Jefferson County Housing Task Force Offers Assistance for Distressed Homeowners

A Jefferson County Housing Task Force has been formed to help homeowners with financial problems. The group offers information and free assistance about credit and mortgage issues.

An average of 16 foreclosures occurred monthly in Arnold during the first three months of the year.

That's an average of 192 houses a year, said Tracy Stone, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counselor at the non-profit ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions, one of the cosponsors of the task force.

The foreclosure rate is a concern even for those who aren’t financially stressed, Stone said, because foreclosures affect the local housing market.

“Not only are those who are having problems affected, but those who aren’t having problems are affected because their housing values are
dropping,” Stone said.

Jefferson County residents facing mortgage problems should call the Task Force to through a toll-free hotline to arrange an appointment with Stone or another HUD-approved counselor.

Stone said homeowners contacting the taskforce will receive an objective evaluation of their personal financial situation and recommendations to avoid default or foreclosure.

Mediation and conferences with the lender may also be provided, if necessary, Stone said. 

There are no prerequisites to speak with a counselor. The confidential services are provided free of charge.

Other task force members include the University of
Missouri—Jefferson County Extension office, Beyond Housing, the Jefferson County Online Information Network (JOIN-N), RE/MAX Best Choice, the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, Hillsboro Title, Heritage Real Estate Group, Prudential Select Properties, Gebhardt Real Estate and Legal Services, United Way 211, the Jefferson County Board of Realtors and Eagle Point Community Church Community Assistance.

The toll-free hotline number is 877-422-9043.