HomeHelpNH, a three-year, state funded foreclosure counseling initiative launched in January 2013 and set to expire this year, was extended for at least one more year, due in part to the support of private contributions.
Governor Maggie Hassan and Executive Council partnered with the New Hampshire Department of Justice, the New Hampshire Banking Department and the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) to establish the program.
The National Mortgage Servicing Settlement funded the original initiative, $3.5 million of which was allocated to hiring foreclosure counselors to provide at-risk homeowners with information on alternatives to foreclosure. While the initial funding for HomeHelpNH ended this year, additional funding from the NHHFA and 14 community partners extended the initiative through the 2016 calendar year.
Since the launch of HomeHelpNH in 2013, the program has assisted more than 2,500 households. Approximately 94 percent of final resolutions reached with a counselor’s help were able to avoid foreclosure through mortgage modifications, bringing their mortgage current, sale of the property or other means. HomeHelpNH counselors assisted those unable to remain in their home with transitioning into a new housing situation.
“While our state’s economy continues to improve, we must maintain our commitment to providing those in need with the tools and resources to navigate complicated housing circumstances, which will help strengthen the health of our housing market, our communities and our economy,” says Governor Hassan.
Five regionally-based nonprofit housing counseling agencies also provide foreclosure intervention and counseling services:
- AHEAD in Littleton, Colebrook and Conway
- HOMEteam in Manchester, Concord, Laconia and Nashua
- Community Home Solutions in Seabrook
- Southwestern Community Services in Keene and Claremont
- The Way Home in Manchester
Homeowners at risk of foreclosure can continue to call 2-1-1 NH from anywhere in the state or go to www.HomeHelpNH.org to receive referrals for free assistance.