Sen. Jackson Calls on State to Release Federal Foreclosure Assistance Funds
ATLANTA (February 14, 2013) – Senator Lester Jackson (D-Savannah) attended the Senate Select Committee Hearing on Housing and Foreclosures last night to discuss HomeSafe Georgia, a federal program that provides “bridge” mortgage assistance in the form of grants to homeowners who are currently unemployed or substantially underemployed.
“Although our economy continues to show signs of significant improvement, the fact remains that many Georgians are still struggling to avoid foreclosure on their homes,” said Sen. Jackson. “I’m calling on the Department of Community Affairs to ramp up the disbursement of the HomeSafe Georgia fund to our citizens that need it most. Chatham County has the second highest foreclosure rate in the state and I will continue to fight until every cent has been paid out.”
The fund, which expires in 2017, was set up to help some 18,000 Georgia homeowners who meet the qualifications for mortgage assistance. Currently, the Department of Community Affairs has distributed less than 10 percent of the $339 million fund. If the money goes unused, the federal government will receive the remaining balance.
The Senate Democratic Caucus is currently drafting legislation that will assist Georgians in obtaining these funds. Many of the individuals who meet the qualifications for this fund are unaware of its existence. Sen. Jackson remains committed to removing the bureaucratic red tape and ensuring the full allocation of the HomeSafe Georgia fund.
For more information on the Homesafe Georgia program, please visit www.homesafegeorgia.com.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 14, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist
Adam.Sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028