Funds Still Available to Help Mississippi Homeowners
Jackson, MS – April 4, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — While the national economy is slowly recovering, the number of unemployed in Mississippi has risen over the last three months. the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) encourages Mississippi homeowners who have lost jobs or income to apply for assistance through the Home Saver Program. MHC has allocated over $20 million in assistance to over 1,200 Mississippi Homeowners since the program began almost 2 years ago. Almost $67 million is available for assistance as the unemployment rate jumped to 9.3% in January.
“Applications and approvals for the Home Saver program have continued to rise,” explained Dr. Ben Mokry, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at MHC. “However, we’re also seeing increasing unemployment numbers, which translates to more homeowners who are out of work.”
Mary Cross of Jackson is one such homeowner. “I lost my job in December of 2011 and have not been able to find anything since then,” she said. Cross used her savings to keep her home, but eventually those funds were depleted as well. That’s when she turned to the Home Saver program for help: “The process was easy, and my approval really took a weight off my shoulders and let me focus on raising my daughter and continuing my search for full-time employment.”
“The Home Saver program doesn’t just focus on helping people with their mortgage. It also provides homeowners with the opportunity to become more-employable,” added Mokry. “By taking advantage of the education option, which provides and additional year of assistance for being enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking or certificate program, homeowners will be more likely to find employment.”
“I have decided to teach,” declared Ms. Cross. She plans to use the Home Saver Program’s education option to obtain her certification and enter the classroom in the fall. “I have not had to worry, and I’m happier now thanks to the program. It has been a lifesaver for me and my daughter.”
To apply for the Home Saver program, homeowners start the application process online at www.mshomesaver.com. They will have access to a qualified counseling agency that will help them finalize their application and submit it to MHC. Mississippians who cannot access the internet or who need assistance in doing so should call the toll-free 211 service which can provide names of resource agencies and sites that offer free internet access. Free internet access is also available at WIN Job centers around the State.
The Mississippi Home Corporation was created by the State in 1989 to serve as the State’s Housing Finance Agency. In that capacity, MHC administers the Mortgage Revenue Bond program and the Housing Tax Credit program, among others. MHC’s mission is to enhance Mississippi’s long-term economic viability by financing safe, decent, affordable housing and helping working families build wealth.
Media Contact:
Scott Spivey
Vice President, Corporate Communications
601-718-4601
