DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES FORECLOSURE PREVENTION
SPECIALISTS MEETING HOMEOWNERS IN ROCKLAND COUNTY
Initiative Part of Statewide Outreach Program to Help Homeowners
in Foreclosure and Those in Danger of Foreclosure
Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, today sent mortgage foreclosure relief specialists to Rockland County to provide direct assistance to homeowners struggling to save their homes because of the foreclosure crisis.
“The foreclosure prevention initiative announced by Governor Cuomo and being undertaken by the Department of Financial Services is providing practical help to financially-troubled homeowners facing foreclosure. We are helping these homeowners understand the options available to them. When it’s necessary to do so, we are intervening with lenders to make sure that homeowners are treated fairly,” Superintendent Lawsky said.
The Department’s foreclosure relief initiative is a statewide outreach program to help homeowners in foreclosure and those at risk of foreclosure. Governor Cuomo directed the Department to establish the program, which was announced by the Governor in his State of the State Address last month.
“I commend Governor Cuomo and the Department of Financial Services for their commitment to serving homeowners who are struggling with foreclosure issues by mounting this outreach effort,” Senator David Carlucci said. “This is great opportunity to reach out to homeowners and let them know that help is on the way.”
“I’m so encouraged the State Department of Financial Services is coming to the aid of our community and providing the vital counseling needed to help stem the tide of foreclosures in Rockland,” said Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee. "When a family loses their home to foreclosure, they are not the only victims – local homeowners see a decline in their property values, as well as the appearance of their neighborhoods. If fact, the only thing that stands to go up as a result of foreclosure in a community is the crime rate."
Five foreclosure prevention specialists assigned to the Department’s Foreclosure Relief Unit are meeting with homeowners today near the Spring Valley Village Hall. Homeowners from communities in Rockland and Westchester Counties are expected to seek help from the Department’s foreclosure specialists.
This is the second time the Department’s team of foreclosure prevention specialists has visited an area hit hard by foreclosures. Earlier this month, the Department provided assistance to approximately 150 homeowners when the Foreclosure Relief Unit visited Suffolk County.
The Department is in the process of developing a schedule for additional visits to other areas in the state affected by foreclosures.
“Dispatching the Department’s team of foreclosure specialists to specific areas is a great way of reaching homeowners who need help, but homeowners throughout New York need to know that they can get help now by contacting the Department’s toll free hotline,” Superintendent Lawsky said.
The Department’s foreclosure hotline, 1-800-269-0990 or 518-457-1654, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, homeowners can obtain information and file complaints on the Department website, www.dfs.ny.gov [3].
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