By Geoffrey Tate

Many homeowners in the District of Columbia are faced with financial situations that are often beyond their control as a result of layoffs, increased debt, and reductions in income. Thus, making it difficult to maintain mortgage payments, notwithstanding the many predatory mortgage and adjustable rate loans that many individuals don’t understand.
 
The United Planning Organization (UPO)’s Foreclosure Prevention Unit offers on-site HUD-Certified Housing Counselors who provide free, private, one-on-one counseling services, as well as group presentations in order to proactively prevent future mortgage defaults. UPO also mediates on behalf of homeowners by providing alternatives to foreclosure. 

With UPO’s assistance, District residents will learn techniques designed to make home ownership affordable, thereby allowing citizens to become more familiar with President Barack Obama’s “Making Homes Affordable” initiative.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the UPO Intake Specialist at (202) 610-5861, Monday through Friday, 8:45 am – 5 pm.

Geoffrey Tate is a Senior Housing Counselor with the United Planning Organization’s Green Technology Division, Foreclosure Prevention Unit

Disclaimer: The views of this column are those of the author’s and not necessarily those of DISB.