INDSRORIHOMEOWNERS FORMOMEOWNERS) j_________| Alerting Struggling Homeowners To Mortgage Resources (NAPSA)—There’s good news for homeowners who are having a tough time making their mortgage payments. There is a free federal program that just may have the solution, even if you’re not behind on your mortgage. The program—Making Home Affordable, or MHA—launched in 2009 andis a critical part of the administration’s strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, NeLUMNVeldarom irae] to pay the mortgage. stabilize the country’s housing market and improve the nation’s economy. A Range OfSolutions MHAoffers a range of solutions, including lower monthly mortgage paymentsfor struggling homeowners, as well as options for unemployed or underemployed homeowners and those who owe more than their homes are worth. To date, it has helped more than 1.5 million families nationwide. Unfortunately, there is evidence that thereis still a need for the program, which was recently extended through at least December 31, 2016. Nearly one in 17 homeowners hasfallen behind on his or her mortgage. Thereis speculation that many of these homeowners may be unaware that MHAhasexpanded its options. Increasing Awareness In an effort to increase awareness of MHA’s free resources and assistance for struggling homeowners, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Ad Council have launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) as part of their Foreclosure Prevention Assistance campaign. Help Is Available Said Treasury’s Deputy Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin, “This new PSA campaignis our latest effort to raise awarenessofthe free government resources available through Making HomeAffordable to assist struggling homeowners in avoiding foreclosure.” “Although the housing market and economy are making a steady recovery, many struggling home- owners would still benefit from the one-on-one counseling services a HUD-approved housing agency can provide them,” said Federal Housing Administration Commissioner Carol Galante. “We hope this effort to educate homeowners will lead to many more families using these free services and getting the help they need to stay in their homes.” Reaching Those In Need “While MHA has already helped so many across the country, our research shows that many families continue to rebalance DD MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE.cov 888-995-HOPE Sinceits inception in 2009, a pro- gram to help homeowners avoid foreclosure has aided more than 1.5 million families nationwide. their finances to meet their mortgage payments. They know they need help but don’t know whereto find it,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We hope the advertising will reach those in need, letting them know they don’t haveto face this problem alone and inspiring them to reach out for help.” With that in mind, Chicagobased advertising agency Schafer Condon Carter (SCC) created the new TV, print, radio, outdoor and digital PSAs pro bono, to strongly encourage homeownersnot to give up hope and remind them that there are free resources available to help. “This new campaign will broaden the reach of MHA and extend the messageof its benefits to more Americans whoare struggling every day to meet the financial demands of their mortgages,” said David Selby, president and managing partner of SCC. “The advertising seeks to resonate with these homeowners by acknowledging the commitment they maketo keep their homes while letting them know that there is additional help available.” The PSAs, which are available in English and Spanish, direct homeowners to call 888-995HOPE (4673) to speak one on one with experts at HUD-approved housing counseling agencies about solutions based on each family’s individual circumstances. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, the campaign drives homeowners to MakingHome Affordable.gov for program eligibility and information. Since the campaign was launched in 2010, media outlets have donated over $135 million in airtime and space. To learn more, visit www.mak inghomeaffordable.gov/aboutmha.
