CLEARFIELD – Central PA Community Action would like to announce a unique opportunity available to our community residents who may be facing foreclosure. CPCA is now authorized to accept applications for the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) offered through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
The HEMAP program was created in 1983 and is the only one of its kind in the nation. It helps homeowners who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments. Examples of eligible circumstances would include a lay-off, temporary disability, involuntary furlough, or illness. If approved by PHFA, individuals are loaned enough money to bring their mortgages current and can qualify for up to 24 months of continued assistance. To be eligible you must be at least 60 days delinquent in your mortgage payments, have received an “Act 191” from your lender, be suffering financial hardship through no fault of your own, and demonstrate reasonable prospects of being able to resume mortgage payments in the near future.
CPCA is eager to accept applications on behalf of PHFA. There currently are no other organizations accepting HEMAP applications in Clearfield County and only one in Centre County, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Northeastern PA, located in State College. This is a one-of-a-kind program that can help Pennsylvanians remain in their homes, especially at this fragile economic time. If you are facing a possible foreclosure and are unsure if you qualify for the HEMAP program, CPCA may be able to help you find other avenues of assistance.
Although the recession has created tough times for many and has a lot of Americans pinching pennies, it has created opportunities. Interest rates for home mortgages are much lower than a year ago and home prices have fallen as well. First-time home buyers can also receive up to $8,000 in a tax credit if they purchase a home this year. For some this may be the perfect opportunity to become a homeowner. CPCA offers First-time home buyer workshops that cover all the basics of purchasing and financing a home. These workshops are free to the public. The next scheduled workshop is in Clearfield on Saturday, May 16.
For more information on the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program or Central PA Community Action’s First-time home buyer workshops contact Jarod Taylor or Tia Lansberry at 814-765-1551 or 1-800-822-2610.