utility bill discount of $12.00 a
month for seniors making less than $18,000, and disabled people at 125%
of poverty. Contact Public Utility District #3, 307 W. Cota St., Shelton,
WA 98584; 800-424-5555; {www.olywa.net/}.
' Phoenix,
Arizona offers discounts on utility bills, discounts on phone bills and
even help paying utility deposits and heating repairs for low-income residents
through the Arizona Public Service Energy Support Program, P.O. Box 6123-086Z,
Phoenix, AZ 85008; 800-582-5706; {www.azstamet.com/azinfo/}.
' Ameritech
in Illinois gives a 100% discount on connection charges and $5.25 off
the monthly bill to low-income residents. To sign up, call Ameritech at
800-244-4444; {www.ameritech.com}.
' Ohio offers
reduced or free phone hook up service and possibly $8.00 a month off your
phone bill for low-income residents. Contact Public Utilities Commission,
180 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215; 800-686-7826; {www.puc.state.oh.us}.
' Pennsylvania
Bell Atlantic offers free telephone hook up and $9.00 monthly discount
to low-income residents through Lifeline and Universal Telephone Assistance
Programs. To sign up, call 800-272-1006.
Contact your
state's utilities office to find out about special discounts on your gas,
electric, cable or telephone in your state.
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Virginia
Support Services For Victims
Christian Relief Services of Virginia and its affiliates, provide transitional
housing and support services for homeless individuals and families in
the Fairfax County Virginia area. In addition to direct services, this
organization connects the vast resources of America through collaboration
and partnership formed with grass roots charitable groups, churches and
human services agencies, empowers local volunteers to help those in need
in their own communities and enables people to help themselves. Contact
Christian Relief Services, 8815 Telegraph Road, Lorton, VA 22079; 800-33-RELIEF;
703-550-2472; {www.christianrelief.org}.
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Housing Relief for
Victims of September 11th Attack
The National Association of Realtors has established the Realtor's Housing
Relief Fund to help pay the mortgage and rental costs of the families
devastated by the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Families of victims of the tragedy, including fire and emergency personnel,
will be eligible for assistance to help offset the costs of mortgage payments
and rent. Contact National Association of Realtors, 430 North Michigan
Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611; 800-874-6500; {E-Mail: scook@realtors.org};
{www.nar.realtor.com}; {www.relief.realtor.org/}.
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Free
Money For Closing Costs and a Down Payment
Houston has a program that offers $4,000 in down-payment and closing costs
through their First-Time Homebuyers Program. Iowa offers up to $2,750
in grants for a down-payment. You can be earning up to $65,000 a year
and still be eligible for the money in their Down Payment/Closing Cost
Grant Program. Many cities, like Minneapolis, will offer interest free
loans, called Equity Participation Loans, for up to 10% of the cost of
the home. You pay back the money when you sell the house. Programs vary
from state to state and city to city. Contact your city government, your
county government, and your local community development office to learn
about local programs. If you have trouble locating your local community
development office, the following organizations may be able to help:
* National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, 630 Eye
St, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-289-3500; 877-866-2476, Fax: 202-289-8181;
{www.nahro.org}
* Information Center, Office of Community Planning and Development, P.O.
Box 7189, Gaithersburg, MD 20898; 800-998-9999, Fax: 301-519-5027; {www.comcon.org}
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Free
Housing Books
* A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Settlement Costs
* Home Mortgages: Understanding the Process
* A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Refinancings
* Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages
For your copies, contact Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,
Publications Services, MS-127, Washington, DC 20551; 202-452-3244; {www.federalreserve.gov/}.
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Free
Mortgage Publications
The Federal Trade Commission understands this, so they have compiled several
brochures to get you started. Some of the titles include: Home Financing
Primer, Mortgage Servicing, Mortgage Discrimination, and more. To receive
your copies, contact Public Reference, Room 130, Federal Trade Commission,
Washington, DC 20580; 202-326-2222; 877-FTC-HELP; {www.ftc.gov}
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Make
Money Going To Housing Classes
A HUD-approved housing counseling agency in Philadelphia offers $1,000
in settlement costs to certain people who attend pre-purchase house counseling
sessions. A counseling agency in Boston offers new home buyers access
to special low down-payment mortgages if they attend pre-housing classes.
There are over 350 HUD-approved counseling agencies that offer free classes
and help in housing related issues including:
"The Best Way To Buy And Finance A Home"
"Is A Reverse Mortgage For You?"
"Foreclosure and Eviction Options"
'The Best Way To Finance A Home Fix-Up"
These non-profit agencies are trained and approved by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To find your closest agency, contact
your State housing office listed in the blue pages of your phone book,
the Housing Counseling Center locator at 1-888-466-3487; {www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcc_home.cfm},
or Housing Counseling Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 9057, Gaithersburg, MD 20898;
800-217-6970, Fax: 301-519-6655.
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Free
Home Owner Calculators
{www.homepath.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects-4/HomePathWOF/wa/calculator}
* How Much Is Your Monthly Payment?
* How Much House Can You Afford?
* What Monthly Payment Is Needed for a House with a Specific Sales Price?
* How Much House Can You Afford with a Specific Monthly Payment?
* Is Now A Good Time To Refinance?
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Home
Repair Programs
Here are a few HOME REPAIR programs we found that were available at the
time we were doing research. Things change, but make sure to contact local
agencies to see what may be available to you!
* City of Sunnyvale, Housing Division, P.O. Box 3707, Sunnyvale, CA 94088,
408-730-7444
www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/community-dev/housing/
index.htm
* Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority, 747 Market St., Room 1036,
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-591-5213, www.ci.tacoma.wa.us/CityHall/cbcdesc.htm#Redevelopment
* Community Development, City of Canton, 18 Cleveland Ave., SW, Canton,
OH 44702, 330-489-3040,
www.canton-ohio.com/canton/homerep.html
* Minneapolis Community Development Agency, Crown Roller Mill, 105 Fifth
Ave. S, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401, 612-673-5286
* Los Angeles Housing Department, 111 N. Hope St., Lobby Level, Los Angeles,
CA 90012, 213-369-9175; 800-994-4444, www.cityofla.org/LAHD
* Department of Housing and Community Development, 300 W. Washington St.,
P.O. Box 3136, Greensboro, NC 27402, 336-373-2755, www.ci.greensboro.nc.us/HCD/
* Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, 701 S. 6th St., Nashville,
TN 37202, 615-252-8530, www.nashville.org/mdha
* Department of Community Development, Neighborhood Conservation Services
Division, 602 E. 1st St., Des Moines, IA 50309, 515-283-4787
* Low-Income Weatherization Program, Housing Authority and Community Services
Agency, 177 Day Island Rd., Eugene, OR 97401, 541-682-3755, www.hacsa.org
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"Get
The Lead Out" And Get Your House Or Apartment Painted For Free
If you are living in a house or apartment that was built before 1978,
you, or even your landlord, may be eligible for grant money and other
assistance to make sure that you do not suffer the effects of lead poisoning
from lead-based paint. Chips or dust from this type of paint can be highly
dangerous to humans, especially children. The U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development spends over $60 million a year helping home owners
and apartment owners eliminate the problems that may be caused by lead
paint. Contact your state department of housing listed in the blue pages
of your phone book to see if your state has money for lead paint removal.
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How
Lead Paint Can Affect Your Kids
Houses and apartments built before 1978 may contain lead contaminated
surface dust and paint chips, which, if consumed by children, can result
in reduced intelligence, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and
even permanent brain damage. Government sponsored programs can help you
inspect your home for lead paint and even get a blood test for your children
for potential problems. To find out more about these programs or the effects
of lead-based paint, contact the following:
* National Lead Information Center, 1025 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1200,
Washington, DC 20036; 800-424-LEAD; {www.nsc.org/ehc/lead.htm}.
* Office of Lead Hazard Control, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, 451 7th Street, SW, Room B-133, Washington, DC 20410; 202-755-1785;
Fax: 202-755-1000; {www.hud.gov/lea/leapboff.html}.
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$4,000
Grant To Paint Your Home
That's what Canton, Ohio offers to very low-income residents - grants
to paint their house or put on new siding. They feel that an investment
like this improves the value of all the properties in the area. Sunnyvale,
California offers some of their residents $400 in grant money to paint
their homes. And if you're over 60 or have a disability, you can get a
$1,200 grant. See if your city or state offers a program like this.
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Cut
Your Rent By 50%
Studies show that people with less income pay a higher portion of their
salary on housing than people in higher income categories. It is not unusual
for a single mom to pay 70% of her salary in rent. The government has
a program called Section 8 Rental Assistance Program that offers vouchers
and direct payments to landlords. This will, in turn, cut your rent down
to only 30% of your income. Of course, there are income requirements for
this program. For example, in Arlington Country, VA, a one-person household
with an income of $23,000 qualifies for the program. Arlington County
also has housing grant rental assistance for low-income elderly, disabled,
and working families with children. Some of these programs have waiting
lists, but it could be worth the wait. To apply for these federal programs,
contact your state housing authority listed in the blue pages of your
phone book, your local housing authority, or a community services agency.
If you have trouble getting the help you need, you can contact Information
Center, Office of Community Planning and Development, P.O. Box 7189, Gaithersburg,
MD 20898; 800-998-9999, Fax: 301-519-5027; {www.comcon.org}.
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Free
Money To Fix Up Your Home
States, cities, and counties, as well as local community development agencies
are providing grants, loans, and even supplies and technical assistance
for homeowners who want to fix up the inside or outside of their homes.
Many of these have income requirements you must meet. Others offer forgivable
loans if you stay in the house a certain number of years. Here are some
examples of what communities are offering to their residents:
* Sunnyvale, CA: $2,000 grant for disabled homeowners to fix up anything
through the Home Access Grant Program.
* Houston, TX: loans and grants for major repairs through their Housing
Assistance Program for the Elderly and Disabled.
* Tacoma, WA: Up to $3,500 loan at 0% interest with no monthly payments
through the Major Home Repair Program.
* Minneapolis, MN: $15,000, no interest, and no payments until you sell
in their Deferred Rehabilitation Loans.
* Baton Rouge, LA: $20,000 grant to fix up your home through the Housing
Rehabilitation Grant Program.
* Los Angeles, CA: Free help with roofing, plumbing, electrical and heating
work, painting, deadbolt locks, smoke alarms, screens, windows, and yard
maintenance for seniors or disabled persons through the Handy Worker Program.
* Michigan: $1,000 to $10,000 at zero interest, to be paid back when you
sell your home through the Rehabilitation Assistance Program.
* Nashville, TN: $18,000 at 3% to fix up your home.
* Lane County, OR: offers grants for weatherization assistance for weatherstripping,
storm doors and windows, and insulation.
* Des Moines, IA: offers emergency repair loans.
* Greensboro, NC: has low interest loans for people with incomes over
$30,000 and $8,500 grants for people with incomes up to $20,000.
Programs vary from state to state and city to city. Contact your city
government, your county government, and your local community development
office to learn about local programs. If you have trouble locating your
local community development office, the following organizations may be
able to help:
* National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, 630 Eye
St., NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-289-3500, 877-866-2476, Fax: 202-289-8181;
{www.nahro.org}
* Information Center, Office of Community Planning and Development, P.O.
Box 7189, Gaithersburg, MD 20898; 800-998-9999, Fax: 301-519-5027; {www.comcon.org}
* Also be sure to contact your state housing office listed in the blue
pages of your phone book.
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$83,000/Yr
Income and The Government Considers You Needy?
Many of the government housing programs, especially the grant and low
interest programs, may have income requirements. But don't let a good
salary stop you from investigating the opportunities. The first time home
buyer program in Illinois has income requirements that go up to $83,000.
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Money
To Buy And Fix Up A Mobile Home
The city of Sunnyvale, Ca will lend you up to $7,500 at 0-5% interest
for a mobile home. New York State offers loans to help you buy a mobile
home park or the land your mobile home sits on through their Manufactured
Home Cooperative Fund Program. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture
has what is called Section 504 funds that allow loans of up to $20,000
to fix a mobile home or to move it from one site to another. Here is how
to contact the major programs for manufactured (mobile) homes.
* VA-Guaranteed Manufactured Home Loan
Contact your local office of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, 1120 Vermont Avenue, Washington, DC 20420;
800-827-1000; {www.va.gov/about_va/programs.htm}.
* FHA Insured Title I Manufactured Home Loan
Contact your local office of Housing and Urban Development, or your state
housing office listed in the blue pages of your phone book, or the Housing
Counseling Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 10423, McLean, VA 22102; 800-217-6970;
{www.hudhcc.org}
* Section 504 Rural Housing Loans and Grants
To find your local Rural Housing Service, look in the blue pages of your
telephone book, or contact Single Family Housing Programs, USDA Rural
Housing Service, Room 5037, South Building, 14th St. and Independence
Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-4323; {www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/index.html}.
* HUD-man Goes After The Mobile Home Salesman
If your mobile home is not all that was promised, call HUD. The U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development regulates the construction of mobile
homes and investigates complaints about their performance. Contact: Manufactured
Housing and Standards, Office of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th St., SW, Room 9152,
Washington, DC 20410; 800-927-2891, Fax: 202-708-4231; E-mail: {jerrold_h_mayer@hud.gov};
{www.hud.gov/fha/sfh/mhs/mhshome.html}.
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Lead
Poisoning and Your Children
This publication is free along with three fact sheets, and a list of state
and local contacts for additional information. Specific lead questions
can be answered by an information specialist at 800-424-LEAD. For more
information, contact National Lead Information Center, 1025 Connecticut
Ave., NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036; 1-800-424-LEAD; {www.nsc.org/ehc/lead.htm}.
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Money
For Buying a Condo Or Co-op
In 1999 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will finance
about $9 billion for people to buy condominiums. This is almost double
the amount financed in 1997. The program is called Mortgage Insurance
- Purchase of Units in Condominiums (234c). They also have a special
program
for units in co-op buildings called Mortgage Insurance - Single Family
Cooperative Housing (203n). Contact your local office of Housing and
Urban
Development listed in the blue pages of your telephone book, or your
state housing office listed in the blue pages of your phone book, or
the Housing
Counseling Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 10423, McLean, VA 22102; 800-217-6970;
{www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcc_home.cfm}.
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Free Houses
Well, maybe they're not free, but they can cost you as little as a few
hundred dollars a month. And maybe they're not in good shape, but many
of the programs will also offer you a low interest loan to fix up the
house. Some states refer to the program as an Urban Homesteading Act.
The idea of the program is that the government gets you a home for next
to nothing and you agree to live there for a certain number of years.
Minnesota has a program. Baltimore had a very active program for many
years. Davenport, Iowa purchases homes, completely rehabs them, and then
offers the houses in a lottery each May. You must get a mortgage, but
your monthly payments are under $400 a month for a completely rebuilt
house! There are some states, like Alaska, that still offer wilderness
land for homesteading. Because the houses are so cheap, there is usually
a lottery for eligible buyers. Contact your city government, your county
government and your local community development office to learn about
local programs. If you have trouble finding your local community development
agency, the following organizations may be able to help:
* National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, 630 Eye
St., NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-289-3500, 877-866-2476, Fax: 202-289-8181;
{www.nahro.org}
* Information Center, Office of Community Planning and Development, P.O.
Box 7189, Gaithersburg, MD 20898; 800-998-9999; Fax: 301-519-5027; {www.comcon.org}
* You can also contact your state housing office located in the blue pages
of your phone book.
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Free
Legal Help For Renters and Home Buyers
It's illegal for landlords, realtors, bankers and others to discriminate
against you because of your race, religion, sex, family status, or handicap.
Landlords also have rules to follow in dealing with you as a tenant. With
the proper free help you can find out how to:
* Stop paying the rent if your toilet doesn't work.
* Get the government to sue your landlord for discriminating against your
child.
* Break a lease and not pay a penalty.
* Get your eviction stopped.
* Force a bank to give you a loan for a new home.
* Get your landlord to widen your doorways to fit your wheelchair.
* Get a third party to fight your landlord for you.
To file a complaint or to learn more about your rights in dealing with
landlords and people in the housing industry, contact any of the following:
Your state housing office
Your state Attorney General's office
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Room 5204, 451 Seventh St, SW, Washington, DC 20410; 800-669-9777;
{www.hud.gov/hdiscrim.html}
National Fair Housing Advocate Online, Tennessee Fair Housing Council,
719 Thompson Lane, Suite 324, Nashville, TN 37206; 800-254-2166; {www.fairhousing.com}.
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Get
Money For Down Payments And Closing Costs Here
The following are examples of financial assistance programs offered by
states, cities and counties at the time we were doing our initial research
for this book. Be aware that these programs are constantly changing and
all have some form of eligibility requirements, but don't let that stop
you! New ones are added and old ones may be discarded. To be sure that
you are aware of all the programs available in your area, contact your
state office on housing (listed in the blue pages of your phone book),
your city housing office, your county housing office, as well as any local
community development offices that may be in your area. If you need help
locating your community development office, the following may be of assistance:
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, 630 Eye St.,
NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-289-3500, 877-866-2476; Fax: 202-289-8181:
{www.nahro.org}.
* Houston: $3,500 to help with a down payment and closing costs in the
First-Time Homebuyers Program.
* Iowa: 5% of your mortgage in grant money for a down payment and closing
costs through Down Payment/ Closing Cost Grant Program.
* Minneapolis, MN: $3,000 at 0% interest due when you sell the home
* Michigan: $5,000 at 0% interest and no monthly payments
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Use
Your Sweat as a Down Payment and Get a No-Interest Loan
One of the biggest providers of this type of program is the non-profit
organization called Habitat for Humanity. You've probably seen them in
the news with Ex-President Jimmy Carter helping them build houses. They
have even received government money to help support their program. The
typical arrangement is for people with incomes between $9,000 and $30,000.
You and your family work an average of 300 to 500 hours building your
home or other people's homes, and in return you get a home with no down-payment
and a very low mortgage payment. Because people provide free labor to
build the home, you only pay about $60,000 for a $100,000 home, and you
get the money interest free. A typical bank loan can cost you over $700
per month, but through this program you pay only about $200 a month. Other
local or national organizations may run similar programs in your area,
with or without government financing. To find programs in your area, you
can contact:
* Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA
31709; 229-924-6935; {www.habitat.org}.
To find a local affiliate, call 229-924-6935, ext. 2551 or ext. 2552
* Information Center, Office of Community Planning and Development, P.O.
Box 7189, Gaithersburg, MD 20898; 800-998-9999, Fax: 301-519-5027; {www.comcon.org}.
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Staying
Clear Of Deadly Radon Gases
Nowadays when you buy a home, you often have a radon level reading taken,
but what do the numbers mean? The National Radon Information Hotline has
a free brochure that explains what radon is, how to test for it, and more.
There is also a Radon FIX-IT Program operated by the Consumer Research
Council, a nonprofit consumer organization that provides free guidance
and encouragement to consumers who are trying to fix their homes that
have elevated radon levels. The Program operates from noon to 8 p.m. EST
and has information on reducing elevated radon levels, referrals to experts,
and names of contractors who are qualified to help. For more information,
contact National Radon Information Hotline at 800-767-7236 (SOS-RADON)
and the Radon Fix-It Program at 800-644-6999; or Indoor Air Quality Information
Clearinghouse, IAQ Info, P.O. Box 37133, Washington, DC 20013; 800-438-4318;
{www.epa.gov/iaq/iaqinfo.html}.
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Is
Your Drinking Water Safe?
According to the National Consumer Water Survey, 75% of those surveyed
have concerns about the quality of the water they drink. Many people are
purchasing bottled water or water purification devices for drinking water,
but is it a wise use of your money? The Safe Drinking Water Hotline can
answer any question or concern you may have regarding drinking water,
and can provide you with publications such as: Is Your Drinking Water
Safe?, Home Water Testing, Home Water Treatment Units, Bottled Water fact
sheet, and more. Contact Safe Drinking Water Hotline, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460; 800-426-4791;
{www.epa.gov/OGWDW}.
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How
To Save Up To $650/Year On Fuel Bills
The average family spends close to $1300 a year on their home's utility
bills, and a large portion of that energy is wasted. By using a few inexpensive
energy efficient measures, you can reduce your energy bills by 10% to
50%. With the publication, Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money
at Home, you can go step by step through your home to learn energy saving
tips. Topics covered include insulation/ weatherization, water heating,
lighting, appliances, and more. There is even a major appliance shopping
guide that explains the energy labels on appliances and shows you how
to choose the best one for you. The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Clearinghouse can answer your questions on all these topics and has publications
and easy to understand fact sheets. Contact the Energy Efficiency and
Renewable and Energy Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116;
800-363-3732; {www.eren.doe.gov}.
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Volunteers
Will Fix Up Your (Or Your Mom's) Home For Free
Many service organizations have begun to organize community service days,
where the town is beautified along with certain homes in need of repair.
Christmas in April is a national organization with over 185 affiliates
that gather together volunteers to help rehabilitate the homes of low-income
homeowners. The work is done for free with the goal being to provide a
safe and secure home for those in need. An example of a program in the
Dallas area is the Volunteer Home Repair and Weatherization Program. This
program provides home repairs that improve the health, safety, and energy
efficiency of a home for low-income homeowners. Contact your city government,
your county government and your local community development office to
learn about local programs.
* In the Dallas area, contact Volunteer Home Repair and Weatherization
Program, Center for Housing Resources, 3103 Greenwood, Dallas, TX 75204;
214-828-4390, Fax: 214-828-4412; {www.chrdallas.org}
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Free
Nutrition Counseling and Classes
Nutrition counseling, menu planning, cooking instruction and comparison
shopping is available from your local County Cooperative Extension Service.
Group instruction is free of charge, but persons requesting individual
lessons are asked to pay for the lesson materials. They also help neighborhoods
establish and maintain community gardens, which provide fresh vegetables
to area residents. To find an office near you, look in the blue pages
of your local telephone book under county government for County Cooperative
Extension Service, or contact the state lead office listed in the blue
pages of your phone book.
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How
To Keep Your Air Clean Of Asbestos, Carbon Monoxide, and Second Hand Smoke
You don't need to hire some high priced consultants to find how to keep
the air in your home clean of pollution and other toxic substances. The
Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse is the expert on all forms
of indoor air pollution. They have publications and information on second
hand smoke, asbestos, carbon monoxide, air cleaners, and more. You can
contact them at Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse, IAQ Info,
P.O. Box 37133, Washington, DC 20013; 800-438-4318; {www.epa.gov/iaq/iaqinfo.html}.
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Government
Foreclosed Homes At Bargain Prices
No, they are not giving away the kitchen sink, but you may be able to
find some good deals nonetheless. The government sells foreclosed homes
all across the country, and even in your neighborhood. You don't need
to know someone to get in on these deals. All are sold through real estate
agents. Contact your agent, ask about government repossessed homes and
they can do a search for you. These are not just HUD homes, but also those
from the V.A., Fannie Mae, IRS, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
and more. I want to be able to say that they give you these houses at
50% off, but I can't. Most want fair market value, but the government
does not want to carry the real estate taxes for all these houses either.
You can make a deal that works out best for everyone. For more information,
contact HUD USER, P.O. Box 6091, Rockville, MD 20850; 800-245-2691; {www.hud.gov/homesale.html}
(Note: this website has links to all the major government home sale programs);
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington,
DC 20420; 800-827-1000; {www.va.gov}.
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Free
Housing Experts
The HUD website includes text of over 20 helpful guides, such as: How
To Buy a Home, How to Get A Mortgage, and Hud-approved Lenders, as well
as listings of government homes for sale. These are not just HUD homes,
but also those from the Department of Veteran Affairs, General Services
Administration, and more. Although the houses are not steals, you can
find some great deals. For housing information, call HUD USER, P.O. Box
6091, Rockville, MD 20850; 800-245-2691; {www.hud.gov}.
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$2,000
Grants or 2% Interest Loan To Fix Up Your Home
A family of 4 can be making close to $30,000 year and still be eligible
for a 2% interest loan from local Community Action Agency. Some agencies
also offer grants or are aware of other local organizations that provide
grants. There are about 1,000 of them around the country to help neighborhoods.
To find an agency near you, contact National Association of Community
Action Agencies, 1100 17th St., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, 202-265-7546;
Fax: 202-265-8850; {www.nacaa.org};
{www.nemaine.com/whca/housing.htm}.
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50%
Discount On a New Heating System
The California Energy Commission offers residences and small businesses
up to 50% of the cost of a new heating or air conditioning system if it
meets their standards for "emerging renewable technologies,"
like solar heating, but more. Their program is called Emerging Renewables
Buy-Down Program. To learn more, contact California Energy Commission,
Energy Call Center, 1516 Ninth St., MS-25, Sacramento, CA 95814; 800-555-7794;
{http://energy.ca.gov/greengrid/index.html}.
Check with your state utility commission in the blue pages of your phone
book to see if your state offers similar programs.
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Free
Furniture
The Community Action Agency in Albany, New York offers free furniture
for those with a need because of fire or other hardship reasons. Other
agencies offer free furniture if you are moving into a Community Action
Agency's affordable housing or housing units operated by the agency. See
if your local agency offers free furniture. There are about 1,000 of them
around the country to help neighborhoods. To find an agency near you,
contact National Association of Community Action Agencies, 1100 17th St.,
NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; 202-265-7546; Fax: 202-265-8850;
{www.nacaa.org};
{http://crisny.org/not-for-profit/acoi/furnit.html}.
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New
Home Help
Here's a listing of programs we found that were available at the time
we were doing research. Don't forget to contact state and local housing
agencies to see what may be available for you.
* Nashville Housing Fund, 806 S. Sixth St., Nashville, TN 37202, 615-780-7016
janis.nashville.org/mdha/housing_fund.html
* Washington County, Department of Housing Services, 111 NE Lincoln St.,
Suite 200-L, Hillsboro, OR 97124, 503-846-4794, www.co.washington.or.us/deptmts/hse_serv/housemain.htm
* Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, 3550 N. Washington Blvd.,
Indianapolis, IN 46205, 317-925-1400,
www.inhp.org
* Department of Community Affairs, 60 Executive Parks, Atlanta, GA 30329,
800-651-0597,
www.dca.state.ga.us
* State of New York Mortgage Agency, 641 Lexington Ave., New York, NY
10022, 800-382-HOME
www.nyhomes.org/sony/sonyma.html
* Housing Hotline, Division of Housing, Kansas Department of Commerce
and Housing, 700 SW Harrison, Suite 1300, Topeka, KS 66603, 800-752-4422,
785-296-5865, www.kansascommerce.com
* Homes For Houston, P.O. Box 1562, Houston, TX 77251, 713-868-8300,
www.ci.houston.tx.us/departme/housing/
* Iowa Finance Authority, 100 E. Grand Ave., Suite 250, Des Moines, IA
50309, 515-242-4990
800-432-7230, www.ifahome.com/home_buyer.htm
* MN Housing Finance Agency, 400 Sibley St., Suite 300, St. Paul, MN 55101,
800-710-8871
651-296-7608, www.mhfa.state.mn.us
* Missouri Housing Development Commission, 3435 Broadway, Kansas City,
MO 64111, 816-759-6600,
www.mhdc.com
* Office of Community Development, P.O. Box 1471, Baton Rouge, LA 70802,
225-389-3039
www.ci.baton-rouge.la.us/dept/ocd/Housing/housing.htm
* New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, 32 Constitution Dr., P.O. Box
5087, Bedford, NH 03110, 800-640-7239,
www.nhhfa.org
* Oregon Housing and Community Services Dept., 1600 State St., Salem,
OR 97301, 503-986-2000
www.hcs.state.or.us
* Maine State Housing Authority, 353 Water St., Augusta, ME 04330, 207-626-4600,
800-452-4668
www.mainehousing.org
* Community Development Dept., 1666 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596,
925-943-5800
www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us
* South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority, 919
Bluff Rd., Columbia, SC 29201, 803-734-2207, www.sha.state.sc.us
* Housing Finance and Development Corporation, 677 Queen St., Suite 300,
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-587-0567, www.hawaii.gov/hfdc.html
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Emergency
Food/Shelter
The Emergency Food/Shelter National Board Program supplements the work
of local social service organizations within the United States, both private
and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance. Program
funds are used to provide the following:
*Food, in the form of served meals or groceries.
*Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel.
*One month's rent or mortgage payment.
*One month's utility bill.
*Minimal repairs to allow a mass feeding or sheltering facility to function
during the program year.
*Equipment necessary to feed or shelter people, up to a $300 limit per
item.
Contact Emergency Food/Shelter National Board Program, 701 North Fairfax
Street, Suite 310, Alexandria, VA 22314-2064; 703-706-9660 ; Fax: 703-706-6977;
{www.efsp.unitedway.org/index.cfm};
{http://www.efsp.unitedway.org/efspnew/Pages/fundedstates.cfm}.
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Free
Home Repairs in New York and Connecticut!
The AmeriCares HomeFront program sponsors an annual, one-day community-based
home repair program that assists homeowners and community centers who
are physically or financially unable to maintain their homes or facilities.
Repairs are made by teams of volunteers at no cost to recipients. HomeFront
currently serves Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield counties in Connecticut
as well as Westchester County, New York. Contact AmeriCares Foundation,
161 Cherry St., New Canaan, CT 06840; 800-887-4673; {Email: homefront@americares.org};
{www.americares.org/HomeFront/default.asp}.
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Affordable
Housing for New York City Residents
Common Ground Housing works to end homelessness through the creation of
innovative and comprehensive programs designed to promote stability and
independence for the individuals it serves. Common Ground starts by creating
communities where housing is safe, attractive and affordable. They then
add support services, like access to medical and mental health care, job
training and job placement. Common Ground's three Manhattan offer safe,
well-maintained buildings with affordable rents -- set at approximately
thirty percent of a tenant's income. Services and amenities such as a
library, clinic, computer center, and art studio foster regular interaction
with fellow tenants. Contact Common Ground Community, 14 East 28 Street,
New York, NY; 212-471-0866.
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Free
Groceries for New Jersey Residents
Center for Food Action in New Jersey Inc. supplies a week's supply of
groceries for clients with a food emergency. You must have a referral
from a human services provider, social service agency, clergy or school
personnel to schedule an appointment. Emergency utility and housing assistance
may also be available. Contact Center for Food Action in New Jersey Inc.,
192 W. Demarest Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631; 201-569-1804 ext.25; {www.njcommunity.com}.
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Free
Emergency Housing and Childcare in NYC
The YMCA is an international community services organization that promotes
positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body welcoming
all people with a focus on youth. The YMCA of Greater New York is offering
emergency housing, childcare and grief counseling at select branches.
(There are over 20 branches in the New York City area). Call 1-877-NYC-YMCA
for details. Contact YMCA of Greater New York, 333 7th Avenue, 15th Floor,
New York, NY 10001; 212-630-9600; {www.ymca.net};
{www.ymcanyc.org/ygny/response.html}.
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Will
I Lose My Home?
The National Association of Realtors has collaborated with local and state
agencies in the areas most affected by the terrorist attacks to establish
a relief fund to help victims pay for rental and mortgage costs. To become
eligible for immediate assistance you must:
*Be an Immediate Family/Household of victims of the four commercial jetliners
(American Flights 11 and 77 and United Flights 93 and 175).
*Be employees and visitors of the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon.
*Be a police, fire, and emergency personnel responding to the attacks.
Applications are available online
at the following address: {http://relief.realtor.org/}.
Contact
National Association of Realtors, 430 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago,
IL 60611; 800-874-6500;
{www.relief.realtor.org}.
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Free
Food, Daycare and Housing for Maryland Residents
Volunteers of America Chesapeake is a national, nonprofit, spiritually
based organization providing local human service programs and opportunities
including daycare, after school programs, foster care, case management,
adoption, summer groups, and group homes. Another service is emergency
services including food, clothing, short-term housing and assistance with
rent, utilities and transportation bills for families in crisis. Contact
Volunteers of America Chesapeake, 7901 Annapolis Road, 2nd floor, Lanham,
MD 20706; 301-459-2020; {www.voa.org}.
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Free
Food, Daycare and Housing for New Jersey Residents
Volunteers of America of Delaware Valley, New Jersey is a national, nonprofit,
spiritually based organization providing local human service programs
and opportunities. This organization provides daycare, after school programs,
foster care, case management, adoption, summer groups, and group homes.
Another service is emergency services including food, clothing, short-term
housing and assistance with rent, utilities and transportation bills for
families in crisis. Contact Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, 235
White Horse Pike, 2nd floor, Collingswood, NJ 08107; 609-854-4660; {www.vo.adv.org}.
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Free
Food for Long Islanders
Long Island Cares was founded in 1980 by the late singer/activist Harry
Chapin in response to the immediate needs of hungry Long Islanders. Long
Island Cares' goals are to provide emergency food where and when it is
needed and to sponsor programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency.
Contact Long Island Cares Inc., P.O. Box 1330, West Brentwood, NY 11717;
631-435-1936; {www.licares.org}.
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Free
Food for NYC Residents
Food for Survival solicits, collects, warehouses, and distributes food
to a wide range of community feeding programs throughout the five boroughs
of New York City. An individual can obtain food at a food pantry, soup
kitchen, day-care center, senior centers, or at a youth center in the
area. Contact Food for Survival, Inc., Hunts Point, 335 Food Center Drive,
New York, NY 10474; 718-991-4300; {www.foodforsurvival.org}.
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Free
Food for New Yorkers
City Harvest, a non-profit organization founded in 1982, is the largest
and oldest food rescue program in the world. City Harvest is committed
to feeding hungry people in New York City using a variety of innovative,
practical and cost effective methods. City Harvest, 575 8th Avenue, 4th
floor, New York, NY 10018; 917-351-8700; {www.cityharvest.org}.
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Free
Food for DC Residents
Capitol Area Food Bank is the largest public, non-profit food and nutrition
education resource in the Washington, DC area. Through their network of
more than 700 member feeding programs, this bank provides food to needy
families and families in crisis in the greater metro area. Contact Capitol
Area Food Bank, 645 Taylor Street NE, Washington, DC 20017; 202-526-5344;
{www.washingtonpost.com/yp/foodbank}.
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Free
Food For New Jersey Residents
As a member of New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster,
the Community Food Bank of New Jersey works closely with the Federal Emergency
Management Administration, the NJ Office of Emergency Management, the
Salvation Army, Red Cross and distributes ready-to-eat food, stews, beverages,
and paper plates.
* Community Food Bank of New Jersey, 31 Evans Terminal Road, Hillside,
NJ 07205, 908-355-3663 www.njfoodbank.org
* Food Bank of South Jersey, 1501 John Tipton Blvd., Pennsauken, NJ 08110,
856-662-4884
www.foodbankssj.org
* Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocena Counties, 516 Passaic Avenue, Spring
Lake, NJ 08762, 732-974-2265, www.lonekeep.com/FoodBank
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Emergency
Housing and Relocation Services for Manhattan Residents
A Disaster Service Assistance Center is now open in lower Manhattan for
individuals affected by the World Trade Center attack. Representatives
of city, state, federal and voluntary agencies will staff the center Monday
through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. With the opening of the Disaster Assistance Service Center,
New York City, the state of New York and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) have brought together a range of disaster-related resources
in one place. The center is easily accessible by public transportation
and is handicap accessible. Professional childcare workers will be available
during center hours of operation. Agency representatives at the Disaster
Assistance Service Center can provide advice and information on disaster
housing and relocation, unemployment benefits, mental health counseling,
low-interest disaster-related loans, legal and insurance issues, and more.
Immediate financial assistance for food and clothing and emergency expenses
are available. Contact Disaster Service Assistance Center, 141 Worth Street
at Centre Street, New York, NY 10013; FEMA's toll-free teleregistration
number: 1-800-462-9029.
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Mortgage
Rate Cut For Military Personnel
Under the 1940 Solders and Sailors Civil Relief Act, HUD is advising all
FHA approved lenders to reduce mortgage interest rates to no more than
6% for military personnel on active duty. The relief act also prohibits
any mortgage lender from initiating foreclosure action against persons
while on active duty and for three months thereafter. In addition, the
act provides renters with protection against eviction and the ability
to terminate leases. HUD has also established a toll free number for service
men and women with questions concerning their mortgage. Contact U.S Dept
of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7Th Street, SW, Washington D.C.
20410; 202-708-1112; 202-708-1455; Toll Free Mortgage Hotline: 1-888-297-8685
(7am to 7pm EST); {www.hud.gov}.
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|
Thanks
to: Mary
Ann Martello, Editor; Dixie St. John, Director of Research; Jo Ann
Burton, Research; Anna Christenbury, Research; Christyna Copeland,
Research; Angela Davidson, Research; Nancy Gibson, Research; Susan
Harris, Research; Sandy Hendricks, Research; Frances Kingery, Research;
Alex Klapat, Research; Corlyn Krinsky, Research; Elizabeth Leikes,
Research; Elizabeth Lukes, Research; Cindy Price, Research; Connie
Prior, Research; Amanda St. John, Research; Liz Sweeney, Research;
Michelle Thomas, Research; Ed Fioti and Jack Lyons, Web Support;
Karen
Strong, Technical Support; Kim
Mattison, Web Construction
|
©
Matthew Lesko/Information USA
• 12081
Nebel St. •
Rockville, MD 20852 •
1-800-955-POWER •
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