The downturn in the economy has impacted many people’s ability to pay their mortgage. Fortunately, many resources are available for homeowners that are behind on payments or have received a foreclosure notice. The following options may help you if you face these situations:
1) Visit www.makinghomeaffordable.gov, which is the federal government's website that contains information about mortgage refinancing and modification programs. The site includes a self-assessment tool to help you determine if you will qualify for these programs, as well as information on how to find out if your loan is owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Beware of other similarly named websites - the above address is the official website for this program.
2) Call your lender to see if there may be an opportunity to adjust your payments to something you can better afford.
3) Locate a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified counseling service at www.hud.gov.
4) Utilize the DuPage Homeownership Center at www.dhoc.org or (630) 260-2500
The DuPage Homeownership Center offers a number of resources to homeowners that are concerned about foreclosure. Click here for a copy of their flyer entitled “Worried About Making Your Monthly Mortgage Payments?” The flyer contains information on the foreclosure process, the counseling process at DOHC, and the options that may be available to you in avoiding foreclosure.
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling and Reverse Mortgage Counseling
1333 N. Main Street
Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 260-2500
5) Get in contact with the Attorney General’s office at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov or at the Homeowner’s Helpline 1-866-544-7151 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday. Click here for helpful hints on avoiding home foreclosure "rescue scams."
6) Visit the DuPage County Treasurer’s Office for information on tax relief programs for DuPage seniors.
DuPage County Treasurer’s Office – Senior Serve
Tax Relief Programs for DuPage Seniors
(630) 407-5900
www.dupageco.org/treasurer
7) Check out the DuPage County Community Resource Information System (CRIS); which is a clearinghouse for information on a wide range of services in DuPage. Their website is www.dupagecris.org.
Property Tax Help for Will County Seniors
Will County senior citizens can seek help to pay their property taxes through the Senior Citizen Real Estate Property Tax Deferral Program, which enables qualified persons 65 or older (by June 1, 2009) to defer payment of their property tax. Qualified seniors may defer from 1% to 100% of property taxes, where the state then pays the taxes at 6% annual interest. Deferred tax and interest do not become due until the death of the owner or sale of the property. Required Forms are available at www.willcountytreasurer.com, the Treasurer’s office in the Will County Office Building, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, or by calling (815) 740-4691 or TDD (815) 740-4681. Completed applications must be received no later than March 1, 2009. The Treasurer’s office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Joseph Corporation (Aurora/Kane County)
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
32 S. Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 906-9400
Community Service Council of Northern Will County
Community Service Council of Northern Will County
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling and Reverse Mortgage Counseling
719 Parkwood Drive
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 886-5000 or (630) 759-9494
www.thecsc.org
The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) has information regarding assistance for preschool-aged and school-aged children of families that have had their home foreclosed on. Read the
NCHE brochure for information on what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
Below is a list of charitable organizations that can provide assistance to families that are in need of assistance.
People’s Resource Center
The People’s Resource Center offers resources to people seeking a food pantry, computer access and training, help with literacy (including ESL classes), clothing, job assistance, art experience, and more. Located at 201 S. Naperville Road in Wheaton, the organization’s mission statement is to respond to basic human needs, promote dignity and justice, and create a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County, Illinois through discovering and sharing personal and community resources. Call (630) 682-5402 or visit www.peoplesrc.org for more information.
American Red Cross (630) 629-2985
24 hour answering service (312) 420-2000Catholic Charities (630) 495-8008
Downers Grove Walk In Ministry (630) 322-9803
1047 Curtiss St.
Downers Grove Township (630) 968-2100
Human Services (630) 968-6408
4340 Prince St.
DuPage Housing Authority (630) 690-3555
711 E Roosevelt Rd
Wheaton, IL
FISH (630) 964-7776
Downers Grove
LIHEAP (630) 407-6500
Lisle Township (630) 968-2087 ext#247
Love Christian Clearing House (630) 512-8665