AUGUST 29
Lanham, MD – Undeterred by the threat of Hurricane Irene as it winded its way up the Eastern Seaboard, hundreds of homeowners attended the Aug. 27 Emergency Mortgage Assistance workshop at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Center.
“The very fact that so many of you braved the weather to be here underscores the urgency of this crisis,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, meeting with homeowners in line to meet DHCD counselors, lender representatives and attorneys with the Pro Bono Project. “This is a great example of folk at the federal, state and local level coming together and combining resources to help you save your most important asset – your home.”
Since the Emergency Mortgage Assistance program launched in April, Maryland has received 2,343 applications and approved 734 loans worth $24.1 million to homeowners. The state estimates the $41.6 million it received from the Obama administration’s Emergency Home Loan Program can help more than 1,200 families facing foreclosure because of an economic crisis weather the financial storm until they get back on their feet.
Turnout at the Aug. 27 workshop was so great that DHCD has scheduled a second workshop at the sports complex on Sept. 7. County Executive Rushern Baker, state Sen. Joanne C. Benson, Prince George’s County Housing Director Eric Brown, HUD District of Columbia Filed Office Director Marvin Turner and DHCD Deputy Secretary Clarence Snuggs met with homeowners during the six-hour event.
The event was spectacular! As a Temporary Employee I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve with the DHCD team to assist many homeowners in possibly qualifying to receive assistance with the most valuable investment in their lives–their homes. The event was very well organized considering the volume of people that attended and the magnitude of severe elements that were at hand. Giving the opportunity again I will continue to assist in any way possible because back in 2000 I was in the same position as these homeowners. It is a blessing to give back when you been there.