Nonprofit Resources For Homeowners And Renters

NOTES: The first two are comprehensive websites: (1) is a combination of basic definitions, information and links to other resources (2) a list, by city, of every HUD-approved counseling agency in California. Every resident in KTVU’s service area should be able to find a HUD-approved counseling agency by using this list.

1. http://www.ForeclosureinfoCA.org is a comprehensive website for both homeowners and renters. It provides both groups with information, links, and resources to enable them to stay in their homes, whether they rent or own. The website is a joint project of the California State Bar, the State Bar Foundation, and the Public Interest Clearinghouse, that is: not-for-profit agencies.

2. http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?&webListAction=search&searchstate=CA. For housing counseling agencies approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These agencies are listed by California CITY; they provide free housing counseling to homeowners.

3. Making Home Affordable, the federal program for helping homeowners either modify their current loan or else to re-finance. Details can be found at http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/index.html. The website has a self-assessment quiz so homeowners can determine if they are eligible for the program. The site also has links to help homeowners find a HUD-approved counselor and to contact their loan servicer.

4. Some homeowners may need legal services in addition to housing counseling. Publicly-funded legal services for low-income communities in Contra Costa county can be found at http://www.baylegal.org/offices/contra-costa (PH: 925.219.3325) and in Alameda County at http://www.baylegal.org/offices/alameda (PH: 510.250.5270) and in San Francisco County http://www.baylegal.org/offices/san-francisco (PH: 415.354.6360.)

5. Center for California Homeowner Association Law, www.calhomelaw.org, a statewide nonprofit agency providing information and referral services for homeowners facing foreclosure by their homeowner association. It also brokers legal services. PH: 510.272.9826 or info@calhomelaw.org

6. Tips for avoiding foreclosure scams. #1 tip: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” See http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr09-033.cfm. Homeowners who believe they have been targeted by a foreclosure scam or homeowners who have been victims should report it to the Federal Trade Commission [www.ftc.gov] where complaints can be filed online. The FTC is coordinating the task force across agencies to combat foreclosure scams. See also http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm Hispanic homeowners, who, as a community, were targeted for predatory and subprime loans, are now at special risk of being targeted by foreclosure scams.

7. Consumers being harassed by debt collectors should be aware that they have legal rights under both state and federal Fair Debt Collection laws. A HUD-approved Counseling Agency can help consumers understand these rights. Violations of federal Fair Debt Collection laws should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov. Complaints can be filed online.

8. www.tenantstogether.org a hotline for tenants living in properties foreclosed on by a lender or by a homeowner association. PH: 415.495.8012

9. www.moneymanagement.org provides consumer financial education and helps consumers develop debt management plans. It also offers training for the first-time buyer.

10. California Department of Consumer Affairs website home mortgage information: http://www.yourhome.ca.gov/mortgage-help.shtml. It also lists consumer counseling agencies by county at http://www.yourhome.ca.gov/counties/counties.shtml