News From HPF

1 Billion EHLP Deadline Ends July 22nd 2011

14 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST

Deadline to Apply for $1 Billion Federal Government Program to Help Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Ends in One Week, Warns the Homeownership Preservation Foundation

Unemployed Homeowners Have Just Three More Weeks to Apply for Financial Aid via Federal Government's $1 Billion Emergency Homeowners Loan Program, Urges The Homeownership Preservation Foundation

30 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST

..."For homeowners that stay in the home five years after receiving EHLP assistance, the debt is essentially forgiven. They don't have to pay the government back." "The clock is ticking, however, as the July 22nd deadline is just three weeks away. Interested homeowners do need to call us today."

Mortgage Counseling Benefits Validated by Four Independent Research Studies, Reports Homeownership Preservation Foundation

23 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST

Data Presented by Harvard University, The Urban Institute, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and National Council on Aging Confirms Homeowners Benefit...

Homeownership Preservation Foundation to Help Unemployed Homeowners Secure Mortgage Payment Relief via $1 Billion Government Program Ending September 15

21 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST

Homeowners with Significant Income Reduction Due to Involuntary Unemployment, Underemployment, or Medical Condition Can Apply for HUD Forgivable Loan Program...

A Funding Cut that Mortgage Scam Artists Would Love

26 May 2011 09:00:00 EST

Despite the continuing crisis, some in Congress want to cut funding for mortgage counseling for distressed homeowners. The considerable amount of misinformation currently circulating as to the merits of counseling is a key driver of this misguided proposal. So, let's examine who benefits from the process — and who will benefit if funding for counseling is eliminated...

California accounts for nearly 25 percent of suspected foreclosure rescue scams reported to national hotline

25 May 2011 09:00:00 EST

Since February of last year, HPF has operated a specialty unit of their Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline (888-995-HOPE), a resource for financially distressed homeowners. The unit focuses on those who believe they have been victimized by a scam or have been approached by someone offering related services they suspect are fraudulent. Some 22 percent of the calls came from California, far and away dwarfing activity reported in Florida, which ranked second and accounted for seven percent of the calls. Texas and New York ranked third with five percent, followed by Georgia with four percent.

African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians comprise nearly half of mortgage loan modification scam victims, HPF Hotline finds

25 May 2011 09:00:00 EST

Nearly half the victims of mortgage loan modification scams are of African-American, Hispanic, or Asian descent, according to statistics released today by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), an independent national nonprofit dedicated to helping distressed homeowners navigate financial challenges and avoid mortgage foreclosure since 2004. Nearly one-in-four of the possibly fraudulent scams reported were in California.

HUD Empowers Homeowners to Recognize, Avoid and Report Scams

18 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is launching a new campaign in Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles called Know It. Avoid It. Report It. This campaign has two objectives. First, it aims to direct homeowners facing foreclosure to trusted resources and housing counselors. Second, and more importantly, the campaign wants to solicit the support of homeowners in shutting down scammers who regularly target the elderly, Hispanics, and African Americans. Both objectives will be pursued through education and outreach, anti-scam reporting tools, and close cooperation with federal, state, local, and non-profit partners.

Consumers Value the Guidance of a Trusted Independent Ally

11 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST

While there is little agreement from various sectors about what caused the current housing crisis or what will solve it, there is nearly unanimous agreement that consumers, in order to resolve their issues, need to reach out for help, to understand their situation, to navigate a course through the mortgage maze, to be in touch with their servicers, and to make the changes in their lifestyles and their budgets in order to stay in their homes.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Appoints Bruce Gottschall to Board of Directors

03 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST

Gottschall has worked in the fields of housing and community development throughout his career, most notably as one of the original founders of Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago, serving as Executive Director of NHS from its inception in 1975 until his retirement in 2009. During his tenure, NHS financed 29,000 units of housing, loaned $500 million in 18,000 loans and leveraged more that $1.1 billion in neighborhood investment while serving 181,000 clients. Under his leadership, NHS of Chicago partnered with the City of Chicago to establish NHS’s Home Ownership Preservation Initiative (HOPI), which became a national partnership model in preventing foreclosures.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation is Sole Recipient of $1 Million HUD Grant to Increase Awareness, Assist Victims of Foreclosure Rescue Scams

17 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

The prestigious MMSA grant will enable HPF, through its Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline, to continue as the primary ‘call to action’ for HUD’s anti-scam campaign to educate and warn distressed homeowners about foreclosure prevention and loan modification scammers and assist those who may have been victims of scams

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Appoints Dr. Christopher Herbert to Board of Directors

16 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

Dr. Herbert has more than two decades of experience conducting research related to housing policy, housing markets, housing finance and urban development. In recent years, Dr. Herbert’s work has had a particular focus on efforts to promote and maintain homeownership for low-income and minority families.

Federal Reserve Appoints Josh Fuhrman to Consumer Advisory Council

14 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

Homeownership Preservation Foundation VP to Serve Three-year Term
Mr. Fuhrman will serve a three-year term on the 30-member CAC, which convenes three times a year to advise the Board on issues related to consumers, communities and the financial services industry.

Why Make the Call? What You Need to Know About Foreclosure Prevention Counseling and the Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline

24 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST

By Colleen Hernandez, CEO, Homeownership Preservation Foundation
With millions of distressed homeowners throughout the U.S. facing financial challenges, receiving housing counseling can mean the difference between hopelessness and preserving their stake in homeownership.

The following letter to the editor by HPF CEO Colleen Hernandez was published by American Banker, 12/28/2010

28 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST

Since June 2009, more than 1.8 million homeowners have called HPF's Hotline for assistance, to report scams, or to learn about the MHA program and how they can avoid foreclosure. There are no other hotlines or systems (government, private or non-profit) which are able to manage a hotline, 24/7, 365 days a year, in 170 languages, to assist borrowers at risk who need support on navigating the tricky and complicated issues around foreclosure prevention and home retention options.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Reports Call Volume for October from Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

30 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) received 125,248 calls in October from distressed homeowners, a 14.2 percent decrease from September, which had the highest call volume year to date. October call volume was seven percent higher than calls received during the same period in 2009. The states with the largest call volume in October were California, Florida, New York, Texas and Georgia, the same call volume ranking as in September.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Reports Call Volume for September from Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

26 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) received 145,993 calls in September from distressed homeowners, a three percent increase from the previous month. Call volume to the hotline increased 7.4 percent in the third quarter from the previous quarter. The states with the largest call volumes in September were California, Florida, New York, Texas and Georgia.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Provides Assistance, Six Warning Signs of Foreclosure Scams to Prevent Homeowners Falling Prey to Rip-offs

13 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), which provides information and financial education to guide consumers toward the path of sustainable homeownership, is alerting homeowners to resources that will help them avoid being victimized by unscrupulous companies conducting mortgage loan modification and foreclosure rescue scams.

4 Million Homeowners Dial 888-995-HOPE for Help Avoiding Foreclosure

22 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), which provides information and financial education to guide consumers toward the path of sustainable homeownership, announces today that it has helped over four million distressed homeowners through its Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline (1-888-995-HOPE). Since the financial crisis began in 2008, homeowners have called the Hotline seeking guidance and information about how to avoid foreclosure.

Statement by Colleen Hernandez, CEO, Homeownership Preservation Foundation Regarding the National PSA Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Making Home Affordable Program

28 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

“The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF), which was designated as the Making Home Affordable Program call-center in 2009, is pleased to be able to assist the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the call to action for these timely and very important PSAs,” said Colleen Hernandez, CEO of the Homeownership Preservation Foundation.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Names VantageScore Solutions President/CEO Barrett Burns to Board

24 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

VantageScore Solutions President and Chief Executive Barrett Burns has joined the board of directors of the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HFP), a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing foreclosures and preserving homeownership in the United States.

888-995-HOPE™ Hotline to Help Victims of Loan Modification Scams

28 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

October 28, 2009 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) today announced that its Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline, 888-995-HOPE™, has been selected as the point of contact for homeowners seeking assistance, protection and information on loan modification scams.

New Online Videos to Assist Homeowners

17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

Mortgage Workout Center Videos to help those in danger of foreclosure...The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) today launched a series of new interactive educational videos to assist homeowners seeking information on President Obama’s “Making Home Affordable” initiative. The online videos provide information on the various options that are available and will help homeowners determine if they might qualify for a loan refinance or modification under MHA. The videos can be viewed at www.995hope.org.

Obama Foreclosure Plan Sparks Large Spike in Calls to Homeowner Hotline

19 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST

The Obama administration's new foreclosure prevention plan has clearly been a catalyst for homeowners to reach out for help," stated Colleen Hernandez, HPF's president and executive director. Ms. Hernandez said that the increase in volume was not a surprise. "The Homeowner's HOPE Hotline is still the only place to which homeowners may turn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free housing counseling assistance from counseling agencies certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development," she said. "When homeowners have questions or need help, they are dialing 1-888-995-HOPE."

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Recognizes Individuals Providing Outstanding Service to Struggling Homeowners

03 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST

"These men and women are exemplary of the highest levels of quality and concern in supporting homeowners in navigating the foreclosure crisis, including those who call 888 995 HOPE, the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline," stated Colleen Hernandez, President and Executive Director of the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. "I am proud to help recognize every one of these unsung heroes who have consistently gone above and beyond to serve thousands of struggling homeowners each day."

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Applauds the Administration's Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan

19 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation and the Homeowner's HOPE(TM) Hotline applaud the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan announced today by President Obama. HPF, and the over 500 counselors who work with homeowners 24 hours a day/365 days a year, will assist homeowners in understanding their options concerning this new plan, as well as the other options available to those facing foreclosure.

Foreclosure Prevention Hotline Helps Over 1 Million Homeowners

22 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

The Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline (888-995-HOPE™) marks milestone; receiving over 1 million calls from struggling homeowners in 2008

HOPE NOW to Report on 2008 Efforts; Look Ahead to 2009

16 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

Call With Reporters to Discuss Results, Including November Data on Foreclosure Preventions

Homeowners Warned Of Phony Foreclosure Prevention Hotlines

15 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST

Homeownership Preservation Foundation President Affirms 888-995-HOPE™ is the only official Homeowner’s HOPE™

National Foreclosure Hotline Announces More Foreclosure Prevention Partners

25 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST

Additional counselors have joined the effort to serve homeowners calling the 888-995-HOPE Hotline

Nation's Foreclosure Prevention Hotline Shatters Previous Call Records

15 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST

President Bush’s announcement encourages more than 140,000 concerned homeowners to reach out for help

Home Mortgage Expert Comments on President’s Announcement

07 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST

STATEMENT OF COLLEEN HERNANDEZ President and Executive Director Homeownership Preservation Foundation

National Foreclosure Hotline Reaches Record High Call Volume

19 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation has received more than 100,000 calls from concerned homeowners since beginning of the year, shattering call records set in 2006.

Foreclosure Hotline Calls for Help Double

06 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST

Homeownership Preservation Foundation counselors fielded more than 30,000 calls from troubled homeowners in second quarter, doubling previous quarter’s call volume

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Welcomes Countrywide Financial’s Support of the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline

23 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST

HPF Receives $150,000 grant from Countrywide to fund national 888-995-HOPE hotline; Names Countrywide Executive Sandor E. Samuels to Board of Directors

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Sees Significant Jump in Calls from Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

23 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation has reported a significant jump in the number of homeowners calling its 888-995-HOPE hotline for assistance in avoiding foreclosure.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Receives $200,000 from Chase

11 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation has received $200,000 in support from Chase, the consumer brand of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation Receives $200,000 from Ocwen

10 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation has received $200,000 in support from Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC.