The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in partnership with the Department of the Treasury and the Ad Council, has launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) to reach struggling homeowners.
The series, part of the Foreclosure Prevention Assistance campaign, aims to increase awareness of the Making Home Affordable (MHA) Program’s free resources and assistance for homeowners.
The PSAs, which are available in English and Spanish, direct homeowners to call 888-995-HOPE (4673) to speak one on one with experts at HUD-approved housing counseling agencies about solutions based on each family’s individual circumstances. The campaign also drives homeowners to Making Home Affordable website for program eligibility and information.
Keeping in line with the Ad Council model, all PSAs run in time and space donated by media organizations. Since the campaign was launched, media outlets have donated more than $135 million in airtime and space.
MHA launched in 2009 as a way to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market and improve the nation’s economy. With nearly one in 17 homeowners behind on his or her mortgage, the statistics are “underscoring the continued need for MHA,” which was recently extended through Dec. 31, 2016, the agencies said in a statement.
The program offers a range of solutions, including lower monthly mortgage payments for struggling homeowners, as well as options for unemployed or underemployed homeowners and those who owe more than their homes are worth.
This latest phase of the campaign aims to reach homeowners who may be current on payments, but as a result of some hardship, are juggling expenses to make ends meet.
“Although the housing market and economy are making a steady recovery, many struggling homeowners would still benefit from the one-on-one counseling services a HUD-approved housing agency can provide them,” said Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner Carol Galante. “More than 1.5 million families have already benefitted from the Making Home Affordable Program, and we hope this effort to educate homeowners will lead to many more families using these free services and getting the help they need to stay in their homes.”
Written by Emily Study
